Splitter Nozzle Defrosting Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing systems for axial turbomachine splitter nozzles are inefficient due to high manufacturing costs and uneven defrosting, particularly at the leading edge, which can lead to ice accumulation and performance reduction.
Innovation Solution
A splitter nozzle with an annular wall and outer shroud featuring axially extending de-icing channels and a thin, constant thickness sheet for improved thermal conduction, ensuring homogeneous defrosting and reduced component certification needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaust gases are used for de-icing through channels in the separation nose, then the leading edge is protected against ice formation, but the manufacturing cost increases due to precise and fine machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thin sheet (0.5-1.5 mm thickness) to form the de-icing channel structure instead of massive solid components. The sheet is bent to create the channel geometry, which significantly reduces machining complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the de-icing function. The thin sheet structure allows easy formation of channels without requiring precise fine machining of thick walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the de-icing system by reducing the wall thickness from massive proportions to thin sheet dimensions (0.5-1.5 mm). This parameter change enables the use of simpler bending and forming operations instead of complex machining, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving the thermal conduction path for de-icing effectiveness.
2Strength
If the outer wall has a massive profile, then structural strength is provided, but thermal conduction is reduced and defrosting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin sheet structure (0.5-1.5 mm) that provides sufficient structural strength for the de-icing channel while maintaining excellent thermal conduction properties. The thinness of the sheet ensures that heat from the exhaust gases can efficiently conduct through the wall to the leading edge, solving the defrosting efficiency problem that plagues massive-profile designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thickness characteristics to different parts of the structure. The de-icing channel wall is made thin (0.5-1.5 mm) for optimal thermal conduction, while other structural elements can maintain appropriate thickness for strength. This local differentiation of quality allows simultaneous optimization of both structural strength and thermal conduction efficiency.
3Strength
If the sheet has variable thickness, then structural requirements are met, but defrosting uniformity decreases particularly at the leading edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the sheet should have constant thickness (0.5-1.5 mm) throughout the de-icing channel structure. This homogeneity ensures uniform thermal conduction properties across all surfaces, including the leading edge, resulting in uniform defrosting performance. The constant thickness eliminates the non-uniform heat distribution that would occur with variable thickness designs.
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 provides uniform and efficient defrosting of the nozzle, reducing ice accumulation and maintaining turbomachine performance while minimizing manufacturing costs and component certification requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surface of the wall is formed by a sheet delimiting the defrosting channel... The solution provides uniform and efficient defrosting of the nozzle... improved thermal conduction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a splitter nose of an axial turbomachine configured to separate an annular flow into the turbomachine into a primary flow and a secondary flow, and including: a generally circular leading edge, an annular wall extending from the leading edge and bounding the secondary flow, and at least one duct for a de-icing fluid for the splitter nose extending substantially axially along the wall and opening out into the primary flow. The external surface of the wall is formed by a sheet bounding the de-icing duct.