U.S. patent application number 13/418854 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-19 for cooling pedestal array.
This patent application is currently assigned to United Technologies Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Eleanor D. Kaufman, Mark F. Zelesky. Invention is credited to Eleanor D. Kaufman, Mark F. Zelesky.
Application Number | 20130243575 13/418854 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49157808 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130243575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zelesky; Mark F. ; et
al. |
September 19, 2013 |
COOLING PEDESTAL ARRAY
Abstract
A turbine engine component includes a first surface to be cooled
by a flow of cooling air. The first surface includes a pedestal
array and a first row of contour bumps. The pedestal array includes
first and second rows of pedestals extending from the first
surface. The second row of pedestals runs in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals. The first row of contour
bumps extends from the first surface between the first row of
pedestals and the second row of pedestals and runs parallel to the
first row of pedestals. The first row of contour bumps is aligned
such that at least one of the contour bumps of the first row of
contour bumps is positioned at least one of immediately downstream
of a pedestal of the first row of pedestals and immediately
upstream of a pedestal of the second row of pedestals.
Inventors: |
Zelesky; Mark F.; (Bolton,
CT) ; Kaufman; Eleanor D.; (Cromwell, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zelesky; Mark F.
Kaufman; Eleanor D. |
Bolton
Cromwell |
CT
CT |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
United Technologies
Corporation
Hartford
CT
|
Family ID: |
49157808 |
Appl. No.: |
13/418854 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01D 5/187 20130101;
F01D 5/186 20130101; F01D 25/12 20130101; F01D 9/041 20130101; F05D
2220/32 20130101; F05D 2260/202 20130101; F01D 5/141 20130101; F01D
11/08 20130101; F05D 2240/81 20130101; F02C 3/10 20130101; F05D
2260/22141 20130101; F05D 2240/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
415/116 |
International
Class: |
F04D 31/00 20060101
F04D031/00 |
Claims
1. A turbine engine component comprising: a first surface to be
cooled by a flow of cooling air, the first surface including: a
pedestal array physically connected to the first surface, the
pedestal array including: a first row of pedestals extending from
the first surface; and a second row of pedestals extending from the
first surface and running in a direction generally parallel to the
first row of pedestals; and a first row of contour bumps extending
from the first surface between the first row of pedestals and the
second row of pedestals and running in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals; the first row of contour
bumps aligned such that at least one contour bump of the first row
of contour bumps is positioned at least one of immediately
downstream of a pedestal of the first row of pedestals and
immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals.
2. The component of claim 1, wherein the first row of contour bumps
extends a first distance from the first surface, the first row of
pedestals extends a second distance from the first surface; the
second row of pedestals extends a third distance from the first
surface, and the first distance is less than 40% and more than 5%
of the second distance and the third distance.
3. The component of claim 1, wherein the first row of contour bumps
restricts the flow of cooling air between the first row of
pedestals and the second row of pedestals to an extent less than
the first row of pedestals and the second row of pedestals restrict
the flow of cooling air.
4. The component of claim 1, wherein the second row of pedestals is
offset from the first row of pedestals in the parallel
direction.
5. The component of claim 4, wherein the second row of pedestals is
offset from the first row of pedestals in the parallel direction by
one-half of a pitch of the first row of pedestals
6. The component of claim 1, wherein contour bumps of the first row
of contour bumps have a shape that is one of a spherical dome, an
ellipsoidal dome, a tear drop, and a bulb tapered at both ends.
7. The component of claim 1, wherein, the pedestal array further
comprises: a plurality of rows of pedestals extending from the
first surface and running in a direction parallel to the second row
of pedestals on a side of the second row of pedestals opposite the
first row of pedestals; each of the plurality of rows of pedestals
extending from the first surface one or more distances; and the
first surface further comprises: a plurality of rows of contour
bumps, at least one of the plurality of rows of contour bumps
extending from the first surface between adjacent rows of pedestals
and running in a direction generally parallel to the adjacent rows
of pedestals; at least one of the plurality of rows of contour
bumps extending from the first surface less than 40% and more than
5% of the distance both adjacent rows of pedestals extend from the
first surface.
8. The component of claim 7, wherein the pedestal array further
comprises: a plurality of rows of pedestals running in a direction
parallel to the first row of pedestals; wherein the plurality of
rows of pedestals runs on a side of the first row of pedestals
opposite the second row of pedestals.
9. The component of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality
of rows of pedestals is offset from an adjacent row of pedestals by
one-half of a pitch of the adjacent row of pedestals.
10. The component of claim 1, further comprising: a second surface
to be cooled by the flow of cooling air; the second surface
opposite the first surface such that the first row of pedestals and
the second row of pedestals each extend to the second surface to
create a flow passage between the first surface and the second
surface; the second surface including: a second row of contour
bumps extending from the second surface between the first row of
pedestals and the second row of pedestals and running in a
direction generally parallel to the first row of pedestals; the
second row of contour bumps aligned such that at least one contour
bump of the second row of contour bumps is positioned at least one
of immediately downstream of a pedestal of the first row of
pedestals and immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row
of pedestals.
11. The component of claim 10, wherein the first row of contour
bumps extends a first distance from the first surface, the second
row of contour bumps extends a second distance from the second
surface, the first row of pedestals extends a third distance from
the first surface; the second row of pedestals extends a forth
distance from the first surface; and the first distance and the
second distance are each less than 40% and more than 5% of the
third distance and the fourth distance.
12. The component of claim 10, wherein the first row of contour
bumps and the second row of contour bumps together restrict the
flow of cooling air between the first row of pedestals and the
second row of pedestals to an extent less than the first row of
pedestals and the second row of pedestals restrict the flow of
cooling air.
13. The component of claim 10, wherein the first row of contour
bumps is aligned such that at least one contour bump of the first
row of contour bumps is positioned immediately downstream of a
pedestal of the first row of pedestals; and the second row of
contour bumps is aligned such that at least one contour bump of the
second row of contour bumps is positioned immediately upstream of a
pedestal of the second row of pedestals.
14. The component of claim 10, wherein, the pedestal array further
comprises: a plurality of rows of pedestals extending from the
first surface and running in a direction parallel to the second row
of pedestals on a side of the second row of pedestals opposite the
first row of pedestals; each of the plurality of rows of pedestals
extending from the first surface one or more distances to the
second surface; the first surface further comprises: a first
plurality of rows of contour bumps, at least one of the first
plurality of rows of contour bumps extending from the first surface
between adjacent rows of pedestals and running in a direction
generally parallel to the adjacent rows of pedestals; at least one
of the first plurality of rows of contour bumps extending from the
first surface less than 40% and more than 5% of the distance both
adjacent rows of pedestals extend from the first surface to the
second surface; and the second surface further comprises: a second
plurality of rows of contour bumps, at least one of the second
plurality of rows of contour bumps extending from the second
surface between adjacent rows of pedestals and running in a
direction generally parallel to the adjacent rows of pedestals; at
least one of the second plurality of rows of contour bumps
extending from the second surface less than 40% and more than 5% of
the distance both adjacent rows of pedestals extend from the first
surface to the second surface.
15. The component of claim 14, wherein the pedestal array further
comprises: a plurality of rows of pedestals running in a direction
parallel to the first row of pedestals; at least one of the rows of
pedestals offset from an adjacent row of pedestals by one-half of
the pitch of the adjacent row of pedestals; wherein the plurality
of rows of pedestals runs on a side of the first row of pedestals
opposite the second row of pedestals.
16. The component of claim 14, wherein at least one of the
plurality of rows of pedestals is offset from an adjacent row of
pedestals by one-half of a pitch of the adjacent row of
pedestals.
17. The component of claim 10, wherein contour bumps of the first
row of contour bumps and contour bumps of the second row of contour
bumps have a shape that is one of a spherical dome, an ellipsoidal
dome, a tear drop, and a bulb tapered at both ends.
