Aerodynamic Wake Reducer for Gas Turbine Combustor Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow disturbances in gas turbine engines due to structures within the combustion chamber lead to decreased performance, as they create wake regions that can cause fuel accumulation and increased pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic wake reducer is used to redirect airflow around obstructing structures, dividing and recombining the flow to fill wake regions with higher velocity fluid, reducing wake size and formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If structures are disposed in the gap between combustion liner and flow sleeve to accommodate components, then various components can be installed, but flow disturbances are created and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A wake reducer structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the obstructing structure and the airflow. This wake reducer redirects the airflow around the obstructing structure, reducing wake formation and minimizing flow disturbances while allowing the obstructing structure to remain in place for component accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful wake region created by the obstructing structure into a beneficial flow pattern. By positioning the wake reducer to redirect airflow along specific paths, the previously harmful wake is transformed into a controlled flow that improves mixing and reduces negative effects on engine performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If structures obstruct the airflow path through the air passage, then components can be mounted, but wake regions form causing fuel accumulation and pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The wake reducer serves as a mediator between the obstructing structure and the airflow path. It is positioned downstream of the obstructing structure to intercept and redirect the wake-forming flow, converting it into a more uniform flow pattern that reduces fuel accumulation and pressure drops while maintaining the simplicity of component mounting.
3Productivity
If wake regions are reduced by redirecting airflow around obstructing structures, then performance improves, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wake reducer is designed as a segmented structure with multiple surfaces that can be independently positioned or adjusted. This segmentation allows the complex flow control function to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex structure, making the system easier to manufacture and maintain.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If airflow is divided and recombined to fill wake regions, then wake size is reduced, but flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake reducer employs curved surfaces and aerodynamic shaping to naturally guide and redirect airflow around the obstructing structure. These curved geometries create smooth flow transitions that divide and recombine airflow effectively without requiring complex mechanical controls or adjustable mechanisms, simplifying the overall flow control system.
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 solution enhances gas turbine engine performance by reducing flame holding, decreasing pressure drops, and improving airflow and fuel mixing, while being less expensive, complex, and easier to manufacture than other methods.
Implementation Method 1
an aerodynamic wake reducer configured to redirect an airflow around the structure to reduce a wake region downstream of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a gas turbine combustor, which includes a combustion liner disposed about a combustion region, a flow sleeve disposed about the combustion liner, an air passage between the combustion liner and the flow sleeve, and a structure extending between the combustion liner and the flow sleeve. The structure obstructs an airflow path through the air passage. The gas turbine combustor also includes an aerodynamic wake reducer configured to redirect an airflow around the structure to reduce a wake region downstream of the structure.