Supersonic Diffuser Shock-Zone Heating for Compact Turbomachinery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbomachinery systems struggle to efficiently convert kinetic energy of a process fluid into thermal energy for endothermic processes, such as thermal cracking of complex molecular species, while maintaining robustness and handling varying back pressures.

Innovation Solution

A supersonic diffuser with a vaned zone, shock zone, and mixing and subsonic diffusion zone is used to decelerate supersonic fluid flow, creating shock waves that increase static temperature and convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, while maintaining a compact and robust design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional turbomachinery is used to convert kinetic energy to thermal energy, then the conversion efficiency is insufficient, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy to thermal energy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidturbomachinery system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser is segmented into distinct functional zones (supersonic diffuser section, shock wave generation zone, mixing and subsonic diffusion zone) that work sequentially to achieve efficient kinetic-to-thermal energy conversion. Each zone performs a specific function: the supersonic diffuser section decelerates the flow, the shock wave zone converts kinetic energy to thermal energy through shock waves, and the mixing zone homogenizes the flow. This segmentation achieves high conversion efficiency without requiring complex multi-component turbomachinery systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Shock waves serve as an intermediary mechanism to transfer and convert kinetic energy into thermal energy. Rather than using direct mechanical components, the patent employs shock waves as the mediating physical phenomenon to achieve energy conversion. The shock waves are generated by the geometric configuration of the diffuser and automatically perform the energy transformation function, eliminating the need for complex rotating or reciprocating mechanical parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the diffuser length is increased to improve energy conversion, then the conversion efficiency improves, but the device length and compactness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy to thermal energy conversion efficiencyVSAvoiddiffuser length

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser employs dynamic geometric configurations with varying cross-sectional areas and angles optimized for different flow regimes. The supersonic diffuser section has a specific divergence angle optimized for supersonic flow deceleration, while the subsonic diffusion zone has different geometric characteristics optimized for subsonic flow. This dynamic geometric design allows efficient energy conversion in a compact length by matching the geometry to the local flow conditions rather than using a uniform long diffuser.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the flow (Mach number, pressure, temperature) to drive the energy conversion process efficiently over a short distance. The supersonic flow parameters are transformed into subsonic parameters through shock waves, creating a rapid parameter transition that achieves high energy conversion efficiency without requiring a long diffuser. The geometric parameters of the diffuser are specifically designed to facilitate these parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If back pressure variations are allowed, then the system adaptability improves, but the flow regime stability and shock wave control worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveback pressure handling capabilityVSAvoidflow regime stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser design incorporates local quality variations in different sections to handle back pressure variations while maintaining overall stability. The supersonic diffuser section, shock wave zone, and mixing zone each have locally optimized geometric properties that allow them to adapt to varying back pressures. For example, the shock wave generation zone has specific geometric features that maintain shock wave integrity under varying downstream conditions, while the mixing zone accommodates flow variations. This local optimization allows the system to adapt to back pressure changes without compromising the stability of the overall flow regime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 supersonic diffuser effectively raises the static temperature of the process fluid by at least 10% within 10 milliseconds, facilitating thermo-chemical reactions like cracking complex molecules, while isolating upstream flow regimes and handling varying back pressures.

Implementation Method 1

The shock zone is configured to support a system of shock waves that increases static temperature of the process fluid downstream of the system of shock waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 2

The shock zone is configured to support a system of shock waves that increases static temperature of the process fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdiabatic heating: Adiabatic Heating

Implementation Method 3

The vaned zone is configured to define a passageway having a flow area to pass a flow of a process fluid at supersonic velocity. The vaned zone is configured to define a step-change to the flow area of the passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSupersonic flow deceleration:

Implementation Method 4

A mixing and subsonic diffusion zone is fluidly coupled to the shock zone. The mixing and subsonic diffusion zone, with the flow below unity Mach number, is configured to decelerate process fluid from the shock zone to a reduced subsonic speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20260027543A1Supersonic diffuser for turbomachinery arranged to impart thermal energy to a process fluid

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A supersonic diffuser for use in turbomachinery adapted to impart thermal energy to a process fluid is provided. The diffuser includes a vaned zone configured to define a passageway having a flow area to pass a flow of a process fluid at supersonic velocity. The vaned zone is configured to define a step-change to the flow area of the passageway at a given location, such as where the flow of the process fluid exits the vaned zone. The diffuser further includes a shock zone coupled to the vaned zone to pass the flow of the process fluid that exits the vaned zone. The shock zone is configured to support a system of shock waves that increases static temperature of the process fluid downstream of the system of shock waves. A mixing and subsonic diffusion is configured to decelerate process fluid from the shock zone to a reduced subsonic speed prior to discharge of the process fluid through an exit of the diffuser.