Removable Secondary Fuel Injection Module for Gas Turbine Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and maintenance of fuel nozzles for secondary combustion systems in gas turbine engines are complicated due to the need for modifications to the combustor's liner and transition piece, and individual fuel nozzle access and repair are difficult.

Innovation Solution

A separate module secondary fuel injection system is introduced, which is removably coupled to the turbine combustor, featuring a support structure with inner and outer walls and air passages, allowing for independent installation and removal of multiple fuel nozzles without modifying the liner and transition piece, and includes seals for movement while remaining stationary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fuel nozzles are installed directly in the liner and transition piece, then the fuel injection system can be integrated into the combustor structure, but modifications to the liner and transition piece are required and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidstructural modification requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel injection system is segmented into a separate secondary fuel injection assembly that is removable from the combustor. This assembly includes multiple fuel nozzles mounted on a support structure, allowing the entire fuel injection system to be removed as one unit without modifying the liner or transition piece permanently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary fuel injection system is extracted from the combustor structure and placed in a separate removable assembly. This extraction eliminates the need to modify the liner and transition piece while maintaining the fuel injection function, as the separate assembly can be installed and removed without permanent structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fuel nozzles are integrated into the liner and transition piece, then the fuel injection system is structurally integrated, but access and repair of individual fuel nozzles become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidfuel nozzle accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel injection system is divided into modular components where individual fuel nozzles can be accessed and replaced independently. The support structure holds multiple nozzles in a configurable arrangement, allowing maintenance personnel to access specific nozzles without disassembling the entire combustor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel injection system transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic removable assembly. The secondary fuel injection assembly can be removed and repositioned to provide access to individual fuel nozzles for maintenance or replacement, while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a separate module secondary fuel injection system is used, then installation and maintenance become simpler, but additional components and mounting structures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and maintenance simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fuel nozzles are merged into a single support structure that functions as one removable assembly. This consolidation allows multiple nozzles to be installed and maintained simultaneously as a group, reducing the overall complexity compared to individual nozzle installations while simplifying maintenance procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it holds and positions multiple fuel nozzles, provides mounting interfaces for the assembly, and enables simultaneous access to all nozzles for maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall system.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2742291B1System for injecting fuel in a gas turbine engine
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2742291B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2742291B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2742291B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a turbine combustor having a primary fuel injection system (19), a first wall portion disposed about a primary combustion zone (52) downstream from the primary fuel injection system, and a second wall portion disposed downstream from the first wall portion. The turbine combustor also has a secondary fuel injection system (11) disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, where the secondary fuel injection system is removable form the first and second wall portions.