Cooled Combustor Seal Channels for Igniter Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine combustors face performance issues due to inadequate cooling of igniter components, leading to increased temperatures and potential damage from excessive heating, which can cause degradation in igniter operation and require component repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A combustor seal design incorporating multiple channels and a slider, housing, and seal washer to direct cooling air around the igniter and liner, effectively reducing temperatures through enhanced cooling airflow and purging of hot air from the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If no extra cooling is provided for the igniter and surrounding area, then the combustor structure remains simple, but the temperature increases during operation causing damage to the outer liner and outer shell
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple channels (first cooling channel, second cooling channel, third cooling channel) that are distributed throughout the seal structure. Each channel serves a specific cooling function for different areas around the igniter, allowing targeted temperature control without requiring a monolithic complex cooling system
Solution Approach 2:
The seal component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the igniter opening to prevent compressed air leakage, provides structural support, and incorporates cooling channels to thermally manage the igniter and surrounding areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling components
2Reliability
If a seal is positioned around the igniter to prevent compressed air leakage, then combustion chamber sealing is improved, but the temperature around the igniter increases due to insufficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and cooling function are merged into a single integrated seal component. The seal includes both the sealing structure (contacting the combustor liner) and embedded cooling channels, combining two previously separate functions into one unified component that simultaneously prevents air leakage and provides thermal management
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the igniter panel and outer shell are subjected to excessive heating, then component lifespan decreases requiring repair or replacement, but adding cooling channels increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling channels are strategically positioned in specific locations where heat accumulation is most critical - around the igniter body and in the seal structure adjacent to the igniter panel and outer shell. This localized cooling approach extends component life by targeting problem areas without requiring comprehensive cooling of the entire combustor structure, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing 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
The solution effectively prevents damage to igniter components by maintaining lower temperatures, improving engine performance and reducing the need for frequent repairs by ensuring efficient cooling and airflow around the igniter and combustor components.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of channels are provided in the combustor seal to allow cooling air to pass through thereby cool the igniter and a portion of the outer liner proximate the igniter
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooled combustor seal having a plurality of channels enabling cooling air to pass from outside of a combustion chamber to cool an area inside the combustion chamber around the seal is disclosed. The channels may be provided through a slider, a housing, and/or a washer of the combustor seal. One set of channels or multiple of sets of channels may be provided in the combustor seal. Each of these sets of channels may be in the slider, housing, or washer. The cooled combustor seal may be used in conjunction with an igniter to purge a cavity between the seal and the igniter.