Involute trapped vortex combustor assembly

Abstract

A combustor assembly is generally provided. The combustor assembly includes a volute wall extended annularly around a combustor centerline, an annular inner wall extended at least partially along a lengthwise direction from the volute wall, and an annular outer wall extended at least partially along the lengthwise direction from the volute wall. The volute wall is extended at least partially as aspiral curve from a circumferential reference line around the combustor centerline and defines a combustion chamber within the volute wall. The inner wall and the outer wall are separated along a radial direction from the combustor centerline. A primary flow passage is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall in fluid communication from the combustion chamber. A flow passage wall is extended to a portion of the volute wall and a portion of the outer wall. The flow passage wall defines a secondary flow passage and a tertiary flow passage between the volute wall, the outer wall, and theflow passage wall. The volute wall and the outer wall together define one or more secondary outlet openings adjacent to the combustion chamber and in fluid communication with the combustion chamber.The outer wall defines one or more tertiary outlet openings in fluid communication with the tertiary flow passage and the primary flow passage.

Description

technical field [0001] This topic deals with combustion components. More specifically, the subject matter relates to trapped vortex combustor assemblies. Background technique [0002] A gas turbine engine typically includes a combustion section where compressed air is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate high pressure, high temperature combustion gases that then flow downstream and expand to drive the compressor section, fan section and and / or the turbine section on the load unit. Combustion of multiple fuels of various heating values ​​in a conventional combustion section is challenging. It is also challenging for conventional combustion sections to reduce emissions (eg, nitrogen oxides, unburned hydrocarbons, and smoke) while also maintaining or improving combustion stability across a wide range of fuel / air ratios, air flow rates, and inlet pressures. Still further, it can be challenging for conventional combustion sections to achieve any or all of these criteria whi...

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Problems solved by technology

Still further, it is challenging for conventional combustion sections to achieve any or all of these criteria while maintaining or reducing longitudinal and / or radial dimensions and / or part counts

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