Sculpted Impeller Blades for Centrifugal Compressor Efficiency

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing impeller geometries in centrifugal compressors and pumps limit efficiency due to suboptimal fluid flow dynamics, as they do not effectively match the complex three-dimensional nature of fluid flow.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sculpted impeller blades with curved surfaces connecting corresponding points on the shroud and hub intersect surfaces, forming complex three-dimensional geometries that align with fluid flow characteristics, enhancing flow dynamics and momentum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional impeller geometry is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but fluid flow efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow efficiencyVSAvoidimpeller blade geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impeller blades are designed with sculpted, curved surfaces instead of flat or simple geometries. The blades include a pressure surface and suction surface that are sculpted to match the three-dimensional flow patterns of fluid through the impeller, creating optimal flow dynamics and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional or simple three-dimensional impeller blade designs to complex sculpted surfaces that utilize full three-dimensional space. The blades are designed with varying thickness, curvature, and surface contours that optimize fluid interaction across multiple spatial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If sculpted impeller blades are implemented, then fluid flow dynamics are optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpeller efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing methods with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems. These digital tools enable the precise creation of complex sculpted surfaces through automated programming, reducing the manual complexity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes computational methods to optimize geometric parameters of the impeller blades, including surface curvature, thickness distribution, and contour shapes. By systematically varying these parameters through computer modeling, the design achieves optimal performance while remaining manufacturable through standardized processes like milling or electrical discharge machining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If complex three-dimensional geometries are used, then flow momentum is increased, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow momentumVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing methods with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems. These digital tools enable the precise creation of complex sculpted surfaces through automated programming, reducing the manual complexity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes computational methods to optimize geometric parameters of the impeller blades, including surface curvature, thickness distribution, and contour shapes. By systematically varying these parameters through computer modeling, the design achieves optimal performance while remaining manufacturable through standardized processes like milling or electrical discharge machining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design improves impeller efficiency by optimizing fluid flow, increasing pressure and momentum, and allowing for cost-effective manufacturing through methods like milling or electrical discharge machining.

Implementation Method 1

As the impeller rotates, fluid entering in an axial direction is accelerated and expelled in a circumferential and a radial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

The high velocity fluid then enters a diffuser which converts the velocity head into a pressure head (i.e., decreases flow velocity and increases flow pressure)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2715147B1Sculpted impeller

Publication Date: 2020.02.12 INGERSOLL RAND IND US INC

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AI summary

A system includes an impeller ( 10 ) having a plurality of impeller blades ( 12 ) coupled to an impeller hub body ( 14 ), wherein each impeller blade is sculpted having a nonlinear profile extending from a hub intersect surface of the impeller blade to a shroud intersect surface of the impeller blade.