Stator Vane Platform Plug Structure for Better Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stator vanes in rotary machines, particularly in gas turbine engines, face challenges in efficiently managing heat transfer and thermal conductivity, leading to inefficiencies in energy conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a platform for stator vanes with a plug configured to be partially disposed inside and outside a core aperture, utilizing materials with high thermal conductivity and emissivity to enhance heat transfer between internal and external fluids, and sealed with joints or interference fits to prevent fluid recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional platform structure is used, then the structure is simple, but heat transfer efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple functional segments: a platform body, a core aperture, and a plug component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the platform body provides structural support, the core aperture enables fluid passage, and the plug enhances heat transfer through its high thermal conductivity material and protruding geometry into the fluid stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is made from a material with high thermal conductivity (effective thermal conductivity no less than 50 W m−1 K−1, preferably no less than 100 W m−1 K−1) that differs from the platform body material. This composite approach allows the plug to efficiently conduct heat from the internal fluid passageway to the external fluid, while the platform body maintains its structural integrity.
2Temperature
If the plug occupies a large volume of the core aperture, then heat transfer is improved, but fluid recirculation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug's volume occupancy of the core aperture is optimized to a specific parameter range - occupying no less than 50% but no more than 90% of the core aperture volume. This parameter optimization balances two competing requirements: sufficient volume to provide effective heat transfer surface area, while leaving enough space to maintain proper fluid flow patterns and prevent excessive recirculation.
3Temperature
If high thermal conductivity material is used for the plug, then heat transfer is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only the plug component, rather than the entire platform, is manufactured from high thermal conductivity material. The plug has specific local geometric features (protruding into the fluid stream, defined volume occupancy) that are optimized for heat transfer. This localized approach to quality enhancement achieves the desired thermal performance while minimizing the complexity and cost of manufacturing the entire platform assembly.
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 heat transfer efficiency by optimizing thermal conductivity and emissivity, enhancing energy conversion processes in rotary machines.
Implementation Method 1
the plug is configured to be partially disposed inside the core aperture and extend outside of the core aperture whilst secured to the platform body for improved heat transfer between a fluid conveyed by the internal fluid passageway and a fluid to which the outer surface is exposed
Implementation Method 2
improved heat transfer between a fluid conveyed by the internal fluid passageway and a fluid to which the outer surface is exposed
Implementation Method 3
An effective thermal conductivity of the thermal coating may be greater than an effective thermal conductivity of the plug body. It may be that the effective thermal conductivity of the thermal coating is no less than 100 W m−1 K−1 at 293 K and at atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 4
An effective thermal emissivity of the thermal coating may be greater than an effective thermal emissivity of the plug body. It may be that the effective thermal emissivity of the thermal coating is no less than 0.05, and optionally no less than 0.1 or no less than 0.8
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for a stator vane includes a platform body and a plug. The platform body defines: an inner surface, an outer surface offset from the inner surface, an internal fluid passageway disposed between the outer surface and the inner surface, and a core aperture extending from the outer surface to the internal fluid passageway. The plug 700 is configured to be secured to the platform body. The plug is configured to be partially disposed inside the core aperture and extend outside of the core aperture whilst secured to the platform body for improved heat transfer between a fluid conveyed by the internal fluid passageway and a fluid to which the outer surface is exposed.