Parallel-Jets Combustion Chamber With Toroidal Flame Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combustion chambers in small turbine engines lack a stabilization vortex in the primary zone, leading to inefficient utilization of the combustion chamber volume and inadequate fuel preheating and vaporization, with existing designs failing to effectively stabilize the flame and cool the combustion chamber components.

Innovation Solution

A parallel-jets combustion chamber design with a toroidal stabilization vortex is introduced, utilizing an oil spray ring and specific airflow patterns to induce a toroidal vortex in the primary zone, enhancing fuel preheating and vaporization while synchronizing air flow for efficient cooling of flame tubes and the oil spray ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a conventional combustion chamber design without stabilization vortex is used, then the structure is simple, but the combustion chamber volume is not effectively utilized and fuel preheating is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion chamber volume utilizationVSAvoidcombustion chamber structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stabilization vortex function with the primary combustion zone by positioning the air inlet tube to direct air flow that immediately generates a toroidal vortex within the primary zone. This integration eliminates the need for separate stabilization mechanisms and maximizes the utilization of combustion chamber volume for both stabilization and combustion functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) vortex structure that adds a three-dimensional rotational dimension to the traditionally linear radial and axial air flow. This dimensional change creates a stabilization vortex that occupies and utilizes the combustion chamber volume more effectively, transforming the flow pattern from simple radial-axial movement to a complex three-dimensional toroidal circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If air flow is only in radial direction through the primary zone, then the structure is simple, but fuel vaporization and combustion efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel vaporization and combustion efficiencyVSAvoidair flow pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static radial air flow pattern into a dynamic toroidal vortex flow pattern. The air inlet tube is specifically shaped and positioned to generate rotational motion, creating a time-varying, three-dimensional flow field that enhances fuel-air mixing and vaporization dynamics, thereby improving combustion efficiency without requiring additional active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If the stabilization vortex is formed in the secondary zone, then the primary zone structure is simple, but the overall combustion chamber volume is not effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion chamber volume utilizationVSAvoidvortex formation position

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the vortex formation action preliminarily within the primary combustion zone rather than allowing it to occur later in the secondary zone. The air inlet tube is designed to generate the stabilizing toroidal vortex immediately as air enters the primary zone, ensuring that the entire combustion chamber volume including the primary zone is effectively utilized for combustion processes from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design achieves a compact combustion chamber with rapid fuel preheating and vaporization, stabilizes the flame, and effectively cools the combustion chamber components, improving engine performance and maintaining the integrity of the oil spray ring.

Implementation Method 1

an atomiser is used such as oil spray ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 2

achieving rapid preheating of the injected fuel, its vaporization and combustion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

synchronised use of air for cooling walls of the flame tubes and the atomizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Implementation Method 4

induce a stabilization vortex of toroidal shape and thereby to achieve rapid preheating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex stabilization: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS20250389422A1Parallel-jets combustion chamber of a turbine engine

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 PRVNI BRNENSKA STROJIRNA VELKA BITES

AI summary

Parallel-jets combustion chamber of a turbine engine with an air inlet and an outer flame tube, and an inner flame tube. Oil is supplied into the chamber by a radial oil spray ring with inlet openings. The outer flame tube is conical and is continued at the front side by a front wall. Between the front end of the outer flame tube and the outer end of the end wall cooling openings for air are arranged. Between the inner end of the front wall and the oil spray ring an axial slot is provided for air supply. The thermally exposed end part of the lower wall of the combustion chamber is connected to an end portion of the inner flame tube. The lower wall is with the end portion connected in radial direction to form an annulus and inlet air openings are provided below the annulus.