Transient Stator Blade Control in Turbine Compressors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Turbomachines face transient phenomena during load variations due to fuel flow changes, leading to temperature distribution and mechanical stress issues, which existing control methods fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling the angular position of variable-pitch stator vanes in a low-pressure compressor, involving transient opening and closing of the vanes in response to fuel flow increases, with the degree of opening influenced by temperature and fuel flow rates, to stabilize the turbomachine during load changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional stator blade control methods are used, then steady-state fuel consumption is optimized, but transient behavior during load variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidtransient behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the stator blade pitch angle dynamically adjustable based on operating conditions. The control method transitions from static pitch angle control to dynamic control that responds to fuel flow rate changes, allowing the system to adapt blade positioning to transient load variations and maintain optimal performance throughout different operating states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by anticipating transient effects before they occur. When fuel flow rate increases are detected, the system proactively adjusts the stator blade pitch angle to prevent undesirable transient phenomena such as temperature distribution issues and mechanical stresses, rather than reacting after problems arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Power

If fuel flow rate is increased to meet target thrust, then power output is improved, but transient mechanical stresses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidmechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by counteracting the harmful transient effects before they can cause damage. When fuel flow rate increases are detected, the system immediately adjusts the stator blade pitch angle to oppose the development of harmful temperature distribution patterns and mechanical stresses, thereby preventing rather than reacting to potential damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the stator blade pitch angle parameter in response to fuel flow rate changes. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal aerodynamic and mechanical conditions during transient operation, preventing excessive mechanical stresses while achieving the desired power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If stator blade pitch angle is adjusted for steady-state optimization, then fuel efficiency is improved, but response to transient load changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring fuel flow rate and using this information to dynamically adjust the stator blade pitch angle. This closed-loop control system ensures that the blade positioning responds appropriately to transient load changes while maintaining fuel efficiency during steady-state operation, resolving the contradiction between optimization and responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3910180A1Transient opening of stator blades in a turbine engine compressor during an acceleration
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS SA
  • EP3910180A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3910180A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3910180A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of controlling the angular position of variable-pitch stator blades (32) arranged at the inlet of a compressor (8) of a turbomachine (2), characterized by the following action: during an increase in fuel flow, transient opening of the angular position of the stator blades (32).