Compressor Stator Vane Airfoil Shape Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airfoil designs for compressor stator vanes in gas turbines suffer from aerodynamic inefficiencies, leading to performance losses and reduced system efficiency in power generation.
Innovation Solution
The airfoil shape is defined by Cartesian coordinate values in Tables I-XII, which when scaled, form smooth continuing arcs and surfaces, creating a nominal profile that enhances aerodynamic efficiency by optimizing the airfoil shape for improved fluid interaction and energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional airfoil designs are used for compressor stator vanes, then manufacturing and design simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic efficiency is reduced leading to performance losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely modifying the geometric parameters of the airfoil shape. The suction-side profile is defined by specific Cartesian coordinate values that optimize the curvature and contour of the airfoil surface. This changes the physical geometry parameters to reduce flow separation and improve aerodynamic efficiency, directly addressing the energy loss problem while maintaining a manufacturable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific regions of the airfoil shape rather than the entire structure uniformly. The suction-side profile coordinates are carefully designed to create favorable flow characteristics in critical areas such as the leading edge and trailing edge regions. This localized optimization improves aerodynamic performance where it is most needed without unnecessarily complicating the overall design.
2Productivity
If conventional airfoil shapes are used, then design simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic efficiency and energy transfer performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines the airfoil suction-side profile using specific Cartesian coordinate values that optimize aerodynamic performance. These parameter changes in the geometric definition enable improved power generation efficiency by enhancing energy transfer from the fluid flow to the rotor. The precision of these coordinate values is tailored to achieve the desired performance improvement while remaining within manufacturing capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If optimized airfoil shapes with specific coordinate definitions are implemented, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by defining the airfoil suction-side profile through specific Cartesian coordinate values. These optimized parameters reduce aerodynamic losses by improving flow characteristics over the airfoil surface. The coordinate values are specified with appropriate precision to achieve the aerodynamic benefits while considering practical manufacturing tolerances and capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses precise coordinate data that can be copied and applied to define the airfoil geometry in manufacturing processes. The Cartesian coordinate values serve as a reproducible template that can be transferred to manufacturing systems, reducing the complexity of implementing the optimized shape by providing a clear, copyable definition rather than requiring complex design procedures for each component.
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 optimized airfoil shape results in improved aerodynamic efficiency, reducing losses and enhancing the performance and efficiency of the compressor section in gas turbines.
Implementation Method 1
These airfoils are configured to aerodynamically interact with the fluid flows and to transfer energy to or from these fluid flows as part of power generation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A stator vane includes an airfoil having an airfoil shape. The airfoil shape has a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in one of Table I, Table II, Table III, Table IV, Table V, Table VI, Table VII, Table VIII, Table IX, Table X, Table XI, or Table XII. The Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances expressed in a unit of distance by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a scaling factor of the airfoil in the unit of distance. The X and Y values, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each Z value. The airfoil profile sections at Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.