Fluid-cooled turbine blades

US6565312B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Mark D. Horn · San Fernando, US
• James Lobitz · Oak Park, US
• David R. Matthews · Simi Valley, US
• Luis A. Rosales · Moorpark, US
• Kenneth M. Sprouse · San Fernando, US
• Allan Von Arx · San Fernando, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2001
• Grant date: May 20, 2003
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01D5/185
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A cooled turbine blade (either a rotor blade or a stationary vane) comprises a blade structural member whose primary function is to withstand the various loads exerted on the blade and maintain structural integrity of the blade, and a heat-transfer sheath that surrounds the outer surface of the structural member. A plurality of coolant passages are formed between the structural member and the heat-transfer sheath. Thus, when coolant is passed through the coolant passages, the heat transferred to the sheath from the hot gases passing through the turbine is in turn transferred to the coolant, which is then removed from the blade, thereby cooling the blade.