Cyclone ring plate with pressure drop purge channel

Abstract

A swirler assembly for a gas turbine combustor includes a primary swirler having a primary swirler flow opening and a swirler collar plate connected to the upstream side of the primary swirler. The swirler collar plate includes (a) a fuel nozzle opening and (b) a plurality of oxidant purge channels surrounding the fuel nozzle opening, each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels including (i) an inlet channel portion and (ii) an outlet channel portion, the outlet channel portion extending from the inlet channel portion to the downstream end of the swirler collar plate and having an outlet in fluid communication with the primary swirler flow opening. The outlet channel portion has an increasing cross-sectional area extending from the inlet channel portion to the outlet along the length of the outlet channel portion, the increasing cross-sectional area causing a pressure drop in the oxidant flow through the oxidant purge channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a swirler collar plate for a swirler assembly in a combustor of a gas turbine engine. Background Art

[0002] Some conventional gas turbine engines are known to include rich-burn combustors, which typically use a swirler integrated with the fuel nozzle to deliver a swirling fuel / air mixture to the combustor. A radial-radial swirler is an example of such a swirler and includes a primary radial swirler, a secondary radial swirler, and a swirler collar plate surrounding the fuel nozzle. The primary swirler includes a primary swirler venturi, wherein the primary swirling air flow from the primary swirler is mixed with fuel injected into the primary swirler venturi through the fuel nozzle. The swirler collar plate may include constant-height purge holes that provide a purge air flow from a pressure plenum to the primary swirler venturi. The purge flow passing through the constant-height purge holes of the swirler collar plate is at a relatively high velocity when it leaves the swirler collar plate and enters the primary swirler venturi. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description of various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0004] Figure 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary high bypass turbofan jet engine according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary combustion section according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a swirler assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a swirler collar plate according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 4 A rear front elevation view taken at AA is shown in FIG.

[0009] Figure 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the oxidant purge channel taken at plane 6-6 of FIG.

[0010] Figure 7 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the outlet channel portion taken at plane 7-7 in FIG.

[0011] Figure 8 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the outlet channel taken at plane 8-8 in FIG.

[0012] Figure 9 is a rear front perspective view of a swirler collar plate according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 10 An example of multiple oxidant purge channels according to another aspect of the present disclosure is depicted without the swirl collar plate shown.

[0014] Figure 11 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A rear front elevation view depicting another arrangement of outlets for multiple oxidant flow channels, taken at view AA.

[0015] Figure 12 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view taken at plane 12-12 of FIG. 1 depicts another arrangement of the oxidant purge passages.

[0016] Figure 13 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A rear front elevation view depicting an arrangement of annular outlets for multiple oxidant flow channels, taken at view AA.

[0017] Figure 14 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A rear front elevation view depicting another arrangement of outlets for multiple oxidant flow channels, taken at view AA.

[0018] Figure 15 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A rear front elevation view depicting another arrangement of outlets for multiple oxidant flow channels, taken at view AA.

[0019] Figure 16 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view taken at plane 6-6 of FIG. 1 depicts another arrangement of the oxidant purge channels.

[0020] Figures 17(a) to 17(c) depict a schematic diagram of a Figure 16 Various views of the exit taken at 17-17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The features, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. In addition, it should be understood that the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation, rather than limiting the scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

[0022] Various embodiments are discussed in detail below. Although specific embodiments are discussed, this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component.

[0024] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions of fluid flow in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing.

[0025] In a rich-burn combustor, for example, including a radial-radial swirler, air is supplied from the combustor's pressure plenum to a primary radial swirler, where swirl vanes in the primary swirler induce swirl in the air as it flows through the primary swirler. The primary swirler also includes a venturi, and the fuel nozzle injects fuel into the venturi, where it mixes with the swirling airflow of the primary swirler. A swirler collar plate surrounds the fuel nozzle and may include constant-height purge holes that supply a purge airflow from the pressure plenum to the venturi. The purge flow passing through the constant-height purge holes in the swirler collar plate is at a relatively high pressure and high exit velocity upon exiting the swirler collar plate and entering the primary swirler venturi. The high-speed airflow from the collar plate directly interacts with the swirling air from the primary swirler, causing fluid dynamic instabilities and introducing higher turbulence in the flow of the primary swirler, particularly prior to the fuel nozzle tip. These fluid dynamic instabilities cause instabilities in the fuel distribution and heat release within the combustor, resulting in pressure fluctuations within the venturi having a higher amplitude than desired.

