Double Swirl Burner With Adjustable Aerodynamic Swirl Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combustion systems, particularly swirl burners, are limited by geometric swirl generators that restrict the control of swirl number, leading to suboptimal flame structures and higher NOx emissions.
Innovation Solution
A double swirl burner design utilizing aerodynamic swirl generators with tangential and axial air jets in annular and central nozzles, allowing for independent control of swirl numbers through adjustable mass flow rates, enabling optimized flame structure and reduced NOx emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If geometric swirl generators with invariable geometries are used, then the structure is simple, but the swirl number cannot be controlled or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static geometric swirl generators into dynamic aerodynamic swirl generators. The aerodynamic swirl generators use adjustable mass flow rates of tangential and axial air streams to dynamically control the swirl number, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple nozzle structure without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the swirl number through varying the mass flow rate ratio of tangential to axial air streams. By adjusting these flow parameters, the system can achieve different swirl numbers (Sw1 for annular nozzle, Sw2 for central nozzle) without changing the physical geometry of the nozzles, thus resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If geometric swirl generators are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the flame structure cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables precise control of flame structure by changing the operational parameters (mass flow rates) of the aerodynamic swirl generators rather than manufacturing different geometric configurations. This allows optimization of flame structure through software/control system adjustments while keeping the nozzle manufacturing simple and standardized.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If geometric swirl generators are used, then the device is simple, but NOx emissions are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces NOx emissions by implementing dynamic control of swirl numbers through aerodynamic swirl generators. The ability to adjust mass flow rates in real-time allows optimization of combustion conditions to minimize local flame temperatures and thus reduce thermal NOx formation, while the system complexity remains manageable through the use of standard nozzle components with controllable flow inputs.
4Ease of operation
If double annulus swirl burners with geometric swirl generators are used, then radial flow distribution can be controlled, but the swirl number cannot be changed within the annuluses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the dynamics principle to the double annulus configuration by equipping both the outer annular nozzle and inner central nozzle with aerodynamic swirl generators. This allows independent adjustment of swirl numbers (Sw1 and Sw2) in each annulus through control of respective mass flow rates, enabling flexible optimization of combustion characteristics without modifying the fundamental double annulus structure.
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 double swirl burner achieves higher combustion efficiency and lower NOx emissions by dynamically tuning the swirl intensity within the annular and central air nozzles, resulting in improved power density and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The swirl number, which is defined as a ratio of a tangential momentum to an axial momentum of swirl flow, is dependent on blade or vane angles of these geometric swirl generators as well as a mass flow rate of an airstream entering these geometric swirl generators.
Implementation Method 2
An exemplary first inlet port may be configured to allow for tangentially injecting a first air stream into the annular air nozzle. An exemplary first air stream may be tangent to a circular cross-section of the annular air nozzle.
Data Source
AI summary
A double swirl burner including an annular air nozzle, an annular fuel nozzle coaxially disposed within the annular air nozzle, and a central air nozzle coaxially disposed within the annular fuel nozzle. An annular air nozzle may include at least one first inlet port on a peripheral wall of the annular air nozzle, where the first inlet port may be configured to allow for tangentially injecting a first air stream into the annular air nozzle. A first air stream may be tangent to a circular cross-section of the exemplary annular air nozzle, and a first axial inlet that may be configured to allow for axially injecting a second air stream into the annular air nozzle along a centerline of the annular air nozzle.