18. A gas turbine engine comprising: a combustor; a turbine
including: a plurality of rotor stages; and a plurality of stator
stages interspersed between the plurality of rotor stages; and a
component to be cooled within at least one of the combustor and the
turbine, the component comprising: a first surface to be cooled by
a flow of cooling air, the first surface including: a pedestal
array physically connected to the first surface, the pedestal array
including: a first row of pedestals extending from the first
surface; and a second row of pedestals extending from the first
surface and running in a direction generally parallel to the first
row of pedestals; and a first row of contour bumps extending from
the first surface between the first row of pedestals and the second
row of pedestals and running in a direction generally parallel to
the first row of pedestals; the first row of contour bumps aligned
such that at least one contour bump of the first row of contour
bumps is positioned at least one of immediately downstream of a
pedestal of the first row of pedestals and immediately upstream of
a pedestal of the second row of pedestals.
19. The engine of claim 18, wherein the combustor comprises: a
plurality of combustor liner panels lining an inside of the
combustor, each of the plurality of combustor liner panels having
an inner surface facing the inside of the combustor and an outer
surface facing away from the inside of the combustor, and the
component to be cooled within at least one of the combustor and the
turbine is at least one of the plurality of combustor liner
panels.
20. The engine of claim 18, wherein at least one of the plurality
of stator stages comprises: a plurality of stator vanes, each
stator vane including: an inner diameter platform having radially
inward facing surface and radially outward facing surface; an outer
diameter platform having an radially inward facing surface and a
radially outward facing surface; and an airfoil extending radially
between the radially outward facing surface of the inner diameter
platform and the radially inward facing surface of the outer
diameter platform; wherein the component to be cooled within the
turbine is at least one of the outer diameter platform, the inner
diameter platform, and the airfoil.
21. The engine of claim 18, wherein at least one of the plurality
of rotor stages comprises: a plurality of rotor blades; and a
plurality of blade outer air seals disposed radially outward from
the plurality of rotor blades; and the component to be cooled
within the turbine is at least one of the plurality of blade outer
air seals.
22. The engine of claim 18, wherein at least one of the plurality
of rotor stages comprises: a plurality of rotor blades, each rotor
blade including: an airfoil; and a platform from which the airfoil
extends radially outward; wherein the component to be cooled within
the turbine is at least one of the platform and the airfoil.
23. A method for cooling a surface within an internal cooling
channel, the method comprising: introducing cooling air into a
pedestal array on the surface to be cooled, flowing the cooling air
between adjacent pedestals of a first row of pedestals attached to
the surface; flowing the cooling air over and between adjacent
contour bumps of a row of contour bumps beyond the first row of
pedestals; and flowing the cooling air between adjacent pedestals
of a second row of pedestals attached to the surface beyond the row
of contour bumps; wherein flowing the cooling air over and between
adjacent contour bumps comprises at least one of increasing heat
transfer in a separation zone by flowing cooling air over contour
bumps aligned immediately downstream of the first row of pedestals
and compensating for a lack of blocking in a downstream channel
region by flowing cooling air over contour bumps aligned
immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals.
24. A turbine engine component comprising: a first surface to be
cooled by a flow of cooling air, the first surface including: a
pedestal array physically connected to the first surface, the
pedestal array including: a first row of pedestals extending from
the first surface; and a second row of pedestals extending from the
first surface and running in a direction generally parallel to the
first row of pedestals; and a first row of contour bumps extending
from the first surface between the first row of pedestals and the
second row of pedestals and running in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals; wherein contour bumps of
the first row of contour bumps have a shape that is one of an
ellipsoidal dome, a tear drop, and a bulb tapered at both ends.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to turbine engines. In
particular, the invention relates to cooling channel pedestal
arrays for a turbine engine.
[0002] A turbine engine employs a series of turbine stages to
extract energy from a flow of combustion gases to perform useful
work. Turbine stages include airfoils, for example, stator vanes
and rotor blades; and shroud components to contain the flow of
combustion gases, for example, blade outer air seals, rotor blade
platforms, and stator vane platforms. These turbine stage
components are directly exposed to the flow of combustion gases and
must survive in a high-temperature environment. Often, portions of
airfoils or shrouds exposed to high temperatures are hollow, having
internal cooling channels that direct a flow of cooling air through
the airfoil or shroud to remove heat and prolong the useful life of
the component.
[0003] A source of cooling air is typically taken from a flow of
compressed air produced upstream of the turbine stages. Some of the
energy extracted from the flow of combustion gases must be used to
provide the compressed air, thus reducing the energy available to
do useful work and reducing an overall efficiency of the turbine
engine.
[0004] Internal cooling channels are designed to provide efficient
transfer of heat between the component to be cooled and the flow of
cooling air within. As heat transfer efficiency improves, less
cooling air is necessary to adequately cool the component. Internal
cooling channels typically include structures to improve heat
transfer efficiency including, for example, pedestals (also known
as pin fins). Pedestals may link opposing sides of the internal
cooling channel and improve heat transfer by increasing both the
area for heat transfer and the turbulence of the cooling air
flow.
[0005] While the use of pedestals in internal cooling channels
improves heat transfer efficiency between turbine engine components
exposed to a flow of combustion gases, further improvement in the
heat transfer efficiency of pedestal arrays can improve overall
turbine engine efficiency.
SUMMARY
[0006] An embodiment of the present invention is a turbine engine
component including a first surface to be cooled by a flow of
cooling air, the first surface including a pedestal array and a
first row of contour bumps. The pedestal array is physically
connected to the first surface and includes a first row of
pedestals extending from the first surface and a second row of
pedestals extending from the first surface. The second row of
pedestals runs in a direction generally parallel to the first row
of pedestals. The first row of contour bumps extends from the first
surface between the first row of pedestals and the second row of
pedestals. The first row of contour bumps runs in a direction
generally parallel to the first row of pedestals. The first row of
contour bumps is aligned such that at least one of the contour
bumps of the first row of contour bumps is positioned at least one
of immediately downstream of a pedestal of the first row of
pedestals and immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row
of pedestals.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention is a gas turbine
engine including a combustor and a turbine. The turbine includes a
plurality of rotor stages, a plurality of stator stages
interspersed between the plurality of rotor stages, and a component
to be cooled within at least one of the combustor and the turbine.
The component includes a first surface to be cooled by a flow of
cooling air, the first surface including a pedestal array and a
first row of contour bumps. The pedestal array is physically
connected the first surface and includes a first row of pedestals
extending from the first surface and a second row of pedestals
extending from the first surface. The second row of pedestals runs
in a direction generally parallel to the first row of pedestals.
The first row of contour bumps extends from the first surface
between the first row of pedestals and the second row of pedestals.
The first row of contour bumps runs in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals. The first row of contour
bumps is aligned such that at least one of the contour bumps of the
first row of contour bumps is positioned at least one of
immediately downstream of a pedestal of the first row of pedestals
and immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention is a turbine
engine component including a first surface to be cooled by a flow
of cooling air, the first surface including a pedestal array and a
first row of contour bumps. The pedestal array is physically
connected the first surface and includes a first row of pedestals
extending from the first surface and a second row of pedestals
extending from the first surface. The second row of pedestals runs
in a direction generally parallel to the first row of pedestals.
The first row of contour bumps extends from the first surface
between the first row of pedestals and the second row of pedestals.
The first row of contour bumps runs in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals. Contour bumps of the first
row of contour bumps have a shape that is one of an ellipsoidal
dome, a tear drop, and a bulb tapered at both ends.
