Pulsed Combustion Turbine with External Compressor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas turbines for electricity generation lack efficiency and variability in construction, with incomplete heat transfer in heat exchangers and limited control over power output.

Innovation Solution

A high-speed gas turbine with multiple external compressors and combustion chambers arranged for discontinuous, pulsed combustion, where each combustion chamber has its own fuel injector and ignition device, and the exhaust gases are recycled through a counterflow heat exchanger to enhance thermal energy utilization, allowing independent control of compressor air flows and ignition sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a common shaft connects the turbine and compressor, then the structure is simpler, but the control flexibility and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcontrol flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the compressor into multiple independent compressors (first compressor and second compressor), each with independent control. This segmentation allows separate control of air streams while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control by allowing independent adjustment of compressor speeds and ignition timing of combustion chambers. The electronic control system dynamically optimizes operating parameters based on load conditions, achieving both simplicity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If continuous combustion is used, then the power output is stable, but the fuel consumption and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output stabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed combustion in multiple combustion chambers instead of continuous combustion. The sequential ignition and exhaust of chambers maintains stable power output while reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions through optimized combustion cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If heat exchangers are used for heat transfer, then thermal energy utilization is improved, but the heat transfer completeness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal energy utilizationVSAvoidheat transfer completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a counterflow heat exchanger as an intermediary to transfer thermal energy from exhaust gases to compressed air. This intermediary approach improves heat transfer completeness by maximizing temperature differential utilization and recovering thermal energy that would otherwise be lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combustion chambers with independent control are used, then the control flexibility and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs combustion chambers with universal components (fuel injectors, ignition devices, exhaust nozzles) that can be replicated and arranged in different configurations. This multi-functionality approach allows flexible control while avoiding unnecessary complexity through standardized design elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration results in a more efficient, longer-lasting, and variable turbine operation with lower fuel consumption and emissions, capable of high rotational speeds and efficient energy transfer, enabling optimal power generation.

Implementation Method 1

the exhaust gases are recycled through a counterflow heat exchanger to enhance thermal energy utilization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

Each combustion chamber is equipped with a fuel injection system, an ignition device, and an exhaust nozzle. Fuel, either gaseous or liquid, is injected into the combustion chamber and ignited by the ignition device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

The nozzle at the combustion chamber outlet converts the generated pressure into a flow velocity, which is then applied to the turbine.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNozzle effect: De Laval Nozzle

Implementation Method 4

a turbine is arranged downstream of the combustion chamber that can be driven by a working gas contained in the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbine expansion: Turbine

Data Source

PatentEP3295011B1Turbine and method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 DEVCON ENG GERHARD SCHOBER
  • EP3295011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3295011B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3295011B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a turbine, in particular a combustion gas turbine, which drives a high-speed generator for generating electricity, said turbine having a high efficiency. The turbine has at least one combustion chamber (6), which is provided with a fuel injection means (7) and an ignition device (8) and which supplies the turbine with a combustion gas. An external compressor (3) is associated with the turbine. Said compressor has a separate electric drive and is not connected to the turbine by means of a drive shaft. Furthermore, at least two combustion chambers (5) are provided for discontinuous, pulsed combustion and supply of the turbine.