Turbine Insert with Higher Temperature Capability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Turbine engine components, particularly in high-pressure turbine sections, face challenges in withstanding high temperatures, leading to issues like oxidation, fatigue, and potential melting, which existing cooling methods do not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A component design featuring an insert with higher temperature capability than the base material, mounted to a wall or band within the turbine engine, where the insert provides a thermal barrier and is coupled using mechanical arrangements like dove tails or projections, allowing for effective cooling airflow channels to reduce heat exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If existing cooling methods are used on turbine engine components, then cooling effect is provided, but the components still suffer from oxidation, fatigue, and potential melting at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature resistanceVSAvoidmaterial distress prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a base component material with an insert material that has higher temperature capability. The insert is made of a different material than the base component, creating a composite structure where each material contributes its superior properties. This composite approach allows the component to withstand temperatures beyond what either material could handle alone, preventing oxidation and fatigue while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by placing the temperature-resistant insert specifically at the hot spot region of the component where highest temperatures occur. Rather than making the entire component from high-temperature material, the insert is strategically positioned to provide localized thermal protection where it is most needed, optimizing both performance and material utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If high-temperature materials are used throughout the component, then temperature resistance improves, but component weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature capabilityVSAvoidcomponent weight

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If cooling airflow channels are added to the component, then cooling effect improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidcomponent structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the insert component: it provides thermal barrier protection, serves as a structural element, and incorporates cooling airflow channels directly within its structure. By combining the thermal protection function with the cooling system integration, the design reduces overall complexity compared to having separate cooling systems attached to a solid thermal barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 insert effectively protects against material distress by providing a thermal barrier and additional insulation, increasing the durability of engine components and preventing oxidation and fatigue, while maintaining operational efficiency in high-temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

The insert effectively protects against material distress by providing a thermal barrier and additional insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a cooling airflow passes... along which a cooling airflow passes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10697313B2Turbine engine component with an insert

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A component for a turbine engine comprises a wall with a surface along which a hot airflow passes, a second surface along which a cooling airflow passes, and an insert mounted to the wall wherein the material used for the insert can have a higher temperature capability than that of the wall.