[0009] A method for cooling a surface within an internal cooling
channel includes introducing cooling air into a pedestal array on
the surface to be cooled, then flowing the cooling air between
adjacent pedestals of a first row of pedestals attached to the
surface. Next, flowing the cooling air over and between adjacent
contour bumps of a row of contour bumps beyond the first row of
pedestals. Finally, flowing the cooling air between adjacent
pedestals of a second row of pedestals attached to the surface
beyond the row of contour bumps. Flowing the cooling air over and
between adjacent contour bumps includes at least one of increasing
heat transfer in a separation zone by flowing cooling air over
contour bumps aligned immediately downstream of the first row of
pedestals, and compensating for a lack of blocking in a downstream
channel region by flowing cooling air over contour bumps aligned
immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of gas turbine engine embodying
an improved cooling pedestal array of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a turbine portion of the gas
turbine engine shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of a turbine rotor blade
embodying improved cooling pedestal arrays of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cutaway side view of a portion of the
turbine rotor blade of FIG. 3 illustrating an embodiment of
improved cooling pedestal arrays of the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are side cross-sectional views of portions
of the improved cooling pedestal array embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cutaway side view of a portion of the
turbine rotor blade of FIG. 3 illustrating another embodiment of
improved cooling pedestal arrays of the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are side cross-sectional views of portions
of the improved cooling pedestal array embodiment of FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a blade outer air
seal illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top cross-sectional view of the blade outer air
seal of FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a combustor liner
panel embodying improved cooling pedestal arrays of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is top cross-sectional side view of a portion of the
combustor liner panel of FIG. 10 illustrating an embodiment of
improved cooling pedestal arrays of the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 12A and 12B are side cross-sectional views of portions
of the improved cooling pedestal array embodiment of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention provides for improved heat transfer
efficiency between turbine engine components exposed to a flow of
combustion gases by employing pedestal arrays with contoured
endwall surfaces. Rows of contour bumps are disposed between rows
of pedestals on the surface to be cooled, also known as the endwall
surface. The contour bumps improve heat transfer efficiency when
compared to a flat surface by increasing the surface area available
for heat transfer and by forcing an increase in the velocity of
cooling air passing over the surface between pedestal rows, thus
increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient. In some
embodiments, positioning contour bumps immediately downstream of
pedestals increases heat transfer in the separation zone. In some
embodiments, positioning contour bumps downstream and in the
channel between pedestals compensates for a lack of blocking in the
downstream channel. Contour bumps of various shapes may be employed
in some embodiments to further enhance heat transfer
efficiency.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a representative illustration of a gas turbine
engine including pedestal arrays with contoured endwall surfaces
embodying the present invention. The view in FIG. 1 is a
longitudinal sectional view along an engine center line. FIG. 1
shows gas turbine engine 10 including fan 12, compressor 14,
combustor 16, turbine 18, high-pressure rotor 20, low-pressure
rotor 22, and engine casing 24. Turbine 18 includes rotor stages 26
and stator stages 28.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, fan 12 is positioned along engine
center line (C.sub.L) at one end of gas turbine engine 10.
Compressor 14 is adjacent fan 12 along engine center line C.sub.L,
followed by combustor 16. Turbine 18 is located adjacent combustor
16, opposite compressor 14. High-pressure rotor 20 and low-pressure
rotor 22 are mounted for rotation about engine center line C.sub.L.
High-pressure rotor 20 connects a high-pressure section of turbine
18 to compressor 14. Low-pressure rotor 22 connects a low-pressure
section of turbine 18 to fan 12. Rotor stages 26 and stator stages
28 are arranged throughout turbine 18 in alternating rows. Rotor
stages 26 connect to high-pressure rotor 20 and low-pressure rotor
22. Engine casing 24 surrounds turbine engine 10 providing
structural support for compressor 14, combustor 16, and turbine 18,
as well as containment for cooling air flows, as described
below.
[0025] In operation, air flow F enters compressor 14 through fan
12. Air flow F is compressed by the rotation of compressor 14
driven by high-pressure rotor 20. The compressed air from
compressor 14 is divided, with a portion going to combustor 16, and
a portion employed for cooling components exposed to
high-temperature combustion gases, such as stator vanes, as
described below. Compressed air and fuel are mixed an ignited in
combustor 16 to produce high-temperature, high-pressure combustion
gases Fp. Combustion gases Fp exit combustor section 16 into
turbine section 18. Stator stages 28 properly align the flow of
combustion gases Fp for an efficient attack angle on subsequent
rotor stages 26. The flow of combustion gases Fp past rotor stages
26 drives rotation of both high-pressure rotor 20 and low-pressure
rotor 22. High-pressure rotor 20 drives compressor section 14, as
noted above, and low-pressure rotor 22 drives fan 12 to produce
thrust Fs from gas turbine engine 10.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a turbine portion of the gas
turbine engine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates rotor stage 26
and stator stage 28. Rotor stage 26 includes rotor blade 30, blade
outer air seal (BOAS) support 32, and BOAS 34. Rotor blade 30
includes blade root 36, blade platform 38, and blade airfoil 40.
Blade platform 38 is arcuate in shape in a circumferential
direction with a center of the arc coincident with engine center
line C.sub.L. Blade airfoil 40 has a leading edge 42 and a trailing
edge 44. Rotor stage 26 connects to high-pressure rotor 20 by blade
root 36. Platform 38 connects blade airfoil 40 to blade root 36
such that leading edge 42 faces the upstream flow of combustion
gases Fp and trailing edge 44 faces the downstream flow of
combustion gases Fp. BOAS 34 is positioned radially outward from
rotor blade 30, with respect to engine center line C.sub.L as shown
in FIG. 1. BOAS 34 is held in position by BOAS support 32, which is
connected to engine casing 24.
[0027] Stator stage 28 includes stator vane 46, vane inside
diameter (ID) platform 48, vane airfoil 50, and vane outside
diameter (OD) platform 52. Like blade platform 38, vane ID platform
48 and vane OD platform 52 are arcuate in shape in a
circumferential direction with a center of the arc coincident with
engine center line C.sub.L. Vane airfoil 50 also has a leading edge
58 and a trailing edge 60. Vane OD platform 52 includes vane
mounting hooks 64. Stator stage 28 connects to engine casing 24 by
vane mounting hooks 64 of vane OD platform 52. Vane airfoil 50
connects at a radially outer end to vane OD platform 52 and at a
radially inner end to vane ID platform 48.
[0028] In operation, as the flow of combustion gases Fp passes
through turbine section 18, it enters rotor stage 26 and is
channeled between blade platform 38 and BOAS 34. Within rotor stage
26, the flow of combustion gases Fp impinges upon blade airfoil 40
causing rotor blade 30 to rotate about engine center line C.sub.L.
BOAS 34 is mounted just radially outward from rotor blade 30 and
also provides a seal against combustion gases Fp radially bypassing
blade airfoil 40. The flow of combustion gases Fp exits rotor stage
26 and enters stator stage 28, where it is channeled between vane
ID platform 48 and vane OD platform 52. Within stator stage 28, the
flow of combustion gases impinges upon vane airfoil 50 and is thus
aligned for a subsequent rotor stage (not shown).
[0029] Components operating downstream of combustor 16, such as
blade platform 38, blade airfoil 40, BOAS 34, vane ID platform 48,
vane airfoil 50, and vane OD platform 52, operate in a
high-temperature environment. Often, such components exposed to
high temperatures have internal cooling channels that direct a flow
of cooling air through the component to remove heat and prolong its
useful life.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of turbine rotor blade 30
employed in rotor stages 26 of gas turbine engine 10. FIG. 3 shows
rotor blade 30 with two internal cooling channels, each with
internal cooling channel pedestal arrays with contoured endwall
surfaces embodying the present invention. Airfoil section 40
further includes pressure side 140, tip 144, and trailing edge
cooling slots 148. Airfoil section 40 also further includes suction
side wall 142 (removed in this cutaway view) and a plurality of
surface cooling holes such as film cooling holes (not shown). As
shown in FIG. 3, platform 38 includes trailing edge cooling slot
156.
