Turbine Rotor Deformable Closure Regulates Cooling Air Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine cooling systems face challenges in regulating cooling air flow as a function of engine speed, leading to inefficient cooling at cruising speeds and potential engine damage due to external valve failures and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A rotor element with a deformable closure mechanism, utilizing a shape memory alloy, that adjusts fluid passage based on rotational speed, eliminating the need for external control systems and allowing for compact, reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a control valve is installed outside the engine to regulate cooling air flow, then the flow rate of cooling air can be regulated according to engine speed, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the closure element with the rotor assembly, integrating the flow regulation function directly into the rotating component. The closure element is mounted on the rotor and moves with it, eliminating the need for separate external valve mechanisms and their associated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element utilizes the rotational motion of the rotor itself to regulate cooling air flow. As the rotor spins, centrifugal forces automatically position the closure element to control the fluid passage, eliminating the need for external actuators or control systems.
2Loss of energy
If an external valve is used to control cooling air flow, then energy efficiency improves, but the reliability decreases due to potential valve failures
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is passively actuated by centrifugal forces generated during rotor rotation, with no external control systems, actuators, or power sources required. This passive operation eliminates failure points associated with valves and control mechanisms, significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the control function from external valve mechanisms and embeds it directly into the rotor assembly. The closure element becomes an integral part of the rotating system, removing potential failure points from the valve and its control system.
3Device complexity
If a deformable closing element is used within the rotor, then space is saved and reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to change its physical state or shape in response to rotational speed. The deformable material properties allow the element to automatically adjust its configuration based on centrifugal forces, enabling flow regulation without complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs deformable materials or composite structures for the closure element that can change shape under centrifugal loading. These materials combine structural integrity with the ability to deform controllably, facilitating the desired flow regulation function.
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 regulates cooling air flow according to engine speed, optimizing space usage and enhancing reliability by using centrifugal forces to control the closure element, ensuring adequate cooling at all operational speeds without external components.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor element is characterized in that it comprises a means for closing said passage, said closing means comprising a deformable closing element depending on the speed of rotation of the rotor
Implementation Method 2
A rotor element with a deformable closure mechanism, utilizing a shape memory alloy, that adjusts fluid passage based on rotational speed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotor element (3) that comprising an annular surface portion about the rotor rotational axis, a fluid passage (31) being formed through said surface portion, characterised in that it comprises a passage-blocking means (31), said means including a blocking element (4) that is deformable depending on the rotor rotating speed and arranged so as to adjust the fluid flow depending on the rotor rotating speed, and an annular collar (6) with a free edge (62) engaging with said blocking element (4) so as to form said blocking means, wherein the free edge (62) of the annular collar (6) defines, together with the blocking portion (43) of the blocking element (4), a diaphragm that blocks the fluid passage (31).