Fuel Injector Valve Element for Gas Turbine Combustion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbines face inefficiencies and increased nitrogen oxide emissions due to burner interactions, uneven flame temperatures, and flashbacks caused by pressure differences and manufacturing tolerances in fuel injectors, requiring frequent and costly adjustments of orifice sizes.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector with a valve element and multiple outlet channels, controlled by a driving mechanism, that can adjust fuel flow to prevent flashbacks and optimize combustion dynamics by sealing or connecting fuel inlet and outlet channels based on detected conditions, using a spindle element and actuator to manage valve positions and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the size of openings in the orifices is increased to compensate for pressure differences and manufacturing tolerances, then fuel flow equality is improved, but flashback risk increases due to increased flame temperature and altered fuel profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a valve element that can dynamically adjust its position to control fuel flow through multiple outlet channels. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to adapt fuel distribution in real-time based on operating conditions, replacing static orifice sizing with an active control system that prevents flashback while maintaining fuel flow equality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from fixed orifice size to variable valve position. By using a driven mechanism to adjust the valve element's position, the system can modify fuel flow parameters dynamically, achieving equal fuel distribution without increasing opening sizes that would cause flashback.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of orifice sizes is performed to equalize fuel flow, then fuel distribution uniformity is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating fuel injection system where the valve element automatically adjusts fuel distribution based on integrated sensors and control mechanisms. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to equalize fuel flow, as the system self-corrects distribution uniformity through automated feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback control where sensors monitor fuel flow and pressure conditions, and the control system adjusts the valve element position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously maintains uniform fuel distribution without requiring manual measurement or adjustment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple outlet channels are used instead of single large openings, then flashback risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel outlet into multiple separate outlet channels instead of using single large openings. This segmentation reduces flashback risk by creating smaller, more controlled flow paths. The valve element is correspondingly segmented with multiple passages that align with these outlet channels, managing the complexity through systematic division rather than monolithic design.
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 solution reduces the risk of flashbacks, optimizes emission control, and stabilizes combustion dynamics by allowing precise control of fuel flow through multiple smaller outlet channels, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The valve element (103) is slideably arranged inside the inner hole (102) along a sliding direction (108)
Implementation Method 2
a driving mechanism which is coupled to the valve element (103) for driving the valve element within the inner hole (102)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel injector (100) for injecting fuel in a burner of a gas turbine. The fuel injector (100) comprises a body (101) comprising an inner hole (102) and a valve element (103) which is slideably arranged inside the inner hole (102). The body (101) comprises a fuel inlet (104) which is formed into the body (101) for injecting fuel into the inner hole (102), wherein the fuel inlet (104) is coupleable to a fuel supply line. The body (101) further comprises a first outlet channel (105) connected to the inner hole (102), wherein the first outlet channel (105) is further coupleable to a burner. The valve element (103) comprises a first passage (I) which is formed such that in a first position of the valve element (103) inside the inner hole (102), the first passage (I) connects the fuel inlet (104) with the first outlet channel (105) and in a second position of the valve element (103) inside the inner hole (102), the valve element (103) seals the fuel inlet (104) from the first outlet channel (105).