Radial Exhaust Plume Diffuser for Low-Velocity, Low-Noise Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust plume control systems for industrial machines, such as power generating plants, face challenges in meeting environmental and safety regulations regarding plume velocity and noise levels, often requiring adjustments that negatively impact system performance.

Innovation Solution

An exhaust plume control structure featuring a mounting member, diverter member, and radially extending vanes that redirect and separate exhaust flow into multiple streams, reducing velocity and noise through a diverging cross-section design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional exhaust plume control systems are used to reduce plume velocity, then regulatory compliance is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to upstream parameter adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust plume velocityVSAvoidpower generating system performance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust flow is segmented into multiple separate streams using radially extending vanes. The single high-velocity exhaust plume is divided into several lower-velocity streams that exit through gaps between the vanes, reducing overall plume velocity without requiring upstream parameter adjustments that would impact power generating system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust flow is redirected from axial flow (parallel to stack axis) to radial flow (perpendicular to stack axis) using the diverter member and radially extending vanes. This dimensional change in flow direction allows velocity reduction through radial expansion while maintaining system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If multiple divider members are used to control exhaust plume velocity, then plume velocity regulation is improved, but noise levels increase violating noise regulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust plume velocityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radially extending vanes feature a radially diverging cross-section with varying geometry along their length. This local variation in vane geometry optimizes flow distribution and reduces turbulence-induced noise while maintaining effective plume velocity control, addressing noise regulations without sacrificing velocity regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If exhaust flow is separated into multiple streams, then plume velocity is reduced, but flow distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust plume velocityVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The vanes are positioned at specific radial distances from the stack axis and have radially diverging cross-sections with optimized geometry. These parameter changes in vane positioning and geometry ensure uniform flow distribution across all radial streams while maintaining reduced plume velocity, preventing deterioration of flow distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 structure effectively reduces exhaust plume velocity and noise levels, meeting regulatory requirements while maintaining system performance by diffusing exhaust into ambient air, thus achieving quieter and more compliant operation.

Implementation Method 1

a diverter member operatively coupled to the mounting member to radially direct an initial exhaust flow exiting from the exhaust flow source radially outward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of peripherally spaced, radially extending vanes coupled to the mounting member and disposed radially outward of the diverter member, the plurality of peripherally spaced vanes positioned to separate the radially outward directed initial exhaust flow into a plurality of additional exhaust flows

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Implementation Method 3

reducing velocity and noise through a diverging cross-section design... effectively reduces exhaust plume velocity and noise levels, meeting regulatory requirements while maintaining system performance by diffusing exhaust into ambient air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12560322B2Exhaust plume control structure and power generating plant including same

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

An exhaust plume control structure includes a mounting member configured to mount to an exhaust flow source. A diverter member is coupled to the mounting member to radially direct an initial exhaust flow exiting from the exhaust flow source radially outward. A plurality of peripherally spaced, radially extending vanes are coupled to the mounting member and radially outward of the diverter member to separate the radially outward directed initial exhaust flow into a plurality of additional exhaust flows. Each vane has a radially diverging cross-section. Each of the plurality of additional exhaust flows has a same radial exit velocity. The structure reduces exhaust flow velocity and may provide back pressure to the initial exhaust flow. The structure has a sound power level of less than 115 dBA. A power generating plant including the structure is also disclosed.