Structures and methods for forcing coupling of flow fields of adjacent bladed elements of turbomachines, and turbomachines incorporating the same
US9551225B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49229
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Turbomachines having close-coupling flow guides (CCFGs) that are designed and configured to closely-couple flow fields of adjacent bladed elements. In some embodiments, the CCFGs may be located in regions extending between the adjacent bladed elements, described herein as coupling avoidance zones, where conventional turbomachine design would suggest no structure should be added. In yet other embodiments, CCFGs are located upstream and/or downstream of rows of blades coupled to the bladed elements, including overlapping one of more of the rows of blades, to improve flow coupling and machine performance. Methods of designing turbomachines to incorporate CCFGs are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.