Multifuel Fuel Nozzle With Annular Mixing Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel nozzles and delivery systems fail to efficiently deliver multiple fuels to the combustor for combustion as described above. The present invention addresses the challenge of efficiently delivering multiple fuels to the combustor for combustion. Existing fuel delivery systems have yet to effectively deliver multiple fuels to the combustor for combustion. Existing fuel delivery systems have not effectively deliver multiple fuels to the combustor for combustion.
Innovation Solution
A fuel nozzle design with a plurality of gaseous and liquid fuel passages, an annular passage, and a nozzle outlet, arranged circumferentially and longitudinally, allowing for simultaneous or separate delivery of gaseous and liquid fuels to the combustor, with a radially tapering annular passage and vanes for efficient fuel mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fuel passage design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to deliver multiple fuel types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is segmented into separate gaseous fuel passages and liquid fuel passages, each optimized for their respective fuel types. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple fuel types effectively while maintaining manageable complexity through modular passage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel nozzle is designed with multi-functional capability to deliver both gaseous and liquid fuels through a unified structure. The nozzle body incorporates both gaseous and liquid fuel passages that converge at a common outlet, enabling the same device to perform multiple fuel delivery functions without requiring separate nozzle systems.
2Reliability
If separate fuel delivery systems are used for gaseous and liquid fuels, then the reliability of fuel delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate gaseous and liquid fuel delivery systems are merged into a single integrated nozzle assembly. Both fuel types are delivered through their respective passages that converge at a common outlet, maintaining reliable separate delivery paths while achieving system integration through the unified nozzle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel nozzle serves as a universal component that handles both gaseous and liquid fuel delivery reliably. The nozzle body is designed with integrated passages and a common outlet that accommodates multiple fuel types, achieving both reliability through dedicated passages and simplicity through a single universal nozzle structure.
3Productivity
If multiple fuel passages are implemented, then the productivity of fuel delivery is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery passages are segmented into distinct gaseous and liquid fuel paths with dedicated outlets. This segmentation allows for optimized flow characteristics for each fuel type while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements through modular passage design and standardized fabrication processes.
4Productivity
If a radially tapering annular passage is used, then the fuel mixing efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular passage incorporates a radially tapering geometry with varying cross-sectional area along its length, creating local quality variations that enhance fuel mixing efficiency. The passage transitions from a larger upstream cross-section to a smaller downstream cross-section, optimizing flow dynamics and mixing characteristics at different locations within the passage.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is provided for a powerplant (20). This apparatus includes a fuel nozzle (88) extending longitudinally along a centerline (92) to a distal end (94). The fuel nozzle (88) includes a plurality of gaseous fuel passages (112), a plurality of liquid fuel passages (122), an annular passage (100) and a nozzle outlet (102) disposed at the distal end (94) of the fuel nozzle (88). The gaseous fuel passages (112) are arranged circumferentially about the centerline (92). Each of the gaseous fuel passages (112) extends within the fuel nozzle (88) to the annular passage (100). The liquid fuel passages (122) are arranged circumferentially about the centerline (92). Each of the liquid fuel passages (122) extends within the fuel nozzle (88) to the annular passage (100). The annular passage (100) extends circumferentially around the centerline (92). The annular passage (100) fluidly couples the gaseous fuel passages (112) and the liquid fuel passages (122) to the nozzle outlet (102).