[0026] The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned problems to reduce fluid dynamic instabilities and maintain the amplitude of venturi pressure fluctuations at or below a desired level. According to the present disclosure, a cyclone collar plate includes a plurality of oxidant purge channels arranged to provide a pressure drop in the oxidant purge flow passing through the cyclone collar plate to the primary cyclone. In some aspects, each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels includes an outlet channel portion having an increased area along the length of the channel such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet is greater than the cross-sectional area on the upstream side of the outlet channel portion at the inlet channel portion. In another aspect, the outlet channel portion of the oxidant purge channel may include a plurality of branches that provide an increase in the cross-sectional area at the outlet compared to the inlet of the outlet channel portion. In both aspects, the increased cross-sectional area causes a pressure drop in the oxidant flow passing through the oxidant purge channel so as to obtain a lower velocity at the outlet, thereby reducing fluid dynamic instabilities and maintaining the amplitude of venturi pressure fluctuations at or below a desired level.

[0027] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary high bypass turbofan jet engine 10 (referred to herein as "engine 10") that may incorporate various embodiments of the present disclosure. Although further described below with reference to a turbofan engine, the present disclosure is also applicable to turbomachinery in general, including turbojets, turboprops, and turboshaft gas turbine engines, including marine and industrial turbine engines and auxiliary power units. Figure 1 As shown, the engine 10 has a longitudinal centerline axis 12 extending from an upstream end 98 to a downstream end 99 for reference. Generally, the engine 10 may include a fan assembly 14 and a core engine 16 disposed downstream of the fan assembly 14.

[0028] The core engine 16 may generally include a casing 18 defining an annular inlet 20. The casing 18 surrounds or at least partially forms, in serial flow relationship: a compressor section (22 / 24) having a supercharger or low pressure (LP) compressor 22 and a high pressure (HP) compressor 24; a combustor 26; a turbine section (28 / 30) including a high pressure (HP) turbine 28 and a low pressure (LP) turbine 30; and an ejection exhaust nozzle section 32. A high pressure (HP) rotor shaft 34 drivingly connects the HP turbine 28 to the HP compressor 24. A low pressure (LP) rotor shaft 36 drivingly connects the LP turbine 30 to the LP compressor 22. The LP rotor shaft 36 may also be connected to a fan shaft 38 of the fan assembly 14. In certain embodiments, as shown Figure 1As shown, LP rotor shaft 36 may be connected to fan shaft 38 via reduction gear 40, for example in an indirect drive configuration or a gear drive configuration. In other embodiments, although not shown, engine 10 may also include an intermediate pressure (IP) compressor and a turbine rotatable with the IP shaft.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the fan assembly 14 includes a plurality of fan blades 42 coupled to and extending radially outward from the fan shaft 38. An annular fan casing or nacelle 44 circumferentially surrounds the fan assembly 14 and / or at least a portion of the core engine 16. In one embodiment, the nacelle 44 may be supported relative to the core engine 16 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced outlet guide vanes or struts 46. In addition, at least a portion of the nacelle 44 may extend over an outer portion of the core engine 16 to define a bypass airflow passage 48 therebetween.

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary combustor 26 according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 2 In FIG, the combustor 26 includes a swirler assembly 50, a fuel nozzle assembly 52, a dome assembly 54, a cowling 55, and an annular combustion liner 56 within an outer shell 64 and an inner shell 65. The annular combustion liner 56 includes an annular outer liner 58 and an annular inner liner 60 that form a combustion chamber 62 therebetween. A pressure chamber 66 is formed within the cowling 55 and the dome assembly 54. Return to Reference Figure 1 In operation, air 73 enters the nacelle 44 at the nacelle inlet 76, and a portion of the air 73 enters the compressor section (22 / 24) as the compressor inlet air flow 80, where it is compressed. Another portion of the air 73 enters the bypass air flow passage 48 as the bypass air flow 78. Figure 2 In FIG. 2 , compressed air 82 from the compressor section (22 / 24) enters the combustor 26 via a diffuser (not shown). A portion of the compressed air 82(a) enters the cowling 55 into the plenum 66, while another portion of the compressed air 82(b) passes into the outer flow passage 68 between the annular outer liner 58 and the outer shell 64, and into the inner flow passage 67 between the annular inner liner 60 and the inner shell 65. As will be described below, the compressed air 82(a) in the plenum 66 passes through the swirler assembly 50 to mix with the fuel injected into the swirler assembly 50 by the fuel nozzle assembly 52. ​​The swirling fuel and air mixture (not shown) injected from the swirler assembly 50 into the combustion chamber 62 is then ignited and combusted to produce combustion product gases 86 within the combustion chamber 62.

