FUEL PREHEATING FOR FUEL INJECTION

Abstract

A fuel preheating component in a gas turbine engine includes a component housing extending from a first end about a central axis to a second end, the component housing including walls defining an inner chamber, a heating element positioned within the inner chamber, and a plurality of internal fuel channels arranged within the component housing and configured to be heated by the heating element.

Description

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fuel preheating and in particular fuel preheating within a gas turbine engine.

[0002] In gas turbine engines, fuel and air are injected into a combustion chamber to provide power. Fuel properties (especially viscosity) change significantly with temperature. This can affect fuel atomization. This is particularly important for specific engine characteristics such as high-altitude ignition and restart. It is also crucial when considering atomization using pressure atomizers or discrete jet atomizers. Efficient atomization helps an engine operate more efficiently and reduces fuel consumption. SUMMARY

[0003] In one example, a fuel preheating component in a gas turbine engine may include a component housing extending from a first end about a central axis to a second end, the component housing including walls defining an inner chamber, a heating element positioned within the inner chamber, and a plurality of internal fuel channels arranged within the component housing and configured to be heated by the heating element.

[0004] In another example, a system for fuel injection into a gas turbine engine may include a main burner housing, a combustion chamber within the main burner housing, at least one main fuel injection valve extending through a wall of the combustion chamber, and a fuel preheating component, which may further include a component housing extending from a first end about a central axis to a second end, wherein the component housing includes walls defining an inner chamber, a heating element positioned within the inner chamber, and a plurality of internal fuel channels arranged within the component housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component with internal fuel channels. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component with air passages and fuel channels. Fig. 3 is a phantom view of the fuel preheating component of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel preheating component of Fig. 2-3 with temperature control. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component within a fuel injection system in a gas turbine engine. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component mounted through a combustion chamber wall in a fuel injection system in a gas turbine engine. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component mounted on a flame tube within a fuel injection system in a gas turbine engine.

[0005] Although the figures above illustrate embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments are also conceivable, as mentioned in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention in the form of a representation and not as a limitation. It is understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments may be developed by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope of protection and the essence of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features, steps, and / or components that are not specifically shown in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] This disclosure presents a fuel preheating component and a fuel injection system designed for use in a gas turbine engine. In particular, this disclosure includes the use of a preheating component for preheating fuel before it enters a combustion chamber.

[0007] Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component 110. The fuel preheating component 110 can include a component housing 112 with a first end 114, a second end 116, and walls 117 defining an inner chamber 118, including fuel channels 120 and a first threaded section 122. The preheating component 110 can further include a heating element 124 with a second threaded section 126.

[0008] As discussed above, the fuel preheating component 110 can include a component housing 112 with a first end 114, a second end 116, and walls 117 defining an inner chamber 118 extending along a central axis CA. The component housing 112 has fuel channels 120 within it and a first threaded section 122 within the inner chamber 118 at the first end 114. The heating element 124 is configured for insertion into the inner chamber 118 and attachment to the component housing 112 via the second threaded section 126 of the heating element 124. The first threaded section 122 is coupled to the second threaded section 126 to hold the heating element in position. It is conceivable that other means known in the field, such as welding or brazing, could be used to secure the heating element 122 within the component housing 112.The heating element 122 can extend from the first end 114 of the fuel preheating component 110, from the second end 116 of the fuel preheating component 110, or span any other part of the fuel preheating component 110 that is appropriate for a particular application. The heating element 124 can be any suitable heating device, such as an electric resistance heater (e.g., a glow plug), or any other heating device deemed appropriate for a particular application. In some examples, the heating element 124 can be supplemented by an ignition source, such as a spark, plasma, or the tip of a glow plug, as further discussed below. The ignition source can be either the surface of the glow plug already being used as a preheater for the system, or alternatively, a high-voltage spark or plasma.Once the combustion reaction has begun, the heat of reaction can maintain stable combustion without the need for additional heat input. The ignition source can be permanently switched on or activated only when needed to initiate the combustion reaction.

[0009] Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a fuel preheating component 210. Fig. 3 is a phantom view of the fuel preheating component of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel preheating component of Fig. 2-3 with a temperature control 242. Fig. Items 2-4 will be discussed together.

[0010] The fuel preheating component 210 can include a component housing 212 with a first end 214, a second end 216, and walls 217 defining an inner chamber 218, fuel internal channels 220, and a first threaded section 222. The preheating component 210 can further include a heating element 224 with a second threaded section 226, fuel injection channels 228, spray discs 230, fuel orifices 232, first air passages 234, air inlets 236, upstream air inlets 237, and second air passages 238. The preheating component 210 can further include a fuel temperature sensor 240 with temperature control 242 and ignition sources 244 (as shown in Fig. 4 shown) include.

