Cooled Cooling Air Systems for Turbine Thermal Management

Abstract

This paper evaluates the feasibility and potential impact on overall engine performance when utilizing the heat sink sources available in a gas turbine engine for improved turbine thermal management. A study was conducted to assess the application of a heat exchanger to cool the compressor bleed air normally used air for cooling turbine machinery. The design tradeoffs of this cooled cooling air approach as we’ll as the methodology used to make the performance assessment will be addressed. The results of this study show that the use of a cooled cooling air (CCA) system can make a positive impact on overall engine performance. Minimizing the complexity and weight of the CCA system, while utilizing advanced, high temperature materials currently under development provide the best overall solution in terms of design risk and engine performance.