[0031] Platform 38 connects one end of airfoil section 40 to root
section 36. Thus, leading edge 42, trailing edge 44, pressure side
wall 140, and suction side wall 142 extend from platform 38. Tip
144 closes off the other end of airfoil section 40. Pressure side
wall 140 and suction side wall 142 connect leading edge 42 and
trailing edge 44. Trailing edge slots 148 are arranged along
trailing edge 44 to provide an exit for cooling air circulating
within airfoil section 40. Trailing edge slot 156 is arranged along
platform 38 to provide an exit for air circulating within platform
38.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, rotor blade 30 includes three internal
cooling channels, leading edge channel 150, trailing edge cooling
channel 152, and platform cooling channel 154. Trailing edge
cooling channel 152 includes pedestal array 160. Platform cooling
channel 154 includes pedestal array 170. Leading edge channel 150
and trailing edge cooling channel 152 extend from root section 36,
through platform 38, into airfoil section 40. Film cooling holes
(not shown) near leading edge 42 are in fluid communication with
leading edge channel 150. The balance of film cooling holes (not
shown) and trailing edge slots 148 are in fluid communication with
trailing edge cooling channel 152. Platform cooling channel 154
extends from root section 36 into platform 38. Trailing edge slot
156 is in fluid communication with platform cooling channel
154.
[0033] Airfoil 40 is cooled by flow of cooling air F entering
leading edge channel 150 and trailing edge cooling channel 152 at
root 36. Flow of cooling air F entering leading edge channel 150
internally cools a portion of airfoil 40 near leading edge 42
before flowing out through film cooling holes near leading edge 42.
In one embodiment of the present invention, flow of cooling air F
entering trailing edge cooling channel 152 internally cools a
remaining portion of airfoil 40 before flowing out through the
balance of the film cooling holes and trailing edge slots 148. As
trailing edge cooling channel 152 nears trailing edge 44, flow of
cooling air F impinges on pedestal array 160. Pedestal array 160
provides increased surface area for heat transfer from airfoil 40
to flow of cooling air F, compared to portions of trailing edge
cooling channel 152 that do not contain pedestal array 160. In
addition, pedestal array 160 creates turbulence in flow of cooling
air F to increase convective heat transfer. FIG. 3 also shows
pressure side wall 140 in the region of pedestal array 160 includes
rows of contour bumps 165 to form contoured endwall surfaces to
improve heat transfer efficiency within pedestal array 160 as
described below in reference to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B.
[0034] Platform 38 is cooled by flow of cooling air F entering
platform cooling channel 154 at root 36. Flow of cooling air F
enters platform cooling channel 154 and internally cools platform
38 before flowing out through trailing edge slot 156. As platform
cooling channel 154 enters platform 38, flow of cooling air F
impinges on pedestal array 170. Pedestals of pedestal array 170
connect a first surface 171 to be cooled to a second surface 172 to
be cooled. First surface 171 is opposite second surface 172 to form
platform cooling channel 154 within platform 38. In another
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 also shows that
platform cooling channel 154 in the region of pedestal array 170
includes a plurality of rows of contour bumps 175 on first surface
171 and a plurality of rows of contour bumps 176 on second surface
172 opposite first surface 171. Together, rows of contour bumps 175
on first surface 171 and rows of contour bumps 176 on second
surface 172 form contoured endwall surfaces for pedestal array 170
to improve heat transfer efficiency within pedestal array 170 as
described below in reference to FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cutaway side view of a portion of an
airfoil component, airfoil 40 of rotor blade 30 of FIG. 3
illustrating an embodiment of improved cooling pedestal arrays of
the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a first surface, pressure side
wall 140, to be cooled by flow of cooling air F flowing through
trailing edge cooling channel 152. Pressure side wall 140 includes
rows of contour bumps 165 including first row of contour bumps 210.
Pedestal array 160 includes first row of pedestals 200 and second
row of pedestals 202. Second row of pedestals 202 runs in a
direction generally parallel to first row of pedestals 200. First
row of contour bumps 210 extends from pressure side wall 140
between first row of pedestals 200 and second row of pedestals 202
and runs in a direction generally parallel to first row of
pedestals 200. Second row of pedestals 202 is offset from first row
of pedestals 200 in the parallel direction by one-half of a pitch
of first row of pedestals 200. In this embodiment, first row of
contour bumps 210 is also offset from first row of pedestals 200 in
the parallel direction by one-half of the pitch of first row of
pedestals 200, such that at least one contour bump of first row of
contour bumps 210 is positioned immediately upstream of a pedestal
of second row of pedestals 202.
[0036] The pattern described above continues throughout pedestal
array 160 such that additional rows of pedestals (e.g., 204, 206)
run in a direction generally parallel to second row of pedestals
202 opposite first row of pedestals 200, each of the rows of
pedestals offset from an adjacent row of pedestals by one-half of a
pitch of the adjacent row of pedestals. Each additional row of
contour bumps (e.g., 212, 214) runs between adjacent rows of
pedestals and is aligned with a row of pedestals immediately
downstream (e.g., 204, 206).
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B are side cross-sectional views of portions
of the improved cooling pedestal array embodiment of FIG. 4. FIGS.
5A and 5B each illustrate an aspect of the pattern shown in FIG. 4.
The sectional view of FIGS. 5A and 5B show the first surface to be
cooled, pressure side wall 140 is opposite the second surface to be
cooled, suction side wall 142, forming trailing edge cooling
channel 152. Pedestals in pedestal array 160, including those in
first row of pedestals 200 and second row of pedestals 202 extend
from pressure side wall 140 to suction side wall 142, connecting
the two endwalls. First row of contour bumps 210 extends first
distance D1 into trailing edge cooling channel 152 from pressure
side wall 140. As shown in FIG. 5B, suction side wall 142 includes
second row of contour bumps 220. Second row of contour bumps 220
extends second distance D2 into trailing edge cooling channel 152
from suction side wall 142. Second row of contour bumps 220 is also
positioned directly across trailing edge cooling channel 152 from
first row of contour bumps 210. In some embodiments, first distance
D1 and second D2 will be approximately equal.
[0038] Similarly, first row of pedestals 200 extends third distance
D3 and second row of pedestals 202 extends fourth distance D4
across trailing edge cooling channel 152, and, in some embodiments,
third distance D3 and fourth distance D4 will be approximately
equal. However, in this embodiment, trailing edge cooling channel
152 does not have a constant width. A distance each row of
pedestals extends between pressure side wall 140 and suction side
wall 142 decreases along the flow path. Thus, third distance D3 is
greater than fourth distance D4. In this embodiment, a distance
each row of contour bumps extends from pressure side wall 140 or
suction side wall 142 also decreases along the flow path to
maintain heat transfer efficiency between surfaces to be cooled,
pressure side wall 140 and suction side wall 142, and flow of
cooling air F. This pattern continues down the line such that
subsequent rows of pedestals (e.g., 204, 206) extend decreasing
distances across trailing edge cooling channel 152 and subsequent
rows of contour bumps (e.g. 212, 222, 214, 224) extend decreasing
distances into trailing edge cooling channel 152.
