Vane Actuation System for Gas Turbine Compressor Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas turbine engine compressors face performance limitations due to fixed vane angles, which can lead to flow separation and reduced efficiency, particularly in varying operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A vane actuation system comprising an actuator, an actuation ring, and multiple arms that allow for the rotation or translation of vanes within the compressor, adjusting their angles to optimize airflow and minimize flow separation, featuring a split actuation ring design for reduced friction and increased surge margin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed vane angles are used in the compressor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the compressor performance deteriorates due to flow separation and reduced efficiency in varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevane actuation system complexityVSAvoidcompressor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed vane angles to dynamically adjustable vane angles. The actuation system allows vanes to rotate about their axes, enabling real-time adjustment of vane angles based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes airflow patterns, prevents flow separation, and maintains high compressor efficiency across varying operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the angular parameter of the vanes. The actuation system changes the orientation angle of each vane relative to the airflow direction, allowing optimization of the airflow angle of attack. This parameter adjustment enables the compressor to maintain efficient operation across different operating conditions by adapting vane angles to match flow requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple case penetrations are used for vane actuation, then the vane adjustment capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevane angle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcase penetration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single actuation ring that serves multiple functions: it houses actuators for multiple vanes, provides rotational adjustment capability for each vane, and integrates with the compressor case through a minimal number of penetrations. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive vane angle control while minimizing structural modifications to the case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements merging by combining multiple actuation mechanisms into a single integrated actuation ring structure. Instead of having separate actuation systems for each vane requiring individual case penetrations, the design merges all actuation components into one ring that can be installed through fewer penetrations, simplifying manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10563670B2Vane actuation system for a gas turbine engine

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 ROLLS ROYCE CORP

AI summary

A compressor for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The compressor includes a case, vanes, and a vane actuation system. The vanes are arranged circumferentially adjacent to one another about a central axis inside the case and each one of the vanes is configured for rotation about a vane axis generally perpendicular to the central axis. The vane actuation system is configured to cause rotation of at least one of the vanes about the vane axis.