Methods, systems and/or apparatus relating to inducers for turbine engines

Abstract

The invention relates to methods, systems and / or apparatus relating to inducers for turbine engines. An inducer (140) that includes a profiled throat (144). In some embodiments, the inducer (140) includes a conical shape upstream of the profiled throat (144) with a relatively large circular inlet (142) that narrows to the profiled throat (144) and, downstream of the profiled throat (144), a downstream section that broadens from the profiled throat (144). The profiled throat (144) may include an approximate convergent-divergent nozzle geometry.

Description

technical field [0001] This application generally relates to methods, systems and / or apparatus for improving the efficiency and / or operation of turbine engines, as used herein and unless specifically indicated otherwise, this is meant to include all types of turbine engines or rotary engines, including Gas turbine engine, aero engine, steam turbine engine, etc. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present application relates to methods, systems and / or apparatus relating to improved inducer designs for turbine engines. Background technique [0002] Gas turbine engines typically include a cooling system that provides cooling air to turbine rotor components (eg, turbine blades) in order to limit the temperatures experienced by such components. Prior art cooling systems typically take air from the engine's compressor to cool the turbine components, after which the air is diverted and then directed through an axial passage to the turbine section of the engine. A...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional deflector designs that include a cylindrical region extending from the throat to the trailing edge make such improvements substantially impossible without distorting or damaging the optimal geometry of the trailing edge

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