Dual Mode Combustor for Rotating Detonation Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating detonation combustors in turbine engines face inefficiencies during start-up and partial load stages due to insufficient pressure and temperature conditions to sustain constant volume combustion, leading to suboptimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode combustor designed to operate in both deflagration and rotating detonation modes, utilizing separate initiators to initiate processes within a combustion chamber, allowing for efficient transition between modes based on operating conditions, thereby extending operational range and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating detonation combustor is used to achieve high efficiency combustion, then combustion efficiency is improved, but the combustor cannot operate during start-up and partial load stages due to insufficient pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor dynamically switches between two combustion modes (deflagration and rotating detonation) based on operating conditions. During start-up and partial load, the system operates in deflagration mode which can sustain combustion at lower pressure and temperature. When conditions improve, the system transitions to rotating detonation mode for higher efficiency, thus adapting to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the combustion mode parameter based on operating conditions. By switching between deflagration (lower efficiency, broader operating range) and rotating detonation (higher efficiency, narrower operating range), the system optimizes performance across different stages of operation including start-up, partial load, and full load conditions.
2Power
If rotating detonation combustion is used to achieve constant volume combustion, then energy conversion is improved, but the process cannot be sustained during start-up and partial load stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the combustion process by switching between deflagration and rotating detonation modes. During start-up and partial load stages where conditions are insufficient for detonation, the system uses deflagration mode to ensure reliable and sustained combustion. When pressure and temperature conditions are sufficient, the system transitions to rotating detonation mode for improved energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflagration mode acts as an intermediary combustion process that bridges the gap during transition periods. It provides a reliable combustion mechanism during start-up and partial load operations, enabling the system to reach conditions suitable for rotating detonation mode while ensuring continuous and sustained combustion throughout all operating phases.
3Device complexity
If a single mode combustor is used to simplify the design, then device complexity is reduced, but the combustor cannot operate efficiently across different operating stages
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both deflagration and rotating detonation capabilities within a single device. This universal design allows the combustor to efficiently operate across different operating stages (start-up, partial load, full load) by switching between combustion modes, rather than requiring separate combustors for different operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-mode combustor dynamically adapts its combustion process based on operating conditions. The system can switch between deflagration and rotating detonation modes to optimize performance across varying load conditions, maintaining high operational efficiency without requiring multiple separate combustor designs.
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 dual mode combustor achieves increased operating efficiency by sustaining combustion across a wider range of conditions, from start-up to power-down, through continuous detonation waves in the rotating detonation mode and varying volume combustion in the deflagration mode.
Implementation Method 1
a mixture of fuel and an oxidizer is ignited such that combustion products are formed... The combustion process begins when the fuel-oxidizer mixture in a tube or a pipe structure is ignited via a spark or another suitable ignition source to generate a compression wave. The compression wave is followed by a chemical reaction that transitions the compression wave to a detonation wave.
Implementation Method 2
The combustor includes a housing defining at least one combustion chamber and is configured for a deflagration process to occur within the at least one combustion chamber during operation in the deflagration mode
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor is configured to operate in a rotating detonation mode and a deflagration mode. The combustor includes a housing and at least one initiator. The housing defines at least one combustion chamber and is configured for a deflagration process to occur within the at least one combustion chamber during operation in the deflagration mode and a rotating detonation process to occur within the at least one combustion chamber during operation in the rotating detonation mode. The at least one initiator is configured to initiate the rotating detonation process within the at least one combustion chamber during operation in the rotating detonation mode and to initiate the deflagration process within the at least one combustion chamber during operation in the deflagration mode.