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 the flame spread and flashback due to the faster dispersion of gaseous fuels, which can lead to unburned fuel accumulation and environmental byproducts like NOx and CO.
Innovation Solution
A quick responding fuel control system using an optical sensor submerged in the unburned hydrogen-based fuel to detect combustion flame through electromagnetic waves, allowing precise control over fuel flow by continuing or stopping the fuel supply based on flame detection, and utilizing hydrogen as a translucent fuel that acts as a cooling medium for the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydrogen fuel is used in the combustor, then the flame temperature increases and burning velocity increases, but the flame spread and flashback become harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors to detect combustion flame presence and provides feedback to the fuel control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust fuel flow in real-time based on actual combustion conditions, preventing flashback and uncontrolled flame spread while maintaining the high burning velocity benefits of hydrogen fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flame detection methods with optical sensing technology. The optical sensors detect electromagnetic radiation from the combustion flame, providing faster and more reliable detection compared to mechanical systems, thereby enabling more precise control of the high-speed hydrogen combustion process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gaseous fuel dispersion is increased, then mixing with air improves, but unburned fuel accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensors continuously monitor combustion conditions and provide feedback to the fuel control system. When unburned fuel accumulation is detected or flame conditions change, the system immediately adjusts fuel flow, preventing excessive accumulation while maintaining adequate dispersion for complete combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel control system dynamically adjusts fuel flow rates based on real-time combustion conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize fuel dispersion and mixing while preventing accumulation, adapting to changing combustion conditions throughout the operational cycle.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensor is placed in the combustion chamber, then flame detection is possible, but the sensor is exposed to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fibers or transparent conduits as intermediaries to transmit light signals from the combustion chamber to the sensor. This allows the sensor to detect flame presence while remaining physically separated from the high-temperature environment, eliminating the need for high-temperature resistant sheathing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is segmented into separate components: the sensor remains in a cooler, protected environment while optical elements extend into the combustion chamber. This segmentation allows the sensor to perform flame detection without direct exposure to high temperatures.
4Reliability
If traditional hydrocarbon fuels are used, then flame control is easier, but environmental byproducts like NOx and CO increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the fuel parameter from traditional hydrocarbons to hydrogen, fundamentally altering the combustion chemistry. Combined with optical sensing and feedback control, this parameter change reduces harmful byproducts like NOx and CO while maintaining reliable flame control through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
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 prevents unburned hydrogen fuel accumulation and reduces environmental byproducts by ensuring timely fuel flow control, maintaining the sensor at a low temperature without the need for high-temperature resistant sheathing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor submerged in the unburned hydrogen-based fuel to detect combustion flame through electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
utilizing hydrogen as a translucent fuel that acts as a cooling medium for the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine comprising a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in a serial flow arrangement, with the combustion section comprising a combustion chamber, a fuel nozzle assembly comprising a fuel supply passage and having a fuel supply passage outlet fluidly coupled to a combustion chamber, and an optical sensor located in the fuel supply passage and oriented to sense a combustion flame in the combustion chamber.