Sealed Conical-Flat Dome Combustor Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engine combustor components face premature degradation due to high operating temperatures and uneven combustion, leading to reduced engine performance and durability.

Innovation Solution

A combustor assembly with a liner, annular dome, and deflector plate, featuring impingement and cooling holes, which stabilizes airflow and distributes the air-fuel mixture uniformly, while the deflector plate's conical and flat surfaces provide thermal insulation and cooling, reducing component temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If improved fuel distribution is implemented to improve engine efficiency, then engine efficiency is improved, but the combustion flame remains closer to the dome portion causing excessive heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoiddome portion temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A deflector plate is positioned between the combustion flame and the dome portion to intercept and redirect thermal energy and combustion gases away from the dome, preventing excessive heating while allowing improved fuel distribution to maintain engine efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector plate converts the harmful concentrated thermal energy near the dome into beneficial distributed flow patterns that improve combustion stability and uniformity while protecting the dome from excessive temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Temperature

If CMC materials are used to withstand extreme temperatures, then temperature resistance is improved, but components closest to the combustion flame still experience premature degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature resistanceVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector plate provides beforehand protection by intercepting and redirecting the most intense thermal energy and combustion gases before they can directly impinge on the dome and adjacent components, reducing thermal loading and preventing premature degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector plate creates localized protection zones on the dome and adjacent components by redirecting thermal energy away from these specific areas, allowing different parts of the combustor to experience different thermal environments optimized for their function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If uniform combustion is achieved to improve engine performance, then engine performance is improved, but the combustion flame remains closer to the dome portion causing excessive heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performanceVSAvoiddome portion temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector plate serves as an intermediary that allows uniform combustion to proceed in the combustion chamber while simultaneously protecting the dome from excessive heating by intercepting and redirecting thermal energy and combustion gases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances combustion stability and flow uniformity, improves engine efficiency, and extends the operational lifespan of combustor components by effectively managing high temperatures and ensuring optimal fuel distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of cooling holes are defined through the deflector plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the deflector plate's conical and flat surfaces provide thermal insulation and cooling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

The annular dome defines a first cavity and has a plurality of impingement holes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpingement cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10041676B2Sealed conical-flat dome for flight engine combustors

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine defining an axial direction is provided. The combustor assembly generally includes a liner, an annular dome, and a deflector plate. The liner at least partially defines a combustion chamber. The annular dome defines a first cavity and has a plurality of impingement holes, and the deflector plate defines a conical surface and a flat surface, wherein a plurality of cooling holes are defined through the deflector plate. The annular dome and the deflector plate are positioned together to define a second cavity that is in fluid communication with the first cavity through the plurality of impingement holes. In addition, the second cavity is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber through the plurality of cooling holes.