Circumferential Fuel Manifold Assembly for Gas Turbine Engines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel manifold systems for gas turbine engines are complex and require different designs for primary and secondary fuel nozzles, leading to increased costs and complexity, as well as potential interference with surrounding components during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fuel manifold assembly with a circumferentially extending fuel manifold and fuel nozzles, featuring a fuel inlet connector that distributes fuel in a main circumferential direction, allowing all nozzles to have a single design and minimizing interference with surrounding components, while isolating the fuel manifold from the fuel source interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a primary fuel nozzle is used to receive fuel directly from the fuel source, then fuel distribution is achieved, but the system complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a fuel inlet connector (receiving fuel from the fuel source) and multiple fuel nozzles (distributing fuel to combustion chambers). This separation allows the nozzles to be removed and maintained independently without disconnecting the fuel source connection.
Solution Approach 2:
All fuel nozzles are designed with a universal structure that can be interchangeably mounted on the fuel manifold. The nozzles have identical connection interfaces and fuel distribution capabilities, eliminating the need for different primary and secondary nozzle designs.
2Ease of manufacture
If different designs are used for primary and secondary fuel nozzles, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal nozzle design is used for all fuel distribution positions. The nozzle structure includes a body with a fuel inlet and outlet, and a needle valve mechanism that can be identically configured for all nozzles, simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of receiving fuel and distributing it to combustion chambers are merged into a single universal nozzle design. The nozzle body integrates fuel reception from the manifold and distribution to the combustion chamber, eliminating the need for separate primary and secondary nozzle designs.
3Productivity
If the fuel inlet connector is positioned to distribute fuel circumferentially, then fuel distribution efficiency is improved, but interference with surrounding components may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel inlet connector is positioned radially outwardly from the combustion chamber, distributing fuel in a circumferential direction parallel to the combustion chamber axis rather than radially inward. This dimensional arrangement improves fuel distribution efficiency to multiple nozzles while avoiding interference with the combustion chamber and surrounding components.
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 simplifies the fuel manifold system, reduces costs by allowing a single nozzle design, and facilitates easier maintenance by enabling removal of nozzles without disconnecting the fuel source, while minimizing pressure losses and maintaining efficient fuel distribution to the combustion chamber.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one connector outlet defining a fuel flow direction having a main component in a circumferential direction relative to the axis
Data Source
AI summary
The gas turbine engine fuel manifold assembly includes a fuel manifold, and fuel nozzles secured to the fuel manifold and in fluid communication therewith. A fuel inlet connector has a body secured to the fuel manifold, and is in-line therewith. The fuel inlet connector has at least one connector outlet fluidly connected to the fuel manifold. The at least one connector outlet defines a fuel flow direction having a main component in a circumferential direction relative to the axis.