Glow Plug Igniter Adaptation for Gas Turbine Engines
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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 a more reliable and cost-effective ignition solution.
Innovation Solution
The use of a glow plug igniter with a heater rod and an adaptor to fit into a spark plug socket, where the glow plug igniter includes a base with a threaded portion engaging the adaptor's aperture, and a heater rod extending into the combustion chamber, with optional features like a sleeve to impede flow and enhance ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spark plugs are used for ignition in gas turbine engines, then the ignition system can be simple and cost-effective, but the reliability deteriorates in wet conditions and low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the ignition mechanism from spark-based to glow-based by heating the plug body to high temperature, which fundamentally alters the ignition parameters to be independent of moisture and temperature conditions. The glow plug operates at temperatures above 800°C, creating a thermal ignition environment that is inherently resistant to wet and cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrical spark discharge mechanism with a thermal heating mechanism. Instead of using high-voltage electrical discharge to ignite the fuel-air mixture, the system uses resistive heating of the glow plug body to create a sustained high-temperature zone that reliably ignites the mixture under all conditions.
2Reliability
If spark plugs are used for ignition, then the initial system cost may be lower, but maintenance costs increase due to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an adaptor as an intermediary component that bridges the glow plug and the engine's existing spark plug socket. This adaptor provides thread conversion and electrical connection, allowing the use of standard glow plugs in engines designed for spark plugs without modifying the engine block or ignition system infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a glow plug igniter is installed to improve reliability, then ignition performance improves, but device complexity increases due to adaptor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thread conversion to accommodate different plug types, establishes electrical connection between the ignition system and glow plug, and positions the glow plug correctly in the combustion chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 igniter provides reliable ignition across varying conditions and reduces maintenance costs by utilizing an off-the-shelf glow plug with an adaptor, ensuring consistent performance and adaptability to the gas turbine engine environment.
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 a method of servicing a gas turbine engine having a spark plug igniter connected to a spark plug igniter socket of the engine, the method including: removing the spark plug from the spark plug igniter socket of the gas turbine engine; inserting a glow plug igniter having a base configured for matingly engaging the spark plug igniter socket; and securing the glow plug igniter to the gas turbine engine.