Swirl Cup Actuation for Compressor Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swirl generators for compressors and pumps face challenges in being actively controlled independently of aerodynamic forces, leading to inefficient operation near the surge limit, causing noise and potential damage, and requiring significant installation space with limited movement compensation.
Innovation Solution
A structurally separate actuating device interacts with adjustable and deformable guide vanes, allowing for space-saving arrangement and movement compensation through a central hollow support section and radial/axial connection mechanisms, enabling independent control and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a ring-shaped adjusting section connected to guide vanes by one-piece injection molding is used, then active control independent of aerodynamic forces is achieved, but the swirl-generating device occupies very large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting section is divided into multiple radial segments that can move independently relative to each other and to the guide vanes. This segmentation allows the adjusting device to be more compact while still achieving active control of the guide vanes through distributed adjustment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting section is positioned within the hollow central region of the swirl generating device, nesting the adjustment mechanism inside the existing structure. This eliminates the need for external ring-shaped components and significantly reduces the overall installation space while maintaining active control capability.
2Extent of automation
If the guide vanes are adjusted/deformed, then active control is achieved, but there is axial displacement of the adjusting section relative to the carrier section which is disadvantageous for toothed drive connection
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vanes are made elastically deformable, allowing them to change shape and angle for active control while accommodating relative movements between the adjusting section and carrier section without compromising the toothed drive connection. The flexibility absorbs axial displacement while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection between the guide vanes and carrier section. The elastic deformability allows the system to adapt to axial displacements during operation while maintaining the active control function through the adjusting section.
3Device complexity
If gas force-dependent adjustment of guide vanes is used, then simple structure is achieved, but regulation is insufficient in certain operating situations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting section is designed to work in combination with both aerodynamic forces and active actuation mechanisms. It can function passively under gas forces for simple operation modes, and actively when external control signals are applied, providing versatility across different operating situations without requiring completely different systems.
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 solution allows for efficient active control of the swirl generator, reducing noise and instability, improving efficiency, and minimizing space requirements while enabling effective movement compensation, thus enhancing operational stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
elastic guide vanes each having a fixed region and an adjustable and/or deformable region
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The swirl creating device (100) has elastic stator blades (102) having a fixed region and an adjustable and/or deformable region, the fixed region being connected to a carrier sectors. The swirl creating device has a separate setting device (104) acting with the adjustable and/or deformable regions of the stator blades.