[0031] Figure 3is a partial cross-sectional side view of the cyclone assembly 50. The cyclone assembly 50 defines a cyclone centerline 69 extending in a longitudinal direction (L), a radial direction (R) extending outward from the cyclone centerline 69, and a circumferential direction (C) extending circumferentially around the cyclone centerline 69. The cyclone assembly 50 is symmetrical about the cyclone centerline 69, and as shown Figure 2 5. The cyclone assembly 50 includes a primary cyclone 70, a secondary cyclone 72, and a cyclone collar plate 90. The primary cyclone 70 includes a plurality of primary cyclone swirl vanes 74 and a primary cyclone venturi 100. The primary cyclone swirl vanes 74 are circumferentially arranged in a row such that each of the primary cyclone swirl vanes 74 extends radially inward to provide radial swirl of the oxidant (e.g., compressed air 82(a)) to a primary cyclone flow opening 102 extending through the primary cyclone 70. The primary cyclone 70 also includes a primary cyclone venturi 100 extending in the longitudinal direction (L) from a downstream side 107 of the primary cyclone 70 and also extending circumferentially about the cyclone centerline 69. Thus, the primary swirler 70 is configured to swirl corresponding portions of the compressed air 82(a) from the pressure plenum 66 radially inward from the plurality of primary swirler swirl vanes 74 and then swirl within the primary swirler 70 in a primary swirler swirl direction 104 (i.e., clockwise about the swirler centerline 69 or counterclockwise about the swirler centerline 69).

[0032] The secondary swirler 72 similarly includes secondary swirler swirl vanes 84 that are circumferentially arranged in a row such that each of the secondary swirler swirl vanes 84 extends radially inward. Thus, the secondary swirler 72 is configured to cause another corresponding portion of the compressed air 82(a) from the plenum 66 to swirl radially inward from the plurality of secondary swirler swirl vanes 84 of the secondary swirler 72.

[0033] The fuel nozzle assembly 52 is shown to include a fuel nozzle 88 disposed within the swirler collar plate 90 of the swirler assembly 50. The fuel nozzle 88 injects fuel 92 from a fuel nozzle tip 94 through a primary swirler flow opening 102 into a primary swirler venturi 100 where the fuel 92 mixes with the swirling compressed air 82(a) from the primary swirler 70. The fuel and air mixture in the venturi (not shown) is further mixed with the swirling compressed air 82(a) from the secondary swirler 72 downstream of the primary swirler venturi 100.

[0034] exist Figure 3, the cyclone collar plate 90 interfaces with the primary cyclone 70 at the upstream side 106 of the primary cyclone 70. Various structural embodiments of the cyclone collar plate 90 will be discussed in more detail below. Briefly, the cyclone collar plate 90 includes a plurality of oxidant purge channels 108. The plurality of oxidant purge channels 108 provide fluid communication between the plenum 66 and the primary cyclone flow opening 102, such that a portion of the compressed air 82(a) in the plenum 66 flows through the oxidant purge channels 108 to provide a purge gas flow (also referred to herein as an oxidant flow) 110 to the primary cyclone flow opening 102. The purge gas flow 110 generates a pressure drop when passing through the oxidant purge channels 108, such that the pressure of the purge gas flow 110 is less than the pressure of the compressed air 82(a) in the plenum 66. That is, in operation, the compressed air 82(a) in the plenum 66 is pressurized to a first pressure P1 due to compression of the air by the compressor sections (22 / 24), and the compressed air 82(a) causes a pressure drop ΔP from the first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2 lower than the first pressure P1 within each of the plurality of oxidant purge passages 108. As will be described below, the geometry of each oxidant purge passage 108 provides a pressure drop in the purge gas flow 110.

