Self-Pumping Fuel Injector for Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine fuel injectors are limited in their ability to control individual fuel flow and atomization, particularly at start-up and low power conditions, due to reliance on upstream fuel pressures and complex hydromechanical systems, which restricts engine efficiency and emission minimization.
Innovation Solution
A self-pumping fuel injector with a rotating pump and electric motor drive, featuring a helical passage and flow interruptor, allows for independent control of fuel flow and increased pressure, improving atomization and distribution through a spindle and nozzle configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If complex hydromechanical fuel systems with multiple manifolds and servo valves are used, then fuel delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is segmented into individual injector units, each with its own integrated pump and nozzle. This allows each injector to operate independently with dedicated fuel delivery, eliminating the need for complex centralized fuel distribution manifolds and isolation valves while maintaining full fuel delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fuel injector unit is designed as a self-contained module that performs multiple functions: fuel storage, fuel pumping, fuel pressurization, and fuel atomization. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If individual fuel flow control through each injector is implemented, then engine efficiency and emission control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each fuel injector is equipped with an integrated electric motor-driven pump that autonomously controls its own fuel flow and pressurization. The injector self-regulates fuel delivery based on engine requirements without needing external servo valves or complex hydraulic control systems, achieving individual flow control while simplifying the overall system.
3Manufacturing precision
If fuel pressure is increased for improved atomization, then fuel spray distribution is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional high-pressure mechanical fuel delivery systems with electric motor-driven pumps at each injector. This substitution allows for precise control of fuel pressurization and atomization quality while consuming less power, as electric motors can be efficiently controlled to deliver only the necessary pressure rather than maintaining high pressure throughout the entire fuel system.
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 spray distribution and atomization, reducing dependence on nozzle orifices and minimizing power consumption, while maintaining engine efficiency and reducing emissions across various flight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the pump has a housing and a spindle rotateably supported by the housing along a rotational axis... the end portion of the spindle disposed at the fuel outlet and defining at least in-part a helical passage in communication with the fuel outlet
Implementation Method 2
the drive device is an electric motor
Implementation Method 3
A self-pumping fuel injector with a rotating pump and electric motor drive, featuring a helical passage and flow interruptor, allows for independent control of fuel flow and increased pressure, improving atomization and distribution through a spindle and nozzle configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A self-pumping fuel injector includes a pump and a motor for, in-part, delivering fuel to a combustor at higher fuel pressures during start-up and ramping-up conditions. Each pump may include a stationary flow interuptor that intermittently and variably supplies fuel to a rotating spindle that, in-turn, expels the fuel into a nozzle of the injector for improve fuel spray distributions.