Variable Stator Blade Profile Optimization for Turbomachine Flow Loss Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachines face inefficiencies due to pronounced radial gaps between blading and casing, leading to significant flow losses, particularly in variable stators where rotary bases are not positioned far enough upstream, and current solutions fail to provide effective aerodynamic improvements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of variable stator blades with defined profile skeleton lines along the blade height, specifically in peripheral and mid zones, to combine profile front load with peripheral load distribution, optimizing flow steadiness and reducing gap effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rotary bases are positioned as far upstream as possible to minimize radial gaps, then flow losses are reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple zones (root zone, mid zone, tip zone) with different skeleton line types assigned to each. The root zone uses a first skeleton line type optimized for handling radial gaps and flow separation, while the tip zone uses a second skeleton line type optimized for aerodynamic performance. This localized differentiation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific flow conditions without compromising the entire blade design.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is segmented into distinct functional zones along its height, with each zone having a specialized skeleton line configuration. The root zone is segmented to address the challenging radial gap conditions, while the mid and tip zones are segmented to optimize for different flow characteristics. This segmentation enables targeted aerodynamic optimization without requiring complete redesign of the entire blade.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform skeleton line type is used throughout the blade, then manufacturing is simplified, but peripheral flow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different skeleton line types are assigned to different blade zones based on local flow requirements. The root zone uses a skeleton line type that addresses radial gap effects, while the tip zone uses a skeleton line type that optimizes peripheral flow. This local differentiation maximizes aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through standardized zone definitions.
3Weight of moving object
If blade count is reduced to lower cost and weight, then manufacturing cost and weight decrease, but performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the aerodynamic parameters of existing blades by changing the skeleton line configuration across different zones. By carefully selecting and transitioning between different skeleton line types along the blade height, the design maximizes the performance contribution of each blade, thereby reducing the total number of blades required while maintaining or improving overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable stator of a turbomachine with a profile skeleton line extending along a meridional flow line, with the stator being radially divided into at least three zones (Z0, Z1, Z2) and with the respective radial inner and the radial outer profile skeleton line of each zone (Z0, Z1, Z2) being designed such that it satisfies the following equations:α*=α1-αPα1-α2S*=SPSwhere:P is any point of the profile skeleton line,α1 is the angle of inclination at the stator leading edge,α2 is the angle of inclination at the stator trailing edge,α* is the dimensionless, specific angle of the total curvature,S* is the dimensionless, specific extension,αP is the angle of the tangent at any point P of the profile skeleton line to the central meridional flow line,sP is the extension of the profile skeleton line at any point P, andS is the total extension of the profile skeleton line.