Fuel Flow Valve Piston Positioning for Combustor Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel flow management and distribution schemes in combustors face challenges in achieving higher operating efficiency, tuning acoustic signatures, reducing emissions, and thermal signatures, making it difficult to meet increasing demands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid flow valve system with a movable piston, metering window, and flow meter, controlled by a valve controller, which allows for precise measurement and regulation of fuel flow to individual fuel nozzles, enabling more accurate and controlled fuel distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized fuel distribution system is used to meter and stop fuel flow to multiple nozzles, then fuel distribution control is achieved, but the ability to precisely control fuel flow to individual nozzles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized fuel distribution system is segmented into multiple independent fuel circuits, each with its own fuel flow valve. This allows individual control of fuel flow to specific nozzle groups while maintaining the overall distribution structure. Each valve independently meters fuel flow to its associated nozzles, enabling precise control without affecting other circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel flow valve uses a movable piston that can dynamically adjust its position to precisely control fuel flow. The piston moves in response to control signals, changing the flow area through which fuel passes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables real-time precision control of fuel flow rates to match combustion requirements.
2Productivity
If traditional fuel flow management schemes are used, then basic fuel distribution is maintained, but operating efficiency and emission reduction are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flow meters in each fuel circuit that provide real-time feedback on actual fuel flow rates to the control system. This feedback enables the controller to adjust piston positions to maintain precise fuel flow control, ensuring optimal combustion efficiency and minimizing harmful emissions by delivering the exact fuel quantity needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow area parameter by moving the piston to different positions, thereby precisely controlling fuel flow rates. This parameter adjustment capability allows optimization of fuel-air mixture ratios for maximum combustion efficiency and minimum emissions across varying operating conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual fuel flow valves are implemented for each nozzle circuit, then precise fuel flow control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fuel flow valves are designed with identical structures and control mechanisms, making them universal components that can be replicated across different circuits. Each valve performs the same function of metering and controlling fuel flow to its associated nozzles, simplifying manufacturing and maintenance while enabling precise control throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fuel flow valve is equipped with its own flow meter and control mechanism, making it a self-contained unit that independently measures and controls its fuel flow. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized control mechanisms and interconnections, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high precision control.
4Ease of operation
If dynamic seals are used in fuel flow valves, then valve operation is enabled, but reliability and maintenance requirements are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates the dynamic seal component from the fuel flow valve structure. By using a piston that moves within a sealed chamber without requiring dynamic sealing between moving and stationary parts, the system achieves valve operation through alternative means, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements associated with dynamic seal wear and failure.
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
This solution provides enhanced operational control over fuel flow, allowing for real-time adjustments to balance fuel distribution, thereby improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and mitigating acoustic issues, while eliminating the need for dynamic seals and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A flow meter is positioned at the valve piston to measure a flow rate of fluid through the valve piston
Implementation Method 2
A metering window is interactive with the movable valve piston to meter flow through the movable valve piston
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow valve includes a movable valve piston positioned in a valve body, the valve piston configured to flow a fluid therethrough. A metering window is interactive with the movable valve piston to meter flow through the movable valve piston. A flow meter is positioned at the valve piston to measure a flow rate of fluid through the valve piston. A valve controller is operable connected to the flow meter and the movable valve piston to control position of the valve piston based on flow rate measured at the flow meter.