Turbulence Generators on Inter-Vane Walls for Heat Exchanger Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachines face pressure losses due to the presence of air-cooled oil coolers (ACOC) that protrude into the gas flow, disrupting the flow and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of turbulence generators on the external face of the heat exchanger, which can be activated or deactivated, to enhance heat exchange efficiency while minimizing pressure losses by introducing controlled turbulence into the secondary flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat exchanger protrudes into the gas flow to cool oil, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but pressure losses in the flow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence generators are made movable between a retracted position (flush with the external face) and a protruding position. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions, enabling optimal heat exchange when needed while minimizing pressure losses when turbulence generation is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and configuration of the heat exchanger surface by introducing movable turbulence generators that can alter the flow regime from laminar to turbulent. This parameter change enhances heat transfer coefficients when activated, improving heat exchange efficiency without permanently increasing pressure losses.
2Temperature
If turbulence generators are added to enhance heat exchange, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence generators are integrated within the inter-vane wall structure itself, nested within the existing heat exchanger geometry. This embedding approach allows the turbulence generators to be housed within the wall thickness, utilizing existing structural space rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inter-vane wall serves multiple functions: it separates the primary and secondary flows, provides structural support, and houses the movable turbulence generators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Temperature
If turbulence generators are activated to generate turbulence, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence generators are made movable between a retracted position (flush with the external face) and a protruding position. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions, enabling optimal heat exchange when needed while minimizing pressure losses when turbulence generation is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbulence generators can be activated periodically or intermittently based on operational requirements. By controlling when turbulence is generated rather than maintaining it continuously, the system achieves effective heat exchange during critical periods while reducing average pressure losses.
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 solution allows for optimal heat exchange efficiency while significantly reducing pressure losses, with the ability to adjust turbulence levels based on operational conditions, ensuring efficient cooling with minimal disruption to the flow.
Implementation Method 1
turbulence generators positioned upstream of the fins to promote heat exchange along these fins
Implementation Method 2
air-cooled oil coolers (ACOC) that protrude into the gas flow
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange along these fins
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for a turbomachine through which an air flow flows, comprising a stator (6) having guide vanes (7) that extend radially relative to a longitudinal axis (AX), at least one inter-vane platform (19) that extends between the radially outer ends of two circumferentially consecutive guide vanes (7), each inter-vane platform (19) having an outer surface (21) that faces the axis (AX), a heat exchanger (16) located downstream (AV) of the stator (6) relative to a direction of the flow in the turbomachine during operation, said stator (6) comprising a heat exchange surface (18) extending in the extension of an inter-vane platform (19). According to the invention, at least one inter-vane platform (19) located in the upstream extension (AM) of the heat exchange surface (18) is provided with at least one turbulence generator (22) on its outer surface (21).