Burner Head Fuel Distribution via Segmented Branch Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing burner systems for gas turbines face inefficiencies in fuel distribution due to the need for high admission pressure to ensure even fuel supply, leading to increased material costs and thermal inertia, which affects combustion processes and emission control.
Innovation Solution
A burner head design featuring a central fuel line with finger-like branch lines that distribute fuel directly to nozzles without a distribution ring, optimizing flow and reducing pressure loss through angled branch lines and a conical taper, allowing for efficient and flexible fuel supply with lower material costs and thermal inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a distribution ring with asymmetric fuel supply is used, then fuel can be supplied to multiple nozzles, but uniform fuel distribution requires high admission pressure and increased pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel distribution system is segmented into multiple symmetrically arranged finger-like branch lines extending from a central fuel line. Each branch line is equipped with fuel nozzles positioned to supply fuel to corresponding combustion air supply nozzles. This segmentation creates multiple independent fuel supply paths that distribute fuel uniformly without requiring high pressure drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch lines are designed with asymmetric geometry relative to the central fuel line, with each branch line extending radially outward at specific angles. The branch lines have varying lengths and orientations optimized for their specific positions, allowing uniform fuel distribution while maintaining low pressure requirements through the asymmetric flow paths.
2Quantity of substance
If high admission pressure is used for fuel supply, then uniform fuel distribution is achieved, but material costs and thermal inertia increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel distribution system is divided into a central fuel line and multiple peripheral finger-like branch lines. This segmented structure reduces the overall material volume required compared to a solid distribution ring, thereby reducing thermal inertia while maintaining uniform fuel distribution capabilities through the distributed branch line configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch lines are designed as thin-walled structures that are sufficient for their fuel distribution function but use minimal material. This reduces the thermal mass of the fuel distribution system, lowering thermal inertia and allowing faster operational response without compromising structural integrity or distribution uniformity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a distribution ring is used for fuel supply, then fuel can be distributed to multiple nozzles, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel distribution function is merged into a single integrated structure consisting of a central fuel line with radially extending finger-like branch lines. This unified structure replaces the separate distribution ring and multiple connection components, simplifying the system while maintaining the capability to distribute fuel to multiple nozzles through the branched configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The central fuel line serves multiple functions: it acts as the main fuel supply conduit, provides structural support for the branch lines, and serves as a distribution hub for all fuel nozzles. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatile fuel distribution capabilities.
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
This design achieves uniform fuel distribution with reduced pressure loss, enhancing combustion efficiency, flexibility, and emission control, while lowering material costs and thermal inertia, leading to faster operational stabilization and improved safety.
Implementation Method 1
finger-like branch lines extend from the distributor area for distributing the fuel to the individual fuel nozzles
Implementation Method 2
reducing pressure loss through angled branch lines and a conical taper
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Summary The invention relates to a burner head (4) for supplying combustion air and fuel to a combustion chamber (10) of a burner system (1), wherein the burner head (4) for supplying the combustion air comprises supply nozzles (47) arranged about a longitudinal axis (L) with supply openings (46) for arrangement on the combustion chamber (10), wherein the supply nozzles (47) are located in the outer region of an end wall (40), so that in the mounted state on the combustion chamber (10) the radial distance of the supply openings (46) with respect to their centers to a circumferential wall (3) of the combustion chamber (10) is less than to the longitudinal axis L, wherein at least two of the supply nozzles (47) are each assigned a fuel nozzle (44) for supplying fuel, wherein the burner head (4) is provided with a central fuel line (42) with a distributor area (42) lying on the longitudinal axis (L) for fuel supply.1) is assigned to distribute fuel to the fuel nozzles (44) and wherein finger-like branch lines (43) extend from the distributor area (42.1) to distribute the fuel to the individual fuel nozzles (44). A defined and efficient gas supply to the combustion chamber is achieved by attaching the supply nozzles (47) to an end wall (40) to be connected to the combustion chamber (10), wherein in particular each supply nozzle (47) projects with an upstream end into an air plenum (49) (Fig. 1).