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a swirler collar plate 90 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , the swirler collar plate 90 is shown to include a fuel nozzle opening 112 extending therethrough in the longitudinal direction (L) and extending circumferentially about the swirler centerline 69. The swirler collar plate 90 also includes a plurality of oxidant purge passages 114 surrounding the fuel nozzle opening 112. For example, referring to FIG. Figure 4 The view shown in the figure is taken at AA Figure 5 A plurality of oxidant purge passages 114 , each having an outlet 122 , may be circumferentially spaced about the fuel nozzle opening 112 so as to surround the fuel nozzle opening 112 and may be spaced the same radial distance 150 from the swirler centerline 69 . Figure 9 is a rear front perspective view of the swirler collar plate 90, which also depicts the outlets 122 spaced circumferentially about the fuel nozzle opening 112. Figure 4, each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 includes an inlet channel portion 116 and an outlet channel portion 118, the outlet channel portion 118 extending from the inlet channel portion 116 to the downstream surface 120 of the cyclone collar plate 90. Each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 includes an outlet 122 extending through the downstream surface 120 and in fluid communication with the primary cyclone flow opening 102. As will be described in more detail below, the inlet channel portion 116 provides a pressure drop in the oxidant flow 110 passing through the inlet channel portion 116, and the outlet channel portion 118 has a cross-sectional area extending along the length of the outlet channel portion 118 from the inlet channel portion 116 to the outlet 122, which causes a further pressure drop in the oxidant flow 110 passing through the oxidant purge channels 114.

[0036] The swirler collar plate 90 is shown to include an annular radial wall 124 at a downstream end 126 of the swirler collar plate 90, which extends in a circumferential direction (C) about the swirler centerline 69. The swirler collar plate 90 also includes an annular axial wall 128 that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) from the annular radial wall 124 toward an upstream end 130 of the swirler collar plate 90 and extends circumferentially about the swirler centerline 69. The fuel nozzle opening 112 extends through the collar plate 90 in the longitudinal direction (L) along the swirler centerline 69 through the annular radial wall 124 and through the annular axial wall 128. The inlet passage portion 116 extends in a radial direction (R) and includes an inlet 132 at a radially outer surface 134 of the annular axial wall 128. The inlet 132 is disposed along the length of the annular axial wall 128 in the longitudinal direction (L) between the upstream end 130 and the upstream side 136 of the annular radial wall 124. The location of the inlet 132 along the length of the annular axial wall 128 to the inlet passage portion 116 may vary depending on the length of the outlet passage portion 118 and the desired amount of pressure drop to be achieved.

[0037] Now refer to Figures 6 to 10 , the arrangement of the oxidant purge passage 114 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 6 is Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view taken at plane 6-6 of FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the inlet passage portion 116 may be a cylindrical port having a cylindrical cross-section, which extends in the radial direction as described above. On the other hand, the outlet passage portion 118 extends in the longitudinal direction (L) from the inlet passage portion 116 through the downstream surface 120 of the annular radial wall 124 to the outlet 122 and may have a cylindrical cross-section as described above. Figure 6For example, the upstream width 138 of the outlet passage portion 118 taken at plane 7-7 may be smaller than the downstream width 140 of the outlet passage portion 118 taken at plane 8-8.

[0038] Figure 7 is Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken at plane 7-7 of the outlet channel portion 118 in FIG. Figure 8 is Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken at plane 8-8 of the outlet channel portion 118 in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 8. As seen in FIG. 1 , the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet duct portion 118 can be generally rectangular in shape. In this case, the upstream height 142 of the outlet duct portion 118 at plane 7-7 can be less than the downstream height 144 of the outlet duct portion taken at plane 8-8. Thus, the outlet duct portion 118 includes a first cross-sectional area 146 at plane 7-7 near the inlet duct portion 116, and can have a second cross-sectional area 148 near the outlet 122 that is greater than the first cross-sectional area 146. That is, the outlet duct portion 118 has an increasing cross-sectional area along the length of the outlet duct portion 118 from the inlet duct portion 116 to the outlet 122. Of course, the downstream height 144 can be the same as the upstream height 142, such that a constant height is implemented along the longitudinal length of the outlet duct portion 118, but the upstream width 138 can still be less than the downstream width 140, such that an increasing cross-sectional area along the length of the outlet duct portion 118 is still provided. Furthermore, while in Figure 7 and 8 A generally rectangular outlet channel portion 118 is shown in FIG, but other cross-sectional shapes, such as a trapezoidal channel 119, a triangular channel, an elliptical channel, or a racetrack-shaped channel, may alternatively be implemented.