[0011] As discussed above, the fuel preheating component 210 can include a component housing 212 with a first end 214, a second end 216, and walls 217 defining an inner chamber 218 extending along a central axis CA. The component housing 212 has fuel channels 220 within it and a first threaded section 222 within the inner chamber 218 at the first end 214. The heating element 224 is configured for insertion into the inner chamber 218 and attachment to the component housing 212 via the second threaded section 226 of the heating element 224. The first threaded section 222 is coupled to the second threaded section 226 to hold the heating element 224 in its position. The fuel injection channels 228 extend through the component housing 212 and enter the inner chamber 218 through the fuel openings 232 at the second end 216 of the fuel preheating component 210.The fuel ports 232 can be located directly opposite the spray discs 230 at the second end 216 to direct fuel radially into the inner chamber 218 and towards the heating element 224. The fuel ports 232 can be configured to atomize fuel that, after exiting the fuel ports 232, strikes the spray discs 230. In some examples, another form of atomization, such as pressure atomizers or discrete nozzle atomizers, can be used in addition to or instead of the spray discs 230 and fuel ports 232.

[0012] Fig. 2-4 further include the first air passages 234, which blow air or another fluid through the air inlets 236 at the second end 216 of the fuel preheating component into the inner chamber 218. In the illustrated embodiments, the air openings 236 blow air parallel to the spray discs 230; however, it is conceivable that the angle of air injection varies depending on the desired mixture. It is also conceivable that the upstream air inlets 237 between the first end 214 and the fuel inner channels 220 (in Fig. The second air passages 238 run parallel to the central axis CA to the second end 216 and, in the illustrated embodiments, blow air in at the same angle as at the fuel ports 232. In some examples, this angle may be selected to provide flow characteristics suitable for a specific application. The second air passages 238 contribute to providing a buffer between the heating element 224 and the fuel channels 220, 228. Fig. In 3, the fuel channels 220 are helically arranged around the inner chamber 218, which helps to increase the surface area for heat transfer between the heating element 224 and the fuel within the fuel channels 220. It is conceivable that the fuel channels 220 could be arranged in a single plane or in multiple layers within the walls 217 in tunnels extending radially outward from the central axis, helically wound around the central axis. In other examples, the fuel channels 220 could be positioned differently around the inner chamber 218, as long as the desired heat transfer between the heating element 224 and the fuel within the fuel channels 220 takes place. In some examples, the helical channels (or channels with a different configuration) could also include air channels for preheating air for applications within a gas turbine engine. Fig. Figure 4 represents the fuel temperature sensor 240, which is positioned at the fuel port 232 to monitor the fuel temperature. The fuel temperature can be transmitted from the fuel temperature sensor 240 to the temperature controller 210, which can vary the power supplied to the heating element 224 to either increase or decrease the fuel temperature at the fuel ports 232, thus preventing coking of the fuel flowing through the fuel channels 220 and 228. For example, the temperature controller 210 can be configured to provide lower power to the heating element 224 during a fuel preheating cycle and higher power during a fuel ignition cycle. For instance, during a fuel preheating cycle, it may be desirable to maintain the fuel flowing through the fuel channel 228 at a temperature between 100°F and 200°F.During a fuel ignition cycle, it may be desirable to maintain the fuel flowing through fuel channel 228 at a temperature of 200 °F to 250 °F or higher, depending on the coking tendency of the fuel used.

[0013] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component within a fuel injection system in a gas turbine engine. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component mounted through a combustion chamber wall in a fuel injection system in a gas turbine engine. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel preheating component mounted on a flame tube within a fuel injection system in a gas turbine engine. Fig. Items 5-7 will be discussed together.

[0014] The fuel injection system 500 may include a fuel preheating component 510, which may include a component housing 512 with a first end 514 and a second end 516, defining an inner chamber 518, and fuel inner channels 520. The preheating component 510 may further include a heating element 524. The system may further include a main burner housing 544, a combustion chamber 546 with walls 548 and a rear wall 550, a main fuel injection valve 552, and a main fuel passage 554. The system may further include an ignition source 556 ( Fig. 5) or a flame tube 558 ( Fig. 7) include.

[0015] The main burner housing 544 can contain the combustion chamber 546. The combustion chamber 546 has lining walls 548 and a rear wall 550. The main fuel injector 552 can include a main fuel passage 554 that extends through the main burner housing 544 and connects the main fuel injector 552 to the combustion chamber 546 at the rear wall 550. It is conceivable that more than one main fuel injector can be used and that the ignition source 556 is located in the upper wall 548 of the combustion chamber 546 (shown in Fig. 5) or can be mounted in any other suitable location.

