Gas Turbine Combustor Fuel Nozzle Diameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine combustors with multiple fuel nozzles, the increased number of nozzles can lead to reduced space for bonding and air passage, causing vibration issues due to uneven fluid forces acting on nozzles of the same outer diameter, which affects both fuel dispersiveness and vibration stress.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing the outer diameter of fuel nozzles based on their position within the combustor, with larger diameters on the outer circumferential side and smaller diameters on the inner circumferential side, to balance fuel dispersiveness and reduce vibration stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of fuel nozzles is increased to improve fuel dispersiveness, then the fuel dispersiveness is improved, but the space for bonding and air passage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the outer diameter of fuel nozzles vary according to their radial position. Outer circumferential fuel nozzles have a larger outer diameter than inner circumferential fuel nozzles. This local differentiation allows optimal spacing and bonding space at each position while maintaining high fuel dispersiveness through the increased number of nozzles.
2Area of stationary object
If the outer diameter of fuel nozzles is reduced to secure space for bonding and air passage, then the space for bonding and air passage is secured, but the vibration stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality through position-dependent outer diameter design. Inner circumferential fuel nozzles have a smaller outer diameter to secure bonding space and air passage, while outer circumferential fuel nozzles have a larger outer diameter to reduce vibration stress caused by fluid force. This localized differentiation allows each nozzle to be optimized for its specific functional requirements.
3Reliability
If the outer diameter of fuel nozzles is increased to reduce vibration stress, then the vibration stress is reduced, but the fuel dispersiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through local quality by differentiating outer diameters based on radial position. Outer circumferential fuel nozzles have a larger outer diameter to reduce vibration stress from fluid force, while inner circumferential fuel nozzles have a smaller outer diameter to maintain fuel dispersiveness and allow adequate spacing. This position-specific optimization enables both vibration resistance and effective fuel distribution.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform outer diameter is used for all fuel nozzles, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the vibration stress varies by position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality to address the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and vibration stress uniformity. Instead of using a uniform outer diameter for all nozzles, the design specifies different outer diameters for inner and outer circumferential fuel nozzles based on their respective vibration stress requirements. This localized differentiation ensures reliable vibration stress distribution while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
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 approach enhances structural reliability under fluid forces and achieves high environmental performance through uniform combustion, while allowing for denser nozzle arrangement and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
fuel nozzles for fuel supply... improving the fuel dispersiveness
Implementation Method 2
Vibration may occur in the fuel nozzles disposed in the flow field of the compressed air under the fluid force
Implementation Method 3
Vibration may occur in the fuel nozzles disposed in the flow field of the compressed air under the fluid force. The fluid force acting on the fuel nozzle differs by the position of the fuel nozzle
Implementation Method 4
The NOx emission will increase as the flame temperature becomes higher. It is therefore necessary to ensure uniform combustion by suppressing formation of the flame at locally high temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine combustor includes a burner composed of a fuel nozzle group having a plurality of fuel nozzles for fuel supply, a fuel nozzle plate structurally supporting the fuel nozzles and serving to distribute the fuel flowing from an upstream side to the fuel nozzles, and a perforated plate located downstream of the fuel nozzles and having nozzle holes corresponding to the fuel nozzles. The fuel nozzle group includes outer circumferential fuel nozzles and inner circumferential fuel nozzles. Each outer diameter of at least a proximal end of the outer circumferential fuel nozzles is larger than that of the inner circumferential fuel nozzles.