[0039] Figure 10 An example of a plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 is depicted, wherein the cyclone collar plate 90 is not shown. As discussed above, each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 includes an inlet channel portion 116 that extends in a radial direction (R) relative to the cyclone centerline 69 and is generally cylindrical. Each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 also includes an outlet channel portion 118 that is shown as Figure 6 The generally trapezoidal channel shown and includes Figure 7 and Figure 8Since a plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 are provided as shown, when the oxidant flow 110 passes through the inlet channel portion 116, a pressure drop is generated in the oxidant flow 110 passing through the oxidant purge channel 114, and when passing through the outlet channel portion 118, a further pressure drop is generated from a first pressure P1 at the inlet 132 of the inlet channel portion 116 to a second pressure P2 at the outlet 122. Here, the inlet channel portion 116 can provide a higher pressure drop than the remaining pressure drop generated in the outlet channel portion 118.

[0040] exist Figure 4 View captured at AA Figure 11 Another arrangement of outlets for multiple oxidant flow channels is depicted in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 5 , the outlets 122 of each of the plurality of oxidant purge passages 114 are shown as being circumferentially arranged at the same radial distance 150 about the cyclone centerline 69. Figure 11 In FIG, a plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 having outlets 122 arranged at the same radial distance 150 (also referred to herein as a first radial distance) are included and may be referred to as a first group 156 of oxidant purge channels 114. However, in FIG. Figure 11 , a second set 158 ​​of the plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 may be included having outlets 152. The outlets 152 may be identical to the outlets 122, but each outlet 152 of each of the second set 158 ​​of the plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 may be disposed a second radial distance 154 from the cyclone centerline 69, the second radial distance 154 being different from the radial distance 150. Furthermore, each outlet 152 may be circumferentially offset from the outlet 122 by an offset angle 160.

[0041] Figure 12 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view taken at plane 12-12 of FIG. 1 depicts another arrangement of oxidant purge channels. Figure 12 In FIG, each of the oxidant purge channels 114 is circumferentially arranged such that the outlet end portions 164 of each of the oxidant purge channels 114 merge circumferentially together. Thus, the outlets 122 of the plurality of oxidant purge channels 114 merge to define an annular outlet 162 that extends circumferentially about the swirler centerline 69 through the downstream surface 120 of the annular radial wall 124. Figure 4 View captured at AA Figure 13 A rear front view of the swirler collar plate 90 having the annular outlet 162 is depicted.

[0042] exist Figure 4 View captured at AA Figure 14Another arrangement of the outlet of the oxidant purge passage according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 14 In the outlet channel portion 118 ( Figure 4 ) has an arcuate cross section 147, 149 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) and includes an arcuate outlet 166. Figures 5 to 8 In the same manner as the rectangular cross section, the upstream end 174 ( Figure 6 ) The area of ​​the arcuate cross section 147 of the arcuate outlet channel portion 118 at the arcuate outlet 166 is smaller than the area of ​​the arcuate cross section 149 at the arcuate outlet 166. Figure 14 , the arcuate outlet 166 may be implemented such that a center 168 of the arcuate outlet 166 is disposed radially inward of the arcuate outlet 166 relative to the cyclone centerline 69. A radial distance 176 of the center 168 may be set based on a desired flow pattern of the oxidant exiting the arcuate outlet 166 into the primary cyclone flow opening 102. Alternatively, the arcuate outlet 170 may be implemented such that a center 172 of the arcuate outlet 170 is disposed radially outward of the arcuate outlet 170 relative to the cyclone centerline 69. A radial distance 178 of the center 172 may be set based on a desired flow pattern of the oxidant exiting the arcuate outlet 170 into the primary cyclone flow opening 102.

[0043] exist Figure 4 View captured at AA Figure 15 Another arrangement of the outlet of the oxidant purge passage according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 15 The aspect combines the arcuate outlets 166 and the arcuate outlets 170 in an alternating circumferential arrangement about the cyclone centerline 69. Thus, each arcuate outlet 166 of the corresponding arcuate oxidant outlet channel portion 118 can be considered a first group 198, and each arcuate outlet 170 of the corresponding arcuate oxidant outlet channel portion 118 can be considered a second group 200. The arcuate outlet 166 of each of the plurality of arcuate outlet channel portions 118 in the first group 198 has a center 168 that is disposed radially inward of the arcuate outlet 166 relative to the cyclone centerline 69. The arcuate outlet 170 of each of the plurality of arcuate outlet channel portions 118 in the second group 200 of arcuate outlet channel portions 118 has a center 172 that is disposed radially outward of the arcuate outlet 170 relative to the cyclone centerline 69. Figure 14 In a similar manner, the radial distance 176 from the center 168 of the arcuate outlet 166 and the radial distance 178 from the center 172 of the arcuate outlet 170 may be set based on a desired amount or pattern of oxidant flow to be provided to the primary cyclone flow opening 102. Figure 15In the embodiment, when the alternating arrangement is implemented, an offset angle 180 is implemented between the center 168 of the arc outlet 166 and the center 172 of the arc outlet 170. The offset angle 180 can be, for example, forty-five degrees. Figure 15 However, the offset angle 180 may be set based on the number of curved outlets 166 and curved outlets 170 implemented in a particular arrangement.

