Igniter Support Pin Cooling Basket Under Limited Cooling Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in effectively cooling igniter assemblies due to increasing heat loading and scarce cooling air, which can lead to igniter damage and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A support pin design with an array of small holes, known as a cooling basket, is integrated into the igniter assembly. This design enhances impingement cooling on the igniter's exterior and directs airflow to further cool internal components without increasing air consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used for igniter assemblies, then cooling air is consumed, but cooling effectiveness is insufficient due to increasing heat loading and scarce cooling air
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin is segmented into multiple functional zones: an exterior section connectable to the casing, a main body section with first support pin holes, and a tip section with second support pin holes. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specialized cooling functions, with air flowing through multiple pathways to cool both the igniter body and tip effectively without requiring increased air consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The support pin incorporates multiple support pin holes (first support pin holes in the main body, second support pin holes in the tip section) creating a porous structure. This porous design enables air to flow through the support pin and impinge directly on the igniter surfaces, providing efficient cooling through the porous medium without consuming additional air
2Strength
If the support pin wall thickness is increased to provide structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but cooling effectiveness is reduced due to decreased air flow through support pin holes
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin employs varying wall thicknesses in different sections: the main body has a first wall thickness optimized for structural support, while the tip section has a second wall thickness specifically designed to accommodate cooling requirements. This local quality variation allows each section to be optimized for its primary function - structural integrity in the main body and cooling effectiveness in the tip section
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is extended from a single dimension to multiple dimensions by incorporating both first support pin holes in the main body and second support pin holes in the tip section. This multi-dimensional approach to cooling allows air to flow through multiple pathways simultaneously, maintaining cooling effectiveness without requiring increased wall thickness that would block air flow
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 cooling basket support pin design increases igniter durability by providing additional cooling without increasing air consumption, allowing for operation at higher power and temperatures without risking igniter damage.
Implementation Method 1
The support pin defines support pin holes through which the air flow passes to impinge upon the igniter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~6
AI summary
A combustor assembly (201) includes a casing (220) of a combustor and an igniter (230). The igniter includes a main section (2321) and a tip (2322) from which sparks generated by the igniter within the main section are ejected. A support pin (240) includes an exterior section (242), a main body (243) and a tip section (244). The exterior section is connectable to the casing. The igniter is affixable to the exterior section. The main body is integrally formed with the exterior section and is disposable to surround the main section of the igniter. The main body has a first wall thickness (T1) and defines support pin holes (241). The tip section is integrally formed with the main body and is disposable to surround the tip of the igniter. The tip section has a second wall thickness (T2). The second wall thickness exceeds the first wall thickness.