Fuel Nozzle Helicoidal Grooves for Air Swirl Induction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel nozzles in gas turbine engines do not effectively induce swirl in pressurized air, which limits the efficiency of fuel and air mixing, leading to suboptimal combustion results.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of helicoidal grooves at the downstream end of the air passageway in the fuel nozzle to induce swirl in pressurized air, directing it into the mixing zone where it enhances the mixing with fuel, creating finer atomization and more efficient combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fuel nozzles are used without swirl induction, then the structure is simple, but the fuel and air mixing efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies helicoidal (screw-shaped) grooves on the inner surface of the air passageway to induce swirl flow in the pressurized air. This curved geometric feature transforms the straightforward air flow into a rotating flow pattern, improving fuel-air mixing efficiency without adding complex mechanical components to the nozzle structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is used for fuel supply, then atomization is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical pressure-based atomization system with a fluid dynamic swirl induction system. The helicoidal grooves create rotational flow that enhances atomization through centrifugal forces and increased shear rates, allowing for reduced fuel supply pressure while maintaining or improving atomization quality, thus lowering energy consumption.
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 induced swirl in air leads to increased shearing forces with fuel, resulting in better mixing and reduced fuel droplet size, thereby improving combustion efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
inducing swirl in pressurized air at an exit of the air passageway by directing the pressurised air through helicoidal grooves formed at a downstream end of the air passageway
Implementation Method 2
The induced swirl in air leads to increased shearing forces with fuel, resulting in better mixing and reduced fuel droplet size
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inducing swirl in pressurized air flowing through an air passageway of a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine includes inducing swirl in the pressurized air at an exit of the air passageway, by directing the pressurised air through helicoidal grooves formed at a downstream end of the air passageway. The swirling pressurized air exiting the air passageway is then directed into a mixing zone at a downstream end of the fuel nozzle.