Annular Fuel Injector with Segmented Multi-Fuel Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injectors for turbine engines face challenges in efficiently mixing and delivering multiple fuels or fuel additives to achieve optimal combustion conditions, leading to inefficiencies and higher emissions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector with an annular design that incorporates multiple fuel and air supply paths, including central and outer passages with turbulators and separate fuel and air supply channels, allowing for the intermixing of up to three different fuels or fuel additives with controlled flow rates, enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel supply paths are added to enable mixing of up to three different fuels or fuel additives, then fuel flexibility and combustion efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injector is divided into multiple independent fuel supply paths (first fuel supply path, second fuel supply path, third fuel supply path), each capable of delivering different fuels or fuel additives. This segmentation allows flexible fuel combination while maintaining a structured, manageable design that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel injector body is designed with multiple fuel supply paths that can accommodate different types of fuels and fuel additives, making the same device capable of operating with various fuel combinations depending on operational requirements, thus achieving multi-functionality.
2Productivity
If separate fuel and air supply channels with turbulators are incorporated, then mixing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Turbulators are strategically placed at specific locations within the fuel supply paths and mixing chambers to create localized turbulence that enhances mixing efficiency. This targeted approach improves mixing where needed without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire injector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel supply paths and air supply channels are merged into a unified mixing chamber where multiple fuels and air converge. This integration allows efficient mixing in a single location rather than requiring separate mixing zones, simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If an annular design with multiple passages is used, then combustion efficiency and emissions reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injector adopts an annular (ring-shaped) design with multiple concentric passages arranged in different dimensions. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple fuel supplies and air channels to coexist in a compact space, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular design features nested concentric passages where inner passages are surrounded by outer passages. This nesting arrangement allows multiple fuel supply paths and air channels to be integrated within each other, maximizing space utilization and reducing the overall device complexity.
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
The annular fuel injector facilitates efficient combustion, reduces emissions, and allows for flexible fuel usage based on operational conditions, improving engine performance and manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
The outer passage includes a turbulator
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, combustion section, and turbine section is serial flow arrangement. A fuel injector supplies a mixture of fuel and air for combustion within the combustion section. A first annular structure defines a central passage and a longitudinal axis within the fuel injector. A second annular structure is spaced from and in annular arrangement about the first annular structure to define an outer passage in annular arrangement between the first annular structure and the second annular structure.