Radial Flow Splitters for Gas Turbine Diffuser Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffuser assemblies in gas turbomachines face challenges in effectively directing compressed gas flow between densely packed combustors, leading to potential operational issues due to temperature-induced distortion of the inner barrel member and interference from struts that disrupt airflow.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser assembly featuring an array of radial flow splitters extending between the inner barrel member and the forward casing, with diverging side walls that guide airflow and reduce velocity, eliminating the need for external struts and enhancing airflow directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional struts are used to support the inner barrel member and diffuser, then structural support is provided, but temperature-induced distortion occurs and airflow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the conventional strut support structure from the diffuser assembly. By eliminating these struts, the source of temperature-induced distortion and airflow disruption is removed entirely. The inner barrel member and diffuser are supported through alternative means that do not protrude into the airflow path, thereby resolving the harmful effects while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces radial flow splitters as intermediary elements between the inner barrel member and the diffuser. These splitters serve as mediators that manage the thermal and flow field interactions without requiring conventional strut support, thereby preventing both distortion and airflow disruption while maintaining necessary structural relationships.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the inner barrel member and diffuser are made bulky for thermal stability, then temperature changes are resisted, but response time to gas temperature changes is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the diffuser assembly into multiple segments including the inner barrel member, radial flow splitters, and outer diffuser. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized thermal mass characteristics - the bulky inner barrel provides thermal stability while the lighter radial flow splitters respond quickly to temperature changes, achieving both stability and responsiveness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different thermal characteristics to different parts of the assembly. The inner barrel member is made bulky for thermal stability, while the radial flow splitters are designed with different properties to enable faster response. This local differentiation of thermal qualities allows the system to achieve both slow response (for stability) and fast response (for adaptability) in different locations.
3Productivity
If combustors are densely packed to increase power output, then space utilization is improved, but airflow direction control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses radial flow splitters that extend in the radial dimension between the inner barrel and outer diffuser. This radial arrangement creates additional flow control dimensions, allowing precise directional control of airflow to densely packed combustors. The splitters guide flow not only axially but also radially, providing enhanced control capability that accommodates high combustor density while maintaining proper flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial flow splitters act as intermediary flow control elements between the compressor discharge and the densely packed combustors. These splitters mediate the airflow, distributing it properly among the closely spaced combustors and maintaining correct flow directionality despite the reduced spacing. The intermediaries enable dense packing while preserving airflow control.
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 flow splitter design improves airflow distribution, reduces velocity, and enhances combustion dynamics, leading to improved performance and reduced emissions by eliminating strut-induced distortions and optimizing gas flow between combustors.
Implementation Method 1
radial flow splitters that extend between an inner barrel member and a forward casing at the aft end of a compressor... guide airflow and reduce velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser assembly includes a casing at a compressor aft end; an inner barrel member radially inward of the casing; and an array of radial flow splitters extending between the inner barrel member and the casing. Each radial flow splitter includes a leading edge facing into a flow of air, a trailing end wall opposite the leading edge, a pair of side walls extending between the leading edge and the trailing end wall, and an axis extending through the leading edge and the trailing end wall. A width of each radial flow splitter increases from the leading edge to the trailing end wall. The side walls diverge away from the axis in a downstream direction corresponding to the flow of air. Optionally, the side walls also diverge away from the axis in a radial direction between the inner barrel member and the casing.