Variable Geometry Supersonic Compressor Shock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supersonic compressor designs face challenges in starting supersonic flow and maintaining efficiency due to fixed geometry structures that fail to optimize shock wave location, leading to high aerodynamic losses and limited turndown ability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an adjustably locatable shock generating body in the supersonic compression passageways, allowing for adjustment along a helical arc to facilitate startup, optimize shock location for efficiency, and accommodate varying operational conditions such as mass flow, pressure, and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixed geometry structures are used in supersonic compressors, then manufacturing is simplified, but shock wave location cannot be optimized leading to high aerodynamic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the shock generating body adjustable and movable within the compression passageways. The body can be positioned at different locations along the passageway to optimize shock wave location for different operating conditions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to varying flow conditions, thereby reducing aerodynamic losses while managing the increased structural complexity through controlled adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometry structures are used in supersonic compressors, then device complexity is reduced, but startup and turndown ability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable shock generating body enables the compressor to adapt to different operating conditions including startup and turndown scenarios. By allowing the body to be repositioned, the system gains versatility in handling varying mass flow rates and pressure conditions without requiring multiple fixed-geometry compressors, thus improving adaptability while containing complexity through a single adjustable component.
3Power
If rotor speed is increased to achieve higher pressure ratio, then compression efficiency improves, but aerodynamic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the position of the shock generating body to optimize shock wave location for different rotor speeds and pressure ratios. This allows the system to maintain efficient compression across a range of operating conditions by dynamically adjusting geometric parameters rather than being locked into a single design point, thereby managing the trade-off between pressure ratio and aerodynamic 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 design enables easier startup and efficient operation of supersonic compressors by optimizing shock wave location, reducing aerodynamic losses, and maintaining high efficiency during turndown conditions, thus improving compressor flexibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a shockwave generating body extending outward from the adjustable second rotor portion into each of the passageways in the fixed second rotor portion
Data Source
AI summary
A counter-rotating supersonic compressor. A first subsonic rotor includes a plurality of unshrouded impulse rotor blades operating at sub-sonic conditions. A second, supersonic rotor includes a fixed second rotor portion and an adjustable second rotor portion. The fixed second rotor portion includes a plurality of supersonic passageways having converging-diverging sidewalls, and internal boundary layer bleed passageways. The adjustable second rotor portion includes a plurality of centerbodies which are disposed in the supersonic passageways. Helical movement (circumferential and axial) movement of the adjustable second rotor portion with respect to the fixed second rotor portion enables upstream and downstream movement of the centerbodies in the supersonic passageways. This movement facilitates ease of supersonic startup, and automatic adjustment for changes in operation conditions, such as pressure, temperature, or mass flow rate of a working fluid such as carbon dioxide.