Thermoelectric Intercooler Control Between Gas Turbine Compressor Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face inefficiencies in heat management across compressor stages, particularly in varying operational conditions such as takeoff, climb, cruise, and idle states, which affects thermodynamic performance and requires adaptive heat transfer strategies.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric intercooler system is integrated between compressor stages, utilizing a controller to selectively apply voltage and direct current through thermoelectric layers to manage heat transfer between compressed air and coolant passageways, allowing for controlled heat exchange based on operational states, thereby optimizing thermodynamic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional intercooler heat exchanger is used to cool compressed air between compression stages, then heat transfer occurs, but the intercooler size increases and thermodynamic efficiency is limited under varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a thermoelectric intercooler that can actively adjust its heat transfer characteristics based on operational conditions. The intercooler transitions from a static passive heat exchanger to a dynamic system that can modulate cooling effectiveness, allowing optimal performance across varying engine loads without requiring a larger fixed-size intercooler.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the intercooler by applying electrical voltage to the thermoelectric sections. This allows the heat transfer rate and direction to be controlled through electrical parameter adjustment rather than relying solely on thermal conductivity and surface area, enabling efficient heat transfer with a compact design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thermoelectric intercooler is used to enable adaptive heat transfer, then thermodynamic efficiency improves under varying operational conditions, but device complexity increases due to electrical control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric intercooler sections serve multiple functions: they can cool the compressed air during normal operation, and can potentially reverse heat flow direction when voltage polarity is changed. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component structure, avoiding the need for separate active cooling and heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or purely thermal control mechanisms with electrical control. Instead of using variable geometry, movable parts, or complex thermal coupling mechanisms, the system uses electrical voltage application to control heat transfer, simplifying the control architecture while enabling adaptive functionality.
3Temperature
If passive heat transfer is used in intercoolers, then device simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer effectiveness is insufficient under varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric intercooler sections utilize the electrical energy already present in the gas turbine engine system (from the generator or external source) to enhance their own heat transfer capability. The system serves itself by using available electrical power to actively control its heat transfer rate, eliminating the need for external active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical energy as an intermediary to mediate the heat transfer process. By applying electrical voltage to the thermoelectric material, the system controls the heat flow between the compressed air and the cooling medium, using electricity as a controllable intermediary that bridges the thermal management requirements.
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 enhances thermodynamic efficiency by adaptively managing heat transfer, reducing the size of intercoolers and improving engine performance across different operational conditions, while also potentially reducing system costs and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric section configured in thermal communication with each of the compressed air passageway and the coolant passageway... the controller may be configured to apply voltage across the thermoelectric section to direct current through the thermoelectric section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A gas turbine engine (10) includes a compressor (12), a cooling source (14), and a thermoelectric intercooler (24) adapted for selective operation in response to operational states of the gas turbine engine (10).