[0044] Figure 16 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view taken at plane 6-6 of FIG. 1 depicts another arrangement of the oxidant purge passages 114. Figure 16 In an aspect of the present invention, the outlet channel portion 118 is branched to include a plurality of branch channels. For example, the outlet channel portion 118 may include a first branch outlet channel 182 having a first branch outlet channel outlet 188 at the downstream surface 120 of the annular radial wall 124. The outlet channel portion 118 may also include a second branch outlet channel 184, which may be arranged at a branching angle 194 relative to the first branch outlet channel 182 and include a second branch outlet channel outlet 190 at the downstream surface 120 of the annular radial wall 124. In addition, the outlet channel portion 118 may include a third branch outlet channel 186, which may be arranged at a branching angle 196 relative to the first branch outlet channel 182 and include a third branch outlet channel outlet 192 at the downstream surface 120 of the annular radial wall 124. Each branch 182, 184, 186 of the plurality of branch outlet channels may have a constant cross-sectional area along the length of the respective branch, or may have an increasing cross-sectional area along the length of the respective branch, such as described above with respect to Figure 6 The plurality of branches 182 , 184 , 186 of the outlet channel portion 118 provide increased area downstream of the inlet channel portion 116 to provide a desired pressure drop from a first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2 at the first branch outlet channel outlet 188 , the second branch outlet channel outlet 190 , and the third branch outlet channel outlet 192 .

[0045] Each of the first branch outlet channel 182, the second branch outlet channel 184, and the third branch outlet channel 186 may include the same or different cross-sectional shapes, such as a circular cross-sectional shape, an elliptical cross-sectional shape, a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, etc. Figure 16Figures 17 (a) to 17 (c), taken at views 17-17 of FIG, depict various arrangements of outlets 188, 190, and 192 in the case of implementing an elliptical cross-sectional shape. In the arrangement of Figure 17 (a), each of the first branch outlet channel outlet 188, the second branch outlet channel outlet 190, and the third branch outlet channel outlet 192 is considered to be oriented in the same vertical alignment arrangement. In Figure 17 (b), each of the first branch outlet channel outlet 188, the second branch outlet channel outlet 190, and the third branch outlet channel outlet 192 is considered to be oriented in the same horizontal alignment arrangement. In Figure 17 (c), the first branch outlet channel outlet 188 is considered to be oriented in a horizontal alignment arrangement, while the second branch outlet channel outlet 190 and the third branch outlet channel outlet 192 are considered to be oriented in a vertical alignment arrangement. Thus, the orientation of the outlet can be changed and set based on the desired flow rate of the oxidant entering the primary cyclone flow opening 102.

[0046] While the foregoing description generally relates to gas turbine engines, it will be readily understood that gas turbine engines may be implemented in a variety of environments. For example, the engine may be implemented in an aircraft, but may also be implemented in non-aircraft applications, such as power plants, marine applications, or oil and gas production applications. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to use in aircraft.

[0047] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0048] 1. The swirler assembly of a combustor of a gas turbine, the swirler assembly comprising: a primary swirler having a primary swirler flow opening therethrough; and a swirler collar plate connected to an upstream side of the primary swirler and comprising (a) a fuel nozzle opening extending therethrough and (b) a plurality of oxidant purge channels surrounding the fuel nozzle opening, each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels comprising (i) an inlet channel portion and (ii) an outlet channel portion extending from the inlet channel portion to a downstream surface of the swirler collar plate and having an outlet fluidically connected to the primary swirler flow opening, the outlet channel portion having a cross-sectional area extending from the inlet channel portion to the outlet along the length of the outlet channel portion, the cross-sectional area causing a pressure drop in the oxidant flow through the oxidant purge channel.

