Gas Turbine Fuel Nozzle Lip for Flashback Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combustors are susceptible to flame holding or flashback when using high-temperature fuels like hydrogen due to their higher flame speed and temperature, which poses durability issues and challenges in maintaining efficient combustion and reducing carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fuel nozzle and swirler architecture with specific geometries, including an aft-curved lip and purge openings, to enhance flame control by increasing axial velocity and reducing shear between airflows, thereby preventing flame holding and flashback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If high-temperature fuels like hydrogen are used, then carbon emissions are reduced and engine efficiency is improved, but flame holding and flashback occur due to higher flame speed and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A swirler assembly acts as an intermediary component between the fuel nozzle and combustor. The swirler generates a swirling airflow pattern that creates a recirculation zone, which serves as a protective barrier preventing direct flame contact with the fuel nozzle and reducing flashback risk while maintaining efficient combustion of hydrogen fuel
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies flow parameters by introducing a swirler that changes the velocity distribution and flow direction. The swirler creates a specific swirl number and recirculation zone size, transforming the airflow characteristics to accommodate high-temperature fuel combustion while preventing flame holding and flashback
2Device complexity
If conventional combustor design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but durability issues arise due to flame holding and flashback
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor system is segmented into distinct functional components: a fuel nozzle assembly and a separate swirler assembly. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the fuel nozzle for precise fuel delivery and the swirler for flow control and flame stabilization - improving overall reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The swirler assembly is nested within or around the fuel nozzle assembly, with the swirler positioned to receive fuel spray and generate swirling flow. This nested configuration allows compact design while maintaining the protective recirculation zone that prevents flame holding and enhances component durability
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 design improves the durability of combustor components and allows the use of high-temperature fuels like hydrogen, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining engine efficiency by effectively preventing flame holding and flashback.
Implementation Method 1
A swirler provides for mixing the fuel with air in order to achieve efficient combustion
Implementation Method 2
The swirler includes a lip that extends in a downstream direction from the vanes. The lip can provide for an increased axial velocity component along the fuel nozzle
Implementation Method 3
An engine, such as a turbine engine, includes a turbine that is driven by combustion of a combustible fuel within a combustor of the engine
Data Source
AI summary
An engine can utilize a combustor to combust fuel to drive the engine. A fuel nozzle assembly can supply fuel to the combustor for combustion or ignition of the fuel. The fuel nozzle assembly can include a swirler and a fuel nozzle to supply a mixture of fuel and air for combustion. Increasing efficiency and meeting emission needs can be met with the use of alternative fuels, which combust at higher temperatures or higher speeds than traditional fuels, requiring improved fuel introduction without the occurrence of flame holding or flashback.