Variable Vane Assembly for Low Pressure Compressor Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine manufacturers seek to enhance thermal, transfer, and propulsive efficiencies beyond what is achieved with current geared architectures, particularly in the compressor sections where pressure ratios and rotational speeds impact performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a low pressure compressor section with a variable vane assembly, where the vanes are pivotable to adjust flow based on operational conditions, allowing for optimized flow management and performance by altering their position between more open and closed configurations to balance system operability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If variable vanes are added to the low pressure compressor section, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing variable inlet guide vanes that can change their angle of attack dynamically based on operating conditions. The vanes are mounted on pivots allowing them to rotate between different angular positions, transforming the static compressor inlet into a dynamic system that adapts to varying flow rates and pressure ratios, thereby optimizing power transfer efficiency across different operating regimes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the inlet guide vanes, specifically their angle of attack, to optimize compressor performance. By adjusting the vane angle parameter in response to changing operating conditions, the system achieves improved power transfer efficiency without requiring fundamental changes to the compressor architecture.
2Productivity
If variable vane assembly is implemented in low pressure compressor, then overall engine performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the inlet guide vane assembly into discrete, modular components. Each vane is a separate element that can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the compressor inlet, facilitating easier manufacturing and assembly compared to a monolithic structure while still achieving the desired performance enhancement.
3Loss of energy
If vanes are positioned to optimize flow at high power settings, then power transfer efficiency improves, but operability at low power settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the inlet guide vanes to dynamically adjust their position based on operating conditions. The variable vane assembly can be actuated to different angular positions, allowing optimization of flow angles for both high power settings (improving power transfer efficiency) and low power settings (maintaining adaptability), thereby resolving the contradiction between high-power performance and low-power operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the geometric parameter of vane angle in response to operating conditions. This allows the system to optimize flow parameters for different power settings, achieving both high power transfer efficiency and broad adaptability across the operating range.
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 approach allows for improved power transfer efficiency and compact engine design by tailoring flow into the low pressure compressor, enhancing overall engine performance and power density.
Implementation Method 1
the vanes are pivotable to adjust flow based on operational conditions, allowing for optimized flow management and performance by altering their position between more open and closed configurations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An example gas turbine engine compressor includes a first compressor section. The first compressor section includes a rotating stage that includes rotating blades and a stationary stage upstream thereof that includes stationary guide vanes. The stationary vanes controllably pivot about respective pivot axises for providing flow control into the rotating stage.