[0039] Considering FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B together, in operation, flow
of cooling air F flows around and between each of the pedestals in
first row of pedestals 200. The flow constriction created by
adjacent pedestals in first row of pedestals 200 increases the
velocity of flow of cooling air F. In addition, as flow of cooling
air F recombines on a downstream side of each of the pedestals in
first row of pedestals 200, turbulence is created. These two
effects combine to increase the convective heat transfer
coefficient. Once past first row of pedestals 200, flow of cooling
air F flows around, between, and over first row of contour bumps
210 and second row of contour bumps 220. First row of contour bumps
210 and second row of contour bumps 220 increase surface areas of
pressure side wall 140 and suction side wall 142, respectively, in
a region between first row of pedestals 200 and second row of
pedestals 202. In addition, first row of contour bumps 210 and
second row of contour bumps 220 decrease the cross-sectional area
through which flow of cooling air F passes, resulting in a higher
velocity of flow of cooling air F, compared to a flat surface
without contour bumps. The higher velocity of flow of cooling air F
produces a corresponding increase in the heat transfer coefficient.
These two effects provided by first row of contour bumps 210 and
second row of contour bumps 220 combine to increase the heat
transfer efficiency between surfaces to be cooled, pressure side
wall 140 and suction side wall 142, and flow of cooling air F,
compared to a flat surface without contour bumps.
[0040] As noted above, first row of contour bumps 210 and second
row of contour bumps 220 decrease the cross-sectional area through
which flow of cooling air F passes. The extent to which first row
of contour bumps 210 and second row of contour bumps 220 extend
into trailing edge cooling channel 152 influences this greatly. For
example, in an embodiment where first distance D1 and second
distance D2 extend such that together, they narrow portions of
trailing edge cooling channel 152 to less than 20% of the channel
width (as determined by the lesser of third distance D3 and fourth
distance D4), flow of cooling air F would be choked compared to the
flow constriction created by adjacent pedestals in first row of
pedestals 200. This would slow flow of cooling air F through first
row of pedestals 200, thus reducing the heat transfer efficiency
between surfaces to be cooled, pressure side wall 140 and suction
side wall 142, and flow of cooling air F. Thus, some embodiments of
the present invention have first distance D1 and second distance D2
each less than 40% of third distance D3 and 40% of fourth distance
D4.
[0041] Conversely, in an embodiment where first distance D1 and
second distance D2 extend such that together they narrow portions
of trailing edge cooling channel 152 by only 10% of the channel
width (again, as determined by the lesser of third distance D3 and
fourth distance D4), the corresponding increases in surface area
and velocity of flow of cooling air F would be negligible compared
to a flat surface without contour bumps. Thus, some embodiments of
the present invention have first distance D1 and second distance D2
each greater than 5% of third distance D3 and 5% of fourth distance
D4. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first row of
contour bumps 210 and second row of contour bumps 220 restrict flow
of cooling air F between first row of pedestals 200 and second row
of pedestals 202 to an extent less than either of first row of
pedestals 200 or second row of pedestals 202.
[0042] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cutaway side view of a portion of a
rotor blade platform component, platform 38 of rotor blade 30 of
FIG. 3 illustrating another embodiment of improved cooling pedestal
arrays of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows first surface 171 to
be cooled by flow of cooling air F flowing through platform cooling
channel 154. First surface 171 includes rows of contour bumps 175
including first row of contour bumps 310. Pedestal array 170
includes first row of pedestals 300 and second row of pedestals
302. Second row of pedestals 302 runs in a direction generally
parallel to first row of pedestals 300. First row of contour bumps
310 extends from first surface 171 between first row of pedestals
300 and second row of pedestals 302 and runs in a direction
generally parallel to first row of pedestals 300. Second row of
pedestals 302 is offset from first row of pedestals 300 in the
parallel direction by one-half of a pitch of first row of pedestals
300. In this embodiment, first row of contour bumps 310 is offset
from second row of pedestals 302 in the parallel direction by
one-half of the pitch of second row of pedestals 302, such that at
least one contour bump of first row of contour bumps 310 is
positioned immediately downstream of a pedestal of first row of
pedestals 300.
[0043] The pattern described above continues throughout pedestal
array 170 such that additional rows of pedestals (e.g., 304, 306)
run in a direction generally parallel to second row of pedestals
302 opposite first row of pedestals 300, each of the rows of
pedestals offset from an adjacent row of pedestals by one-half of a
pitch of the adjacent row of pedestals. Each additional row of
contour bumps (e.g., 312, 314) runs between adjacent rows of
pedestals and is aligned with a row of pedestals immediately
upstream (e.g., 302, 304).
[0044] FIGS. 7A and 7B are side cross-sectional views of portions
of the improved cooling pedestal array embodiment of FIG. 6. FIGS.
7A and 7B each illustrate an aspect of the pattern shown in FIG. 6.
The sectional view of FIGS. 7A and 7B show first surface 171 is
opposite second surface 172, forming platform cooling channel 154.
Pedestals in pedestal array 170, including those in first row of
pedestals 300 and second row of pedestals 302 extend from first
surface 171 to second surface 172, connecting the two endwalls. As
shown in FIG. 7A, second surface 172 includes second row of contour
bumps 320. Second row of contour bumps 320 is also positioned
directly across platform cooling channel 154 from first row of
contour bumps 310.
[0045] In contrast to the embodiment described above in reference
to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, in this embodiment, platform cooling channel
154 has a constant width. Thus, a distance each row of pedestals
extends between first surface 171 and second surface 172 is
approximately equal along the flow path. In this embodiment, a
distance each row of contour bumps extends from first surface 171
or second surface 172 is also approximately equal along the flow
path. This pattern continues down the line such that subsequent
rows of pedestals (e.g., 304, 306) extend approximately the same
distance across platform cooling channel 154 and subsequent rows of
contour bumps (e.g. 312, 322, 314, 324) extend approximately the
same distance into platform cooling channel 154.
[0046] Considering FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B together, in operation, flow
of cooling air F flows around and between each of the pedestals in
first row of pedestals 300. The flow constriction created by
adjacent pedestals in first row of pedestals 300 increases the
velocity of flow of cooling air F. In addition, as flow of cooling
air F recombines on a downstream side of each of the pedestals in
first row of pedestals 300, turbulence is created. These two
effects combine to increase the convective heat transfer
coefficient. Once past first row of pedestals 300, flow of cooling
air F flows around, between, and over first row of contour bumps
310 and second row of contour bumps 320. First row of contour bumps
310 and second row of contour bumps 320 increase surface areas of
first surface 171 and second surface 172, respectively, in a region
between first row of pedestals 300 and second row of pedestals 302.
In addition, first row of contour bumps 310 and second row of
contour bumps 320 decrease the cross-sectional area through which
flow of cooling air F passes, resulting in a higher velocity of
flow of cooling air F, compared to a flat surface without contour
bumps, and a corresponding increase in the heat transfer
coefficient. These two effects provided by first row of contour
bumps 310 and second row of contour bumps 320 combine to increase
the heat transfer efficiency between surfaces to be cooled, first
surface 171 and second surface 172, and flow of cooling air F,
compared to a flat surface without contour bumps.
[0047] Comparing the embodiment shown FIG. 4 with the embodiment
shown FIG. 6 illustrates two alignment patterns of contour bumps
with adjacent pedestals relative to the direction of flow of
cooling air F. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, contour bumps are
aligned to be in the center of the downstream channel to
effectively provide a "blocking" effect to produce the increase in
the velocity of cooling air flow F, in addition to the increase in
heat transfer area. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, contour bumps are
aligned to be immediately behind upstream pedestals to increase
heat transfer in a separation zone that forms immediately
downstream of the pedestals. Depending on design conditions, one
pattern may be favored over the other, but both provide the
advantages of increased heat transfer efficiency of the present
invention.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the internal cooling
channel, trailing edge cooling channel 152, does not have a
constant width. Internal cooling channels may have this
characteristic to increase the velocity of flow of cooling air F in
a continuous fashion along the internal cooling channel, thus
increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient and improving
heat transfer efficiency. Embodiments of the present invention
having internal cooling channels of constant width, such platform
cooling channel 154 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, can employ
rows of contour bumps that extend increasingly greater distances
into the internal cooling channel, along the length of the internal
cooling channel, to create a similar increase in the velocity of
cooling air F in a continuous fashion along the internal cooling
channel. This is particularly advantageous where a manufacturing
process for a component is not able to create internal cooling
channels that are not of constant width.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a blade outer air
seal component, BOAS 34, illustrating another embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 8 shows BOAS 34 with an internal cooling
channel having a pedestal array with contoured endwall surfaces
embodying the present invention. FIG. 8 is cross sectional view of
BOAS 34 and BOAS support 32. BOAS 34 is held in position by BOAS
support 32, as shown above in FIG. 2. BOAS 34 includes internal
cooling channel 406. Internal cooling channel 406 includes pedestal
array 480. Internal cooling channel 406 extends most of the width
of BOAS 34. Edge cooling holes (not shown) on sides of BOAS 34 are
in fluid communication with internal cooling channel 406.
