Fuel Nozzle Optical Sensing for Hydrogen Flame Flashback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines using hydrogen fuel face challenges in controlling flame spread and flashback due to the fast dispersion of gaseous fuels, which can lead to unburned fuel accumulation and environmental byproducts, and traditional optical sensors are not suitable for high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A fuel nozzle assembly with an optical sensor submerged in the hydrogen-based fuel detects combustion flames using electromagnetic waves, allowing quick control over fuel flow to prevent unburned fuel accumulation and maintain sensor integrity at lower temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical sensors are used in high-temperature combustion environments, then flame detection is possible, but the sensors are not suitable for high-temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling medium (water or other liquids) as an intermediary between the high-temperature combustion environment and the optical sensor. This cooling medium absorbs heat and transfers it away from the sensor, allowing the sensor to operate at lower temperatures while still detecting flames in the high-temperature combustion chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional contact-based temperature sensing with optical detection methods. Instead of using sensors that directly measure temperature through mechanical contact, the system uses optical sensors to detect flame characteristics (color, brightness) which indirectly indicate combustion status, eliminating the need for direct high-temperature exposure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogen fuel is used to reduce environmental byproducts, then emissions are reduced, but flame spread and flashback control becomes difficult due to fast dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors combustion conditions using optical sensors and adjusts fuel flow accordingly. When the sensor detects flame presence or abnormal combustion patterns, the system automatically modulates or shuts off fuel supply, providing real-time feedback control to prevent flashback and unburned fuel accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of flame conditions before complete combustion occurs. By using optical sensors to detect early signs of flame propagation or combustion anomalies, the control system can take preemptive action to adjust fuel flow or activate safety mechanisms, preventing dangerous flashback or unburned fuel accumulation before it becomes problematic.
3Productivity
If gaseous hydrogen fuel is used, then combustion efficiency is improved, but unburned fuel accumulation occurs due to fast dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system provides continuous feedback on combustion completeness and fuel burn rates. When the sensor detects signs of incomplete combustion or fuel accumulation, the control system adjusts fuel injection timing and rate to optimize combustion efficiency while preventing unburned fuel buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fuel flow rates and combustion parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback. Rather than using fixed fuel injection patterns, the system continuously adapts fuel delivery to match actual combustion conditions, optimizing both efficiency and completeness of fuel burn while preventing accumulation.
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 system effectively controls hydrogen fuel flow, preventing unburned fuel accumulation and reducing environmental byproducts by quickly detecting flame onset, thus enhancing turbine engine efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
An optical sensor submerged in the unburned hydrogen-based fuel can detect an EM wave from a combustion flame
Data Source
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AI summary
A turbine engine (10) comprising a compressor section(12), a combustion section (14), and a turbine section (16) in a serial flow arrangement, with the combustion section (12) comprising a combustion chamber (50), a fuel nozzle assembly (48) comprising a fuel supply passage (70) and having a fuel supply passage outlet (72) fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber (50), and an optical sensor (100) located in the fuel supply passage (70) and oriented to sense a combustion flame (92) in the combustion chamber (50).