Turbine Platform Cooling Deflector for Particle Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dust and particles in the cooling air of turbine engines accumulate on the platform, reducing heat transfer and leading to hot spots that shorten the life cycle of turbine blades.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a deflector in the cooling air circuit upstream of the platform inlet to mitigate particle accumulation by directing airflow and reducing the cross-sectional area, thereby minimizing particle deposition on the platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If cooling air is provided to the platform, then cooling effect is improved, but particle accumulation on the platform increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform coolingVSAvoidparticle accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A deflector is introduced as an intermediary component in the cooling air circuit upstream of the platform inlet. The deflector redirects the cooling air flow to reduce direct impingement on the platform, thereby decreasing particle deposition while maintaining the cooling function through alternative flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-sectional area of the cooling air circuit is reduced at specific locations to modify flow parameters. This parameter change increases flow velocity and directs the cooling air in a manner that minimizes particle accumulation on the platform while preserving the cooling effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If cooling air flow is increased, then heat transfer is improved, but particle deposition rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidparticle deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector serves as a mediator that allows high-velocity cooling air to pass through while redirecting it away from the platform surface. This maintains the high heat transfer efficiency needed for cooling while preventing the direct particle deposition that would otherwise occur with increased flow rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling air circuit is segmented into different flow zones using the deflector. One zone maintains high velocity for effective heat transfer, while another zone redirects flow to minimize particle accumulation on the platform, allowing both objectives to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 deflector effectively isolates airflow from particles, enhancing heat transfer and extending the life cycle of turbine blades by reducing particle accumulation and maintaining efficient cooling.

Implementation Method 1

a deflector provided in the cooling air circuit upstream of the platform inlet to mitigate particle accumulation by directing airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow direction control:

Implementation Method 2

a cooling air circuit passing through the dovetail and extending into the interior of the airfoil, a platform cooling passage extending into the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer:

Data Source

PatentUS11131213B2Engine component with cooling hole

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

An airfoil assembly for a turbine engine that includes a platform, a dovetail, an airfoil. The airfoil assembly can further include a cooling air circuit that fluidly connects to a platform cooling passage. The cooling air circuit and platform cooling passage can be contained within or housed at least in part by the platform, the dovetail, or the airfoil. The cooling air circuit can also include a deflector.