Multi-Functional Fuel Nozzle Atomizer Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-fuel nozzles for gas turbine engines face challenges in reducing NOx emissions, as water injection in the form of non-atomized jets can cause thermal distress on combustor liner walls, leading to shortened liner life and inefficiencies in water consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional fuel nozzle with an atomizer array and a centrally-located atomizer that injects water in finely atomized cones, optimizing NOx reduction while minimizing water consumption and enhancing combustion performance by interchanging operational functionalities based on application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If water is injected in the form of non-atomized jets, then NOx emissions are reduced, but thermal distress occurs on combustor liner walls leading to shortened liner life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of water from non-atomized liquid jets to finely atomized droplets. By transforming water into atomized spray form through the atomizer array, the system maintains NOx reduction capability while eliminating thermal distress on liner walls, as atomized water evaporates more uniformly without concentrating thermal load on specific surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments water injection into multiple fine atomized droplets through an array of atomizers rather than using a single non-atomized jet. This segmentation distributes the water flow over a larger spatial area, preventing concentrated thermal impact on liner walls while maintaining effective NOx reduction through widespread water distribution in the combustion zone.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water is injected in the form of non-atomized jets, then NOx emissions are reduced, but water consumption becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes water from non-atomized liquid to atomized spray form, which fundamentally alters how water interacts with the combustion process. Atomized water evaporates more efficiently and distributes more uniformly, improving water consumption efficiency while maintaining NOx reduction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an atomizer array that utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic principles to break water into fine droplets. This atomization process increases water's surface area and evaporation rate, improving water consumption efficiency while maintaining effective NOx reduction through enhanced water distribution in the combustion zone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-functional fuel nozzle is designed with atomizer array, then operational versatility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional fuel nozzle that can operate with different fuel types (liquid and gaseous) and water injection modes through a unified structure. The atomizer array is integrated into the nozzle body, allowing the same device to provide atomized water injection, liquid fuel injection, and gas fuel injection functions, thereby enhancing operational versatility while managing structural complexity through integrated 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
Effectively reduces NOx emissions, prolongs the life of combustor liner walls by preventing water impingement, and optimizes operational versatility through tailored atomization patterns and fluid distributions.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-functional fuel nozzle with an atomizer array and a centrally-located atomizer that injects water in finely atomized cones
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A nozzle cap (82) is disposed at a downstream end of the nozzle. The nozzle cap includes a bore arranged to accommodate a downstream portion of a fluid-injecting lance that extends along a longitudinal axis (18) of the nozzle. The downstream portion of the fluid-injecting lance includes a centrally-located atomizer (80) to form a first atomized ejection cone. An array of atomizers (84) is disposed in the nozzle cap. The array of atomizers is circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis of the lance. The array of atomizers may be positioned radially outwardly relative to the centrally-located atomizer to form an array of respective second atomized ejection cones.