[0016] The fuel preheating component 510 may be located at a different location within the gas turbine engine, as shown in Fig. 5 shown, or through the main burner housing 544 into the walls of the combustion chamber 546 (shown in Fig. 6) The fuel preheating component 510 can also be located outside the main burner housing 544 and attached at its second end 516 via a first end 560 to the flame tube 558 (shown in Fig. 7) The flame tube can extend through the main burner housing 544 and be connected to the combustion chamber 546 via a second end 562 of the flame tube through the lining wall 548.

[0017] The use of a fuel preheating component offers several advantages over conventional gas turbine combustion systems. A more uniformly atomized fuel can lead to significantly more controllable starts. Preheating reduces the need for special "pilot" or "start" fuel injectors and further reduces the requirement for cold-fuel testing of injectors. This results in cleaner fuel combustion with less carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. Preheating the fuel shortens the vaporization time, which helps ensure more complete combustion, including the complete consumption of particulate matter (soot) produced during the conversion of hydrocarbons to combustion products. Discussion of possible embodiments

[0018] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] A fuel preheating component in a gas turbine engine may include a component housing extending from a first end about a central axis to a second end, the component housing including walls defining an inner chamber, a heating element positioned within the inner chamber, and a plurality of internal fuel channels arranged within the component housing and configured to be heated by the heating element.

[0020] The fuel preheating component of the preceding paragraph may optionally and / or alternatively include one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components:

[0021] The components can include a first threaded section inside the inner chamber and a second threaded section at a first end of the heating element, with the first threaded section and the second threaded section being configured to connect the heating element to the component housing.

[0022] The heating element can be an electric resistance heating element.

[0023] The components may also include an ignition source in the inner chamber.

[0024] The multitude of internal fuel channels can be arranged helically around the central axis and the heating element.

[0025] The component may further include a multitude of internal air channels arranged helically around the central axis and the heating element, the internal air channels being configured to preheat air.

[0026] The multitude of internal fuel channels can include several layers of fuel channels arranged radially outwards from the central axis within the walls that define the inner chamber.

[0027] The component may further include a plurality of fuel injection channels in the second end of the component housing and a plurality of spray discs directly opposite a plurality of fuel openings of the plurality of fuel injection channels into the inner chamber, the spray discs being configured to atomize fuel striking the spray discs.

[0028] The component may further include at least one fuel temperature sensor at the input to at least one of the plurality of fuel injection channels and a temperature control connected to the at least one fuel temperature sensor and configured to vary the power of the heating element to control the temperature of fuel in the plurality of fuel injection channels when the fuel preheating component is in operation.

[0029] The component may further include a flame tube attached to the second end of the fuel preheating component and configured to contain gases from ignited fuel.

[0030] The fuel preheating component can have the multitude of spray discs arranged at an acute angle with respect to the central axis in order to direct fuel radially inwards from the multitude of fuel openings into the inner chamber.

[0031] The component can further include a first plurality of air passages in the component housing with a plurality of air inlets into the inner chamber, each air inlet running parallel to a corresponding spray disc.

[0032] The component may further include a second plurality of air passages between the component housing and the heating element, wherein the second plurality of air passages runs parallel to the central axis.

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for fuel injection into a gas turbine engine may include a main burner housing, a combustion chamber within the main burner housing, at least one main fuel injection valve extending through a wall of the combustion chamber, and a fuel preheating component, which may further include a component housing extending from a first end about a central axis to a second end, wherein the component housing may include walls defining an inner chamber, a heating element positioned within the inner chamber, and a plurality of internal fuel channels arranged within the component housing.

[0034] The fuel preheating system of the preceding paragraph may optionally and / or alternatively include one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components:

[0035] The fuel from the multitude of internal fuel channels can be fed to a main fuel channel configured to supply fuel to the at least one main fuel injector.

[0036] The fuel preheating component of the system can be mounted through the wall of the combustion chamber and further includes a plurality of fuel injection channels in the second end of the component housing, a plurality of spray discs directly opposite a plurality of fuel openings of the plurality of fuel injection channels into the inner chamber, the spray discs being configured to atomize fuel striking the spray discs, a first plurality of air passages in the component housing with a plurality of air inlets into the inner chamber, a second plurality of air passages between the component housing and the heating element, and an ignition source within the inner chamber, wherein fuel from the plurality of fuel openings can be ignited by the ignition sources and injected into the combustion chamber.

[0037] The fuel preheating component of the system can be mounted on an upper wall of the combustion chamber, and at least one main fuel injector can be mounted on a rear wall of the combustion chamber.

