Constant-Volume Combustor Assembly With Counterbalanced Pistons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine engines face challenges in efficiently generating high-energy exhaust gas flows while minimizing vibration and optimizing combustion efficiency, particularly in constant volume combustion chambers.
Innovation Solution
A combustor assembly with movable pistons within a constant volume combustion chamber, featuring multiple combustion spaces and controlled fuel injection and airflow management, utilizing sensors and a controller to synchronize piston movements and fuel ignition for optimized exhaust gas production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a constant volume combustion chamber with movable pistons is used to generate high-energy exhaust gas flow, then power output and combustion efficiency are improved, but vibration is generated due to piston movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterbalancing mechanism where a counterweight is positioned opposite the piston in the combustion chamber. As the piston moves during combustion to generate power, the counterweight moves in the opposite direction to offset the vibratory forces, thereby reducing the net vibration transmitted to the engine structure while maintaining the power generation function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple combustion spaces with synchronized fuel injection are implemented, then combustion efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion chamber is divided into multiple distinct combustion spaces, each equipped with its own fuel injector. This segmentation allows independent control of fuel injection timing and quantity in each space, enabling optimized combustion efficiency through sequential or simultaneous combustion events while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall design.
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 achieves reduced vibration, enhanced combustion efficiency, and controlled exhaust gas generation, providing consistent power output and reduced emissions.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the core airflow within the combustion chamber in a center combustion space between the first piston and the second piston
Implementation Method 2
compressing the core airflow within the combustion chamber... to ignite the fuel
Implementation Method 3
injecting fuel into the center combustion space at a predefined time to ignite the fuel and generate a first exhaust gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor assembly for a turbine engine includes a combustor assembly where a first combustion space is defined between a first closed end of a combustion chamber and a first piston, a second combustion space is defined between a second closed end of the combustion chamber and a second piston and a center combustion space is defined between the first piston and the second piston. An air inlet assembly provides for communication of inlet air to the first combustion space, the second combustion space and the center combustion space. First, second and center injectors are provided to inject fuel into a corresponding one of the first combustion space, the second combustion space, and the center combustion space. An exhaust outlet communicates an exhaust gas flow generated in each of the first combustion space, the second combustion space and the center combustion space to a turbine section.