Combustor Liner Dilution Opening Angle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines emit environmentally harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to high combustor flame temperatures, posing a challenge in reducing NOx emissions while maintaining efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A combustor liner with dilution openings and backside device projections that inject airflow at a specific angle to penetrate combustion gases, controlling NOx emissions by optimizing the dilution angle to achieve a percentage decrease in NOx greater than or equal to the percentage increase in pattern factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high combustor flame temperatures are used to maintain efficient turbine engine operation, then power output and efficiency are improved, but nitrogen oxide emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cool air is introduced through dilution openings before the combustion gases reach the turbine, preemptively reducing the temperature of the gas stream. This preliminary cooling action occurs at the combustor outlet, preventing excessive temperatures from propagating to the turbine while maintaining efficient combustion in the primary zone
Solution Approach 2:
A dilution air stream acts as an intermediary substance between the high-temperature combustion gases and the turbine. This intermediate cool air stream mixes with the hot gases, reducing their temperature before turbine entry, thereby protecting the turbine from thermal damage while allowing efficient combustion to proceed
2Object-generated harmful factors
If dilution air is injected at higher angles to reduce NOx emissions, then nitrogen oxide decrease is improved, but pattern factor increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the dilution openings including their angular orientation, size, and positioning. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves an optimal balance where sufficient NOx reduction is obtained while maintaining an acceptable pattern factor for efficient turbine operation
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than injecting dilution air at extreme angles that would maximize NOx reduction but destroy pattern factor, the patent uses a moderate, optimized angle that provides sufficient NOx control while preserving adequate pattern factor. This partial action approach achieves acceptable performance on both fronts
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 NOx emissions by at least 30% while maintaining or increasing the pattern factor, enhancing the efficiency and environmental sustainability of turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a dilution airflow into a combustion chamber through a dilution opening at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the combustor and penetrating the combustion gasses with the dilution airflow
Implementation Method 2
at least one backside device projection extending outward from the monolithic wall along at least a portion of the opening shape to define at least a portion of an flow path that forms a dilution angle with the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a combustor, the combustor including combustor liner having a plurality of dilution openings. The combustor receives a flow of fuel that is ignited and mixed with dilution air to form a flow of combustion gases. The flow of combustion gases travels through the combustor to a turbine section of an engine.