Combustor Wake Energizer for Annulus Flow Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine combustors experience flow wake issues due to blockages like flame detection sensors and fuel injectors within the annulus, leading to non-uniform air distribution and reduced combustion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wake energizer, which is a component mounted on the outer sleeve of the combustor, introduces a stream of compressed air at an angle to diffuse flow wakes created by these blockages, ensuring uniform airflow distribution within the annulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flow blockages (flame detection sensors, cross-fire tubes, fuel injectors) are installed in the annulus, then the combustor can perform its combustion function, but flow wakes are created that disrupt uniform air distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The wake energizer is positioned upstream of the flow blockages in the annulus, introducing compressed air before the blockages to pre-energize the flow and prevent wake formation. This preliminary action maintains uniform air distribution despite the presence of necessary flow blockages for combustor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed air serves as an intermediary substance introduced through the wake energizer to mediate between the flow blockages and the main air stream. This intermediary flow fills in the wake regions created by blockages, restoring uniformity to the overall air distribution in the annulus.
2Ease of operation
If wake air injection is used to reduce flow wakes, then air distribution uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake energizer utilizes compressed air that is already available in the combustor system for other purposes. By multi-functioning this existing compressed air supply to also address wake reduction, the patent avoids adding dedicated wake control infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in 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
This solution effectively reduces flow wake disturbances, enhancing air-fuel mixing uniformity and increasing the efficiency of the combustor by maintaining a consistent airflow pattern around blockages.
Implementation Method 1
introduces a stream of compressed air at an angle to diffuse flow wakes created by these blockages
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A combustor (17) for a turbomachine (10) includes an axial centerline (52), an end cover (36), a combustion liner (40) that defines a combustion chamber (42), and at least one fuel nozzle (54) that extends from the end cover (36) and that is least partially surrounded by the combustion liner (40). An outer sleeve (58), which defines at least one aperture (74) is spaced apart from and surrounds the combustion liner (40) to define an annulus (60). A wake energizer (100) which is mounted on the outer sleeve (58) defines at least one passage (102) that is angled with respect to the axial centerline (52). The at least one passage (102) aligns and is in fluid communication with the at least one aperture (74) of the outer sleeve (58) to disrupt wakes caused by airflow blockages (66) in the annulus (60).