Supersonic Compressor Rotor With Independently Rotating Third Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor systems are limited by low achievable pressure ratios per stage, requiring multiple complex and costly stages to achieve high overall pressure ratios, while supersonic compressors offer higher ratios but with room for further improvements.
Innovation Solution
The design of supersonic compressor rotors with a third independently rotatable disk and raised surface structure within radial or axial flow channels, allowing for adjustable throat area constriction to enhance compression efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional compressor systems are used to achieve high overall pressure ratios, then multiple compression stages are required, but the system becomes large, complex and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor rotor is segmented into multiple independently rotatable disks (first rotor disk, second rotor disk, and third rotor disk) that can rotate at different speeds and directions. This segmentation allows each disk to contribute to the compression process independently, achieving high pressure ratios through coordinated motion of individual segments rather than requiring multiple separate compression stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic motion where the third rotor disk can rotate independently relative to the first and second rotor disks, and the vanes can be positioned at different angles. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt the compression process in real-time, achieving higher pressure ratios with fewer stages by optimizing the motion of individual components during operation.
2Productivity
If supersonic compressor systems are used to achieve higher single stage pressure ratios, then compression efficiency improves, but there is room for further performance enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The third rotor disk is nested between the first and second rotor disks, creating a compact multi-layer structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple compression functions to be integrated within a single rotor assembly, achieving high pressure ratios without proportionally increasing the overall device size or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a third dimension of motion by allowing the third rotor disk to rotate independently relative to the first and second rotor disks. This additional degree of freedom enables complex compression patterns that achieve higher pressure ratios more efficiently, transforming the compression process from simple rotational motion to multi-dimensional dynamic motion.
3Stress or pressure
If the raised surface structure dimensions are increased to enhance compression, then pressure ratio improves, but the structure may interfere with vane operation
Solution Approach 1:
The raised surface structure is positioned at specific locations on the third rotor disk where it provides maximum compression benefit without interfering with vane operation. The structure is designed with optimized dimensions and positioning to create localized high-pressure zones while maintaining clear paths for vane movement and fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised surface structure is positioned asymmetrically on the rotor disk, creating uneven compression zones that optimize both pressure ratio and vane operation. This asymmetric placement allows the structure to enhance compression in critical areas while avoiding interference with the symmetric arrangement of vanes, achieving a balance between compression efficiency and operational smoothness.
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
This configuration enables higher pressure ratios with reduced complexity and cost, improving compressor performance and versatility by optimizing fluid flow through adjustable compression ramps.
Implementation Method 1
The radial flow channel comprises a supersonic compression ramp
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a supersonic compressor having a supersonic compressor rotor including a clockable rotor disk allowing restriction or opening of portions of a fluid flow channel of the rotor in order to enhance performance of the rotor during different operational stages, for example rotor start-up or steady state. The supersonic compressor has a first rotor disk, a second rotor disk and a third rotor disk which share a common axis of rotation. The first and second rotor disks are rotatably coupled, and the third rotor disk is disposed between them. The third rotor disk is independently rotatable relative to the first and second disks, and has a raised surface structure for restricting or opening a portion of the flow channel defined by the three rotor disks and at least two vanes. The flow channel contains a supersonic compression ramp and encompasses the raised surface structure.