[0049] A cyclone assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the oxidant flow through the oxidant purge passage causes the pressure drop from a first pressure at the inlet of the inlet passage portion to a second pressure at the outlet at the primary cyclone flow opening.

[0050] The swirler assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the swirler assembly defines a swirler centerline extending therethrough, a longitudinal direction extending along the swirler centerline, a radial direction extending outwardly from the swirler centerline, and a circumferential direction extending about the swirler centerline, the swirler collar plate including an annular radial wall and an annular axial wall, the annular radial wall extending in the circumferential direction at a downstream end of the swirler collar plate and about the swirler centerline, the annular axial wall extending in the longitudinal direction from the annular radial wall toward an upstream end of the swirler collar plate and extending circumferentially about the swirler centerline, the fuel nozzle opening extending in the longitudinal direction along the swirler centerline through the annular radial wall and through the annular axial wall.

[0051] The swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the primary swirler includes a venturi tube arranged on a downstream side of the primary swirler and extending downstream from the downstream side of the primary swirler in the longitudinal direction, and the swirler assembly further includes a secondary swirler connected to the downstream side of the primary swirler.

[0052] A swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the inlet channel portion extends in the radial direction and comprises an inlet at a radially outer surface of the annular axial wall, the inlet being arranged in the longitudinal direction between an upstream end of the annular axial wall and an upstream side of the annular radial wall.

[0053] A swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the outlet passage portion extends in the longitudinal direction and the outlet extends through the downstream surface of the swirler collar plate.

[0054] A cyclone assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the outlet ends of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels merge circumferentially together such that the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels merges to define an annular outlet extending circumferentially about the cyclone centerline through the downstream surface of the cyclone collar plate.

[0055] A swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the outlet passage portion comprises a cross-sectional area that increases along the length of the outlet passage portion from the inlet passage portion to the outlet.

[0056] A swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the outlet channel portion has a trapezoidal cross-section, the area of ​​the trapezoidal cross-section at the upstream end of the outlet channel portion being smaller than the area of ​​the trapezoidal cross-section at the outlet.

[0057] A cyclone assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the inlet passage portion has a cylindrical cross-section.

[0058] A cyclone assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge passages is arranged about the cyclone centreline at the same radial distance from the cyclone centreline.

[0059] The cyclone assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of oxidant purge channels comprises a first set of oxidant purge channels and a second set of oxidant purge channels.

[0060] The cyclone assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in a first group of oxidant purge channels is arranged at a first radial distance from the cyclone centerline, and the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in a second group of oxidant purge channels is arranged at a second radial distance from the cyclone centerline, the second radial distance being different from the first radial distance.

[0061] A swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the outlet passage portion has an arcuate cross-section, the area of ​​the arcuate cross-section at the upstream end of the outlet passage portion being smaller than the area of ​​the arcuate cross-section at the outlet.

[0062] The cyclone assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of oxidant purge channels comprises a first group of oxidant purge channels and a second group of oxidant purge channels, the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the first group of oxidant purge channels having an arc center disposed radially inward of the outlet relative to the cyclone centerline, and the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the second group of oxidant purge channels having an arc center disposed radially outward of the outlet relative to the cyclone centerline.

[0063] The cyclone assembly of any preceding clause, wherein respective ones of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the first group of oxidant purge channels and respective ones of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the second group of oxidant purge channels are disposed circumferentially in an alternating arrangement about the cyclone centerline.

[0064] A swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the outlet channel portion comprises a plurality of branch outlet channel portions, each branch of the plurality of branch outlet channel portions having a respective outlet at the downstream surface of the swirler collar plate.

[0065] A cyclone assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein each branch of the plurality of branch outlet channel portions has a constant cross-sectional area along the length of the respective branch.

[0066] A cyclone assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein each branch of the plurality of branch outlet channel portions has an increasing cross-sectional area along the length of the respective branch.

[0067] A swirler assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the respective outlets of each branch in the branch outlet channel sections are arranged circumferentially about the swirler centreline in the same orientation, or the respective outlets of each branch in the branch outlet channel sections are arranged circumferentially about the swirler centreline in different orientations.

