Turbine Nozzle Sync Ring Air Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, the existing systems for controlling nozzle cross-sectional area and cooling air flow lack efficient control over air pressure distribution, particularly at low speed/low altitude operations where excessive air pressure is supplied to the sync ring, and there is inadequate management of cooling air during varying flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A liner ring is constrained to rotate with an outer ring, using a single motor to control the flow of cooling air and air to the rear of the sync ring, allowing for selective alignment of openings to manage airflow, thereby optimizing air distribution and reducing unnecessary air pressure on the sync ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If air pressure is supplied to the rear face of the sync ring to assist in handling load on the actuation structure, then the actuator can overcome the pressure differential between high engine air pressure inside the nozzle and low ambient pressure outside, but at low speed/low altitude applications where the pressure ratio is low, too much air pressure is supplied to the sync ring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air pressure supply dynamic by using a motor-driven liner ring with selectively alignable openings. The system transitions from a static pressure supply to a dynamic one where the openings in the liner ring can be rotated to align or misalign with openings in the housing, thereby dynamically adjusting the air pressure supply to the sync ring based on operating conditions (high altitude/high speed vs. low altitude/low speed), resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient force and avoiding excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of air pressure supply by introducing a controllable flow path through the motor-driven liner ring. By rotating the liner ring to different positions, the system changes the parameter of air pressure delivered to the sync ring, allowing optimization of the pressure level according to the specific operating conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between needing high pressure for force and avoiding waste at low pressure ratios
2Temperature
If cooling air is delivered to the interior of the nozzle through the liner ring, then the nozzle is cooled during normal operation, but under certain conditions such as hovering, less cooling air is necessary and blocking the flow would make additional cooling air available for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cooling air flow dynamic by using a motor-driven liner ring with selectively alignable openings. The system transitions from a continuous static cooling flow to a dynamic controllable flow where the openings can be rotated to align or misalign with the housing openings, thereby dynamically adjusting or blocking the cooling air supply based on operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining nozzle cooling and preserving cooling air for other purposes when cooling demand is low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of cooling air flow by introducing a controllable flow path through the motor-driven liner ring. By rotating the liner ring to different positions, the system changes the parameter of cooling air delivery, allowing optimization of the flow quantity according to specific operating conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between providing adequate cooling and conserving cooling air for other uses when cooling demand is reduced
3Device complexity
If a single motor is used to rotate the liner ring for controlling both cooling air flow and air pressure to the sync ring, then device complexity is reduced, but the control of two separate functions is integrated into one actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate control functions (cooling air flow control and sync ring air pressure control) into a single integrated system using one motor to drive the liner ring. The liner ring's rotational position simultaneously controls both the cooling air flow path and the air pressure supply path to the sync ring, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate motors while maintaining functional control through the unified rotational mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single motor-driven liner ring universal by designing it to perform multiple functions: controlling cooling air flow to the nozzle interior and controlling air pressure supply to the sync ring. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require two separate actuators, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to control both functions through a single actuation mechanism
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 solution enables precise control over air pressure and cooling air flow, ensuring efficient operation across different flight conditions by minimizing unnecessary air pressure on the sync ring and optimizing cooling air usage, thereby enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
there is relatively high engine air pressure within the nozzle, and acting on an inner surface of the flaps, and relatively low ambient pressure on an outer surface of the flaps. The high pressure supplied to the rear face of the sync ring assists in carrying some of this load.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A balance pressure control is provided for flaps which pivot in a rear of a gas turbine engine nozzle to change the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. An actuator drives a sync ring to move the flaps through a linkage. A supply of pressurized air is also provided to the sync ring to assist the actuator in resisting forces from high pressure gases within the nozzle. When those forces are lower than normal the flow of air to the rear of the sync ring is reduced or blocked. A ring rotates with another ring to control both this air flow, and a supply of cooling air to an interior of the nozzle.