Rotor Blade Channel Inlets for Flow Separation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary machine rotor blades experience flow separation and recirculation zones near leading edges, leading to flow blockages and viscous losses, which reduce the efficiency and performance of rotary machines.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating channel inlets and outlets within the rotor blades and hub structure to capture and remove recirculating working fluid, redirecting it through channels within the hub to reduce recirculation zones and enhance fluid flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If working fluid flows around leading edges of rotor blades, then power generation occurs, but flow separation and recirculation zones form causing viscous losses and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the recirculating working fluid from the harmful recirculation zone near the blade leading edges and redirects it through channels within the rotor hub. Channel inlets positioned on the blade surfaces capture the separated fluid, which is then removed via channels in the hub structure, eliminating the energy-wasting recirculation while maintaining power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces channel inlets and hub channels as intermediary structures to capture and redirect the recirculating fluid. These intermediaries provide a controlled path for the separated working fluid, transforming it from a harmful recirculation zone into a directed flow that can be managed and potentially reused, thereby reducing viscous losses
2Productivity
If channel inlets and outlets are incorporated into rotor blades and hub, then recirculation zones are reduced and efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow control function into the existing rotor structure by incorporating channel inlets on the blade surfaces and channels within the hub. This integration combines the power generation function with the recirculation control function, achieving efficiency improvement without adding separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor hub serves multiple functions: it supports the rotating blades and simultaneously houses channels to capture and redirect recirculating working fluid. The blade structure also serves dual purposes by providing aerodynamic surfaces for power generation while incorporating channel inlets for fluid capture, reducing the need for additional dedicated components
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 solution effectively reduces flow blockages and viscous losses, increasing the overall efficiency and performance of rotary machines by capturing and redirecting separated working fluid, thereby improving turbine performance and shaft power.
Implementation Method 1
Depending on inlet angle working fluid takes around leading edges of the blades, working fluid can separate and form a recirculation zone near the blades
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor includes a blade, a hub connected to a radially inner edge of the blade, an outlet, and a channel. The blade includes a first side between a leading edge and a trailing edge and a first channel inlet in the first side of the blade. The outlet is in a radially inner surface of the hub. The channel is between the first channel inlet and the outlet.