Turbine Vane Airfoil Profile Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine vane airfoil profiles in existing gas turbine engines often deviate from optimal aerodynamic design due to aging and upgrades, leading to inefficiencies in energy generation and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
An improved airfoil profile with a concave/convex geometric configuration and bowed stacking along the radial height, featuring optimized parabolic curvature and reduced trailing edge thickness, is introduced to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and reduce pressure and temperature losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing turbine vanes are operated over time with aging and upgrades, then the turbine continues to function, but the airfoil profile deviates from optimal aerodynamic design leading to reduced efficiency and increased fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing specific coordinate values that define an optimized airfoil profile geometry. The coordinate data represents precise dimensional parameters of the vane airfoil, including contour points along the suction and pressure sides, which when implemented create an airfoil with improved aerodynamic characteristics compared to conventional designs. This geometric parameter optimization directly addresses the deviation from optimal design that occurs during turbine aging and upgrades.
2Productivity
If the airfoil profile is redesigned to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, then energy generation improves, but the complexity of vane manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a complete set of coordinate values that define the optimized airfoil profile geometry. These coordinates represent precise dimensional parameters including contour points along the suction and pressure sides of the vane airfoil. By specifying exact geometric parameters, the patent enables manufacturing of the complex airfoil shape through precise control of dimensional parameters, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving superior aerodynamic performance and maintaining manufacturability.
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 new airfoil design enhances aerodynamic efficiency, reduces energy losses, and allows for operation with less cooling air, improving the overall performance and durability of turbine machines.
Implementation Method 1
the turbine vanes having intricately designed airfoil profiles to redirect gas flow exiting turbine blades, while minimizing temperature and pressure loss of the expanding gas
Implementation Method 2
These pressurized hot combustion gases are expanded within a turbine section that may include multiple stages of rotary blades. The expanding gases cause the blades to rotate to power an upstream machine
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine vane for a turbine machine comprising an intermediate section having a nominal airfoil profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table I wherein Z is a radial distance along a stacking axis that is normal to a centerline of the turbine machine and contain the X and Y values with Z value beginning at innermost aerodynamic point and the Z values represent a radial height of the vane and the X and Y values define the nominal airfoil profile at each radial height Z.