Fuel Injector Auxiliary Circuit Control for Combustor Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel control and delivery systems in turbine engines lack active or granular control of injectors, leading to suboptimal performance and undesirable operational characteristics under certain conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a fuel injector system with a scheduling valve and an electrically-controlled valve in the auxiliary fuel circuit, allowing for active control of fuel flow through the secondary fuel circuit in response to a control signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical fuel metering valve is used to schedule fuel flow to primary and secondary nozzles, then fuel distribution is achieved, but active or granular control of individual injectors is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel injection system is segmented into multiple independent fuel circuits (primary, secondary, auxiliary) with individual control valves for each circuit. This segmentation enables granular control of fuel flow to different nozzles while maintaining overall system functionality through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static mechanical metering valve to dynamic electrically-controlled valves that can actively adjust fuel flow in real-time. The controller receives feedback from sensors and dynamically modulates valve positions to achieve precise fuel scheduling and active patternation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional flow dividing hardware and fuel manifolds are added to mitigate combustor noise, then noise reduction is achieved, but cost, weight, and power requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustor noiseVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically-controlled valves serve multiple functions: they schedule fuel flow to different nozzles, actively pattern fuel injection to mitigate combustor noise, and provide precise flow control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated noise control hardware, reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces heavy mechanical flow dividing hardware with lighter electrically-controlled valves actuated by electromagnetic solenoids. This substitution achieves the same noise mitigation function with significantly reduced weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrically-controlled valve is used to actively control fuel through the auxiliary fuel circuit, then active patternation is achieved, but electrical power requirements and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive patternation capabilityVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically-controlled valve provides active patternation capability that exceeds the minimum requirements for fuel scheduling. The system can operate with partial activation of the auxiliary circuit only when needed for specific operating conditions, reducing average power consumption while maintaining full adaptability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 enables active patternation in fuel injection, mitigating acoustics, emissions, and flame-out conditions, while minimizing additional electrical power requirements and heat generation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically-controlled valve in fluid communication with the auxiliary fuel circuit, adapted and configured to actively control fuel through the auxiliary fuel circuit in response to a control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical control of valve actuation: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

a scheduling valve disposed within the housing, configured for regulation of fuel flow from the fuel inlet in response to fuel pressure received at the fuel inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow regulation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12305581B2Proportional restriction of a secondary circuit of a fuel injector

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 COLLINS ENGINE NOZZLES INC

AI summary

A fuel injector for a turbine engine includes a fuel scheduling valve configured for regulation of fuel flow from a fuel inlet, in response to fuel pressure received at the fuel inlet. Primary, secondary and auxiliary fuel circuits receive fuel from the scheduling valve, and an electrically-controlled valve is provided in fluid communication with the auxiliary circuit, which electrically-controlled valve is adapted and configured to actively control fuel through the auxiliary circuit in response to a control signal. The auxiliary fuel circuit joins with the secondary fuel circuit for delivery to a fuel nozzle.