Multi-Directional Nozzle for Gas Turbine Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire suppression systems for gas turbine engines often fail to effectively distribute fire extinguishing agents due to their single-directional nozzle configuration, which limits the coverage area and efficiency in suppressing fires within the designated fire zone.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-directional nozzle system, which includes a pass-through joint configuration between fluid lines, allowing for the distribution of fire suppressant along discrete trajectories, thereby increasing coverage within the cavity formed between the nacelle and the gas turbine engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-directional nozzle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coverage area and fire suppression effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is segmented into multiple nozzles (first nozzle, second nozzle, third nozzle) with different orientations. Each nozzle is directed toward a different fire zone area, dividing the coverage task among multiple specialized components rather than requiring one complex multi-directional nozzle
Solution Approach 2:
The fire suppression system transitions from single-directional (one-dimensional) nozzle arrangement to multi-directional (three-dimensional) coverage by orienting nozzles at different angles and positions, adding spatial dimensions to the suppressant distribution pattern
2Device complexity
If a single-directional nozzle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fire suppression effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression function is segmented across multiple nozzles positioned to target different areas of the fire zone, ensuring that if one nozzle fails or is blocked, other nozzles continue to provide suppression coverage, thereby improving system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Each nozzle is configured with specific orientation and positioning tailored to its local fire zone requirements, with the first nozzle directed toward the first area, second nozzle toward the second area, and third nozzle toward the third area, optimizing suppression effectiveness for each specific location
3Area of stationary object
If multiple single stream delivery nozzles are used, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles are merged into a coordinated fire suppression system where the first nozzle, second nozzle, and third nozzle work together as an integrated unit, with their fluid lines connected to the fire suppressant supply, achieving comprehensive coverage through combined action rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The fire suppressant delivery system is designed with universal applicability, where a single suppressant supply serves multiple nozzles positioned to address different fire zone areas, allowing one system to perform multiple suppression functions simultaneously
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
This configuration enhances the delivery of fire suppressant to a greater volume, improving the effectiveness of fire suppression by ensuring more even distribution and increased coverage within the core compartment, compared to traditional single orifice nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-directional nozzle may include a body, an inner bore extending through the body, and a plurality of nozzle orifices in the body. Each of the nozzle orifices may be configured to direct fire suppressant out of the multi-directional nozzle and into the cavity along a discrete trajectory.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fire suppression system (52) for a gas turbine engine (22) includes a fire suppressant delivery circuit (62), a first nozzle (66) and a multi-directional nozzle (64). The fire suppressant delivery circuit (62) includes and extends between an upstream inlet (58) and a downstream distal end (72). The first nozzle (66) is fluidly coupled with the fire suppressant delivery circuit (62) and is disposed at the downstream distal end (72). The multi-directional nozzle (64) is fluidly coupled with the fire suppressant delivery circuit (62) and is configured serially inline between the upstream inlet (58) and the first nozzle (66).