Gas Turbine Surge Margin Bleed Power Recuperation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surge margin bleed systems in gas turbine engines waste energy by dumping bleed air overboard, leading to inefficiencies and limited surge margin, especially during part-power operations.
Innovation Solution
A power recuperation system that captures energy from surge margin bleed air using an auxiliary turbine and electrical rotor machine to convert it into usable power, reducing the load on accessory drive systems and enhancing surge margin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If surge margin bleed air is dumped overboard, then surge margin is maintained, but energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste of bleed air into a beneficial energy source by routing it through an auxiliary turbine to generate power. The bleed air that would otherwise be dumped overboard is now utilized to drive the auxiliary turbine, transforming energy loss into useful electrical or mechanical power while maintaining surge margin control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy from the bleed air that would normally be discarded. By capturing the kinetic and pressure energy of the bleed air stream and converting it through the auxiliary turbine and generator, the system recovers what would otherwise be lost energy, improving overall engine efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If auxiliary turbine is added to recapture power, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary turbine system serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power from bleed air, can provide mechanical power to the accessory drive system, and maintains surge margin control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary turbine acts as an intermediary component that bridges the bleed air system and the power generation/accessory drive system. It converts the energy from bleed air into a usable form without requiring direct modification of the existing compressor or main turbine systems, thus managing complexity through a modular intermediary approach.
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 recaptures energy that would otherwise be lost, improving overall engine efficiency and providing additional surge margin, allowing for increased power extraction and flexibility in engine operations.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary turbine in fluid communication with the compressor and operative to recapture power from the surge margin bleed air
Implementation Method 2
an electrical rotor machine coupled to the auxiliary turbine and operative to convert mechanical power generated by the auxiliary turbine to electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides in one embodiment of the present invention a surge margin power recuperation system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for recuperating power from surge margin bleed air. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.