Solenoid-Controlled Spool Scheduling for Secondary Nozzle Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel injectors with passive flow scheduling valves are inefficient at adjusting flow at varying conditions, leading to noise and potential structural issues in gas turbine combustors, and require additional costly hardware to mitigate these issues.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an injector with a scheduling valve assembly and a nozzle, featuring two fluid circuits for staged flow output and a solenoid valve that adjusts the position of a hydromechanical valve spool to regulate flow, allowing for active patternation in fuel injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional passive flow scheduling valves are used, then the system structure is simple, but the flow control precision is insufficient and cannot actively adjust to varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A solenoid valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the control system and the hydromechanical valve spool. The solenoid valve receives electrical control signals and translates them into mechanical motion to adjust the spool position, enabling precise flow control without requiring complex direct mechanical actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely passive mechanical flow control with an electromechanical system. The solenoid valve converts electrical energy into mechanical motion to actively control the hydromechanical valve spool, transitioning from passive pressure-based control to active electromechanical control for improved precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional flow dividing hardware and fuel manifolds are added to mitigate noise, then the noise control effectiveness improves, but the cost, weight, and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid-controlled hydromechanical valve spool performs multiple functions: it controls primary circuit flow, regulates secondary circuit flow through the scheduling surface, and enables active patternation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate noise mitigation hardware, achieving noise control through precise flow management rather than additional physical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls noise by dynamically changing flow parameters (flow rate, pressure distribution) through solenoid-controlled spool positioning. Instead of adding hardware to physically isolate or absorb noise, the patent modifies the operational parameters of fuel flow to prevent the excitation of natural frequencies in the combustor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive flow scheduling is used, then the system requires less power, but the adaptability to varying flow conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, passive flow scheduling system into a dynamic, adaptive system. The solenoid valve can actively adjust the hydromechanical valve spool position in real-time based on varying flow conditions, enabling the system to adapt to different operating scenarios while consuming minimal power through efficient electromechanical actuation.
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 solution enables precise control of fuel flow, reducing noise and potential structural issues in gas turbine combustors while eliminating the need for additional costly hardware, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of fuel injection systems.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid valve is connected in fluid communication with the scheduling valve assembly, wherein the solenoid valve is configured to adjust position of a hydromechanical valve spool of the valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
The valve spool can include a piston with an orifice therethrough. The piston and orifice can be configured to regulate pressure differential across the valve assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an injector having a scheduling valve assembly and a nozzle in fluid communication with the valve assembly. The scheduling valve assembly is configured for regulation of flow from an inlet of the injector to the nozzle. The injector includes two fluid circuits between the inlet of the injector and two respective outlets of the nozzle for staged flow output from the nozzle. A first one of the two fluid circuits is a primary circuit, and a second one of the two fluid circuits is a secondary circuit. A solenoid valve is connected in fluid communication with the scheduling valve assembly, wherein the solenoid valve is configured to adjust position of a hydromechanical valve spool of the valve assembly.