Gas Turbine Rotor Cooling Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine rotor assemblies face challenges in efficiently cooling the inner and outer rims to prevent fatigue and extend material life, as existing cooling methods may disrupt aerodynamics and require additional cooling methods like heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of bleed ports in the outer rim to direct air flow between the inner and outer rims, creating channels that cool the inner rim and potentially eliminate the need for secondary cooling methods downstream, while minimizing aerodynamic impact and providing cooler air to the rear hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooler air is directed to the inner rim to prevent fatigue and extend material life, then the reliability and duration of the rotor assembly improve, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional cooling pathways and air direction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling pathways are integrated directly into the rotor assembly structure, merging the cooling function with the structural components. The inner and outer cooling pathways are embedded within the rotor segments themselves, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the compressor blades and simultaneously acts as the cooling pathway conduit. The hollow interior of the rotor segments is used both for structural integrity and for directing cooling air, achieving multi-functionality that reduces the need for additional dedicated cooling components
2Temperature
If secondary cooling methods like heat exchangers are added downstream to cool the rotor assembly, then the temperature control improves, but the device complexity and aerodynamic disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling air is directed through the inner and outer pathways before the rotor assembly reaches critical temperatures. The cooling action occurs proactively within the rotor structure itself, preventing overheating rather than addressing it downstream with additional heat exchangers, thereby eliminating the need for secondary cooling methods
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling air acts as an intermediary substance that is channeled through the rotor assembly's internal pathways. This mediator carries thermal energy away from critical areas within the rotor, providing internal temperature control without requiring external heat exchangers that would disrupt aerodynamics
3Temperature
If bleed ports are used to direct air flow between inner and outer rims, then the cooling efficiency improves, but the aerodynamic performance may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling is applied locally at the inner and outer rims where temperature gradients are most severe. The cooling pathways are positioned specifically at these critical locations rather than uniformly throughout the rotor, providing targeted cooling that improves efficiency while minimizing overall aerodynamic disruption by limiting interference to localized areas
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
This solution effectively cools the rotor assembly, reducing the need for secondary cooling methods and enhancing the lifespan of the rotor components by maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and reducing temperature-related fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a pathway between the outer rim and the inner rim, the pathway allowing the cooler air to pass between the outer rim and the inner rim
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A gas turbine engine (10) may include an axial high pressure compressor having an air flow pathway (120) positioned between the inner and outer rim (112,110) of a rotor section. The air flow pathway (120) includes an inlet port (122), a transition segment (124), an axial segment (126), and an outlet port (128). The pathway (120) may be a tube having an ovoid cross sectional shape and is substantially co-planar to an outer surface (140) of the outer rim (110). The pathway (120) may traverse the rotor section from a first rotor segment (102) to a rear hub (130).