[0068] Although the foregoing description is directed to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted that other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, features described in conjunction with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A swirler assembly for a gas turbine burner, characterized in that: The swirler assembly defines a swirler centerline extending therethrough, a longitudinal direction extending along the swirler centerline, a radial direction extending outward from the swirler centerline, and a circumferential direction extending about the swirler centerline, the swirler assembly comprising: a primary cyclone having a primary cyclone flow opening therethrough; and a swirler collar plate connected to an upstream side of the primary swirler and including (a) a fuel nozzle opening extending therethrough and (b) a plurality of oxidant purge channels surrounding the fuel nozzle opening, each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels including (i) an inlet channel portion extending in the radial direction, and (ii) an outlet channel portion extending from the inlet channel portion through a downstream surface of the swirler collar plate in the longitudinal direction and having an outlet in fluid communication with the primary swirler flow opening, the outlet channel portion having an increasing cross-sectional area extending from the inlet channel portion to the outlet along the length of the outlet channel portion, the increasing cross-sectional area causing a pressure drop in the oxidant flow through the oxidant purge channel.

2. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein the oxidant flow through the oxidant purge passage causes the pressure drop from a first pressure at the inlet of the inlet passage portion to a second pressure at the outlet at the primary cyclone flow opening.

3. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The swirler collar plate includes an annular radial wall and an annular axial wall, the annular radial wall is located at a downstream end of the swirler collar plate and extends in the circumferential direction around the swirler centerline, the annular axial wall extends in the longitudinal direction from the annular radial wall toward the upstream end of the swirler collar plate and extends circumferentially around the swirler centerline, and the fuel nozzle opening extends through the annular radial wall and the annular axial wall in the longitudinal direction along the swirler centerline.

4. The cyclone assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The primary swirler includes a venturi tube that is arranged on a downstream side of the primary swirler and extends downstream from the downstream side of the primary swirler in the longitudinal direction, and the swirler assembly further includes a secondary swirler connected to the downstream side of the primary swirler.

5. The cyclone assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The inlet passage portion includes an inlet at a radially outer surface of the annular axial wall, the inlet being arranged between an upstream end of the annular axial wall and an upstream side of the annular radial wall in the longitudinal direction.

6. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein the outlet end portions of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels merge circumferentially together such that the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels merges to define an annular outlet extending circumferentially about the cyclone centerline through the downstream surface of the cyclone collar plate.

7. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet channel portion has a trapezoidal cross section, and an area of ​​the trapezoidal cross section at an upstream end of the outlet channel portion is smaller than an area of ​​the trapezoidal cross section at the outlet.

8. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that Wherein the inlet channel portion has a cylindrical cross section.

9. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels is arranged around the cyclone centerline at the same radial distance from the cyclone centerline.

10. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of oxidant purge channels include a first group of oxidant purge channels and a second group of oxidant purge channels.

11. The cyclone assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that wherein the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in a first group of oxidant purge channels is arranged at a first radial distance from a centerline of the cyclone, and the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in a second group of oxidant purge channels is arranged at a second radial distance from the centerline of the cyclone, the second radial distance being different from the first radial distance.

12. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet channel portion has an arcuate cross section, and an area of ​​the arcuate cross section at an upstream end of the outlet channel portion is smaller than an area of ​​the arcuate cross section at the outlet.

13. The cyclone assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that wherein the plurality of oxidant purge channels include a first group of oxidant purge channels and a second group of oxidant purge channels, the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the first group of oxidant purge channels has an arc center arranged radially inward of the outlet relative to a centerline of the cyclone, and the outlet of each of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the second group of oxidant purge channels has an arc center arranged radially outward of the outlet relative to a centerline of the cyclone.

14. The cyclone assembly according to claim 12, wherein: wherein corresponding oxidant purge channels of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the first group of oxidant purge channels and corresponding oxidant purge channels of the plurality of oxidant purge channels in the second group of oxidant purge channels are circumferentially disposed in an alternating arrangement around the cyclone centerline.

15. The cyclone assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet channel portion includes a plurality of branch outlet channel portions, each branch of the plurality of branch outlet channel portions having a corresponding outlet at the downstream surface of the swirler collar plate.

16. The cyclone assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that Wherein each branch of the plurality of branch outlet channel portions has a constant cross-sectional area along the length of the respective branch.

17. The cyclone assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that Wherein each branch of the plurality of branch outlet channel portions has an increasing cross-sectional area along the length of the respective branch.

18. The cyclone assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that The corresponding outlets of each branch in the branch outlet channel portion are circumferentially arranged in the same orientation around the swirler centerline, or the corresponding outlets of each branch in the branch outlet channel portion are circumferentially arranged in different orientations around the swirler centerline.

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