Turbine Nozzle Cooling Plenum for Coolant Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbine nozzle cooling systems are limited by the temperature of the hot gas flowing through them, as the material properties of turbine components restrict the maximum temperature, and existing cooling circuits are not optimized for efficient coolant distribution and reuse.
Innovation Solution
The turbine nozzle incorporates an inner or outer band with dedicated coolant distribution plenums and micro-channels that provide fresh coolant to subsurface cooling channels, allowing for efficient coolant distribution and reuse, enhancing cooling efficiency by forming a surface cooling network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a central cooling channel is used to cool the airfoil, then the airfoil can be cooled, but the coolant distribution is not optimized and cooling efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the central cooling channel into multiple separate cooling channels (first cooling channel, second cooling channel, etc.) that extend through different portions of the airfoil. Each channel is supplied with coolant through dedicated inlet passages from the coolant plenum, enabling independent coolant distribution to different airfoil regions for optimized cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements different cooling channel configurations in different portions of the airfoil. The first cooling channel extends through a first portion while the second cooling channel extends through a second portion, allowing each region to receive coolant optimized for its specific thermal requirements and flow characteristics.
2Temperature
If the number of cooling channels is increased to improve cooling coverage, then cooling efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple cooling channels into a unified system supplied by a single coolant plenum. The plenum receives coolant through inlet passages and distributes it to multiple cooling channels (first, second, and optionally third cooling channels), consolidating the coolant supply function while maintaining multiple distributed cooling pathways for enhanced cooling coverage.
3Loss of energy
If coolant is reused from one cooling channel to another, then coolant efficiency improves, but the cooling circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant plenum serves multiple functions: it acts as a coolant distribution hub supplying fresh coolant to multiple cooling channels through dedicated inlet passages, and simultaneously functions as a collection point receiving spent coolant from various cooling channels. This multi-functional design enables coolant reuse and recirculation without requiring separate collection and redistribution systems.
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 design improves the cooling efficiency of turbine nozzles by optimizing coolant distribution and reuse, potentially increasing the maximum temperature of the hot gas flowing through the turbine, thereby enhancing overall turbine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant distribution plenum provides a stream of coolant to at least one of the first and second sets of cooling channels
Implementation Method 2
cooling channels and a coolant distribution plenum defined within an inner or outer band of the turbine nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A turbine nozzle (100) includes an airfoil (400) that extends in span from an inner band (200) to an outer band (300) where the inner band (200) and the outer band (300) define inner and outer flow boundaries of the turbine nozzle (100). At least one of the inner band (200) and the outer band (300) define a first set of cooling channels (214a, 314a) and a second set of cooling channels (214b, 314b) formed beneath a respective gas side surface (218, 318) of the corresponding inner band (200) or outer band (300). The inner band (200) and/or the outer band (300) further define a coolant distribution plenum (216, 316) that is in fluid communication with the first and second sets of cooling channels (214a, 314a). The coolant distribution plenum (216, 316) provides a stream of coolant to at least one of the first set of cooling channels (214a, 314a) and the second set of cooling channels (214b, 314b).