Multistage Radial Turbine Flow Path Segmentation at Partial Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multistage radial turbines face challenges in maintaining high efficiency and pressure ratio during partial load operations with low flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A multistage radial turbine design featuring a working fluid supply system with switchable feed inlets and a connection flow path divided into parallel paths by partition plates, allowing controlled fluid distribution and preventing circumferential diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a multistage radial turbine operates under partial load conditions with low flow rate, then the flow rate decreases, but the turbine efficiency and pressure ratio deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection flow path between the first-stage and second-stage bladed wheels is divided into multiple parallel flow paths by partition plates. This segmentation prevents circumferential diffusion of the working fluid and maintains proper flow distribution to the second-stage nozzle row, enabling the turbine to maintain high efficiency during partial load operation even at reduced flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The partition plates are strategically positioned to create localized flow control in different regions of the connection flow path. This ensures that each parallel flow path maintains appropriate flow characteristics and pressure distribution, allowing the turbine to operate efficiently across varying load conditions while preserving the pressure ratio
2Quantity of substance
If a multistage radial turbine operates under partial load conditions with low flow rate, then the flow rate decreases, but the pressure ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection flow path is segmented into multiple parallel paths by partition plates, which prevents circumferential diffusion and maintains proper pressure distribution. This segmentation ensures that even at reduced flow rates, the pressure ratio between stages is preserved, allowing the turbine to maintain high pressure ratio operation during partial load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The partition plates are pre-positioned in the connection flow path to establish proper flow distribution before the working fluid enters the second-stage nozzle row. This preliminary flow organization ensures that the pressure and flow characteristics are maintained throughout the partial load operation, preventing pressure ratio deterioration
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 design enables high pressure ratio and improved turbine efficiency during partial load operations by preserving fluid distribution, even at reduced flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
nozzle rows located around an outer circumference of an inlet of the bladed wheels, the nozzle rows being directed to rotationally accelerate the working fluid radially inward
Implementation Method 2
bladed wheels mounted on the rotating shaft and spaced apart from each other in an axial direction, each of the bladed wheels including an inlet into which a working fluid flows radially inward
Data Source
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AI summary
A multistage radial turbine includes: a single rotating shaft; first-stage and second-stage bladed wheels mounted on the rotating shaft, each of the bladed wheels including an inlet into which a working fluid flows radially inward and an outlet out of which the working fluid flows in the axial direction; a first-stage nozzle row located around an outer circumference of the inlet of the first-stage bladed wheel; a working fluid supply system that includes feed inlets circumferentially arranged around an outer circumference of the first-stage nozzle row and feeds the working fluid into the first-stage nozzle row either through one of the feed inlets or through two or more of the feed inlets; a second-stage nozzle row located around an outer circumference of the inlet of the second-stage bladed wheel; and a connection flow path connecting the outlet of the first-stage bladed wheel to the inlet of the second-stage bladed wheel. The connection flow path includes a region extending from the outlet of the first-stage bladed wheel to the second-stage nozzle row, the region being circumferentially divided into parallel flow paths.