Stator Vane Heat Pipe Structure for Low-Drag Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine components face temperature increases during operation, leading to potential degradation and fluid leakage risks due to exposure to impacts, and conventional heat exchangers cause aerodynamic losses and fluid leaks.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a heat pipe within the turbomachine vane for efficient heat exchange between internal fluid and airflow, with a closed circuit working fluid that evaporates and condenses, isolating the internal fluid from potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a SACOC-type heat exchanger is arranged in the wall of the secondary flow path, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic losses increase due to additional drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger function with the stator vane structure itself. The stator vane serves dual purposes: redirecting circumferential momentum of secondary airflow into useful thrust momentum, and acting as the heat exchanger body for cooling the internal fluid. This eliminates the need for separate SACOC-type heat exchangers that would cause aerodynamic drag.
2Temperature
If the internal fluid circuit is integrated directly into the exposed portion of the vane, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but reliability decreases due to risk of fluid leakage from impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the internal fluid circuit from the exposed, impact-prone portions of the vane and relocates it to the root portion, which is protected from impacts. The heat exchanger is specifically arranged in the root of the stator vane, away from the leading edge and other vulnerable areas that are susceptible to bird strikes, hailstones, and other ingested objects.
3Temperature
If a conventional heat exchanger is used to cool the internal fluid, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and aerodynamic losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stator vane is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects the circumferential momentum of secondary airflow into axial momentum useful for thrust, and it serves as the heat exchanger body for cooling the internal fluid. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cooling components, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Ensures effective heat exchange without risking internal fluid leakage, even in the event of damage, while minimizing aerodynamic losses.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe in which a working fluid circulates and comprises an evaporation portion in which the working fluid exchanges heat with the internal fluid
Implementation Method 2
a condensation portion in which the working fluid exchanges heat with the airflow
Implementation Method 3
the heat exchanger includes a heat pipe in which a working fluid circulates and comprises an evaporation portion in which the working fluid exchanges heat with the internal fluid and a condensation portion in which the working fluid exchanges heat with the airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic element of a turbomachine including a body extending according to a radial main direction and a radial end located at a radial end of the body. The aerodynamic element further includes a heat exchanger between an internal fluid of the turbomachine and an airflow flowing around the body of the aerodynamic element. The heat exchanger includes a heat pipe in which a working fluid circulates and as well as an evaporation portion in which the working fluid exchanges heat with the internal fluid and a condensation portion in which the working fluid exchanges heat with the airflow.