Diffusion Combustor Fuel Nozzle

Abstract

The present application thus provides a fuel nozzle for use with one or more flows of fuel and a flow of air in a combustor. The fuel nozzle may include one or more gas fuel passages for the one or more of flows of fuel, a swirler with one or more air chambers therein surrounding the gas fuel passages, and a collar with one or more curtain slots surrounding the swirler. The flow of air is divided between a swirler flow through the air chambers and a curtain flow through the curtain slots.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present application and the resultant patent relate generally to gas turbine engines and more particularly relate to a diffusion combustor fuel nozzle using a flow of curtain air to reduce emissions such as nitrogen oxides and the like while maintaining efficient performance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Operational efficiency in a gas turbine engine generally increases as the temperature of the combustion stream increases. Higher combustion stream temperatures, however, may result in the production of high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other types of undesirable emissions. Such emissions may be subject to both federal and state regulations in the United States and also may be subject to similar regulations abroad. A balancing act thus exist between operating the gas turbine engine within an efficient temperature range while also ensuring that the output of nitrogen oxides and other types of regulated emissions remain well below mandated levels. Man...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent application is about a new fuel nozzle design for use in combustors. The fuel nozzle has multiple gas fuel passages with a swirler that surrounds them. The swirler has air chambers and curtain slots, where the flow of air is divided between the swirler and the curtain slots. This design allows for better mixing of the fuel and air, which can improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. The patent also provides a method for operating the fuel nozzle in different types of combustors. Overall, the invention improves the performance and efficiency of combustion systems.

Problems solved by technology

Higher combustion stream temperatures, however, may result in the production of high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other types of undesirable emissions.

The fuel and the resultant hot combustion gases, however, may become entrained in a recirculation zone downstream of the swirler.

As a result, the liner surrounding the fuel nozzles and the combustion chamber may experience relatively high-head end temperatures.

Such high temperatures may have an impact on the integrity and the lifetime of the liner and other components.

Such a fuel nozzle for a diffusion combustor may efficiently combust the fuel and the air streams therein with limited emissions while also limiting liner temperatures for increased component lifetime.

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