Fuel System Flow Splitting for Combustor Tone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fuel systems for turbomachines are limited in their ability to modulate flow between primary and secondary nozzles, offering only two modes of operation and cannot effectively address combustor tone issues without compromising noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system with a flow split control mechanism that includes a secondary metering valve, regulating valve, and splitter valve to achieve non-discrete and discrete flow splits, along with a control module to manage the position of these valves, allowing for variable primary and secondary flow distribution and circumferential maldistribution to reduce combustor tone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional two-mode flow split control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and flow control precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control by replacing the traditional two-mode discrete control with a continuous control system that can dynamically adjust the flow split ratio between primary and secondary nozzles. The control system responds to real-time operating conditions (engine speed, load, temperature) to continuously optimize the flow distribution, enabling the system to adapt to a wide range of operating conditions rather than being limited to fixed modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow split control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the overall flow split between primary and secondary nozzles, regulates individual nozzle flows, and provides circumferential maldistribution control. This multi-functional capability allows a single control system to address various combustion requirements (noise reduction, efficiency optimization, emissions control) simultaneously, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If primary nozzles are placed on every nozzle assembly, then fuel control flexibility is improved, but combustor tone issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different fuel flow characteristics in different spatial locations within the combustor. The circumferential maldistribution control system creates intentional non-uniform fuel distribution around the combustor periphery, with specific nozzle assemblies receiving different flow ratios. This localized control allows primary nozzles to be placed on every assembly for maximum flexibility while using spatially varying flow patterns to suppress combustor tone noise through destructive interference of pressure waves.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A fuel system (100) can include a total flow line (101) configured to receive a total flow and a primary flow line (103) connected to the total flow line. The primary flow line can be in fluid communication with one or more primary fuel nozzles of a nozzle assembly. The fuel system can include a secondary flow line (107) connected to the total flow line in parallel with the primary flow line, the secondary flow line in fluid communication with a plurality of secondary flow nozzles of the nozzle assembly. The fuel system can include a flow split system (111) configured to control a flow split between a primary flow of the primary flow line and a secondary flow of the secondary flow line.