Gas Turbine Combustor Deflector Cooling via Segmented Injectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine combustor designs face issues with temperature differentials and potential deformation due to uneven cooling distribution around the deflector and flare cone, leading to increased oxidation and deformation risks.
Innovation Solution
A cone assembly with a plurality of cooling injectors spaced circumferentially around the flare cone, including first and second injectors with different diameters to facilitate preferential cooling of the deflector, optimizing cooling fluid flow and reducing temperature differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is supplied into the gap between the flare cone and deflector, then the operating temperatures of the flare cone and deflector are reduced, but temperature differentials develop due to unfavorable deflector geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different cooling air flow rates to different regions of the deflector. First cooling injectors are positioned to provide higher cooling flow to regions experiencing higher temperatures, while second cooling injectors provide reduced cooling flow to regions with lower temperatures. This non-uniform cooling distribution tailored to local thermal conditions eliminates temperature differentials and prevents deformation.
2Reliability
If cooling air is supplied to reduce operating temperatures, then oxidation rate is reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple cooling injectors with different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cooling injector system into multiple groups (first cooling injectors and second cooling injectors) with different diameters. Each segment of injectors is positioned at specific locations around the combustor perimeter to target different thermal zones. This segmented approach enables precise control of cooling distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular injector design.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform cooling is provided around the deflector, then temperature differentials are reduced, but cooling efficiency decreases due to excess cooling in low-temperature regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by matching cooling air flow rates to local thermal conditions. First cooling injectors with larger diameters are positioned at locations where higher cooling flow is needed, while second cooling injectors with smaller diameters are positioned where less cooling is required. This localized cooling strategy ensures uniform temperature distribution while avoiding energy waste from excessive cooling in low-temperature regions.
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 solution effectively reduces operating temperatures, mitigates deformation risks, and extends the operational life of the combustor components by ensuring uniform cooling and reducing nitrogen oxides formation.
Implementation Method 1
supply convective cooling air via air injectors defined within the flare cone
Implementation Method 2
directing a portion of the cooling fluid through the plurality of first cooling injectors
Implementation Method 3
channeling a cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source to a combustor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a gas turbine engine includes channeling fluid from a cooling fluid source to a combustor that includes at least one deflector and flare cone. The deflector and flare cone are coupled together and are configured to define a cooling fluid channel therebetween. The flare cone has a plurality of cooling injectors extending therethrough. The plurality of injectors are spaced circumferentially about a centerline axis of the flare cone and are coupled in flow communication with the fluid source. The plurality of injectors has a plurality of first injectors and a plurality of second injectors. The method also includes directing a portion of the fluid through the plurality of first injectors. The method further includes directing a portion of the fluid through the plurality of second injectors, wherein the first plurality of injectors facilitates cooling a portion of the deflector more than the second plurality of injectors.