Continuous Flame Torch Ignitor Manifold for Multi-Nozzle Gas Turbine Ignition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spark ignitors in gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently igniting fuel due to contamination issues and require high-pressure environments for ignition, leading to unreliable startup and operation, especially at high altitudes.

Innovation Solution

A continuous ignition device using a torch ignitor system with a manifold and hot surface ignitors to ignite fuel and air mixtures, providing a stable and reliable ignition source that can simultaneously ignite multiple fuel nozzles, utilizing a flame jetted through a manifold to ensure consistent ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spark ignitors are used to ignite fuel in gas turbine engines, then ignition can be achieved, but contamination issues occur and high-pressure environments are required leading to unreliable startup and operation at high altitudes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition reliabilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spark ignition system with a continuous flame torch ignitor system. The torch ignitor uses a continuous flow of fuel and air to maintain a stable flame that directly contacts the fuel injectors, eliminating the need for high-pressure electrical sparks and avoiding contamination issues associated with spark plug electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The torch ignitor provides continuous flame rather than intermittent sparks, ensuring that fuel is constantly ignited as it flows from the injectors. This continuous action maintains reliable ignition throughout engine operation without the contamination and failure modes of periodic spark systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single torch ignitor is used traditionally, then ignition source is provided, but the target area for fuel injectors is limited restricting fuel injector design options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel injector design rangeVSAvoidignition target area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The torch ignitor system is segmented into multiple independent flame jets, each capable of contacting different fuel injector locations. This segmentation allows the ignition system to accommodate various fuel injector designs and positions within the combustion chamber, expanding design versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the ignition system in multiple spatial dimensions by positioning torch nozzles at different locations and angles around the combustion chamber. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates a larger effective target area that can interface with various fuel injector configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If high-pressure environments are required for spark ignition, then ignition can occur, but startup and operation become unreliable especially at high altitudes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup and operation reliabilityVSAvoidpressure requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The torch ignitor system changes the ignition parameter from high-pressure electrical sparks to atmospheric-pressure continuous flame. By using a sustained chemical reaction (combustion) rather than electrical discharge, the system operates reliably across a wide pressure range including high-altitude conditions where spark ignition fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 torch ignitor system offers a safer, more reliable ignition by maintaining a continuous flame, allowing for softer starts and rapid relighting, reducing maintenance and improving ignition stability and longevity compared to traditional spark ignitors.

Implementation Method 1

hot surface ignitors to ignite fuel and air mixtures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an ignited fuel and air mixture flows through the combustion chamber, into and through the manifold, and exits through each of the plurality of torch nozzles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP4015798B1Continuous ignition device exhaust manifold

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 COLLINS ENGINE NOZZLES INC

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AI summary

A torch ignitor system (10) provides a continuous flame to ignite fuel within a combustor of a gas turbine engine. The torch ignitor system includes a manifold (16) and a plurality of torch nozzles (18) to enable the flame or torch to simultaneously ignite multiple fuel nozzles within the combustor of the gas turbine engine.