Monolithic Combustion Liner with Integrated Fuel Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, the disruption of cooling air by fuel manifolds and brackets leads to reduced surface cooling and increased temperatures of the combustion liner, potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic combustion liner with an integrated fuel channel and nozzle, where the fuel channel is formed as a single piece with the outer wall, allowing for pre-heating of fuel and minimizing disruption to the cooling airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fuel manifold with brackets is positioned outside the combustion liner and coupled to it, then fuel distribution to the combustor is achieved, but the fuel manifold and brackets disrupt cooling air flow and reduce surface cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel manifold is merged with the combustion liner by integrating the fuel channel directly into the liner structure as a single piece component. This eliminates the need for separate fuel manifolds and brackets that were previously positioned outside and coupled to the liner, thereby removing the disruption to cooling air flow while maintaining fuel distribution functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion liner is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the structural containment for combustion and as the fuel distribution system through its integrated fuel channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external fuel manifold components that disrupted cooling flow.
2Quantity of substance
If external fuel manifolds and brackets are used for fuel injection, then fuel can be delivered to the combustor, but the cooling air flow path is disrupted and surface cooling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is merged into the combustion liner structure itself through the integrated fuel channel. This eliminates external fuel manifolds and brackets that disrupted cooling air flow, allowing cooling air to traverse the outer surface uninterrupted while fuel is still delivered effectively to the combustor.
3Temperature
If cooling air flows through the volume between the combustion liner and chamber, then cooling is provided, but external fuel components disrupt this cooling flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery function is merged into the combustion liner structure through the integrated fuel channel, eliminating external fuel manifolds and brackets. This simplifies the device by removing complex external components that disrupted the cooling air flow path while maintaining both cooling effectiveness and fuel delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The external fuel manifold and brackets are extracted from the system and replaced by an integrated fuel channel within the combustion liner. This removal of external components eliminates the disruption to cooling air flow while preserving fuel delivery 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 solution enhances fuel distribution and cooling efficiency, extending the lifespan of the combustion liner and improving the overall performance of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
flowing the fuel from a first distal end to a second distal end of the fuel channel, wherein the fuel is pre-heated as the fuel flows through the fuel channel
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic combustion liner for use in a gas turbine engine includes fuel channels integrated into the wall of the combustion liner. The integrated fuel channels can have an aerodynamic shape to reduce flow losses of cooling air flowing around the exterior of the combustion liner. The monolithic combustion liner allows more cooling air to flow around the combustion liner, increasing the cooling of the combustor region of the gas-turbine engine.