Turbine Conduit Heat Exchanger Bypass Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchange systems in turbine engines lack efficient control over fluid pressure and temperature distribution, leading to suboptimal cooling or heating of engine components and potential flow reversals due to pressure gradients.
Innovation Solution
A conduit system with multiple by-passes and valves that allow fluid to exit the heat exchanger at different portions, enabling independent control over pressure and temperature adjustments, and preventing flow reversals by balancing flow through by-passes and the outlet, with each by-pass and heat exchanger having distinct characteristics for optimized performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fluid flows completely through the heat exchanger to the outlet, then maximum heat transfer is achieved, but pressure drop increases and temperature change becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger flow path is segmented into multiple sections with by-passes at different locations. Fluid can exit through by-passes at intermediate points rather than traversing the entire length, allowing selective exit points that balance heat transfer needs with pressure drop constraints. Each by-pass serves as a separate exit point for fluid that has undergone a specific degree of heating or cooling.
2Ease of operation
If multiple by-passes are implemented to control fluid flow at different points, then pressure and temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-regulating by-passes that automatically balance fluid distribution based on inherent pressure differentials. The by-passes are designed with specific flow characteristics that allow them to automatically adjust and equalize flow distribution without requiring complex external control systems, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise control capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fluid pressure is increased to prevent flow reversal through conduit openings, then flow stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes proper pressure differentials and flow directions in advance through the by-pass configuration. By pre-establishing flow paths and pressure relationships through the by-passes, the system prevents flow reversal conditions before they occur, eliminating the need for continuous high energy input to maintain flow stability. The by-passes create inherent flow directionality that stabilizes the system.
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 system provides precise control over fluid pressure and temperature, minimizing pressure drops and temperature changes, and preventing flow reversals, thus enhancing the efficiency of heat transfer and maintaining stable fluid flow within turbine engine components.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to cool or heat fluid flowing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
pressure drop between the inlet and the at least one by-pass is less than pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A conduit system for a gas turbine engine includes, a heat exchanger (14) configured to cool fluid flowing therethrough having an inlet (18) and an outlet (22), at least one by-pass (26A-D) in operable communication with the heat exchanger (14) that is configured to allow fluid to exit the heat exchanger (14) before reaching the outlet (22), and a conduit (30) that is in fluidic communication with the outlet (22) and the at least one by-pass (26A-D).