[0038] The system may further include a flame tube which is attached at a first end of the flame tube to the second end of the fuel preheating component and at a second end of the flame tube to the wall of the combustion chamber.

[0039] The system may further include a multitude of fuel injection channels in the second end of the component housing, a multitude of fuel openings of the multitude of fuel injection channels into the inner chamber, and an ignition source within the inner chamber configured to ignite fuel in the inner chamber and provide combustion gases to the flame tube.

[0040] The system's flame tube can be mounted on an upper wall of the combustion chamber, and at least one main fuel injection valve can be mounted on a rear wall of the combustion chamber.

[0041] Although the invention has been described with reference to one embodiment (or embodiments), those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to it and elements thereof can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, numerous modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the fundamental scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment(s) but includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] Fuel preheating component in a gas turbine engine, wherein the fuel preheating component comprises: a component housing extending from a first end about a central axis to a second end, wherein the component housing includes walls that define an inner chamber; a heating element that is positioned inside the inner chamber; a multitude of fuel injection channels in the second end of the component housing; a plurality of spray discs directly opposite a plurality of fuel orifices of the plurality of fuel injection channels into the inner chamber, the spray discs being configured to atomize fuel striking the spray discs; and a multitude of internal fuel channels arranged within the component housing and configured to be heated by the heating element. [2] Fuel preheating component according to claim 1, further comprising: a first threaded section within the inner chamber; and a second threaded section at a first end of the heating element, wherein the first threaded section and the second threaded section are configured to connect the heating element to the component housing. [3] Fuel preheating component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating element is an electric resistance heating element. [4] Fuel preheating component according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an ignition source within the inner chamber. [5] Fuel preheating component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multitude of internal fuel channels are arranged helically around the central axis and the heating element; wherein the fuel preheating component further comprises in particular a plurality of internal air channels arranged helically around the central axis and the heating element, wherein the internal air channels are configured for preheating air. [6] Fuel preheating component according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one fuel temperature sensor at the input to at least one of the multiple fuel injection channels; and a temperature control connected to the at least one fuel temperature sensor and configured to vary the power of the heating element to control the temperature of fuel in the plurality of fuel injection channels when the fuel preheating component is in operation. [7] Fuel preheating component according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flame tube attached to the second end of the fuel preheating component and configured to contain gases of ignited fuel. [8] Fuel preheating component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spray discs is acutely angled with respect to the central axis in order to direct fuel from the plurality of fuel openings radially inwards into the inner chamber. [9] Fuel preheating component according to claim 8, further comprising: a first plurality of air passages in the component housing with a plurality of air inlets into the inner chamber, each air inlet running parallel to a corresponding spray disc. [10] Fuel preheating component according to claim 9, further comprising: a second plurality of air passages between the component housing and the heating element, wherein the second plurality of air passages runs parallel to the central axis. [11] System for fuel injection into a gas turbine engine, the system comprising: a main burner housing; a combustion chamber within the main burner housing; at least one main fuel injection valve extending through a wall of the combustion chamber; where a fuel preheating component further comprises the following: a component housing extending from a first end about a central axis to a second end, wherein the component housing includes walls that define an inner chamber; a heating element that is positioned inside the inner chamber; a multitude of internal fuel channels arranged within the component housing and configured for heating by the heating element; a multitude of fuel injection channels in the second end of the component housing; a multitude of fuel openings of the multitude of fuel injection channels into the inner chamber; and an ignition source within the inner chamber, configured to ignite fuel in the inner chamber and supply combustion gases to the flame tube. [12] System according to claim 11, wherein fuel is supplied from the plurality of internal fuel channels to a main fuel channel configured to supply fuel to the at least one main fuel injection valve. [13] System according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the fuel preheating component is mounted through the wall of the combustion chamber and further comprising: a multitude of fuel injection channels in the second end of the component housing; a plurality of spray discs directly opposite a plurality of fuel openings of the plurality of fuel injection channels into the inner chamber, the spray discs being configured to atomize fuel striking the spray discs; a first multitude of air passages in the component housing with a multitude of air inlets into the inner chamber; a second set of air passages between the component housing and the heating element; and an ignition source within the inner chamber; where fuel is ignited from the multitude of fuel openings through the ignition sources and is injected into the combustion chamber. [14] System according to claim 13, wherein the fuel preheating component is mounted on an upper wall of the combustion chamber and at least one main fuel injection valve is mounted on a rear wall of the combustion chamber. [15] System according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising: a flame tube which is attached at a first end of the flame tube to the second end of the fuel preheating component and at a second end of the flame tube to the wall of the combustion chamber; wherein the flame tube is mounted in particular on an upper wall of the combustion chamber and at least one main fuel injection valve is mounted on a rear wall of the combustion chamber.

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