Gas Turbine Nozzle Splash Plate Fuel Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles for gas turbines lack an efficient mechanism for fuel atomization, which affects the combustion process and overall efficiency of the gas turbine system.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring an outer tube, inner tubes forming air and fuel passages, a splash plate for fuel diffusion, and air curtain holes for efficient fuel atomization, along with a flow guide member to enhance fuel distribution and cooling, is introduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple liquid atomization nozzle structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fuel atomization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple functional components: outer tube, first inner tube, second inner tube, splash plate, struts, barriers, and curtain barrier. Each component performs a specific function in the fuel atomization process, allowing complex atomization functionality to be achieved through modular segmentation rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle employs a nested tube structure where the second inner tube is installed within the first inner tube, which is itself installed within the outer tube. This nested configuration allows multiple fuel passages (pilot and main) and air passages to be integrated in a compact arrangement, achieving efficient fuel atomization while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If fuel is discharged through a fixed quantity liquid spray nozzle, then the nozzle structure is simplified, but the combustion efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient fuel atomization
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle utilizes hydraulic principles by injecting liquid fuel into a first space where it contacts the splash plate and mixes with air. The fuel is atomized through this hydraulic interaction between the liquid fuel stream and the air environment in the first space, improving combustion efficiency through better fuel-air mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle facilitates phase transition of fuel from liquid to droplet form through atomization. The fuel transitions from a continuous liquid stream in the main fuel passage to dispersed liquid droplets after contacting the splash plate and mixing in the first space, enhancing combustion efficiency through increased surface area for vaporization and combustion.
3Productivity
If air curtain holes are added to the nozzle, then the fuel atomization efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain barrier serves multiple functions: it provides air curtain holes for fuel atomization, acts as a structural support element, and helps define the geometry of the first space. This multi-functionality allows the air atomization feature to be added without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain barrier functions as a porous structure with multiple air curtain holes distributed throughout. This porous configuration allows air to pass through in a controlled manner, creating an air curtain that enhances fuel atomization while maintaining a relatively simple barrier component design.
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 nozzle design efficiently atomizes fuel, improves combustion efficiency, and provides effective cooling, leading to enhanced performance of the gas turbine system.
Implementation Method 1
a splash plate configured to form a first space between the outer tube and the splash plate, the first space communicating with the main fuel passage and with the air passage
Implementation Method 2
a curtain barrier in which a plurality of air curtain holes for communicating with the air passage are formed
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle, a combustor, and a gas turbine are capable of efficiently atomizing fuel. The nozzle includes an outer tube; a first inner tube installed in the outer tube and configured to form an air passage between the first inner tube and the outer tube; a second inner tube installed in the first inner tube and configured to form a main fuel passage between the first inner tube and the second inner tube and to form a pilot fuel passage within the second inner tube; and a splash plate configured to form a first space between the outer tube and the splash plate, the first space communicating with the main fuel passage and with the air passage, and to form an injection slot communicating with the first space, the splash plate having a front end and a diameter increasing toward the front end.