Burner cooling structure

Abstract

To provide a burner cooling circuit design that provides burner cooling without requiring plural air circuits and reduces an amount of cooling air to be used.SOLUTION: A burner 100 includes a main body 106 having an outer surface 112 and at least partially defining an interior. The main body further includes an upstream end 102 axially spaced from a downstream end 104. The outer surface includes a burner front face 118 at the downstream end of the main body. An annular cooling air plenum is defined in the main body radially inwardly from the outer surface. A cooling air passage extends from the outer surface to the annular cooling air plenum. Plural cooling channels are circumferentially spaced apart from one another along the burner front face. Each cooling channel of the plural cooling channels extends from an inlet in fluid communication with the annular cooling air plenum to an outlet 124.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to burners used in combustors of turbomachines, and more particularly to burner cooling structures. [Background technology]

[0002] Turbomachines are utilized in various industries and applications for the purpose of energy transfer. For example, a gas turbine engine typically includes a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section. The compressor section gradually increases the pressure of a working fluid entering the gas turbine engine and supplies the compressed working fluid to the combustion section. The compressed working fluid and fuel (e.g., natural gas) mix in one or more combustors and are burned in respective combustion chamber(s), producing high-pressure and high-temperature combustion gases. The combustion gases flow from the one or more combustors to the turbine section, where they expand to generate work. For example, the expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine section can rotate a rotor shaft connected to, for example, a generator, to generate electricity. The combustion gases then exit the gas turbine through the exhaust section.

[0003] Modern combustors operate at high temperatures, which creates high thermal stresses on various mechanical components located within the combustor. For example, a particular combustor includes one or more fuel nozzles or burners located within the upstream end of the combustor. The burners extend from an end cover and are typically located substantially adjacent to the combustion chamber. The burners are generally exposed to extremely high temperatures within the combustor.

[0004] As such, at least a portion of the compressed air supplied to the combustor is used to cool these components. Accordingly, the burners require various passages, cavities, and openings through which the cooling air from the compressor section can flow. However, utilizing a large portion of the cooling air from the compressor section to cool the burners can adversely affect the overall efficiency of the turbomachine.

[0005]

[0003] Known burners require multiple cooling air circuits to cool various features of the burner, resulting in high cooling airflow utilization and therefore reduced overall turbomachine efficiency. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved burner cooling circuit designs. In particular, there is a need in the art for burner cooling circuit designs that provide burner cooling without the need for multiple air circuits and that reduce the amount of cooling air utilized. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the burner and turbomachine according to the present disclosure are set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present teachings.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a burner is provided. The burner comprises a body. The body has an outer surface and defines an interior. The body has an upstream end axially spaced from a downstream end relative to an axial centerline of the burner. The outer surface comprises a burner front face at the downstream end of the body. The burner further comprises an annular air plenum defined within the body radially inward from the outer surface. The burner also comprises a cooling air passage extending from the outer surface to the annular air plenum. The burner further comprises a plurality of cooling channels circumferentially spaced from one another along the burner front face. Each cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels extends from a respective inlet in fluid communication with the annular air plenum to a respective outlet defined in the outer surface upstream of the burner front face.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a turbomachine is provided. The turbomachine includes a compressor section, a turbine section, and a combustor section including a plurality of burners. Each burner includes a body. The body includes an outer surface and defines an interior. The body has an upstream end axially spaced from a downstream end relative to an axial centerline of the burner. The outer surface includes a burner front face at the downstream end of the body. The burner further includes an annular air plenum defined within the body radially inward from the outer surface. The burner also includes a cooling air passage extending from the outer surface to the annular air plenum. The burner further includes a plurality of cooling channels circumferentially spaced from one another along the burner front face. Each cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels extends from a respective inlet in fluid communication with the annular air plenum to a respective outlet defined in the outer surface upstream of the burner front face.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present burner and turbomachine will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present burner and turbomachine, including the best mode of making and using the present system and method, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in this specification, which makes reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a turbomachine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a combustor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view of a burner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of a burner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the front of a burner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a burner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional side view of a burner rotated relative to FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a burner positioned adjacent to a wall according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to the present burner and turbomachine embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present technology, not as a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0013] The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description are used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention. As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and do not denote the location or importance of the individual components.