[0050] BOAS 34 is cooled by flow of cooling air F entering internal
cooling channel 406 on one end of internal cooling channel 406 from
a plenum (not shown) radially outward from BOAS support 32 by way
of an opening in BOAS support 32. Within internal cooling channel
406, flow of cooling air F impinges on pedestal array 480.
Pedestals of pedestal array 480 extend from a first surface 404 to
be cooled to a second surface 408 to be cooled. First surface 404
is opposite second surface 408 to form internal cooling channel 406
within BOAS 34. FIG. 8 also shows that internal cooling channel 406
in a portion of a region of pedestal array 480 includes rows of
contour bumps 485 on first surface 404 and rows of contour bumps
486 on second surface 408 opposite first surface 404.
[0051] As with the embodiment described above in reference to FIGS.
6, 7A and 7B, in this embodiment, internal cooling channel 406 has
a constant width. Thus, a distance pedestals of pedestal array 480
extend between first surface 404 and second surface 408 is
approximately equal along the flow path. In this embodiment, a
distance each row of contour bumps extends from first surface 404
or second surface 408 is also approximately equal along the flow
path. As also shown in FIG. 8, rows of contour bumps 485 are
positioned directly across internal cooling channel 406 from rows
of contour bumps 486.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a top cross-sectional view of BOAS 34 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 9 shows first surface 404 to be cooled by flow of cooling air
F flowing through internal cooling channel 406. First surface 404
includes rows of contour bumps 485 including first row of contour
bumps 520. Pedestal array 480 includes first row of pedestals 504
and second row of pedestals 506. Second row of pedestals 506 runs
in a direction generally parallel to first row of pedestals 504.
First row of contour bumps 520 extends from first surface 404
between first row of pedestals 504 and second row of pedestals 506
and runs in a direction generally parallel to first row of
pedestals 504. Second row of pedestals 506 is offset from first row
of pedestals 504 in the parallel direction by one-half of a pitch
of first row of pedestals 504. In this embodiment, first row of
contour bumps 520 is offset from first row of pedestals 504 in the
parallel direction by one-half of the pitch of first row of
pedestals 504, such that at least one contour bump of first row of
contour bumps 520 is positioned immediately upstream from a
pedestal of second row of pedestals 506.
[0053] The pattern described above continues throughout pedestal
array 480 downstream of second row of pedestals 506 such that
additional rows of pedestals (e.g., 508, 510, 512) run in a
direction generally parallel to second row of pedestals 506
opposite first row of pedestals 504, each of the rows of pedestals
offset from an adjacent row of pedestals by one-half of a pitch of
the adjacent row of pedestals. Each additional row of contour bumps
(e.g., 522, 524, 526) runs between adjacent rows of pedestals and
is aligned with a row of pedestals immediately downstream (e.g.,
508, 510, 512). This pattern also applies to rows of contour bumps
486 on second surface 408 opposite first surface 404 corresponding
to rows of contour bumps 485 on first surface 404.
[0054] Pedestal arrays without the advantages of the present
invention exhibit a strong increase in heat transfer efficiency in
the first three rows of pedestals. After the third row, heat
transfer efficiency levels off and may drop off slightly. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 9 solves this problem. Pedestal array 480
includes a plurality of rows of pedestals, row of pedestals 500 and
row of pedestals 502, running in a direction generally parallel to
first row of pedestals 504, on a side of first row of pedestals 504
opposite second row of pedestals 506. In this embodiment, rows of
contour bumps 485 are not disposed upstream of first row of
pedestals 504. As with the rest of pedestal array 480, each of the
rows of pedestals (500, 502) is offset from an adjacent row of
pedestals (502, 504) by one-half of the pitch of the adjacent row
of pedestals. This embodiment experiences the strong increase in
heat transfer efficiency in the first three rows of pedestals (500,
502, 504), then employs contoured endwalls to counter the drop off
in heat transfer efficiency often suffered by pedestal arrays
without contoured endwalls.
[0055] Considering FIGS. 8 and 9 together, in operation, flow of
cooling air F flows around and between each of the pedestals in the
first three rows of pedestal array 480, row of pedestals 500, row
of pedestals 502, and first row of pedestals 504, experiencing a
strong increase in heat transfer efficiency. Once past first row of
pedestals 504, flow of cooling air F flows around, between, and
over rows of contour bumps 485 on first surface 404 and rows of
contour bumps 486 on second surface 408 which increase surface
areas of first surface 404 and second surface 408. In addition,
rows of contour bumps 485 and rows of contour bumps 486 decrease
the cross-sectional area through which flow of cooling air F
passes, resulting in a higher velocity of flow of cooling air F,
compared to a flat surface without contour bumps, and a
corresponding increase in the heat transfer coefficient. These two
effects provided by rows of contour bumps 485 and rows of contour
bumps 486 combine to increase the heat transfer efficiency between
surfaces to be cooled, first surface 404 and second surface 408,
and flow of cooling air F, compared to a flat surface without
contour bumps.
[0056] In embodiments described above, rows of contour bumps on a
first surface correspond to rows of contour bumps on a second
surface across an internal cooling channel from the first surface.
However, it is understood that the present invention includes
embodiments where rows of contour bumps on a first surface
correspond to the pattern shown in FIG. 4, while rows of contour
bumps on a second surface correspond to the pattern shown in FIG.
6. Thus, the contour bumps on the first surface align with
pedestals immediately downstream of the contour bumps and the
contour bumps on the second surface align with pedestals
immediately upstream of the contour bumps.
[0057] For convenience, in all of the embodiments described above,
contour bumps are illustrated as spherical domes. However, it is
understood that the present invention also encompasses embodiments
where the contour bumps are other three-dimensional shapes that can
be used to reduce any pressure loss created by the contour bumps,
while improving heat transfer efficiency. Such shapes include, for
example, an ellipsoidal dome, a tear drop, or a bulb tapered at
both ends, as illustrated in the embodiment described below in
reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 12A, and 12 B.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a combustor liner
panel embodying improved cooling pedestal arrays of the present
invention. Combustors may include combustor liner panels to protect
the combustor from the heat of combustion within. FIG. 10 shows
combustor 16 of FIG. 1 includes combustor liner panel 80 attached
to combustor 16 by, for example, bolts (not shown). In contrast to
the embodiments described above, combustor liner panel 80 has only
a single surface to be cooled. As shown in FIG. 10, combustor liner
panel 80 includes first surface 82 to be cooled and combustion
surface 84. First surface 82 is opposite combustor 16 to form
internal cooling channel 640 within combustor liner panel 80.
Internal cooling channel 640 extends most of the length of
combustor liner panel 80. Internal cooling channel 640 includes
pedestal array 660 and rows of contour bumps 665. Pedestals of
pedestal array 660 and rows of contour bumps 665 extend from first
surface 82. Film cooling holes (not shown) on combustion surface 84
are in fluid communication with internal cooling channel 640.
