Leakage flow mixing in shrouded axial turbines and its control strategies using casing optimization

Abstract

The geometry of the shroud cavity, which accommodates the rotor shroud leakage flow, is very important due to its impact on the leakage flow path as well as the interaction between the leakage flow and mainstream. The research in this paper numerically investigates the potential for reducing the leakage loss by optimization to the casing. The spatial loss audit and the loss breakdown based on loss mechanisms undertaken in the first part of this study are the foundation to develop promising strategies for minimizing the leakage loss. The profiled casing in the exit cavity effectively deflects the leakage jet into the axial direction when it re-enters the mainstream. The mixing loss is significantly reduced due to the notable decrease in axial velocity disparity of the two streams. On this basis, the exit and inlet cavity are further shaped to both form a step. Reductions in the shroud leakage loss are achieved by alleviating the flow nonuniformity in the exit cavity and reducing the leakage flow rate, respectively. The work in this study contributes to the refinement of control methods for the shroud leakage loss.