Combustor Quench Aperture Steam Injection for Lower NOx
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for recovering and utilizing steam from combustion products in gas turbine engines are in need of improvement to enhance efficiency and reduce nitrogen oxide production.
Innovation Solution
A steam injector is integrated into the combustor wall of a turbine engine, directing steam into the combustion chamber through a quench aperture, optionally with a mixer, to mix with air and reduce combustion product temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If steam is introduced into the combustion chamber without proper mixing, then steam delivery is simplified, but combustion efficiency deteriorates and NOx production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quench aperture serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates controlled interaction between steam and combustion air. By positioning the steam injector to project into the quench aperture, the system creates a designated mixing zone where steam can effectively blend with air before entering the combustion chamber, resolving the contradiction between simple steam delivery and efficient combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The quench aperture extends longitudinally through the combustor wall, creating a three-dimensional mixing pathway. This longitudinal extension allows steam and air to mix along the length of the aperture, adding a spatial dimension to the mixing process that improves combustion efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity.
2Device complexity
If steam is introduced without air mixing, then system complexity is reduced, but temperature control and NOx reduction are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The quench aperture acts as an intermediary mixing chamber that enables temperature control through controlled steam-air interaction. The aperture's geometry and positioning create a controlled environment for mixing, allowing the system to manage combustion temperature and reduce NOx formation without requiring complex additional temperature control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If steam injector is positioned away from quench aperture, then manufacturing is simplified, but steam-air mixing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steam injector is nested within the quench aperture structure, with the injector projecting into the aperture. This nested arrangement integrates two components (injector and aperture) into a compact configuration that maximizes steam-air mixing effectiveness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the unified structural relationship.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional steam recovery systems are used, then emissions are reduced, but combustion efficiency and steam utilization remain suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The quench aperture serves as an intermediary mixing zone that transforms recovered steam into an effective combustion enhancer. By providing a dedicated space for steam-air interaction, the system maximizes the beneficial effects of steam recovery on both emissions reduction and combustion efficiency, resolving the suboptimal performance of conventional systems.
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
Reduces nitrogen oxide production by lowering combustion temperatures and enhances combustion efficiency with targeted steam delivery and mixing.
Implementation Method 1
The steam system is configured to direct steam out of the steam injector into the combustion chamber with air flowing through the quench aperture from the air plenum into the combustion chamber
Implementation Method 2
air flowing through the quench aperture from the air plenum into the combustion chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This assembly includes a housing, a combustor and a steam injector. The housing includes an air plenum. The combustor is disposed within the air plenum. The combustor includes a combustor wall and a combustion chamber. The combustor wall is disposed between the combustion chamber and the air plenum. The combustor wall includes a quench aperture that extends through the combustor wall from the air plenum to the combustion chamber. The steam injector projects partially into or through the quench aperture.