[0014] As used herein, the terms "upstream" (or "forward") and "downstream" (or "aft") refer to relative directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction from which fluid flows. The term "radially" refers to relative directions that are substantially perpendicular to the axial centerline of a particular component, the term "axially" refers to relative directions that are substantially parallel and / or coaxially aligned with the axial centerline of a particular component, and the term "circumferentially" refers to relative directions that extend around the axial centerline of a particular component.

[0015] Approximate terms such as "generally" or "about" include values ​​within plus or minus 10 percent of the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include a range of plus or minus 10 degrees of the stated angle or direction. For example, "substantially perpendicular" includes any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, within 10 degrees of perpendicular.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gas turbine 10. While an industrial or land-based gas turbine is shown and described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to land-based and / or industrial gas turbines unless otherwise stated in the claims. For example, the burners described herein may be used in any type of turbomachine, including, but not limited to, a steam turbine, an aircraft gas turbine, or a marine gas turbine.

[0017] As shown, the gas turbine 10 generally includes an inlet section 12, a compressor section 14 disposed downstream from the inlet section 12, an annular combustor 17 (partially shown in FIG. 2 ) within a combustor section 16 disposed downstream from the compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 disposed downstream from the combustor section 16, and an exhaust section 20 disposed downstream from the turbine section 18. Additionally, the gas turbine 10 may include one or more shafts 22 coupling the compressor section 14 to the turbine section 18.

[0018] During operation, air 24 flows through the inlet section 12 and into the compressor section 14, where the air 24 is progressively compressed, thereby providing compressed air 26 to the combustor section 16. At least a portion of the compressed air 26 is mixed with fuel 28 in the combustor section 16 and combusted to generate combustion gases 30. The combustion gases 30 flow from the combustor section 16 into the turbine section 18, where energy (kinetic and / or thermal) is transferred from the combustion gases 30 to rotor blades (not shown), which in turn rotate the shaft 22. The mechanical rotational energy may then be used for various purposes, such as powering the compressor section 14 and / or generating electricity. The combustion gases 30 exhausted from the turbine section 18 may then be exhausted from the gas turbine 10 via the exhaust section 20.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2 , the combustor 17 may be at least partially surrounded by an outer casing 32, such as a compressor discharge casing. The outer casing 32 may at least partially define a high-pressure plenum 34 that at least partially surrounds various components of the combustor 17. The high-pressure plenum 34 may be in fluid communication with the compressor section 14 and may receive the compressed air 26 from the compressor section 14. The combustor 17 may be in fluid communication with the compressor section 14 such that the compressed air 26 flows from the compressor section 14 to the combustor 17, for example, via the high-pressure plenum 34. A combustor hood 36 may be disposed within the outer casing 32. In certain embodiments, the combustor hood 36 may at least partially define a head-end volume or portion 38 of the combustor 17.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the head end portion 38 is in fluid communication with the high-pressure plenum 34 and / or the compressor section 14. One or more liners or ducts 40 may at least partially define a combustion zone or chamber 42 for combusting the fuel-air mixture and / or may at least partially define a hot gas path 44 through the combustor 17 for directing the combustion gases 30 toward the inlet of the turbine section 18.

[0021] In various embodiments, the combustor 17 includes at least one burner fuel gas inlet 48. As shown in FIG. 2 , the burner fuel gas inlet 48 may be coupled to the outer casing 32 and extend toward the combustion chamber 42. One or more burner fuel gas inlets 48 may be in communication with a fuel supply 46. Each burner fuel gas inlet 48 may supply fuel 28 to one or more burners 100.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a side view of a burner 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the burner 100 can define an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. Generally, the axial direction A extends parallel to an axial centerline 108 of the burner 100, the radial direction R extends generally perpendicular to the axial centerline 108, and the circumferential direction C extends generally concentrically about the axial centerline 108.

