Electrostatic Flow Guide Collector for Combustor Cooling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Particulate matter entering the combustor section of turbomachines can clog cooling passages, impair cooling, damage components, and reduce performance, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic particulate matter collector with positively charged flow guides is installed upstream of the combustor to trap negatively charged particulate matter, preventing it from reaching the combustor and turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If environmental air is ingested by the turbomachine, then the engine can operate, but particulate matter enters the combustor and clogs cooling passages
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic flow guide charges particulate matter in the air stream before it reaches the combustor, causing particles to adhere to the flow guide surface upstream of the cooling passages. This preliminary action prevents particles from entering and clogging the cooling holes, maintaining reliable operation while allowing continuous engine operation with environmental air
2Reliability
If particulate matter is removed from the air stream, then cooling passages remain clear, but airflow efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic flow guide creates a localized charged region only at the surface where particulate matter adheres, while the bulk airflow remains unaffected. This local quality approach allows the flow guide to capture particles on its surface without creating significant flow resistance or reducing overall airflow efficiency through the combustor
3Temperature
If heat is present in the combustor section, then combustion occurs, but heat exacerbates adhesion of particulate matter to components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic flow guide extracts and removes particulate matter from the air stream before it enters the high-temperature combustor section. By taking out particles upstream, the harmful combination of high temperature and particulate adhesion is prevented, allowing the combustor to maintain necessary combustion temperatures without excessive particle accumulation on components
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 collector reduces particulate matter reaching the combustor, minimizing cooling degradation and component damage, enhancing performance and extending component lifetime while maintaining airflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An electrostatic particulate matter collector with positively charged flow guides is installed upstream of the combustor to trap negatively charged particulate matter
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine combustor section extends axially from a pre-diffuser at a forward end to an aft end relative to an engine axis. The gas turbine engine combustor section includes a combustor liner defining a combustion chamber and a combustor dome situated at a forward end of the combustor liner and affixed thereto. The gas turbine engine combustor section further includes an electrostatic particulate matter collector. The electrostatic particulate matter collector includes a first charged flow guide having an axially forward-most extent aligned with the pre-diffuser and widens radially with respect to the engine axis from the forward-most extent to the combustor dome. The electrostatic particulate matter collector further includes a fuel nozzle extending through the first charged flow guide into the combustor dome. The electrostatic particulate matter collector also includes a power supply electrically coupled to positively charge the first charged flow guide.