Glow Plug Igniter With Fuel Receiver for Gas Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spark plugs in gas turbine engines face reliability issues in wet conditions and low temperatures, and are costly, necessitating an alternative ignition solution that can efficiently ignite air and fuel mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A glow plug-based igniter system with a heater rod and a fuel receiver, where the fuel receiver is positioned circumferentially around the heater rod to enhance ignition reliability and adaptability, using an off-the-shelf glow plug with an adapter to fit existing spark plug sockets and provide additional features for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spark plugs are used to ignite air and fuel mixtures, then ignition can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates in wet conditions and low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fuel receiver as an intermediary component that collects and manages liquid fuel before it reaches the glow plug. This fuel receiver prevents direct exposure of the glow plug to harmful wet conditions while ensuring proper fuel delivery for ignition, thus protecting the ignition system from adverse environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the ignition mechanism from spark-based to glow-based, utilizing thermal radiation and hot surface ignition instead of electrical discharge. This parameter change in the ignition method makes the system inherently more reliable in wet and cold conditions where spark plugs fail
2Reliability
If spark plugs are used for ignition, then ignition function is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an off-the-shelf glow plug that can be obtained at lower cost compared to specialized spark plugs designed for gas turbine engines. By using commercially available components rather than custom-engineered parts, the overall system cost is reduced while maintaining the necessary ignition function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ignition system more adaptable and versatile by using a glow plug with a fuel receiver that can handle various fuel types and operating conditions. This universal design approach allows the same basic configuration to serve multiple purposes and reduce overall system complexity and cost
3Reliability
If a glow plug-based igniter system with fuel receiver is used, then ignition reliability improves in adverse conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ignition system into distinct functional segments: the glow plug element for ignition and the fuel receiver for fuel management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by clearly defining the role of each part, making the system easier to manufacture and maintain despite the added functionality
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 glow plug-based igniter system improves ignition reliability in adverse conditions and reduces costs by utilizing an off-the-shelf design adapted with a fuel receiver that efficiently ignites air and fuel mixtures, ensuring consistent performance in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
a glow plug heater rod extending from the base along an axis and terminating in a rod end
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an igniter for a gas turbine engine including: a base; a glow plug heater rod extending from the base along an axis and terminating in a rod end; and a fuel receiver adjacent the heater rod, the fuel receiver including a portion located closest to the heater rod, the rod end protruding axially relative to the axis from the fuel receiver portion located closest to the heater rod.