Electrostatic Flow Guide in Combustors for Particulate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Particulate matter entering the combustor section of turbomachines can clog cooling passages, impair cooling, damage components, and reduce performance, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic particulate matter collector with positively charged flow guides is installed upstream of the combustor liner to trap negatively charged particulate matter, preventing it from reaching the combustor and turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If environmental air is ingested by the turbomachine, then the engine can operate, but particulate matter in the air clogs cooling passages and impairs cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic precipitator is installed in the air intake path upstream of the combustor to remove particulate matter before the air enters the combustor cooling passages. This preliminary cleaning action prevents particulate accumulation that would otherwise clog the cooling holes and impair the cooling function, thereby maintaining reliable operation without requiring the engine to be shut down for cleaning.
2Reliability
If particulate matter accumulates in the combustor section, then cooling passages become clogged, but removing particulate matter requires maintenance shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic precipitator performs preliminary removal of particulate matter from the incoming air stream before it can accumulate in the combustor cooling passages. This continuous prevention approach eliminates the need for periodic maintenance shutdowns to clean particulate buildup, thereby maintaining cooling passage flow reliability while minimizing maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic precipitator operates autonomously during engine operation, continuously charging and removing particulate matter from the air stream without requiring external intervention or maintenance shutdowns. The system self-maintains the cooling passages by preventing particulate accumulation in real-time, transforming a maintenance-requiring system into a self-sustaining one.
3Reliability
If a particulate matter collection device is installed, then cooling passages are protected from clogging, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical filtration systems with an electrostatic precipitation mechanism. Instead of using physical filters or screens that would require frequent maintenance and create significant pressure drops, the system uses electric fields to charge and remove particulate matter. This substitution maintains cooling passage protection while reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic precipitator changes the physical state of particulate matter by charging them electrostatically, transforming them from neutral particles that are difficult to separate into charged particles that are easily attracted to collection surfaces. This parameter change enables efficient particulate removal without requiring complex mechanical filtration structures, thereby protecting cooling passages while minimizing added device complexity.
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 collector effectively reduces particulate matter reaching the combustor, minimizing cooling degradation and component damage, thereby improving performance and extending component lifetime while maintaining airflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply is electrically coupled to the first charged flow guide such that the first charged flow guide is able to be positively charged by the power supply. The first charged flow guide is configured to trap negatively charged particulate matter with the positively charged first charged flow guide.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas turbine engine combustor section (15) extends axially from a pre-diffuser (220) at a forward end to an aft end relative to an engine axis (A). The gas turbine engine combustor section (15) includes a combustor liner (232) defining a combustion chamber and a combustor dome (234) situated at a forward end of the combustor liner (232) and affixed thereto. The gas turbine engine combustor section (15) further includes an electrostatic particulate matter collector (250). The electrostatic particulate matter collector (250) includes a first charged flow guide (254) having an axially forward-most extent aligned with the pre-diffuser (220) and widens radially with respect to the engine axis (A) from the forward-most extent to the combustor dome (234). The electrostatic particulate matter collector (250) further includes a fuel nozzle (222) extending through the first charged flow guide (254) into the combustor dome (234). The electrostatic particulate matter collector (250) also includes a power supply (204) electrically coupled to positively charge the first charged flow guide (254).