Flex-Fuel Combustor With Zoned Injection for Low-NOx Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gas turbine engines struggle with high NOx emissions and inefficiencies when using alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen due to their unique burning characteristics, which are not suited for conventional combustors.
Innovation Solution
A combustor design featuring a center fuel nozzle, outer fuel nozzles, a venturi injector, and an injector, which allows for flexible fuel injection and mixing, enabling efficient operation with ammonia, hydrogen, or natural gas through a fuel supply system that includes a controller for precise fuel management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional combustors are used to burn alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, then fuel flexibility is improved, but combustion efficiency deteriorates due to unsuitable burning characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor is divided into multiple zones with different fuel nozzles (center fuel nozzle, outer fuel nozzles, venturi injector) that can be independently controlled. Each zone can be optimized for different fuel types and combustion modes, allowing the system to accommodate various fuels while maintaining efficient combustion in each specific zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustor system incorporates dynamic control capabilities through a controller that can adjust fuel injection parameters, airflow, and combustion modes in real-time. This allows the combustor to adapt its operating characteristics to match the specific burning properties of different fuels being used.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional combustors are used to burn alternative fuels, then fuel substitution is improved, but emission levels worsen due to high NOx production
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones within the combustor are designed with specific local characteristics to control combustion temperature and oxygen availability. The center fuel nozzle, outer fuel nozzles, and venturi injector create distinct combustion regions that can be optimized to limit peak temperatures and reduce NOx formation while maintaining overall combustion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustor system can dynamically change combustion parameters such as equivalence ratio, temperature, and residence time to optimize emissions performance. By adjusting these parameters based on the fuel type being used, the system can maintain efficient combustion while minimizing NOx production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel injection devices are added to accommodate alternative fuels, then fuel versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple fuel injection devices (center fuel nozzle, outer fuel nozzles, venturi injector) are designed to serve multiple functions. They can inject different fuel types, provide fuel vaporization and mixing, and create different combustion modes depending on operational requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each fuel type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fuel injection and combustion control functions into a single integrated combustor assembly. The center fuel nozzle, outer fuel nozzles, and venturi injector are integrated within one combustor structure and controlled by a unified control system, which simplifies the overall system architecture compared to having separate combustors for different fuel types.
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 design achieves reduced NOx emissions and improved combustion efficiency by optimizing fuel distribution and mixing, accommodating various fuels and meeting stringent emission regulations.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi injector is positioned within the combustion chamber downstream of the center fuel nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
Combustors and methods of operation are provided. The combustor includes a combustion liner that defines a combustion chamber and that extends along an axial centerline from a forward end to an aft end. The combustor further includes a center fuel nozzle that extends along the axial centerline at least partially within the combustion chamber. The combustor further includes a plurality of outer fuel nozzles that surround the center fuel nozzle. The plurality of outer fuel nozzles terminates at the forward end. A venturi injector is positioned in the combustor within the combustion chamber downstream of the center fuel nozzle. The combustor further includes an injector that is coupled to the combustion liner and downstream of the venturi injector.