Turbomachine Combustor Air Distribution via Reverse Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbomachine combustor designs suffer from air maldistribution to micro-mixer tubes due to a 180° turn, resulting in radial non-uniformity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A combustor design featuring a head end assembly with a center body and manifold that directs compressed air in opposed directions, and a tubular body with an injection hole for mixing with fuel, ensuring uniform air distribution and efficient combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compressed air is directed to follow a 180° turn before entering micro-mixer tubes, then the air can be redirected to the tubular bodies, but this creates radial non-uniformity and maldistribution of air
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing air through a 180° turn which causes maldistribution, the patent inverts the approach by using a reverse flow field configuration where air flows in the opposite direction through strategically positioned tubular bodies, achieving both redirection and uniform distribution simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning tubular bodies at specific locations within the combustor where they can receive compressed air directly and distribute it locally, ensuring each region receives appropriate air supply without the radial non-uniformity caused by global 180° turning
2Ease of operation
If a 180° turn is introduced in the air flow path, then air can be redirected to tubular bodies, but this increases flow path complexity and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reverse flow field configuration where compressed air is introduced and flows in the opposite direction through multiple tubular bodies, achieving effective air-fuel mixing and combustion without requiring complex 180° turn flow paths, thus maintaining combustion efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple tubular bodies are used for air transmission, then air distribution can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air distribution system into multiple tubular bodies that are strategically positioned within the combustor, allowing compressed air to be distributed through several parallel pathways, achieving uniform air distribution while managing system complexity through modular segmentation
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 design achieves uniform air distribution and enhanced combustion efficiency by redirecting compressed air in a reverse flow field, improving radial uniformity and power generation in turbomachines.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular body defining a pathway along which the air is transmittable in a third direction D3 from the annulus to the interior
Implementation Method 2
the sidewall defining an injection hole within the manifold by which transmitted air is mixable with the fuel
Implementation Method 3
configured to direct compressed air along an annulus in a first direction D1... and to direct the compressed air to flow radially inwardly along a plane of the end cover toward the center body
Implementation Method 4
The combustor is receptive of the compressed air and combusts the compressed air along with fuel to produce a flow of high temperature fluids
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A combustor (11) of a turbomachine is provided and includes an assembly defining an interior (220) and being configured to direct air to flow along an annulus (30) in a first direction (D1) about the interior and in a second direction (D2) toward the interior, the first and second directions being substantially opposed, a manifold (40) configured to be supplied with fuel and a tubular body (60) defining a pathway along which the air is transmittable in a third direction from the annulus to the interior, the third direction being transverse to the first and second directions. The tubular body (60) includes a sidewall extendible through the manifold. The sidewall defines an injection hole within the manifold by which transmitted air is mixable with the fuel.