Turbine Rotor Blade Platform Cooling Channel Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling designs for the platform region of turbine rotor blades face challenges such as inadequate sealing, limited cooling control, high manufacturing costs, and inflexibility, leading to inefficient cooling and potential damage from hot gas ingestion.
Innovation Solution
A configuration of cooling channels within the rotor blade, including an airfoil cooling channel, outboard airfoil supply channel, platform cooling channel, outboard platform supply channel, and inboard platform return channel, with a connector to reuse coolant and allow for flexible circuit formation, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cooling designs are used for the platform region, then cooling is provided, but sealing is inadequate and hot gas ingestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent channels (supply channel, cooling channel, return channel) rather than using a single integrated cooling path. This segmentation allows for better control of coolant flow and improved sealing at each interface, preventing hot gas ingestion while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are nested within the platform structure, with the supply channel, cooling channel, and return channel arranged in a nested configuration. This nesting allows the cooling system to be integrated into the platform's thin radial thickness while maintaining adequate sealing and preventing hot gas path interference.
2Reliability
If cooling channels are added to improve cooling, then cooling efficiency increases, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cooling functions (supply, cooling, return) are merged into a single integrated cooling system with interconnected channels formed as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing while providing comprehensive cooling coverage across the platform region.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channel system serves multiple functions simultaneously: the supply channel delivers coolant, the cooling channel provides thermal management, and the return channel collects spent coolant. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified channel structure that reduces manufacturing complexity compared to separate systems.
3Weight of moving object
If the platform is made thin for structural reasons, then weight is reduced, but cooling becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the platform's thin radial thickness, utilizing the available volume efficiently. By transitioning from a two-dimensional surface cooling approach to a three-dimensional volumetric cooling system, adequate cooling capability is achieved without increasing the platform's radial thickness or weight.
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
Enhances cooling efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides flexibility in cooling distribution, while preventing hot gas ingestion and improving durability of the rotor blades.
Implementation Method 1
the platform cooling channel is a channel that is configured to direct coolant through at least a portion of the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration of cooling channels through the interior of a turbine rotor blade having a platform, wherein the rotor blade includes an airfoil cooling channel that includes a cooling channel formed within the airfoil and an outboard airfoil supply channel. The configuration of cooling channels may include: a platform cooling channel that comprises a cooling channel that traverses at least a portion of the platform, the platform cooling channel having an upstream end and a downstream end; an outboard platform supply channel, which comprises a cooling channel that stretches from a second coolant inlet formed in the root to the upstream end of the platform cooling channel; and an inboard platform return channel, which comprises a cooling channel that stretches from the downstream end of the platform cooling channel to a termination point formed in the root.