Segmented Rotary Valve for Constant Volume Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbomachine combustion chambers with rotary valves suffer from reduced mechanical strength and reliability due to large slot sizes required for synchronization, leading to increased aerodynamic losses and inefficiencies in constant volume combustion systems.
Innovation Solution
The combustion system features a selective shutter element with segments that extend only within the wall thickness of the shroud, allowing for better integration and reduced aerodynamic losses by using aerodynamic profiles and segmented ports with varying angles of attack, along with a bypass system for improved air flow and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large slot sizes are used in the rotary valve to synchronize multiple combustion chambers, then the number of synchronized chambers increases, but the mechanical strength and reliability of the valve decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve is divided into multiple independent segments that can rotate relative to each other around a common axis. Each segment can be independently controlled to open or close ports for different combustion chambers, allowing multiple chambers to be synchronized without requiring large continuous slots, thus maintaining valve structural integrity while achieving multi-chamber synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large slot sizes are used in the rotary valve, then more combustion chambers can be synchronized, but aerodynamic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rotary valve into multiple smaller independent segments rather than using large continuous slots, the patent reduces aerodynamic losses while still enabling synchronization of multiple combustion chambers. Each segment creates smaller disruptions to the gas flow, maintaining better aerodynamic efficiency.
3Reliability
If segments extend beyond the wall thickness of the shroud, then the valve can provide better port closure, but integration and mechanical strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial extension (protruding segments) to axial extension (segments within wall thickness), utilizing the thickness dimension of the shroud to achieve effective port closure. The segments extend axially through the shroud thickness to provide reliable sealing while maintaining the structural integrity and integration of the valve assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a constant volume combustion system (1) for a turbomachine (10) comprising: a plurality of combustion chambers (100) distributed in a ring about an axis (XX') defining an axial direction (DA), each combustion chamber comprising an intake port (102) and an exhaust port (103); a selective closure element (200), rotatably movable about the axis relative to the combustion chambers, the selective closure element comprising a shell (210) facing the combustion chamber intake and exhaust ports, the shell comprising at least one intake aperture (2110, 2111) intended to interact with the intake port of each chamber and at least one exhaust aperture (2120, 2121) intended to interact with the exhaust port of each chamber. Each intake aperture and each exhaust aperture are segmented by at least one segment extending in each aperture in the axial direction.