Vapor Generation System With Inertial Steam-Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine engines face challenges in effectively separating steam from liquid within steam systems, which affects the efficiency and performance of steam turbines.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steam system with a heat exchanger and separator, such as an inertial separator, to enhance the separation of steam from liquid, utilizing a boiler, condenser, and water separator to convert liquid water into steam, which is then injected into the working gas flow path to increase mass flow and reduce the need for core air, thereby improving the efficiency of the turbine engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a steam system is added to extract steam from combustion gases, then thermal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam system components (boiler, separator, steam turbine) are integrated into the existing turbine engine structure. The boiler is positioned within the engine to utilize combustion gases directly, the separator is combined with the steam extraction system, and the steam turbine is coupled to existing engine shafts, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining thermal efficiency improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The steam system serves multiple functions: the boiler extracts thermal energy from combustion gases to generate steam, the separator simultaneously removes liquid water from the steam-gas mixture, and the steam turbine generates additional mechanical work. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to address multiple objectives without proportionally increasing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If an inertial separator is used to separate steam from liquid, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial separator replaces complex mechanical separation mechanisms with a simpler inertial separation process. By utilizing the natural inertia of liquid droplets in a changing flow direction, the separator achieves effective steam-liquid separation without requiring moving parts, complex control systems, or multiple staged mechanisms, thereby improving separation effectiveness while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial separator operates autonomously by utilizing the kinetic energy and flow dynamics of the steam-gas mixture itself. The separation process is driven by the inherent properties of the fluid flow rather than external mechanical intervention, allowing the system to achieve effective separation without additional complex control or actuation mechanisms
3Power
If steam is injected into the working gas flow path to increase mass flow, then power output is improved, but weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers waste thermal energy from the combustion gases that would otherwise be exhausted. By capturing this thermal energy in the boiler to generate steam, the system converts waste heat into useful mechanical work through the steam turbine, thereby increasing power output without requiring additional fuel or proportionally increasing system weight
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermodynamic parameters of the working fluid by injecting steam into the combustion gas flow path. This steam injection increases the mass flow and alters the temperature and pressure characteristics of the gas, enabling the turbine to extract more work from the same volume of exhaust gases, thereby improving power output without proportionally increasing system weight
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 steam system enhances the separation of steam from liquid, increasing the turbine engine's efficiency by reducing the size and weight of components, increasing the bypass ratio, and improving thermal efficiency by injecting steam into the working gas flow path to reduce the number of stages and weight of the high-pressure turbine, while also enhancing the combustion process.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger and separator, such as an inertial separator, to enhance the separation of steam from liquid, utilizing a boiler, condenser, and water separator to convert liquid water into steam
Implementation Method 2
convert liquid water into steam
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger and separator, such as an inertial separator, to enhance the separation of steam from liquid
Implementation Method 4
The extracted steam may drive a steam turbine connected to the turbine of the turbine engine
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor generation apparatus includes a fluid channel extending between a first end and a second end of the vapor generation apparatus, a plurality of first fluid passageways extending between the first end and the second end, and a plurality of second fluid passageways extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of first fluid passageways are between the fluid channel and the plurality of second fluid passageways. The vapor generation apparatus also includes a fluid chamber adjacent the second end and configured to receive a first fluid and a separator adjacent the first end and in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passageways, and the plurality of second fluid passageways. The fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid channel and the plurality of first fluid passageways.