[0059] Combustor liner panel 80 is cooled by flow of cooling air F
entering internal cooling channel 640 on one end of internal
cooling channel 640 from a plenum (not shown) radially outward from
combustor 16 by way of an opening in combustor 16. Within internal
cooling channel 640, flow of cooling air F impinges on pedestal
array 660. Cooling air F flows through and over pedestal array 660
and rows of contour bumps 665 and out through the film cooling
holes on combustion surface 84. In this way, heat from combustion
gases Fp conducted from combustion surface 84 to first surface 82
is removed by flow of cooling air F through internal cooling
channel 640. Pedestal array 660 and rows of contour bumps 665
combine to increase the heat transfer efficiency between first
surface 82 and flow of cooling air F, compared to a flat surface
without contour bumps.
[0060] FIG. 11 is top cross-sectional side view of a portion of
combustor liner panel 80 of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows first surface 82
to be cooled by flow of cooling air F flowing through internal
cooling channel 640. First surface 82 includes rows of contour
bumps 665 including first row of contour bumps 610, second row of
contour bumps 620, and third row of contour bumps 630. Pedestal
array 660 includes first row of pedestals 600, second row of
pedestals 602, third row of pedestals 604, and fourth row of
pedestals 606. Second row of pedestals 602 runs in a direction
generally parallel to first row of pedestals 600. First row of
contour bumps 610 extends from first surface 82 between first row
of pedestals 600 and second row of pedestals 602 and runs in a
direction generally parallel to first row of pedestals 600.
[0061] Second row of pedestals 602 is offset from first row of
pedestals 600 in the parallel direction by one-half of a pitch of
first row of pedestals 600. In this embodiment, first row of
contour bumps 610 is offset from first row of pedestals 600 in the
parallel direction by one-half of the pitch of first row of
pedestals 600, such that at least one contour bump of first row of
contour bumps 610 is positioned immediately upstream of a pedestal
of row of pedestals 602.
[0062] In contrast to previous embodiments, in the embodiment shown
in FIG. 11, the pattern described does not continue throughout
pedestal array 660. Downstream of second row of pedestals 602
additional rows of pedestals (e.g., 604, 606) run in a direction
generally parallel to second row of pedestals 602 opposite first
row of pedestals 600 and each of the rows of pedestals is aligned
with an adjacent row of pedestals. In addition, each additional row
of contour bumps (e.g., 620, 630) runs between adjacent rows of
pedestals and is offset from an adjacent row of pedestals by
one-half pitch of the adjacent row of pedestals. Thus, while first
row of contour bumps 610 is aligned to be in the center of the
upstream channel, relative to second row of pedestals 602 to
effectively provide a "blocking" effect, second row of contour
bumps 620 and third row of contour bumps 630 provide a blocking
effect for both upstream and downstream channels, relative to
adjacent rows of pedestals (e.g. 604).
[0063] FIGS. 12A and 12B are side cross-sectional views of portions
of the improved cooling pedestal array embodiment of FIG. 11. FIGS.
12A and 12B each illustrate an aspect of the pattern shown in FIG.
11. The sectional view of FIGS. 12A and 12B show pedestals in
pedestal array 600 extend from a single endwall, first surface
82.
[0064] Considering FIGS. 10, 11, 12A, and 12B together, each row of
contour bumps of rows of contour bumps 665 includes contour bumps
having a different shape. Contour bumps in first row of contour
bumps 610 have an ellipsoidal dome shape and the longest axis is
aligned with the direction of flow of cooling air F. Contour bumps
in second row of contour bumps 620 have a tear drop shape. The
contour bumps in second row of contour bumps 620 have an axis from
a tapered end to a bulbous end, and are aligned such that the axis
is aligned with the direction of flow of cooling air F and the
bulbous end is facing upstream. Finally, contour bumps in third row
of contour bumps 630 have a bulb shape that is tapered at both ends
of the bulb. The contour bumps in third row of contour bumps 630
have an axis between the tapered ends and are aligned such that the
axis is aligned with the direction of flow of cooling air F.
[0065] The present invention has been described in detail with
respect to a rotor blade airfoil, a rotor blade platform, a blade
outer air seal, and a combustor liner panel. However, it is
understood that the present invention encompasses embodiments
within other components of a gas turbine engine, such as a stator
vane airfoil, a stator vane outside diameter platform, a stator
vane inside diameter platform, an augmenter liner panel, and a
nozzle liner panel.
[0066] A method for cooling a surface within an internal cooling
channel begins with introducing cooling air into a pedestal array
on the surface to be cooled. Then flowing the cooling air between
adjacent pedestals of a first row of pedestals attached to the
surface. Next, flowing the cooling air over and between adjacent
contour bumps of a row of contour bumps beyond the first row of
pedestals. Finally, flowing the cooling air between adjacent
pedestals of a second row of pedestals attached to the surface
beyond the row of contour bumps. Flowing the cooling air over and
between adjacent contour bumps includes at least one of increasing
heat transfer in a separation zone by flowing cooling air over
contour bumps aligned immediately downstream of the first row of
pedestals and compensating for a lack of blocking downstream
channel region by flowing cooling air over contour bumps aligned
immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals.
[0067] All embodiments described above are illustrated with
pedestals having a circular cross-section. However, it is
understood that the present invention encompasses embodiments with
pedestals having other shapes, for example, oval, elliptical, tear
drop, triangular, or square. In addition, the present invention
encompasses embodiments where the pedestals connect with a single
wall, as in the embodiment described above in reference to FIGS.
10, 11, 12A and 12B, but are completely within a component, as in
the embodiment described above in reference to FIGS. 6, 7A, and
7B.
[0068] The present invention employs cooling channels having
pedestal arrays with contoured endwall surfaces to provide for
improved heat transfer efficiency between turbine engine components
exposed to a flow of combustion gases and a flow of cooling air.
Rows of contour bumps are disposed between rows of pedestals on the
endwall surface. The contour bumps improve heat transfer efficiency
when compared to a flat surface by increasing the surface area
available for heat transfer and by forcing an increase in the
velocity of cooling air passing over the surface between pedestal
rows, thus increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient. In
some embodiments, positioning contour bumps immediately downstream
of pedestals increases heat transfer in the separation zone. In
some embodiments, positioning contour bumps downstream and in the
channel between pedestals compensates for a lack of blocking in the
downstream channel. Contour bumps of various shapes may be employed
in some embodiments to further enhance heat transfer
efficiency.
[0069] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS
[0070] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0071] A turbine engine component can include a first surface to be
cooled by a flow of cooling air, the first surface including a
pedestal array physically connected to the first surface, the
pedestal array including a first row of pedestals extending from
the first surface; and a second row of pedestals extending from the
first surface and running in a direction generally parallel to the
first row of pedestals; and a first row of contour bumps extending
from the first surface between the first row of pedestals and the
second row of pedestals and running in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals; the first row of contour
bumps aligned such that at least one contour bump of the first row
of contour bumps is positioned at least one of immediately
downstream of a pedestal of the first row of pedestals and
immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals.
