Turbo-engine Component Tapered Blind Cavity Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current film cooling methods in turbo-engine components suffer from non-uniform coolant distribution and structural integrity issues, limiting the effectiveness of cooling and potentially compromising engine performance and material strength.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a coolant discharge duct with a tapered cross-sectional geometry, oriented perpendicular to the coolant flow direction, which enhances the distribution of coolant on the hot gas exposed surface, and a non-penetrating blind cavity structure to maintain structural integrity, combined with a coolant supply path that joins the duct at a nonzero angle for impingement cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large number of coolant discharge ducts are provided to improve coolant distribution uniformity, then cooling uniformity is improved, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the coolant discharge function into multiple segments by providing numerous coolant discharge ducts (e.g., 10-20 ducts) distributed across the hot gas exposed surface. Each duct is spaced apart to create a segmented cooling pattern that collectively achieves uniform coolant distribution while maintaining sufficient material between ducts to preserve structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by varying the distribution and configuration of coolant discharge ducts in different regions of the component. The ducts are strategically positioned and sized to provide targeted cooling in specific areas with different thermal loads, while maintaining overall structural integrity through appropriate spacing and wall thickness design.
2Temperature
If coolant discharge ducts completely penetrate the wall to improve cooling effectiveness, then cooling performance is improved, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having coolant discharge ducts completely penetrate the wall from the coolant side to the hot gas side, the invention inverts the approach by providing ducts that terminate within the wall thickness, opening only to the hot gas exposed surface. This non-penetrating configuration maintains the full wall thickness for structural strength while still delivering coolant to the critical hot gas exposed surface for effective cooling.
3Manufacturing precision
If coolant consumption is increased to improve cooling uniformity, then coolant distribution is improved, but engine performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by providing a moderate number of coolant discharge ducts (e.g., 10-20 ducts) rather than an excessive number, achieving sufficient coolant distribution uniformity without over-consuming coolant. The ducts are configured with appropriate dimensions and spacing to deliver the necessary cooling effect while limiting coolant consumption to levels that do not compromise engine performance.
4Strength
If the number of coolant discharge ducts is limited to maintain structural integrity, then structural integrity is maintained, but coolant distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the limitation of having a restricted number of ducts by optimizing the spatial arrangement and dimensional configuration of each duct. Ducts are positioned in multiple dimensions across the surface, and each duct's cross-sectional area, length, and orientation are carefully designed to maximize cooling coverage and uniformity, achieving effective coolant distribution with a limited number of ducts that preserve structural integrity.
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 achieves a more uniform coolant distribution, reduces material strength reduction, and enhances the structural integrity of the component, leading to improved cooling efficiency and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
A dimension of the coolant discharge duct measured across the coolant discharge duct and in the first cross sectional direction decreases in the coolant flow direction
Implementation Method 2
A coolant supply path is provided in the wall and in fluid communication with the coolant discharge duct, wherein the coolant supply path joins the coolant discharge duct at a nonzero angle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a turbo-engine component comprising a wall, the wall comprising a hot gas side surface and a coolant side surface. At least one coolant discharge duct is provided in said wall and opening out onto the hot gas side surface at a coolant discharge opening. A coolant flow direction is defined from the interior of the coolant discharge duct towards the discharge opening, the coolant discharge duct further being delimited by a delimiting surface thereof provided inside the wall. The coolant discharge duct has a first cross sectional direction and a second cross sectional direction. The coolant discharge duct is a blind cavity and is closed towards the coolant side surface, and further a dimension of the coolant discharge duct measured in the first cross sectional direction decreases in the coolant flow direction.