Turbine Blade Cooling Technologies — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the fundamental science of heat transfer and its application in axial flow turbine cooling. It delves into the history of cooling technologies, explaining how they have evolved over the past 50 years. The lesson also discusses the different types of cooling technologies used in gas turbine engines, including convection cooling, film cooling, and transpiration cooling. It highlights the importance of cooling in enhancing the efficiency and power output of gas turbine engines. The lesson also explains the challenges faced in cooling technology, such as the need for accurate calculation of cooling requirements and the development of materials that can withstand high temperatures.

Video Highlights

03:01 - Explanation of the need for cooling in gas turbine engines due to the limitations of material science.
14:00 - Discussion on the different types of cooling technologies used in axial flow turbine cooling, including convection cooling, film cooling, and transpiration cooling.
49:33 - Explanation of the challenges faced in turbine cooling, including the need for accurate calculation of cooling requirements and the high cost of manufacturing turbine blades with embedded cooling technology.
58:58 - Discussion on the advancement of cooling technology, allowing for effective cooling with less than 1 percent of the main gas flow.

Key Takeaways

- The science of heat transfer plays a crucial role in axial flow turbine cooling.
- Cooling technologies have evolved over the past 50 years, with different types being used depending on the complexity of the gas turbine engine.
- Cooling enhances the efficiency and power output of gas turbine engines by allowing them to operate at higher temperatures.
- Accurate calculation of cooling requirements and the development of high-temperature resistant materials are key challenges in cooling technology.
- Modern cooling technologies include convection cooling, film cooling, and transpiration cooling.