Fuel Nozzle Cleaning During Engine Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel coking within fuel nozzles of heat engines, such as gas turbine engines, leads to performance issues like restricted fuel flow, uneven spray patterns, and component deterioration due to high temperatures during operation, necessitating an effective cleaning method.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for cleaning fuel nozzles during engine operation by varying fuel flows through multiple injectors, using thermal decomposition and purge fluids to remove deposits, allowing for in-flight cleaning and maintaining engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fuel is exposed to high temperatures during engine operation, then combustion efficiency is improved, but fuel coking occurs in the fuel nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by injecting cleaning fluid through the fuel nozzle before the high-temperature combustion process begins, preventing fuel coking from forming in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fuel and the fuel nozzle wall, preventing direct contact between fuel and the hot nozzle surface that causes coking
2Reliability
If fuel flow is restricted due to coke build-up, then fuel nozzle performance deteriorates, but pressure build-up occurs in the fuel system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning to remove coke deposits before they can significantly restrict fuel flow and cause dangerous pressure build-up in the fuel system
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel nozzle cleans itself by passing cleaning fluid through its own passages during engine operation, eliminating the need for external cleaning systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning is performed during engine operation, then maintenance needs are reduced, but engine control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering fuel for combustion and injecting cleaning fluid through the same fuel nozzle and control infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The existing fuel system components serve dual purposes, with the fuel nozzle acting as both a fuel injector and a cleaning fluid injector, eliminating the need for separate cleaning system controls
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 method effectively removes fuel deposits, reducing thermal gradients, wear, and maintenance needs, while ensuring stable engine operation and emissions compliance.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether operating the compressor section at the first oxidizer flow condition and operating the fuel system at the first fuel flow condition is within a cleaning envelop
Implementation Method 2
flowing the purge fluid removes thermal decomposition deposit from the fuel nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for cleaning a fuel nozzle during engine operation is provided. Operations include operating the compressor section to provide the flow of oxidizer at a first oxidizer flow condition to the combustion chamber, wherein the first oxidizer flow condition comprises an environmental parameter; operating the fuel system at a first fuel flow condition to produce a fuel-oxidizer ratio at the combustion chamber; comparing the environmental parameter to a first environmental parameter threshold; and transitioning the fuel system to a second fuel flow condition corresponding to a cleaning condition at the fuel nozzle if the environmental parameter is equal to or greater than the first environmental threshold.