Radial Flow Deflector for Compact Gas Turbine Exhaust Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine exhaust diffusers and collectors occupy large spaces in power generation plants due to their design, which limits efficiency and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a radial flow deflector coupled to an exhaust diffuser, splitting the exhaust flow into axial and radial portions, allowing for a compact exhaust collector configuration by redirecting axial exhaust flows radially, thereby reducing the horizontal footprint and back pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional exhaust diffuser and collector design is used, then the system can effectively diffuse and collect exhaust gases, but the system occupies a large space in the power generation plant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radial flow deflector that redirects exhaust flow from an axial direction to a radial direction, fundamentally changing the flow dimensionality. This allows the exhaust collector to be positioned closer to the turbine and reduces the axial length required for effective exhaust diffusion and collection, thereby reducing the overall volume of the exhaust diffuser-collector assembly while maintaining effectiveness
2Area of stationary object
If the exhaust collector is positioned closer to reduce footprint, then space is saved, but back pressure increases due to insufficient diffusion distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exhaust flow path into distinct functional zones: an axial diffuser section for initial pressure recovery, a radial deflector section for flow redirection, and a radial collector section for gas collection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently in a compact arrangement, reducing back pressure while minimizing horizontal footprint
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning the flow from axial to radial direction through the deflector, the patent enables the collector to be positioned in a different spatial arrangement, reducing the axial distance required while maintaining adequate diffusion length, thus reducing both footprint and back pressure
3Volume of moving object
If a compact exhaust diffuser-collector assembly is implemented, then space is reduced, but the complexity of the system design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exhaust system into three distinct modular components: an axial diffuser, a radial flow deflector, and a radial collector. Each component has a specific function and can be designed, manufactured, and maintained independently, which manages complexity while achieving compact integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of exhaust diffusion, flow redirection, and gas collection into a single integrated assembly where the axial diffuser transitions to radial flow through the deflector and into the radial collector, creating a compact multi-functional unit that reduces overall volume while managing design complexity through functional integration
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
Enables the installation of a gas turbine engine with an axial exhaust diffuser into an existing platform with a radial exhaust collector, improving gas flow uniformity and reducing back pressure, resulting in a more compact and efficient exhaust diffuser-collector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust diffuser that may diffuse an axial turbine exhaust
Implementation Method 2
a radial flow deflector axially coupled to the exhaust diffuser, splitting the exhaust flow into axial and radial portions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided that may be used to diffuse and deflect the flows of gas into a plurality of gas flows. A gas flow, for example, exhaust gas, may be diffused, that is, spread out by the diffuser. A flow deflector may be coupled to the diffuser so that the gas flow may result in a plurality of gas flows. By diffusing and allowing a plurality of gas flows, improved gas flows may be achieved.