Multi-Fuel Torch Igniter for Gas Turbine Combustors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torch igniter systems in gas turbine engines lack flexibility in fuel usage and are unable to rapidly switch fuel sources without interrupting operation, particularly during unplanned fuel outages.
Innovation Solution
A torch igniter system with a housing, ignition source, fuel injector, and multiple fluid paths for connecting different fuel and air sources, controlled by a controller to enable rapid switching between fuel types, ensuring continuous operation with a self-sustaining flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fuel source is used in the torch igniter system, then the system structure is simple, but the fuel flexibility and ability to respond to fuel outages is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The torch igniter system is designed with multiple fuel sources (first fuel source and second fuel source) and corresponding fluid paths, enabling it to accept and operate with different fuel types. The system can switch between natural gas and liquid fuels, making it universal in fuel acceptance and adaptable to various operational conditions and fuel availability scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic switching capability between different fuel sources through controllable fluid paths. The fuel delivery system can dynamically transition from the first fuel source to the second fuel source based on operational needs or fuel availability, allowing the system to adapt its fuel supply configuration in real-time without manual intervention or system shutdown.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fuel switching capability is added to the torch igniter, then fuel flexibility improves, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is segmented into separate, independent fluid paths for the first fuel source and second fuel source. Each fuel path has its own controlled connection to the combustion chamber, allowing independent operation and switching. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by treating each fuel source as a separate module that can be activated or deactivated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary control mechanism (controller) that manages the switching between fuel sources. The controller acts as a mediator that receives input about fuel availability and automatically activates the appropriate fluid path, eliminating the need for complex manual switching mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fuel flexibility.
3Speed
If rapid fuel switching is implemented, then response to fuel outages improves, but the risk of combustion instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second fuel source and its fluid path are pre-configured and ready for immediate activation. The system maintains the second fuel path in a standby state with all necessary components (valves, conduits, and fuel supply) prepared in advance, allowing rapid switching to occur without delay when fuel outage is detected, while ensuring combustion stability through pre-established fuel delivery pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous fuel delivery to the combustion chamber by maintaining both fuel paths operational and ready. During switching, the system transitions smoothly from one fuel source to another without interrupting the fuel supply to the combustion chamber, thereby maintaining continuous useful action (combustion) and preventing instability that would result from fuel supply interruption.
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 allows for continuous operation with a self-sustaining flame by rapidly switching between fuel sources, reducing operational costs and complexity, and responding to unplanned fuel outages without interrupting the torch igniter system.
Implementation Method 1
creating a flame within the combustion chamber by impinging the fuel on an ignition source
Data Source
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AI summary
A torch igniter for a combustor of a gas turbine engine, the torch igniter comprising a housing (23) defining a combustion chamber (22), an ignition source (20) disposed at least partially in the combustion chamber, a fuel injector (40) configured to inject a first fluid into the combustion chamber to impinge on the ignition source, a first fluid channel connected to the fuel injector, an aperture extending at least partially through the housing and configured to inject a second fluid into the combustion chamber to impinge on the ignition source and a second fluid channel connected to the aperture.