Integrated Dual-Fuel Combustion Injector for Lower System Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines designed for single fuel sources require multiple injector sets for different fuels, increasing complexity, risk of failure, and cost, which is undesirable for engines adapted to varied operating conditions and missions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector system with independent first and second fuel paths and an air path, allowing simultaneous use of multiple fuel sources, including liquid and gaseous fuels, with separate inlet and outlet areas maintaining a constant ratio for efficient fuel and air mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injector sets are used for different fuels, then the engine can operate with multiple fuel sources, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fuel delivery paths (liquid fuel path and gaseous fuel path) into a single injector assembly, allowing both fuel types to be delivered through one integrated component rather than requiring separate injectors for each fuel type
Solution Approach 2:
The injector is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle multiple fuel types (liquid and gaseous) through a single device, featuring configurable delivery paths and modes that can be adjusted based on the fuel source being used
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injector sets are used for different fuels, then the engine can operate with multiple fuel sources, but the risk of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple fuel delivery paths into one injector assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that could fail, thereby improving reliability while maintaining multi-fuel capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injector sets are used for different fuels, then the engine can operate with multiple fuel sources, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fuel delivery systems into a single injector assembly, reducing the total component count and associated manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs while preserving the ability to use multiple fuel types
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 reduces complexity and risk while enabling efficient operation with multiple fuels, enhancing adaptability and reducing costs by integrating dual fuel capability into a single injector design.
Implementation Method 1
The ratio of a first outlet area of the first fuel path, a second outlet area of the second fuel path, and a third outlet area of the air path is constant
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel injector (14) includes a first fuel path, a second fuel path, and an air path. The first fuel path is independent from the second fuel path. The ratio of a first outlet area of the first fuel path, a second outlet area of the second fuel path, and a third outlet area of the air path is constant. A fuel system (10) includes a first fuel source (12A; 12B), a second fuel source (12A; 12B), an air source (26), and the injection. The first fuel source (12A; 12B) is fluidly connected to the first fuel path. The second fuel source (12A; 12B) is fluidly connected to the second fuel path. The air source (26) is fluidly connected to the air path.