[0023] Further, as shown, the burner 100 may comprise a downstream end 104, an upstream portion 105, and a body 106. The upstream portion 105 may comprise an upstream end 102. The body 106 may be downstream of the upstream portion 105 along an axial centerline 108. Similarly, the upstream end 102 may be axially spaced apart from the downstream end 104 relative to the axial centerline 108. The upstream end 102 of the burner 100 may be welded, brazed, or otherwise coupled to the combustor 17. The upstream portion 105 may extend between the upstream end 102 and the body 106 and axially separate the upstream end 102 and the body 106. In various embodiments, the upstream portion 105 may have the shape of a substantially hollow cylinder having constant inner and outer diameters.

[0024] 3 , the body 106 can define an outer surface 112 that includes, in order, a forward portion 114, an intermediate portion 116, and a burner front face 118. In various embodiments, the outer surface 112 can be the radially outermost surface of the body 106 and can extend from the forward portion 114 to the burner front face 118. The forward portion 114 can extend radially outward along the axial centerline 108 from the upstream portion 105 to the intermediate portion 116.

[0025] The forward portion 114 of the outer surface 112 may define a plurality of pilot air inlets 128 spaced circumferentially about the forward portion 114. Each of the pilot air inlets 128 may be axially aligned with one another, i.e., there is no axial offset or spacing between each pilot air inlet 128.

[0026] In many embodiments, the forward portion 114 of the exterior surface 112 may further define a plurality of cooling air inlets 132. In many embodiments, the plurality of cooling air inlets 132 may be defined axially downstream from the plurality of pilot air inlets 128. In some embodiments, the plurality of cooling air inlets 132 may be disposed radially outward and axially downstream from the plurality of pilot air inlets 128. Each of the plurality of cooling air inlets 132 may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another. Additionally, each of the plurality of cooling air inlets 132 may be circumferentially disposed between two or more of the plurality of pilot air inlets 128. That is, the positions of the pilot air inlets 128 and the cooling air inlets 132 may be staggered relative to one another. As shown in FIG. 3 , a fuel inlet 150 may be fluidly coupled to the exterior surface 112 of the burner 100 at the forward portion 114.

[0027] The intermediate portion 116 may extend axially from the forward portion 114 to the burner front face 118. In many embodiments, the intermediate portion 116 may be generally concentric with the axial centerline 108 of the burner 100. In various embodiments, the intermediate portion 116 of the body 106 may include a lip 122 and a plurality of cooling channel outlets 124. The lip 122 may be defined or disposed at a downstream end of the intermediate portion 116 axially upstream from the plurality of cooling channel outlets 124. In some embodiments, the lip 122 may be a radial cut or recess into the outer surface 112. The lip 122 may be a circumferentially continuous recess into the outer surface 112 of the body 106.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3 , the lip 122 can extend radially beyond the plurality of cooling channel outlets 124. The plurality of cooling channel outlets 124 can be circumferentially spaced from one another and can be defined in the intermediate portion 116 of the outer surface 112 axially downstream from the lip 122. In many embodiments, the cooling channel outlets 124 can function to direct a portion of the cooling flow air axially upstream toward the lip 122; i.e., the cooling channel outlets 124 can direct at least a portion of the cooling air in a direction opposite to the direction of the fuel / air mixture exiting the burner 100. In other embodiments, the cooling channel outlets 124 can direct at least a portion of the cooling flow air in a generally radial direction to prevent the fuel / air mixture exiting the pilot nozzle 154 from recirculating within the burner 100 (as shown in FIG. 6 ). The burner front face 118 can extend from the intermediate portion 116 to the downstream end 104.

[0029] In many embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the burner front face 118 may converge radially inward along the axial centerline 108 from the intermediate portion 116 to the downstream end 104. In other embodiments (not shown), the burner front face 118 may be a substantially flat surface oriented generally perpendicular to the axial direction A, i.e., along the radial direction R. In still other embodiments (not shown), the burner front face 118 may diverge radially outward along the axial centerline 108 from the intermediate portion 116 to the downstream end 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments (not shown), the burner front face 118 may be substantially arc-shaped. For example, in such embodiments, the burner front face 118 may be a curved surface that may be either concave or convex with respect to the radial direction R. As shown in FIG. 3 , the burner 100 and the burner front face 118 may both terminate at the downstream end 104.

