Multipoint Fuel Injectors with Selective Nozzle Groups for Low-NOx Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multipoint fuel injection systems struggle to achieve improved performance at both high and low power operation while significantly reducing NOx emissions, and they are often complex and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A combustor dome system with an annular design featuring symmetrical nozzles angled inward and outward relative to a central cylinder, supported by aerodynamically aligned supports, and an outer air flow passage for cooling and alignment, along with a fuel manifold for separate fuel delivery to each nozzle set, facilitating easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional multipoint fuel injection systems are used, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the performance at both high and low power operation cannot be improved while significantly reducing NOx emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injection system is segmented into multiple independently controllable nozzle groups (e.g., first nozzle group and second nozzle group) with different injection patterns. This allows selective operation of nozzle groups based on power conditions, enabling optimized fuel/air mixing at different operating points while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of different nozzle groups based on power conditions. At least one nozzle group is configured to be operable at a first power condition while another nozzle group is configured to be operable at a second power condition, allowing the system to adapt its injection pattern to optimize performance and reduce NOx emissions across varying operating conditions
2Productivity
If multiple nozzle groups with different injection patterns are implemented, then fuel/air mixing efficiency is improved across power conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different nozzle groups are assigned different local injection qualities and patterns tailored to specific operating conditions. The first nozzle group has a first injection pattern optimized for certain conditions, while the second nozzle group has a second injection pattern optimized for other conditions, allowing each local component to excel at its designated function
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel injection system is designed with universal capability to operate in multiple modes by selectively activating different nozzle groups. The same physical hardware structure can deliver different injection patterns depending on which nozzle groups are active, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely separate systems for different operating conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate fuel delivery systems are used for different nozzle groups, then performance optimization at different power conditions is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system merges multiple fuel supply pathways into a unified manifold structure that serves multiple nozzle groups. The fuel manifold is configured to deliver fuel to both the first nozzle group and the second nozzle group, reducing the number of separate fuel delivery components needed while maintaining the ability to independently control fuel delivery to each nozzle group
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
Enhances fuel/air mixing efficiency, reduces part count and weight, and improves heat transfer, while maintaining consistent gap and alignment, thus optimizing performance across power conditions and reducing NOx emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The combustor dome can be configured to provide cooling due to air flowing therealong
Implementation Method 2
The dome can be configured to provide partial channel heat transfer for cooling the dome and maintaining metering of air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor dome system includes an annular combustor dome defining a main axis therethrough. The combustor dome includes opposed upstream and downstream faces, wherein the upstream face is configured to face upstream toward a compressor discharge space, wherein the downstream face is configured to face downstream toward a combustor space. The downstream face has a curved cross-sectional profile. A plurality of nozzles extends at least partially through the combustor dome from the upstream face to the downstream face for injection of fuel into the combustor space. A fuel manifold is in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles.