Inductive start and capacitive sustain ignition exciter system

Abstract

An ignition exciter system includes an igniter, a step-up transformer, a switch device, and a spark-sustain capacitor. The igniter has a spark gap across which a spark may be generated. The step-up transformer has a primary winding that is adapted to selectively receive direct current (DC) from a DC source, and a secondary winding that is coupled to the igniter. The switch device is coupled to the primary winding and is configured to selectively operate in an ON state, in which DC may flow through the primary winding, and an OFF state, in which DC may not flow through the primary winding. The spark-sustain capacitor is coupled to the igniter and is configured to charge from a DC source when the switch device is operating in the ON state, and at least selectively discharge across the spark gap when the switch device is operating in the OFF state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention generally relates to ignition exciter systems, and more particularly relates to an ignition exciter system that includes inductive start and capacitive sustain circuits.BACKGROUND[0002]A typical gas turbine engine includes at least a compressor section, a combustion system, and a turbine section. During operation, the compressor section draws in ambient air, compresses it, and supplies the compressed air to the combustion system. A typical combustion system includes at least a combustor, a fuel supply line, and one or more igniters. During operation, the combustion system receives fuel from a fuel source, via the fuel supply line, and the compressed air from the compressor section. The igniter(s) combusts the fuel-air mixture and supplies high energy combusted gas to the turbine section, causing it to rotate.[0003]A combustion system igniter typically receives electrical energy from an ignition exciter system. More specifically, the ignitio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an ignition exciter system that includes an igniter, a step-up transformer, a switch device, and a spark-sustain capacitor. The system generates a spark across the igniter's spark gap using a DC power source and a step-up transformer. The switch device controls the flow of DC through the primary winding of the transformer. The spark-sustain capacitor charges when the switch device is in the ON state and discharges when it is in the OFF state, sustaining the spark across the gap. The technical effect is a system that efficiently generates and maintains a spark for ignition purposes with improved control over the spark's duration and location.

Problems solved by technology

These controlled switches contribute to energy loss.

Moreover, due to the poor efficiencies, many of the presently known ignition exciter systems include a relatively large storage capacitor to account for the excessive energy loss in the plurality of controlled switches.

Thus, while presently known ignition exciter systems are generally safe, reliable, and robust, these systems can exhibit certain drawbacks.

For example, the printed circuit board area occupied by relatively large storage capacitors and / or other components can result in relatively large enclosures, which in turn may lead to more space being occupied on the engine, can increase weight, and may result in a less efficient system.

Hence, there is a need for an ignition exciter system that uses relatively less components and / or occupies less space and / or weighs less than existing systems and / or is not relatively less efficient that existing systems.

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