[0030] 3, the body 106 can further define a plurality of pilot nozzle outlets 136. Each pilot nozzle outlet 136 can be recessed from the burner front face 118. In many embodiments, the pilot nozzle outlets 136 can be recessed along the burner front face 118, i.e., the pilot nozzle outlets 136 can be out of alignment with the burner front face 118 along the axial or radial direction. As shown, the burner front face 118 can at least partially define a plurality of outer sleeves 134, each surrounding a respective pilot nozzle outlet 136.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a plan view of burner 100 as viewed upstream from the aft end. As shown, lip 122 is radially outward of burner front face 118. In addition, Figure 4 indicates the locations of cross sections AA and BB shown in Figures 7 and 6, respectively.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of the burner 100. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the body 106 may further define a plurality of cooling channels 126 spaced circumferentially along the burner front surface 118. In many embodiments, each of the cooling channels 126 may define an inner diameter that varies from the cooling channel inlet 160 to the cooling channel outlet 124. In some embodiments, each of the cooling channels 126 may have a different diameter relative to one another. For example, a portion of the cooling channel 126 may have a diameter of up to about 0.15 inches, and another portion of the cooling channel may have a diameter of up to about 0.1 inches.

[0033] In certain embodiments, each of the cooling channels 126 can define a constant inner diameter. In some embodiments, the diameter of each of the cooling flow channels 126 can be up to about 0.15 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter can be between about 0.015 inches and about 0.15 inches. In various embodiments, the diameter of each of the cooling flow channels 126 can be between about 0.02 inches and about 0.125 inches. In many embodiments, the diameter of each of the cooling flow channels 126 can be between about 0.025 inches and about 0.06 inches. In certain embodiments, the diameter of each of the cooling flow channels 126 can be between about 0.03 inches and about 0.05 inches.

[0034] The cooling channels 126 may extend generally radially along the burner front face 118. Additionally, each cooling channel 126 may be substantially curved, arc-shaped, or circumferentially curved. In many embodiments, the cooling channels 126 may advantageously provide a single air circuit for both cooling the burner front face 118 and purging the cavities 204 ( FIG. 8 ). As used herein, “purging” refers to utilizing a flow of cooling air, such as cooling air from the compressor section 14, to push stagnant, hot air out of the various cavities and crevices of the burner 100.

[0035] Each cooling channel 126 may be integrally formed within the body 106 of the burner 100. For example, the cooling channels 126 may be formed within the body by 3D printing or an additive manufacturing process. The size, shape, and orientation of the cooling channels 126 advantageously provide cooling circuits that cannot be manufactured using conventional machining methods, such as turning, drilling, milling, broaching, or other related operations involving material removal.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the burner 100 taken along plane BB shown in Figure 3. Similarly, Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the burner 100 taken along plane AA in Figure 3. As collectively shown in Figures 6 and 7, the burner 100 may further define an interior 138 radially inward from the outer surface 112. In many embodiments, the body 106 may define a first portion 140 of the interior 138, and the upstream portion 105 may define a second portion 142 of the interior 138.

