Combustor Flame and Flow Diagnostics Using RF Waveguide Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines face challenges in reliably producing and monitoring flames in combustors, leading to inefficient operations due to undetected issues.
Innovation Solution
A combustor system with a flame sensor comprising a radio frequency transponder, horn antenna, and tubular waveguide is used to perform flame and flow field diagnostics, determining flame presence, intensity, and flow dynamics through electromagnetic radiation analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flame sensor with radio frequency transponder and waveguide is installed in the combustor, then flame and flow field diagnostics can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A waveguide is introduced as an intermediary component to transmit radio frequency signals between the external transponder and the internal horn antenna. This allows the sensing elements to be separated from the signal generation components, enabling complex diagnostics while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical sensing systems with a radio frequency-based electromagnetic sensing system. The horn antenna and waveguide transmit RF signals that interact with the flame and flow field, providing non-contact measurement capabilities that avoid mechanical wear and improve reliability.
2Reliability
If the horn antenna is disposed in the fuel nozzle to detect flame, then flame presence can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horn antenna is integrated directly into the fuel nozzle structure, merging the sensing function with the existing fuel delivery component. This integration allows flame detection without adding separate external sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel nozzle serves dual functions: delivering fuel to the combustion zone and housing the horn antenna for flame detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sensor installations and reduces the number of separate components required in the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide is used to transmit electromagnetic signals, then flame and flow field diagnostics can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves multiple diagnostic functions by transmitting radio frequency signals that can detect different characteristics of the flame and flow field. By varying the frequency and mode of the RF signals, the same waveguide-horn antenna system can provide information about flame presence, flow patterns, and combustion efficiency, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors.
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
Enables precise monitoring and control of flame production, improving engine efficiency by detecting flame presence, intensity, and flow field characteristics, facilitating timely corrections.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency transponder, comprising a transmitter-receiver pair, located exterior to the combustor case; a horn antenna disposed in the fuel nozzle, and a tubular waveguide extending from the radio frequency transponder to the horn via one of the plurality of case apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor including: a combustor case defining a plurality of case apertures; a liner within the combustor case defining a combustion zone and liner apertures through which an airflow flows into the combustion zone; a fuel injector having a fuel channel extending through a first case aperture and the liner, and the fuel channel has a nozzle at the combustion zone through which fuel is injected; an igniter for igniting the combustible mixture of fuel and airflow and providing a flame at the nozzle; and a flame sensor including: a radio frequency transponder, comprising a transmitter-receiver pair, located exterior to the combustor case; a horn antenna disposed in the fuel nozzle, and a tubular waveguide extending from the radio frequency transponder to the horn via one of the plurality of case apertures, wherein the flame sensor is configured to perform flame and flow field diagnostics.