Centrifugal turbomachines having extended performance ranges
US9567942B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04D29/684
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Centrifugal turbomachines, such a centrifugal compressors, centrifugal blower, and centrifugal pumps, having unique treatments that enhance their performance ranges. In one arrangement, the treatment involves injecting a relatively high-momentum flow proximate to the blade-tip clearance gap at the inlet to the impeller of the turbomachine in a manner that reenergizes flow at the gap. The injected high-momentum flow can be taken from a location downstream of the outlet of the impeller and/or from a flow external to the turbomachine. In another arrangement, the non-self-bleed-type treatment involves providing the centrifugal turbomachine with a secondary flow path upstream of the inlet to the impeller. In one example, the flow of working fluid to the secondary flow path is modulated according to the mass flow of the working fluid. During times of higher flow, the secondary flow path is opened, and at times of lower flow, the secondary flow path is closed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.