Gas Turbine Stator Airfoil Winglets for Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stator airfoils in gas turbine engines do not adequately enhance engine performance in terms of aerodynamics and vibration reduction.
Innovation Solution
The integration of transversely projecting winglets on stator airfoils with triangular shapes and specific edge configurations to generate an aerodynamic load, manage boundary layers, and reduce micro-shocks, which can be optionally modified in shape and spacing to suit airflow requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional stator airfoils are used, then the structure is simple, but aerodynamic losses are high and engine performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stator airfoil is segmented by adding multiple winglets at different positions along the span, dividing the airfoil into multiple functional sections. Each winglet segment addresses specific aerodynamic issues in its local region, reducing overall aerodynamic losses while maintaining structural organization
Solution Approach 2:
Winglets extend the airfoil structure into the spanwise dimension, adding a third dimension to the traditionally two-dimensional airfoil cross-section. This dimensional expansion creates new aerodynamic surfaces that reduce losses by controlling flow in the spanwise direction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no vibration control features are added, then manufacturing is easier, but vibration and noise are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil is divided into multiple segments with winglets at different positions, allowing vibration control to be distributed across multiple locations rather than requiring a complex overall structure. This segmented approach reduces vibration and noise while keeping individual manufacturing tasks relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing, size, and position of winglets are optimized to create beneficial aerodynamic interactions that reduce vibration and noise. By adjusting these geometric parameters, vibration control is achieved without requiring fundamentally complex manufacturing processes
3Productivity
If winglets are added to stator airfoils, then aerodynamic performance improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil is segmented with winglets positioned at specific intervals along the span, creating multiple smaller aerodynamic elements that collectively improve engine efficiency. This segmentation allows the complexity to be distributed and managed while achieving enhanced performance
Solution Approach 2:
The winglets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reduce aerodynamic losses, control boundary layers, mitigate micro-shocks, and reduce vibration and noise. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering comprehensive performance improvements
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
Improves engine performance by reducing aerodynamic losses, managing boundary layers and micro-shocks, and stiffening the airfoils to minimize vibration and noise, thereby enhancing airflow directionality and overall engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the winglets configured to generate an aerodynamic load on the stator airfoil
Implementation Method 2
managing boundary layers and micro-shocks
Implementation Method 3
managing boundary layers and micro-shocks
Data Source
AI summary
A stator airfoil of a gas turbine engine according to one embodiment includes at least two winglets projecting transversely from opposed sides of a stator airfoil, respectively. Each winglet includes a leading edge axially and outwardly extending from one of the opposed sides of the stator airfoil and a trailing edge extending from the stator airfoil to join with the leading edge of the winglet. The winglets therefore provide a wide trailing edge thereof to aerodynamically manage boundary layers and micro-shocks of a working fluid.