Steam-Injected Engine Condenser With Direct Exhaust Water Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high temperature and pressure conditions in turbine engines pose challenges to the configuration and operational life of condenser and evaporator heat exchangers used for transforming water into steam for injection into the core flow, which affects the efficiency and durability of steam generation systems in aircraft propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A turbine engine assembly with a water tank that directly communicates exhaust gas flow to condense water, utilizing thermal energy from the exhaust gas to generate steam, and includes a circulation system with a heat exchanger to maintain water temperature and baffles to control movement, along with a separator to collect remaining water, enhancing the efficiency and durability of steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is extracted from exhaust gas flow using a water tank with direct communication, then water extraction efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional components like baffles, separators, and circulation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condenser and evaporator systems into a single integrated water tank structure. The condenser section extracts water from exhaust gas flow, while the evaporator section generates steam from the extracted water, both within the same tank assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining high water extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tank serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a condenser for water extraction, an evaporator for steam generation, a separator for water-gas separation, and a storage vessel for both liquid water and steam. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing system complexity while improving productivity.
2Productivity
If thermal energy from exhaust gas flow is used to generate steam, then propulsive efficiency is improved, but the operational life of evaporator components deteriorates due to high temperature and pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is segmented into distinct functional zones: a condenser section for water extraction, an evaporator section for steam generation, and a separator section for water-gas separation. Each section is designed to handle specific temperature and pressure conditions, protecting components from excessive thermal stress while maintaining the thermal energy utilization needed for propulsive efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a circulation system with a heat exchanger that acts as an intermediary between the exhaust gas flow and the water/steam systems. This heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from the exhaust gas to the water, generating steam while isolating the evaporator components from direct exposure to the harsh high-temperature exhaust gas environment, thereby extending component operational life.
3Power
If high temperature and pressure conditions are used for steam generation, then steam generation capability is improved, but the reliability of condenser and evaporator components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of different sections within the water tank. The condenser section operates at lower temperatures to efficiently extract water from exhaust gas, while the evaporator section utilizes the extracted water and thermal energy to generate steam at controlled temperatures and pressures. This parameter differentiation allows high steam generation capability while maintaining component reliability through appropriate operating conditions in each section.
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 system effectively extracts water from exhaust gas to generate steam, improving propulsive efficiency without additional compressor work, while extending the life and reliability of the condenser and evaporator components.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser system that includes a water tank that is configured for extracting water from the exhaust gas flow by communicating the exhaust gas flow directly through a volume of water within the water tank
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator system that is at least partially exposed to the exhaust gas flow where thermal energy from the exhaust gas flow is utilized to generate a steam flow from at least a portion of water that is extracted by the condenser system
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine assembly includes a compressor section where an inlet airflow is compressed, a combustor section where the compressed inlet airflow is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate an exhaust gas flow, a turbine section through which the exhaust gas flow is expanded to generate a mechanical power output, a condenser system that includes a water tank that is configured for extracting water from the exhaust gas flow by communicating the exhaust gas flow directly through a volume of water within the water tank, and an evaporator system that is at least partially exposed to the exhaust gas flow where thermal energy from the exhaust gas flow is utilized to generate a steam flow from at least a portion of water that is extracted by the condenser system for injection into a core flow path.