Transition Piece Cooling via Variable Radius Scoops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow sleeve structures in gas turbine combustors experience inefficient cooling due to a decrease in compressed cooling air supply as it flows upstream, with the upper side of the transition piece receiving insufficient air, leading to high temperature-related stress and reduced cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air-collecting structure on the flow sleeve with a scoop arrangement, where scoops with increasing inlet radii are arranged in rows to effectively collect and direct compressed cooling air to the transition piece, maximizing air supply to the upper side and improving film-cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling holes and air-collecting parts are used in the flow sleeve, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the amount of compressed cooling air reaching the upper side of the transition piece is insufficient, resulting in poor cooling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the inlet radius of scoops according to their position in rows along the flow direction. Lower rows have smaller inlet radii while upper rows have larger inlet radii, creating localized differences in air collection capacity that match the local cooling needs of different sections of the transition piece. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing cooling performance locally without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the inlet radius of scoops variable rather than constant. The inlet radius changes dynamically along the flow direction, with each row having a specific radius optimized for its position. This dynamic variation allows the system to adapt to changing flow conditions and maintain effective cooling throughout the transition piece, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective cooling.
2Quantity of substance
If air-collecting parts are added to increase the collected amount of compressed air, then more cooling air is available, but the amount of compressed air reaching upper air-collecting parts is still smaller than lower parts due to flow direction, resulting in continuous high temperature stress on the upper side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by applying local quality through position-dependent inlet radii. Upper rows of scoops have larger inlet radii to collect more air locally, compensating for the reduced air availability in upper regions. This localized optimization ensures that each section receives adequate cooling air, preventing excessive temperature stress on the upper side while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by systematically varying the inlet radius parameter of scoops across different rows. This parameter variation is designed to match the air flow distribution pattern, ensuring that regions with lower air availability (upper rows) have enhanced collection capacity. This resolves the contradiction by adjusting the system parameters to compensate for the inherent flow distribution imbalance.
3Quantity of substance
If the inlet radius of scoops is increased to collect more compressed cooling air, then the cooling air supply is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow sleeve into multiple rows of scoops, each with optimized inlet radii. Rather than using a single large inlet for all scoops, the system segments the air collection function across multiple smaller inlets with varying radii. This segmentation allows for more manageable manufacturing of individual scoop components while achieving the overall goal of increased air collection through cumulative effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the inlet radius parameter across different rows rather than using a constant large radius for all scoops. This gradual parameter variation optimizes air collection efficiency while keeping individual scoop dimensions within manufacturable ranges. The parameter changes are designed to balance air collection performance with manufacturing feasibility.
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 air-collecting structure enhances the cooling efficiency of the transition piece by ensuring a consistent and increased supply of compressed cooling air to the double-wall structure, particularly to the upper side, thereby improving the overall cooling performance of the duct assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of compressed air supplied from the compressor is directed towards an inner annular space of the flow sleeve through cooling holes and air-collecting parts (scoops) of the flow sleeve to cool the transition piece
Data Source
AI summary
An air-collecting structure effectively cools a transition piece of a duct assembly in a gas turbine combustor. The structure includes a flow sleeve having a plurality of cooling holes and surrounding the transition piece, the cooling holes formed in a lateral side of the flow sleeve to receive a compressed cooling air and arranged in rows running parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the flow sleeve, the rows progressing up the lateral side from a lower row to a higher row; and a plurality of scoops arranged in correspondence with predetermined cooling holes among the plurality of cooling holes and configured to collect an amount of air according to row. Each scoop includes an inlet having a predetermined radius for collecting the compressed cooling air. The radius is constant for the scoops of any one row and increases from the lower row to the higher row.