Annular Fuel Injector for Multi-Fuel Combustion Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injectors for turbine engines face challenges in efficiently mixing and delivering multiple fuel types, including liquid and gaseous fuels, while minimizing emissions and improving combustion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector with an annular design that incorporates multiple fuel supplies and air passages, featuring turbulators and centerbodies to facilitate mixing of different fuels and air, allowing for controlled fuel-to-air ratios and reduced emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel supplies are incorporated to handle different fuel types, then fuel flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injector is divided into multiple independent fuel supplies (first fuel supply, second fuel supply, third fuel supply) that can handle different fuel types separately. Each fuel supply has its own passages and control mechanisms, allowing independent operation and selection of appropriate fuel types based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel injector body is designed with multiple fuel supplies that can accommodate different fuel types (liquid fuel, gaseous fuel, alternative fuels) within a single device. The injector can switch between different fuel modes and operate in various configurations, making it universally applicable to multiple fuel types and operational scenarios.
2Productivity
If multiple air supplies and passages are added for mixing, then combustion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into multiple independent air supplies (first air supply, second air supply, third air supply) with separate passages. Each air supply can be independently controlled and mixed with corresponding fuel supplies at different stages, allowing precise control of air-fuel ratios and improved combustion efficiency through staged mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
Air is introduced and mixed with fuel in preliminary stages before final combustion. The first air supply mixes with fuel in the fuel injector body, the second air supply provides additional mixing, and the third air supply completes the mixing process. This staged preliminary mixing ensures optimal fuel-air preparation before combustion occurs.
3Manufacturing precision
If turbulators and centerbodies are incorporated for mixing, then fuel-air mixing is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Turbulators are strategically positioned at specific locations within the fuel passages and air passages to create localized turbulence and enhance mixing at critical points. The centerbodies are designed with specific geometries to promote fuel-air mixing in particular regions. This localized approach to mixing enhancement achieves precise control over fuel-air preparation without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire injector.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances combustion efficiency, reduces emissions, and supports flexible fuel usage across varying operational conditions, while being compatible with existing combustor designs for retrofitting.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel injector with an annular design that incorporates multiple fuel supplies and air passages, featuring turbulators and centerbodies to facilitate mixing of different fuels and air
Implementation Method 2
facilitate mixing of different fuels and air, allowing for controlled fuel-to-air ratios
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A gas turbine engine (10) includes a compressor section (22), combustion section (28), and turbine section (32) is serial flow arrangement. A fuel injector (102) supplies a mixture of fuel and air for combustion within the combustor section (28). A first annular structure (136) defines a central passage (140) and a longitudinal axis (144) within the fuel injector (102). A second annular structure (138) is spaced from and in annular arrangement about the first annular structure (136) to define an outer passage (142) in annular arrangement between the first annular structure (136) and the second annular structure (138).