[0037] In some embodiments, the burner 100 may include an annular fuel plenum 144 and an annular air plenum 146 that are separately defined within the body. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the annular fuel plenum 144 and the annular air plenum 146 may be defined radially between the outer surface 112 and the first portion 140 of the interior 138. The annular fuel plenum 144 may be defined circumferentially within the body 106 of the burner 100. In many embodiments, the annular fuel plenum 144 may be fluidly coupled to a fuel inlet 150 and may be configured to receive the fuel 28 from the fuel inlet 150. The annular fuel plenum 144 may be defined axially upstream of the annular air plenum 146.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the annular air plenum 146 may be defined circumferentially within the body 106 of the burner 100. Additionally, as shown, the annular air plenum 146 may be defined axially downstream of the annular fuel plenum 144. The annular fuel plenum 144 and the annular air plenum 146 may be two separately defined plenums adjacent to each other within the body 106 of the burner 100. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a cooling air passage 152 may extend through the annular fuel plenum 144 and may be fluidly coupled to the annular air plenum 146. For example, the cooling air passage 152 may extend from the cooling air inlet 132 at the exterior surface 112 through the annular fuel plenum 144 and be fluidly coupled to the annular air plenum 146. The cooling air passage 152 may function to supply compressed cooling air to the annular air plenum 146 for cooling various features of the burner 100.

[0039] The body 106 may further define a pilot nozzle 154 extending from a pilot air inlet 128 at the forward portion 114 to a pilot nozzle outlet 136 at the burner face 118. The pilot nozzle 154 may be fluidly coupled to the annular fuel plenum 144 via one or more fuel inlets 156 disposed axially downstream from the pilot air inlet 128. The pilot fuel nozzle 154 may function to supply a mixture of fuel 28 and compressed air 26 to the combustion chamber 42.

[0040] In various embodiments, as collectively shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the downstream end of the pilot nozzle 154 may be surrounded by an outer sleeve 134, which may be fluidly coupled to the annular air plenum 146 via one or more sleeve inlets 158. The outer sleeve 134 may supply air for cooling the pilot nozzle outlet 136 and the burner front face 118. In many embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , one or more cooling channels 126 may surround the outer sleeve 134 along the burner front face 118. For example, the one or more cooling channels 126 may curve around each outer sleeve 134 to advantageously provide cooling to a wider area of ​​the burner front face 118.

[0041] 5 and 7, each of the plurality of cooling flow channels 126 may be fluidly coupled to the annular air plenum 146 via a respective cooling channel inlet 160. Each cooling channel inlet 160 may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another within the annular air plenum 146 at approximately equal intervals. In addition, the cooling channel outlets 124 may also be circumferentially spaced apart from one another along the intermediate portion 116 within the outer surface 112 at approximately equal intervals. Each cooling channel 126 may extend between the cooling channel inlet 160 and the cooling channel outlet 124. As best shown in FIG. 7, each cooling flow channel 126 may be substantially parallel to or aligned with the burner front face 118.

[0042] 8 shows the burner 100 positioned adjacent to and in direct contact with a wall 200. The wall 200 may include an inner surface 202 that directly abuts the intermediate portion 116 of the outer surface 112 of the burner 100. As shown, a cavity 204 may be radially disposed between the lip 122 and the inner surface 202 of the wall 200. The cavity 204 may be annularly defined and circumferentially continuous.

[0043] In some cases, a portion of the combustion gases 30 may flow upstream and reach a flow "dead zone" within the cavity 204. If not pushed out, this portion of the combustion gases 30 may damage the burner 100 over time and adversely affect the performance of the gas turbine 10. As shown and described herein, the cooling flow channels 126 advantageously provide a single air circuit to both cool the burner front face 118 and purge the combustion gases 30 from the cavity 204. For example, the same cooling air that travels through the multiple cooling flow channels 126 and cools the burner front face 118 is also used to purge the cavity 204.

[0044] The cooling air passages 152, the annular air plenum 146, and the cooling channels 126 may together form a single cooling air circuit that advantageously provides cooling for multiple features of the burner 100. For example, during operation, compressed air 26 from the head end portion 38 of the combustor 17 may enter the annular air plenum 146 by traveling downstream through the multiple cooling air passages 152. The compressed air 26 from the annular air plenum 146 may then enter either or both of the outer sleeve inlets 158 and / or the cooling channel inlets 160. A first portion of the compressed air 26 entering the outer sleeve inlets 158 may surround and be cooled by the pilot nozzle outlets 136. A second portion of the compressed air 26 entering the cooling channel inlets 160 may reverse direction and travel within the cooling channels 126 along the burner front face 118 generally toward the upstream end 102. The compressed air 26 exiting the cooling channels 126 via the cooling channel outlets 124 may be directed toward the cavity 204 to purge the hot combustion gases 30. In many embodiments, the compressed air 26 exiting the cooling flow channel 126 may move in a generally radial direction to prevent the mixture of fuel 28 and air 26 exiting the pilot nozzle outlet 136 from moving upstream and recirculating into the burner 100.

