Radial Wall Flow Cavity for Heat Engine Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat engines face significant challenges in controlling leakage and flow variations across walls between cold and hot flow paths, which adversely affect engine performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A wall assembly comprising a series of radial walls coupled via a connecting member, with a flow cavity defined between the radial walls and the connecting member, and a mount wall extended co-directionally to an outer wall, which controls pressure drop and leakage by optimizing the thickness-to-cross-sectional area ratio and angle of the connecting member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spline seals are incorporated to control leakage, then leakage control is improved, but engine performance deteriorates due to relatively large amounts of leakage still being permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly is divided into multiple radial walls (typically three) that are coupled together via connecting members, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows for better control of leakage paths while maintaining engine performance by distributing the flow control function across multiple discrete elements rather than relying on a single seal type.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow cavity is introduced as an intermediary space between the radial walls and the hot flow path. This flow cavity mediates the flow control function by allowing precise management of coolant flow and pressure distribution, thereby controlling leakage without adversely affecting engine performance.
2Reliability
If radial walls with flow openings are used, then leakage is reduced and pressure drop is controlled, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The radial walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, define flow paths through their openings, control leakage, and manage pressure distribution. The connecting members also perform multiple roles including structural coupling and defining additional flow cavities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of leakage control, pressure management, and flow path definition into a single integrated wall assembly structure. The radial walls and connecting members work together as a unified system rather than separate components, simplifying the overall device while achieving multiple control objectives.
3Reliability
If the thickness-to-cross-sectional area ratio is optimized, then leakage control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly employs different thicknesses at different locations to optimize leakage control. The radial walls have varying thicknesses depending on their position and function, with thicker sections where leakage control is critical and thinner sections where flow passage is prioritized. This local variation in quality allows effective leakage control without uniformly high manufacturing precision requirements throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat engine including a wall assembly is generally provided. The wall assembly includes a plurality of radial walls coupled together via a connecting member. The radial wall defines a flow opening therethrough. A flow cavity is defined between the plurality of radial walls and the connecting member.