Turbine Nozzle Airfoil Profile for Gas Turbine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face inefficiencies due to suboptimal aerodynamic characteristics of turbine nozzle airfoils, which affect system performance, thrust, and power generation.
Innovation Solution
A specific turbine nozzle airfoil profile defined by Cartesian coordinate values, scalable and robust to manufacturing tolerances, ensuring efficient aerodynamic and mechanical performance across various operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional turbine nozzle airfoil profiles are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but aerodynamic characteristics are suboptimal affecting system performance and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the airfoil profile geometry through specific Cartesian coordinate values (X, Y, Z) that define the precise shape characteristics. This involves modifying geometric parameters such as camber, thickness distribution, and leading/trailing edge configurations to achieve superior aerodynamic performance and energy efficiency in turbine nozzle applications
2Loss of energy
If complex airfoil profiles are designed for optimal aerodynamic performance, then efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex airfoil profile into discrete coordinate points (X, Y, Z values) that can be individually controlled and manufactured. This segmentation allows for precise definition of the aerodynamic shape while enabling step-by-step manufacturing processes, thereby reducing the overall precision requirement compared to attempting to manufacture the entire complex profile as a single continuous surface
3Loss of energy
If airfoil profiles are optimized for specific operating conditions, then aerodynamic performance improves, but adaptability to various conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an airfoil profile that functions effectively across multiple operating conditions. The specific geometric configuration defined by the Cartesian coordinates creates a multi-functional profile that maintains aerodynamic efficiency whether the turbine nozzle operates at high or low flow rates, making the design universally applicable rather than optimized for a single specific condition
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 optimized airfoil profile enhances gas turbine efficiency, maintains mechanical and aerodynamic integrity, and ensures smooth operation by addressing aerodynamic and mechanical loading requirements.
Implementation Method 1
These airfoils are configured to aerodynamically interact with the fluid flows and generate energy (e.g., creating thrust, turning kinetic energy to mechanical energy, thermal energy to mechanical energy, etc.) from these fluid flows
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a turbine nozzle including an airfoil shape. The airfoil shape may have a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table I. The Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances in inches by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a height of the airfoil in inches. The X and Y values, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The airfoil profile sections at Z distances may be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.