Turbomachine Air Filter Control for Particle-Size Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency and increased maintenance needs of turbomachines due to particle accumulation and filtration in air supply systems, which cause aerodynamic alterations, mechanical erosion, and chemical corrosion, are not adequately addressed by existing filtration methods, as they often result in unnecessary pressure loss and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing and controlling a filter assembly that calculates particle concentrations and sensitivity spectra based on particle size, optimizing filtration to only remove harmful particles while allowing harmless ones to pass through, thereby reducing flow resistance and extending filter life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter with high particle separation capability is used, then particle removal effectiveness is improved, but pressure loss in the air supply increases and turbomachine performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating filtration requirements based on particle size. Instead of uniform high-level filtration for all particles, the system selectively filters only harmful particle sizes while allowing harmless particles to pass through, thereby reducing unnecessary pressure loss while maintaining effective particle removal for critical sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the filtration parameter from a fixed high-separation setting to a variable setting based on particle size distribution and harmful particle identification. By adjusting filtration intensity according to actual particle characteristics, the system achieves effective particle removal without excessive pressure loss
2Reliability
If all particles are filtered out, then turbomachine service life is improved, but filter assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the harmful component (particles of specific sizes that cause damage) from the overall particle population, rather than filtering all particles. This selective extraction approach simplifies the filter assembly design and reduces cost while still achieving the goal of extending turbomachine service life by removing only the detrimental particles
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filtration is applied to all particle sizes, then particle damage is prevented, but unnecessary filtration of harmless particles increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by filtering only the necessary portion of particles (harmful sizes) rather than all particles. This selective partial filtration prevents particle damage while avoiding the excessive energy consumption that would result from filtering all particles regardless of their harm level
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 approach enhances turbomachine efficiency and service life by minimizing unnecessary filtration, reducing pressure loss, and prolonging filter operation time, while allowing only disruptive particles to be filtered out, thus optimizing performance and maintenance schedules.
Implementation Method 1
calculating, for at least one filter candidate usable in the filter stage and/or switchable on or off, a concentration of particles to be expected at an outlet of the filter from a concentration and filter properties of the at least one filter candidate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing and/or controlling a filter assembly for the air supply to a turbomachine includes: calculating a current and/or an expected concentration of particles in air present at an inlet of at least one filter stage of the filter assembly as a function of a mean size of the particles; calculating a sensitivity spectrum that, depending on the mean size of the particles, indicates an extent to which a predetermined concentration of such particles has a negative effect on performance and/or on service life of the turbomachine; calculating, for at least one filter candidate usable in the filter stage and/or switchable on or off, a concentration of particles to be expected at an outlet of the filter from a concentration and filter properties of the at least one filter candidate; and calculating a quality rating from the concentration and a sensitivity spectrum.