Gas Turbine Combustor Coating for Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combustors experience thermal degradation and hot spots due to temperature gradients, leading to accelerated material degradation and stress, as they are designed to withstand a specific maximum temperature, which can be exceeded during operation.
Innovation Solution
Applying a coating to the combustor liner and flow sleeve to alter emissivity, reducing temperature gradients by controlling energy radiation and convection, using graded or patterned emissivity coatings to manage temperature distribution and address hot spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional combustor materials are used to withstand maximum temperature, then material strength is maintained, but thermal degradation and hot spots occur due to temperature gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coating materials with different emissivity properties to different zones of the combustor liner. By changing the radiative heat transfer parameters (emissivity values) in specific regions, the temperature distribution is modified to reduce thermal gradients and eliminate hot spots, thereby preventing thermal degradation while maintaining material strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustor liner is divided into multiple zones with different coating emissivity values tailored to local thermal requirements. Areas prone to hot spots receive coatings with emissivity characteristics that promote heat dissipation, while other areas maintain standard coatings. This localized differentiation optimizes temperature uniformity across the combustor surface.
2Power
If maximum temperature is exceeded during operation, then energy output increases, but accelerated thermal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of excessive temperature into a beneficial control mechanism by using selective emissivity coatings. These coatings regulate radiative heat transfer to maintain optimal temperature distribution, allowing the combustor to operate at high power levels without exceeding material temperature limits, thus extending component lifespan while preserving energy output.
3Stability of the object's composition
If uniform temperature distribution is achieved through conventional means, then thermal stresses are reduced, but additional cooling systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical cooling systems with a passive radiative heat transfer control system. By applying coatings with specific emissivity properties to the combustor liner, the system achieves temperature uniformity through controlled thermal radiation rather than active cooling mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature stability.
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 emissivity-altering coatings enhance thermal resistance, reduce thermal stresses, and extend the lifespan of combustor components by maintaining temperature uniformity and minimizing hot spots, thereby improving the durability of gas turbine components.
Implementation Method 1
The coating serves to alter the emissivity of the portion to which it is applied... the coating alters the emissivity exhibited where applied... controlling energy radiation
Implementation Method 2
a combustor liner, and a flow sleeve with an air inlet and an outlet... to be cooled by a coolant air pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor and a method for reducing a temperature gradient of a combustor component are provided. The combustor includes a coating applied to at least a portion thereof with the coating serving to alter the emissivity of the at least a portion to which it is applied. The method includes applying a coating on at least one of a combustor liner and a flow sleeve, wherein the coating alters the emissivity exhibited where applied.