Multi-Orifice Spray Nozzle Assembly for Stable Droplet Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzle assemblies in gas turbines struggle to produce consistently small droplet sizes and adjust flow rates without causing operational issues due to pressure variance, particularly in applications requiring variable flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A spray nozzle assembly with hydraulic atomization and multiple stages of spray nozzles, each with independent fluid distribution passages, allowing for easy adjustment of total flow output by turning on or off fluid distribution passages, thus maintaining consistent droplet size and flow rate without significant pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If air-atomizing spray nozzles are used to spray water into the compressor stage, then water droplet breakup is enhanced, but droplet size cannot be made sufficiently small
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle assembly is divided into multiple independent spray nozzle groups (first group, second group, third group), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve finer droplet distribution by combining multiple nozzle outputs rather than relying on a single nozzle's atomization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid distribution passage system acts as an intermediary between the water supply and the spray nozzles. This intermediary system includes multiple passages (first, second, third passages) that can be selectively activated to control water flow distribution, enabling precise control over which nozzle groups receive water and at what flow rates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flow rate of spray nozzles is adjusted to optimize electricity production under different load conditions, then turbine efficiency is improved, but pressure variance causes operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle assembly incorporates dynamic controllability through independent control of multiple nozzle groups. Each nozzle group can be activated or deactivated based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt flow rates dynamically while maintaining stable pressure conditions by distributing flow across multiple independent pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively activating different nozzle groups (first, second, third groups) through the fluid distribution passage system. This allows adjustment of total flow rate by varying the number of active nozzles rather than changing pressure, thereby adapting to different load conditions while maintaining operational stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spray nozzle groups with independent fluid distribution passages are used, then flow rate adjustment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex fluid distribution system is segmented into distinct, modular passages (first passage, second passage, third passage) that can be independently controlled. This modular segmentation makes the complex system more manageable and allows for systematic control of flow distribution to multiple nozzle groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution passage system serves multiple functions: it distributes water to different nozzle groups, enables independent control of each group, and provides flow rate adjustment capability. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating multiple control capabilities into a single integrated system.
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
Enables production of consistently small droplets and flexible flow rates, enhancing turbine efficiency and versatility across varying load conditions by maintaining stable pressure and optimizing fluid injection.
Implementation Method 1
A spray nozzle assembly with hydraulic atomization and multiple stages of spray nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A spray nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body supporting a plurality of spray nozzles. The plurality of spray nozzles are divided into a plurality of different stages. The nozzle body includes a first fluid distribution passage that communicates with a first spray nozzle stage and a second fluid distribution passage that communicates with a second spray nozzle stage. A nozzle inlet includes a plurality of fluid inlets including a first fluid inlet that communicates with the first fluid distribution passage of the nozzle body and a second fluid inlet that communicates with the second fluid distribution passage of the nozzle body. Control of fluid flow through the first fluid distribution passage to the first spray nozzle stage and through the second fluid distribution passage to the second spray nozzle stage adjusts a total spray volume or a flow rate of the spray nozzle assembly.