Plasma Actuator for Gas Turbine Compressor Stall Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine compression systems face instability issues such as stalls due to flow breakdowns at rotor blade tips, particularly under severe inlet distortions and throttling, which affect efficiency and stability margin.
Innovation Solution
A detection system using pressure sensors to measure dynamic pressure near blade tips, coupled with a mitigation system employing plasma generators to form plasma between electrodes, which increases axial momentum and stabilizes the flow, preventing stall formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If compression efficiency is increased, then energy utilization is improved, but stall margin decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow control methods with plasma actuators that use electromagnetic fields to generate body forces on the fluid. The plasma actuator creates ionized gas that interacts with the airflow through electromagnetic forces, enabling active control of tip leakage flows without mechanical contact or moving parts, thus improving stall margin while maintaining compression efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the control mechanism from mechanical to plasma state. By generating plasma through high voltage discharge, the system creates a controllable body force that acts on the tip leakage flow, dynamically adjusting flow parameters to prevent stall while preserving efficient compression operation
2Stability of the object's composition
If plasma actuators are activated to increase axial momentum and prevent stall, then stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma actuator operates in a pulsed or periodic manner rather than continuously, activating only when stall conditions are detected or anticipated. This periodic activation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining stability when needed, allowing the system to balance energy use with stability requirements during critical operating phases
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively detects and mitigates compressor instabilities, enhancing the stable operating range and efficiency of gas turbine engines by preventing stall formation and maintaining stability during critical flight maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a mitigation system employing plasma generators to form plasma between electrodes, which increases axial momentum and stabilizes the flow
Implementation Method 2
The plasma actuator generates a body force that acts on the tip leakage flow
Data Source
AI summary
An instability mitigation system is disclosed, comprising a detection system for detecting an onset of an instability in a rotor during the operation of the rotor, a mitigation system that facilitates the improvement of the stability of the rotor when the onset of instability is detected by the detection system, a control system for controlling the detection system and the mitigation system.