Micromixer Inclined Flow Path Reduces Radiant Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbines face issues with auto-ignition and flash-back phenomena in micromixers due to radiant heat transfer from combustion chambers, which affects the efficiency and safety of the combustion process.
Innovation Solution
A micromixer design with an inclined flow path that gradually increases in cross-sectional area from the inlet to the outlet, positioned at a predetermined angle to reduce radiant heat transfer from the combustion chamber, combined with a combustor assembly that includes multiple micromixers to mix fuel and air efficiently before combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the micromixer is positioned directly in line with the combustion chamber inlet, then fuel-air mixing efficiency is improved, but radiant heat from the flame transfers to the micromixer causing auto-ignition and flash-back phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third spatial dimension by inclining the flow path at a predetermined angle (30-60 degrees) relative to the combustion chamber inlet. This dimensional change allows the mixed fluid to be injected at an angle that avoids direct alignment with the flame zone, thereby reducing radiant heat exposure while maintaining mixing efficiency through the inclined flow geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined flow path acts as an intermediary structure between the micromixer and the combustion chamber. It redirects the mixed fluid flow away from the direct path of radiant heat while still delivering the mixture to the combustion zone, serving as a protective mediator that decouples the mixing function from the heat exposure risk
2Reliability
If the flow path is inclined at a predetermined angle, then radiant heat transfer is reduced, but the flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a predetermined angle range (30-60 degrees) for the flow path inclination. This quantitative parameter optimization achieves the dual goal of reducing radiant heat transfer while maintaining manufacturable geometry and acceptable flow characteristics, avoiding excessive complexity through controlled parameter selection
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 design effectively prevents auto-ignition and flash-back phenomena by minimizing radiant heat delivery to the micromixer, enhancing the combustion process efficiency and safety by ensuring proper fuel-air mixing and reducing the risk of premature ignition.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined flow path connecting the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path and formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle to reduce transfer of radiant heat by flame generated in the combustion chamber to the inlet flow path
Implementation Method 2
an inlet flow path configured to include an inlet formed on one end and through which first fluid flows and a supply port formed on an inner wall and through which second fluid is supplied, and to flow mixed fluid formed by mixing the first fluid introduced through the inlet and the second fluid supplied through the supply port
Implementation Method 3
a combustion chamber in which fuel fluid is combusted
Data Source
AI summary
A micromixer configured to prevent auto-ignition and flash-back phenomena, and a combustor including the same are provided. The micromixer includes an inlet flow path configured including an inlet formed on one end and receiving a first fluid and a supply port formed on an inner wall and receiving a second fluid, and the inlet flow path is configured to flow a mixed fluid formed by mixing the first fluid and the second fluid, an outlet flow path injecting the mixed fluid to a combustion chamber and formed at a position spaced apart from a virtual extension line of the inlet flow path, and an inclined flow path connecting the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path and formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle to reduce transfer of radiant heat by flame generated in the combustion chamber to the inlet flow path.