Solar Turbines Inc.

Daniel W Burnes

James W Mohr

Tyson M Ferguson

A pneumatically variable nozzle vane is disclosed that is capable of performing the same or similar function as a mechanically variable nozzle vane. Within its core, each pneumatically variable nozzle vane may comprise one or more cavities in fluid communication with one or more outlets to eject a gas from the nozzle vane into a flow path of working fluid through the nozzle. Each cavity may be shaped to match an internal pressure gradient to the external pressure gradient of the nozzle vane. The gas may be ejected as a curtain, substantially perpendicular to the flow path through the nozzle, to thereby manipulate the flow of a working fluid through the nozzle in a similar manner as a mechanically variable nozzle vane. In an embodiment, each nozzle vane may have two cavities supplying outlets on both the pressure-side and suction-side of the nozzle vane.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Daniel W Burnes