[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or equivalent structural elements that do not differ insubstantial way from the literal language of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10. Gas turbine 12 Entrance Section 14 Compressor Section 16 Combustor Section 17 Combustor 18 Turbine Section 20 Exhaust Section 22 shaft 24 Air 26 Compressed air 28 Fuel 30 Combustion Gas 32 outer casing 34 High-Pressure Plenum 36 Combustor hood 38 Head end section 40 Liner or Duct 42 Combustion chamber 44 Hot Gas Path 46 Fuel supply source 48 Burner fuel gas inlet 100 Burner 102 Upstream end 104 Downstream end 105 Upstream part 106 Main Unit 108 Axial center line 112 Exterior 114 Front part 116 Middle part 118 Burner front 122 Lip 124 Cooling channel outlet 126 Cooling Channel / Cooling Flow Channel 128 Pilot air inlet 132 Cooling air inlet 134 Outer sleeve 136 Pilot nozzle outlet 138 Internal 140 First Part 142 Second Part 144 Annular fuel plenum 146 Annular Air Plenum 150 Fuel inlet 152 Cooling air passage 154 Pilot nozzle / pilot fuel nozzle 156 Fuel inlet 158 Outer sleeve inlet 160 Cooling channel inlet 200 Wall 202 Inside 204 Cavity A axis direction C Circumferential direction R Radial direction

Claims

1. A burner (100) for a turbomachine, the burner (100) comprising: a body (106) having an exterior surface (112) and defining an interior (138), the body (106) having an upstream end (102) axially spaced from a downstream end (104) relative to an axial centerline (108) of the burner (100), the exterior surface (112) comprising a burner front face (118) at the downstream end (104) of the body (106); an annular air plenum (146) defined within said body (106) radially inward from said outer surface (112); a cooling air passage (152) extending from said outer surface (112) to said annular air plenum (146); a plurality of cooling channels (126) circumferentially spaced apart from one another along said burner front face (118), each cooling channel (126) of said plurality of cooling channels (126) extending from a respective inlet (160) in fluid communication with said annular air plenum (146) to a respective outlet (124) defined in said exterior surface (112) upstream of said burner front face (118); wherein the outer surface (112) further defines a lip (122) axially upstream from the respective outlets (124) of the plurality of cooling channels (126), the lip (122) extending radially beyond the respective outlets (124).

2. The burner (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of cooling channels (126) are directed along the burner front surface (118).

3. The burner (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels (126) has a constant inner diameter.

4. The burner (100) of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels (126) has a varying inner diameter.

5. The burner (100) of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels (126) is substantially curvilinear.

6. 2. The burner of claim 1, further comprising an annular fuel plenum axially upstream from the annular air plenum, the cooling air passages extending through the annular fuel plenum without being in direct fluid communication with the annular fuel plenum.

7. 7. The burner of claim 6, further comprising a pilot nozzle disposed radially inward from the annular fuel plenum and the annular air plenum, the pilot nozzle having an air inlet defined in the upstream end of the burner, a fuel inlet downstream of the air inlet fluidly coupled to the annular fuel plenum, and an outlet defined in the burner face.

8. The burner (100) of claim 7, wherein one or more cooling channels (126) of the plurality of cooling channels (126) surround the outlet (136) of the pilot nozzle (154).

9. 2. The burner (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cooling channels (126) provide a single air circuit configured to supply a flow of air for cooling the burner front face (118) and purging a cavity radially disposed between the lip (122) and a wall.

10. A turbomachine (10), comprising: a compressor section (14); a turbine section (18); A combustor section (16) comprising a plurality of burners (100), each of which is a burner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A turbomachine (10) comprising:

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