Multi-Circuit Fuel Injector for Gas Turbine Power Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injectors for gas turbine engines lack the ability to be tuned for multiple modes of operation, necessitating improved fuel delivery systems that can optimize combustion performance across various power settings.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector with multiple discrete fuel circuits, each tailored for specific power settings, including a first, second, and third fuel circuit, which vary fuel percentages and trajectories to optimize combustion performance from low to high power settings, minimizing emissions and combustor tones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fuel circuit is used in the fuel injector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different power settings is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injector is divided into three separate fuel circuits (first, second, and third fuel circuits), each with its own fuel outlets arranged in different arrays. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for specific power settings, enabling the system to adapt to low, intermediate, and high power modes independently, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple fuel circuits with different fuel outlet arrays are used, then the combustion efficiency is improved across different power settings, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each fuel circuit is equipped with fuel outlets arranged in specific arrays tailored to its intended power setting. The first fuel circuit has a first array optimized for low power, the second fuel circuit has a second array for intermediate power, and the third fuel circuit has a third array for high power. This local quality optimization ensures that each circuit delivers optimal combustion efficiency for its designated power range, resolving the contradiction between combustion efficiency and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fuel outlets are arranged in different arrays for different fuel circuits, then the fuel distribution is optimized for specific power settings, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fuel injector into three independent fuel circuits with distinct fuel outlet arrays, the design allows each array to be manufactured and optimized independently for its specific power setting. This segmentation reduces the overall manufacturing precision burden compared to creating a single complex adjustable system, as each array can be produced with standardized precision requirements tailored to its specific function.
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 fuel injector system enhances combustion efficiency and reduces emissions across different power settings by optimizing fuel atomization and distribution, achieving improved performance and reduced NOx and smoke emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The first fuel circuit includes a first fuel outlet disposed at the nozzle tip. The second fuel circuit includes a plurality of second fuel outlets arranged circumferentially about the axis at the nozzle tip in a second fuel outlet array. The third fuel circuit includes a plurality of third fuel outlets arranged circumferentially about the axis at the nozzle tip in a third fuel outlet array.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for a gas turbine engine. This assembly includes a fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a nozzle and a plurality of discrete fuel circuits. The discrete fuel circuits include a first fuel circuit, a second fuel circuit and a third fuel circuit. The nozzle extends axially along an axis to a nozzle tip. The first fuel circuit includes a first fuel outlet disposed at the nozzle tip. The second fuel circuit includes a plurality of second fuel outlets arranged circumferentially about the axis at the nozzle tip in a second fuel outlet array. The third fuel circuit includes a plurality of third fuel outlets arranged circumferentially about the axis at the nozzle tip in a third fuel outlet array.