Turbomachine Vane Leakage Flow Cross-Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbomachine cooling systems lack improved thermodynamic efficiency and enhanced component cooling, as they are not optimized to handle high temperatures effectively in non-gas path components.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system for turbomachines that includes a vane with outer and inner diameter platforms, an airfoil defining cross-passages for leakage flows, and additional cooling passages to heat leakage flows up to but not exceeding the material failure temperature of components, thereby enhancing thermal efficiency by routing leakage flows through the vane before leaking them into the gas path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cooling systems are used to prevent hot gas leakage, then component temperature protection is achieved, but thermodynamic efficiency is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful hot gas leakage into a beneficial heating source by directing it through cross-passages to heat the vane structure. This eliminates the need for separate cooling flows, improving thermodynamic efficiency while maintaining component temperature protection within safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane structure serves its own cooling needs by utilizing the hot gas leakage itself as the heating source. The cross-passages enable the vane to self-regulate temperature by allowing controlled heat transfer from the leakage gas, reducing dependency on external cooling systems.
2Reliability
If leakage air is used to block hot gases, then component cooling is achieved, but thermodynamic efficiency remains unimproved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply using leakage air to block hot gases, the patent converts the hot gas leakage into a useful heating source. The cross-passages enable this conversion by directing hot gases through the vane structure, transforming energy loss into beneficial thermal energy for maintaining component temperatures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If cross-passages are added to route leakage flows through the vane, then thermal efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vane structure is segmented into multiple regions with cross-passages created within the airfoil section. This segmentation allows controlled heat transfer paths while maintaining the overall structural integrity and aerodynamic function of the vane.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-passages are nested within the existing vane and airfoil structure, utilizing the available internal space. This nesting approach adds cooling functionality without requiring external additions, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If leakage flow temperature is increased, then cooling efficiency is enhanced, but material failure temperature must not be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-passage design provides passive feedback control where the temperature differential between the hot gas leakage and the vane structure drives heat transfer. As the vane temperature increases, the temperature gradient decreases, automatically reducing heat transfer rate and preventing overheating without active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the leakage flow by controlling its path through the cross-passages. The system optimizes the temperature increase of leakage flows to enhance cooling efficiency while maintaining temperatures below material failure thresholds through proper passage design and positioning.
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 system effectively increases the temperature of leakage flows to enhance cooling efficiency, preventing component failure and reducing the need for dedicated cooling flows, thus improving thermal efficiency and component protection.
Implementation Method 1
The first cross-passage and the second cross-passage can be dimensioned and/or positioned to increase a temperature of leakage flow up to, but not including, a material failure temperature of a component associated with the vane
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a turbomachine includes a vane having an outer diameter platform at one end and an inner diameter platform at another end opposite the outer diameter platform. The outer diameter platform includes outer diameter attachment structure operative to mount the vane to an outer diameter stationary structure. The inner diameter platform is operative to be disposed on an inner diameter stationary structure. The cooling system also includes an airfoil disposed between the outer diameter platform and the inner diameter platform and defining a first cross-passage. The first cross-passage defines a first outer diameter opening in the outer diameter platform. The first cross-passage defines a first inner diameter opening in the inner diameter platform such that a first leakage flow can pass through the vane from the inner diameter platform, through the airfoil, to the outer diameter platform, and into an outer diameter leakage path of the vane.