[0072] The component of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0073] the first row of contour bumps extends a first distance from
the first surface, the first row of pedestals extends a second
distance from the first surface; the second row of pedestals
extends a third distance from the first surface, and the first
distance is less than 40% and more than 5% of the second distance
and the third distance;
[0074] the first row of contour bumps restricts the flow of cooling
air between the first row of pedestals and the second row of
pedestals to an extent less than the first row of pedestals and the
second row of pedestals restrict the flow of cooling air;
[0075] the second row of pedestals is offset from the first row of
pedestals in the parallel direction;
[0076] the second row of pedestals is offset from the first row of
pedestals in the parallel direction by one-half of a pitch of the
first row of pedestals;
[0077] contour bumps of the first row of contour bumps have a shape
that is one of a spherical dome, an ellipsoidal dome, a tear drop,
and a bulb tapered at both ends;
[0078] the pedestal array further includes a plurality of rows of
pedestals extending from the first surface and running in a
direction parallel to the second row of pedestals on a side of the
second row of pedestals opposite the first row of pedestals; each
of the plurality of rows of pedestals extending from the first
surface one or more distances; and the first surface further
includes a plurality of rows of contour bumps, at least one of the
plurality of rows of contour bumps extending from the first surface
between adjacent rows of pedestals and running in a direction
generally parallel to the adjacent rows of pedestals; at least one
of the plurality of rows of contour bumps extending from the first
surface less than 40% and more than 5% of the distance both
adjacent rows of pedestals extend from the first surface;
[0079] the pedestal array further includes a plurality of rows of
pedestals running in a direction parallel to the first row of
pedestals; wherein the plurality of rows of pedestals runs on a
side of the first row of pedestals opposite the second row of
pedestals;
[0080] at least one of the plurality of rows of pedestals is offset
from an adjacent row of pedestals by one-half of a pitch of the
adjacent row of pedestals.
[0081] the component further includes a second surface to be cooled
by the flow of cooling air; the second surface opposite the first
surface such that the first row of pedestals and the second row of
pedestals each extend to the second surface to create a flow
passage between the first surface and the second surface; the
second surface including a second row of contour bumps extending
from the second surface between the first row of pedestals and the
second row of pedestals and running in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals; the second row of contour
bumps aligned such that at least one contour bump of the second row
of contour bumps is positioned at least one of immediately
downstream of a pedestal of the first row of pedestals and
immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals;
[0082] the first row of contour bumps extends a first distance from
the first surface, the second row of contour bumps extends a second
distance from the second surface, the first row of pedestals
extends a third distance from the first surface; the second row of
pedestals extends a forth distance from the first surface; and the
first distance and the second distance are each less than 40% and
more than 5% of the third distance and the fourth distance;
[0083] the first row of contour bumps and the second row of contour
bumps together restrict the flow of cooling air between the first
row of pedestals and the second row of pedestals to an extent less
than the first row of pedestals and the second row of pedestals
restrict the flow of cooling air;
[0084] the first row of contour bumps is aligned such that at least
one contour bump of the first row of contour bumps is positioned
immediately downstream of a pedestal of the first row of pedestals;
and the second row of contour bumps is aligned such that at least
one contour bump of the second row of contour bumps is positioned
immediately upstream of a pedestal of the second row of
pedestals;
[0085] the pedestal array further includes a plurality of rows of
pedestals extending from the first surface and running in a
direction parallel to the second row of pedestals on a side of the
second row of pedestals opposite the first row of pedestals; each
of the plurality of rows of pedestals extending from the first
surface one or more distances to the second surface; the first
surface further includes a first plurality of rows of contour
bumps, at least one of the first plurality of rows of contour bumps
extending from the first surface between adjacent rows of pedestals
and running in a direction generally parallel to the adjacent rows
of pedestals; at least one of the first plurality of rows of
contour bumps extending from the first surface less than 40% and
more than 5% of the distance both adjacent rows of pedestals extend
from the first surface to the second surface; and the second
surface further includes a second plurality of rows of contour
bumps, at least one of the second plurality of rows of contour
bumps extending from the second surface between adjacent rows of
pedestals and running in a direction generally parallel to the
adjacent rows of pedestals; at least one of the second plurality of
rows of contour bumps extending from the second surface less than
40% and more than 5% of the distance both adjacent rows of
pedestals extend from the first surface to the second surface;
[0086] the pedestal array further includes a plurality of rows of
pedestals running in a direction parallel to the first row of
pedestals; at least one of the rows of pedestals offset from an
adjacent row of pedestals by one-half of the pitch of the adjacent
row of pedestals; wherein the plurality of rows of pedestals runs
on a side of the first row of pedestals opposite the second row of
pedestals;
[0087] at least one of the plurality of rows of pedestals is offset
from an adjacent row of pedestals by one-half of a pitch of the
adjacent row of pedestals; and
[0088] contour bumps of the first row of contour bumps and contour
bumps of the second row of contour bumps have a shape that is one
of a spherical dome, an ellipsoidal dome, a tear drop, and a bulb
tapered at both ends.
[0089] A gas turbine engine can include a combustor; a turbine
including a plurality of rotor stages; and a plurality of stator
stages interspersed between the plurality of rotor stages; and a
component to be cooled within at least one of the combustor and the
turbine, the component including a first surface to be cooled by a
flow of cooling air, the first surface including a pedestal array
physically connected to the first surface, the pedestal array
including a first row of pedestals extending from the first
surface; and a second row of pedestals extending from the first
surface and running in a direction generally parallel to the first
row of pedestals; and a first row of contour bumps extending from
the first surface between the first row of pedestals and the second
row of pedestals and running in a direction generally parallel to
the first row of pedestals; the first row of contour bumps aligned
such that at least one contour bump of the first row of contour
bumps is positioned at least one of immediately downstream of a
pedestal of the first row of pedestals and immediately upstream of
a pedestal of the second row of pedestals.
[0090] The component of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0091] the combustor including a plurality of combustor liner
panels lining an inside of the combustor, each of the plurality of
combustor liner panels having an inner surface facing the inside of
the combustor and an outer surface facing away from the inside of
the combustor, and the component to be cooled within at least one
of the combustor and the turbine is at least one of the plurality
of combustor liner panels;
[0092] at least one of the plurality of stator stages including a
plurality of stator vanes, each stator vane including an inner
diameter platform having radially inward facing surface and
radially outward facing surface; an outer diameter platform having
an radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing
surface; and an airfoil extending radially between the radially
outward facing surface of the inner diameter platform and the
radially inward facing surface of the outer diameter platform;
wherein the component to be cooled within the turbine is at least
one of the outer diameter platform, the inner diameter platform,
and the airfoil;
[0093] at least one of the plurality of rotor stages including a
plurality of rotor blades; and a plurality of blade outer air seals
disposed radially outward from the plurality of rotor blades; and
the component to be cooled within the turbine is at least one of
the plurality of blade outer air seals; and
[0094] at least one of the plurality of rotor stages including a
plurality of rotor blades, each rotor blade including an airfoil;
and a platform from which the airfoil extends radially outward;
wherein the component to be cooled within the turbine is at least
one of the platform and the airfoil.
[0095] A method for cooling a surface within an internal cooling
channel can include introducing cooling air into a pedestal array
on the surface to be cooled; flowing the cooling air between
adjacent pedestals of a first row of pedestals attached to the
surface; flowing the cooling air over and between adjacent contour
bumps of a row of contour bumps beyond the first row of pedestals;
and flowing the cooling air between adjacent pedestals of a second
row of pedestals attached to the surface beyond the row of contour
bumps; wherein flowing the cooling air over and between adjacent
contour bumps comprises at least one of increasing heat transfer in
a separation zone by flowing cooling air over contour bumps aligned
immediately downstream of the first row of pedestals and
compensating for a lack of blocking in a downstream channel region
by flowing cooling air over contour bumps aligned immediately
upstream of a pedestal of the second row of pedestals.
[0096] A turbine engine component can include a first surface to be
cooled by a flow of cooling air, the first surface including a
pedestal array physically connected to the first surface, the
pedestal array including a first row of pedestals extending from
the first surface; and a second row of pedestals extending from the
first surface and running in a direction generally parallel to the
first row of pedestals; and a first row of contour bumps extending
from the first surface between the first row of pedestals and the
second row of pedestals and running in a direction generally
parallel to the first row of pedestals; wherein contour bumps of
the first row of contour bumps have a shape that is one of an
ellipsoidal dome, a tear drop, and a bulb tapered at both ends.
* * * * *