Gas Turbine Combustor Dirt Collector Panel System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face damage from particulate matter like dirt particles entering the combustion chamber through airflow, which existing technologies fail to effectively prevent.
Innovation Solution
A dirt collector system comprising a hot panel, a cold shell panel, and a dirt collector panel within the combustor casing, where airflow passes through misaligned holes to first contact the cold panels and then the hot panels, creating a dirt collecting space to trap particulates before they reach the combustion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dirt collector system with multiple panels and misaligned holes is implemented, then particulate matter prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt collector system is divided into multiple functional panels (hot panel, cold shell panel, dirt collector panel) with distinct roles. Each panel contains specifically positioned holes that work together to create the dirt collecting space and control airflow patterns, segmenting the protective function across multiple components rather than using a single complex barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The cold shell panel acts as an intermediary element between the hot panel and dirt collector panel. It creates a thermal barrier and structural framework for the dirt collecting space, mediating between the high-temperature combustion chamber environment and the dirt collection function
2Reliability
If a dirt collecting space is created between panels, then particulate trapping is improved, but volume of the combustor casing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt collecting space is nested within the existing combustor casing structure by positioning the hot panel, cold shell panel, and dirt collector panel to utilize available space. The misaligned holes and panel arrangements create the collecting space within the radial thickness of the casing rather than adding external volume
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
Effectively prevents particulate matter from entering the combustion chamber, reducing potential engine damage and improving operational reliability by ensuring cleaner airflow.
Implementation Method 1
The first length of the dirt collector hole may span along a different line than the second length of the cooling hole, such that the dirt collector hole and the cooling hole are in misalignment
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor may comprise a combustion chamber encapsulated by a combustor casing, wherein the combustor casing comprises a casing forward portion, a casing radially inward portion, a casing radially outward portion, and a casing aft portion. The casing radially inward portion may comprise a dirt collector system comprising a hot panel adjacent to the combustion chamber; a cold shell panel coupled to the hot panel such that the hot panel is between the combustion chamber and the cold shell panel; and a dirt collector panel coupled to the cold shell panel such that the cold shell panel is between the hot panel and the dirt collector panel. The cold shell panel and the dirt collector panel at least partially define a dirt collecting space.