Radial Diffuser Wedge-Shaped Vanes Pressure Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial diffusers in gas turbine engines face challenges in delivering air to combustors efficiently, particularly in reducing air separation and flow reversal, while maintaining optimal pressure and Mach number for combustion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates wedge-shaped vanes with varying wedge angles between the hub and case, where the first wedge angle is larger than the second, and the leading end is straight, to manage airflow effectively, reducing pressure loss and promoting smooth flow transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional diffuser vanes are used, then the structure is simple, but air separation and flow reversal occur leading to increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The vane structure implements local quality by having different wedge angles at different radial positions. The first wedge angle at the case and the second wedge angle in the middle region are specifically optimized to create favorable pressure gradients at critical locations, thereby reducing air separation and flow reversal without requiring complete redesign of the entire diffuser structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by varying the wedge angle parameter along the radial direction of the vane. The first wedge angle is defined by the first side of the vane at the case and the second side of the vane at the case, while the second wedge angle is defined by the first side of the vane at the middle region and the second side of the vane at the middle region. This parameter variation optimizes airflow characteristics and reduces pressure loss.
2Reliability
If diffuser vanes are designed to reduce separation and flow reversal, then combustion efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vane design applies local quality by implementing specific wedge angles only at critical regions (case and middle region) rather than uniform angles throughout. This localized optimization ensures reliable combustion performance where it matters most while keeping the overall manufacturing process manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane structure is segmented into different regions with distinct geometric characteristics. The first wedge angle region at the case and the second wedge angle region in the middle region are defined separately, allowing for optimized combustion performance in critical areas while simplifying the manufacturing approach by dividing the complex geometry into manageable segments.
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
This configuration enables air to be delivered to the combustor at a target pressure and Mach number, minimizing separation and flow reversal, thereby optimizing combustion efficiency and reducing total pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
a radial diffuser delivers air from the compressor to the combustor. In some examples, the diffuser slows high velocity air passing from an impeller to the combustor
Implementation Method 2
The first wedge angle is larger than the second wedge angle... enables air to be delivered to the combustor at a target pressure and Mach number
Data Source
AI summary
A radial diffuser and method for manufacturing a radial diffuser is provided, where the diffuser includes a vane positioned between a hub and a case. The hub includes a surface. The vane projects from the surface of the hub and is wedge-shaped. The vane includes a leading end extending toward a radial inner edge of the hub, a trailing end extending toward a radial outer edge of the hub, an upper surface, first and second sides extending longitudinally along the vane, and a middle region disposed between the hub and the upper surface. The vane at the upper surface has a thickness defined by a first wedge angle at the upper surface. The vane at the middle region has a thickness defined by a second wedge angle at the middle region. The second wedge angle is smaller than the first wedge angle.