Radial Diffuser with Movable Hub for Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffusers are unable to effectively control or respond to the flow rate of the working fluid passing through them, limiting their efficiency and requiring more space, weight, and materials compared to radial diffusers.
Innovation Solution
A radial diffuser design featuring a movable diffuser hub that can alter fluid flow by axially or rotationally moving, combined with additive manufacturing to optimize the diffuser's geometry and reduce material usage, allowing for efficient diffusion and pressure ratio adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional diffusers are used, then space, weight, and materials are required, but they cannot control or respond to the flow rate of the working fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser incorporates a movable hub that can change position along the central flow axis, transforming the static diffuser structure into a dynamic one. This allows the diffuser to adjust its geometry and control flow rate in response to varying operating conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable hub enables change in the outlet-to-inlet area ratio parameter, allowing the diffuser to optimize its performance for different flow rates. By varying this geometric parameter, the diffuser achieves flow control capability without requiring a completely complex control system.
2Loss of energy
If radial diffuser geometry is optimized, then efficiency is improved and losses are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser employs a radial geometry with curved flow paths instead of straight conical sections. This curved radial design optimizes fluid flow characteristics, reducing turbulence and energy losses while maintaining manufacturability through standard radial diffuser fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable hub is nested within the diffuser structure, allowing it to move along the central flow axis without requiring external mechanisms. This nested configuration achieves efficient flow control while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by integrating the control element within the existing diffuser geometry.
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 radial diffuser achieves improved efficiency and reduced losses by varying the outlet to inlet area ratio, minimizing shock, and optimizing fluid flow, while using less material and space compared to conventional diffusers.
Implementation Method 1
The radial diffuser is configured to receive a fluid flow from the turbine through the turbine outlet, diffuse the fluid flow, and direct the fluid flow into the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The diffuser wall inner surface includes a convex curved section and a concave curved section. The convex curved section is adjacent to the diffuser inlet section and has a convex curvature with respect to the central flow axis. The concave curved section is adjacent to the diffuser outlet section and has a concave curvature with respect to the central flow axis.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A radial diffuser includes an inlet section, outlet section, diffuser wall, and movable diffuser hub. The inlet section has a cylindrical shape and a circular cross section. The diffuser wall includes an inner surface defining a fluid flow path which is non-linear, and includes a convex curved section and a concave curved section. The convex curved section is adjacent to the inlet section and has a convex curvature. The concave curved section is adjacent to the outlet section and has a concave curvature. The movable diffuser hub is configured to move with respect to a central flow axis relative to the diffuser wall and can thereby alter a fluid flow through the radial diffuser.