Multi-Passage Fuel Manifold for Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel manifolds for gas turbine engines have complex constructions with numerous joints, leading to increased size, weight, and maintenance requirements, as well as a higher risk of failure under extreme operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone fuel manifold design featuring integrally formed annular channel members with recesses, allowing for the creation of multiple fluid passages within a single assembly, reducing the number of seams and joints, and utilizing U-shaped and H-shaped channel members to form a compact, axially symmetrical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fuel conduits are used to meet complex fuel system requirements, then the fuel delivery capability is improved, but the size and weight of the fuel manifold increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fuel conduits into a single integrated manifold structure with multiple internal passages. The manifold includes a first passage for main combustor fuel delivery, a second passage for augmentor fuel delivery, and a third passage for fuel recirculation, all formed within one unified component rather than separate tubes. This merging reduces the overall weight and size while maintaining the ability to deliver fuel to multiple zones with different requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested fuel passages where the third passage (fuel recirculation) is positioned within or alongside the first and second passages. The manifold structure contains multiple concentric or adjacent channels that are integrated into a single wall structure, allowing one passage to be nested within or adjacent to others, thereby reducing the overall envelope and weight compared to separate external conduits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fuel conduits are used to meet complex fuel system requirements, then the fuel delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fuel delivery functions into a single integrated manifold component. Instead of using separate conduits that would require multiple connections, supports, and alignment features, the invention provides one manifold with multiple internal passages that can be fabricated as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, thereby reducing construction complexity despite the multi-passage capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fuel manifold construction with multiple joints is used, then the manifold can accommodate complex fuel system requirements, but the reliability decreases due to increased risk of joint failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates multiple joints by combining multiple fuel conduits into a single integrated manifold structure. The first, second, and third passages are formed as continuous walls within the same component, removing the need for multiple connections, welds, or mechanical joints that would be required if separate conduits were used. This significantly improves reliability by eliminating potential failure points at joints while maintaining the ability to deliver fuel to multiple zones.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fuel conduits are used, then the fuel delivery capability is improved, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple fuel delivery passages into a single maintainable component. Instead of having to inspect, test, and maintain multiple separate conduits and their connections, the integrated manifold provides a single structure with internal passages that can be inspected and maintained as one unit, reducing the time and effort required for maintenance while preserving all fuel delivery functions.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
Integrally formed, multi zone fuel manifolds for gas turbine engines and methods of construction are provided. The fuel manifold includes a plurality of annular channel members positioned adjacent each other, aligned and coupled together at the inner and outer peripheral sides thereof, with each pair of channel members defining a separate fluid conduit or passage within the manifold assembly. The fuel manifold can be constructed of any number of stacked and secured channel members to provide a compact multi zone fuel manifold having the desired number of fluid conduits or passages with a minimum number of sealed joints.