Split Compressor Turbine Engine Parallel Airflow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbine engines with series compressor arrangements can lead to inefficiencies due to uneven air compression and limited flexibility in compressor-turbine shaft connections, which affect overall engine performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A split compressor turbine engine design featuring two compressors operating in parallel with a reverse flow combustor and two turbines in series, where each compressor receives approximately equal airflow and is connected to a separate shaft, allowing for efficient energy transfer and rotation synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If series compressor arrangement is used, then air compression is achieved, but uneven air compression and limited flexibility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor section is segmented into two independent parallel compressors instead of a single series arrangement. Each compressor has its own inlet and outlet, allowing independent operation and connection to different turbines, thereby increasing flexibility while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft connection system is made dynamic by allowing different rotational speeds and configurations between compressors and turbines. The parallel compressor setup enables flexible shaft arrangements including direct drive and gear drive options, adapting to different operational requirements
2Productivity
If series compressor arrangement is used, then air compression is achieved, but uneven air compression occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The air compression process is segmented into two parallel independent compression streams. Each compressor handles a portion of the total air flow independently, ensuring uniform air flow distribution and preventing the uneven compression that occurs in series arrangements where air passes through multiple compressors sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
Each compressor is optimized for its specific local function in the parallel arrangement, with independent inlet/outlet configurations and adjustable parameters. This allows each compressor to operate at optimal conditions for its portion of the air flow, improving overall compression efficiency and uniformity
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 enhances efficiency by ensuring balanced air compression and optimized energy transfer between compressors and turbines, improving the overall performance and flexibility of the turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor and a second compressor fluidly parallel to the first compressor
Implementation Method 2
The compressed air is mixed with a fuel, and ignited within the combustor. The resultant combustion products
Implementation Method 3
a first turbine and a second turbine fluidly in series, and fluidly connected to an output of the reverse flow combustor
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine includes a first compressor and a second compressor fluidly parallel to the first compressor. A reverse flow combustor is fluidly connected to the first compressor and the second compressor. A first turbine and a second turbine are fluidly connected in series, and fluidly connected to an output of the reverse flow combustor.