Plasma De-icing for Turbomachine Separation Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing defrosting systems in turbomachines, such as those described in US2004065092 A1 and US 2008/0023589 A1, face efficiency losses due to geometric constraints and disturbances in air flow caused by thick epoxy resin layers and coil-shaped heating resistors in separation nozzles, which can lead to ice accumulation and reduced performance at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A plasma formation system is integrated into the annular flow guiding surface of the turbomachine's separation nozzle, using dielectric layers and electrodes to generate plasma that heats and defrosts the surface, preventing frost formation and accumulation with minimal energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coiled heating element with epoxy resin coating is used in the separation nozzle, then de-icing capability is improved, but the nozzle geometry becomes less sharp and flow disturbances increase, reducing turbomachine efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical heating element system (coiled resistors embedded in epoxy resin) with a plasma formation system. The plasma system uses electrodes and dielectric layers to generate plasma that heats the separation nozzle surface, eliminating the need for thick resin coatings and coiled structures that disrupted airflow. This substitution maintains de-icing capability while preserving nozzle geometry and reducing flow disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and parameters of the heating mechanism from solid/coiled resistors to plasma (ionized gas). This parameter change allows for a thinner, less intrusive heating system that doesn't compromise the sharp geometry of the separation nozzle, thereby maintaining turbomachine efficiency while providing effective de-icing.
2Reliability
If a thick epoxy resin layer is used to embed the heating element, then de-icing function is achieved, but the nozzle geometry is compromised and more disturbances appear in the separated flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the epoxy resin embedding system with a plasma generation system using electrodes and dielectric layers. This replacement eliminates the need for thick resin layers, preserving the sharp geometry of the separation nozzle and minimizing disturbances in the separated flows while maintaining effective de-icing function.
3Reliability
If traditional heating elements are used in the separation nozzle, then ice formation is prevented, but energy consumption increases and geometric constraints are added
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the heating system by using plasma (ionized gas) instead of solid resistive heating elements. Plasma can be generated at lower energy consumption and with more precise temperature control, effectively preventing ice formation while reducing energy usage and eliminating geometric constraints associated with traditional heating elements.
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 plasma defrosting system efficiently prevents frost formation and melting, maintaining turbomachine efficiency by minimizing geometric disruptions and energy usage, while being robust against foreign body ingestion and temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma formation system on an annular flow guide surface of a turbomachine, the plasma being adapted to heat the surface
Implementation Method 2
the plasma being adapted to heat the surface, preferably adapted to defrost it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a separation nozzle (22) delimiting the inlet of a low-pressure compressor from one end of an axial turbomachine. The separation nozzle (22) comprises a separation surface (52) with an upstream circular edge (60) adapted to separate an incoming flow into the turbomachine into a primary flow (18) and a secondary flow (20), and a plasma de-icing device. The device comprises two annular layers of dielectric material (42; 44) partially forming the separation surface (52), an electrode (34) forming the upstream edge (60), an electrode forming an outer wall (30) of the separation nozzle, an electrode forming an outer ferrule (28) that supports blades (26), and an electrode (36) delimiting the primary flow (18). The device generates plasmas (46; 48; 50) opposing the presence of ice on the partitions of the separating nozzle (22).The invention also relates to a turbomachine whose separation nozzle (22) is equipped with a de-icing system downstream of the blower.