Adaptable Turbomachine Intake Vane System for Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachines face inefficiencies due to fixed filtering devices that restrict airflow when particulate levels are low, limiting intake air volume and turbomachine efficiency, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A selectively positionable vane system within the intake system that can move between two positions to adjust the amount of foreign particle removal, minimizing pressure drop and maximizing airflow based on environmental conditions, allowing for optimal performance across different geographical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed filtering devices are used to remove foreign particles from intake airstreams, then particulate removal effectiveness is improved, but intake air volume and turbomachine efficiency deteriorate during low particulate conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed filtering devices with movable vanes that can dynamically adjust their position between a first position (providing full airflow) and a second position (providing enhanced particulate removal). The vanes are selectively movable based on environmental conditions, allowing the system to adapt between maximizing air volume and maximizing particulate removal effectiveness, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If fixed filtering devices are used to screen particulate from intake airstreams, then particulate removal effectiveness is improved, but turbomachine efficiency deteriorates due to flow restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The movable vane system dynamically adjusts the filtering configuration based on operational needs. When particulate levels are low, vanes move to a first position that minimizes flow restriction and maximizes turbomachine efficiency. When particulate levels are high, vanes transition to a second position that enhances particulate removal. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability and preserving power efficiency.
3Reliability
If fixed filtering devices are used continuously, then particulate removal is maintained, but airflow restriction increases during low particulate conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses movable vanes that can be selectively positioned based on environmental conditions. During low particulate conditions, the vanes move to a first position that allows free airflow without restriction. During high particulate conditions, the vanes transition to a second position that provides effective particulate removal. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable particulate removal and ensuring ease of operation with unrestricted airflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes a compressor having a compressor intake, and an intake system mounted upstream of the compressor intake. The intake system includes a housing and a plurality of selectively positionable vanes arranged within the housing. The plurality of selectively positionable vanes are moveable between a first position to remove a first amount of foreign particles, and a second position, to remove a second amount of foreign particles.