Steam Injection Upstream of Turbine Diffuser Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for utilizing steam in gas turbine engines, particularly those fueled with hydrogen to reduce greenhouse emissions, lack efficiency and effectiveness in integrating steam into the engine's flowpath for enhanced performance and emission reduction.
Innovation Solution
A turbine engine configuration that includes a steam system capable of injecting steam into the core flowpath upstream of the diffuser plenum, utilizing a vane array structure and multiple steam outlets to mix steam with compressed air before combustion, thereby enhancing air cooling and reducing combustion product temperatures, which in turn reduces thermal stresses and NOx production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If steam is introduced into the core flowpath upstream of the diffuser plenum, then combustion product temperatures are reduced and NOx production decreases, but the device complexity increases due to the steam system integration
Solution Approach 1:
The steam system is nested within the existing turbine engine core structure, with steam outlets integrated into the flowpath wall and vane array structure. This allows the steam injection system to be incorporated without adding significant external complexity, as the steam delivery mechanism is embedded within the existing engine architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam is injected at specific localized positions within the core flowpath - specifically through the flowpath wall and vane array structure upstream of the diffuser plenum. This targeted local injection ensures steam is delivered precisely where needed to reduce combustion temperatures and NOx production, rather than requiring system-wide modifications.
2Quantity of substance
If steam is injected through multiple steam outlets in the vane array structure, then steam mixing with compressed air is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steam injection system is segmented into multiple discrete steam outlets distributed across the vane array structure and flowpath wall. This segmentation allows steam to be injected at multiple locations simultaneously, enhancing overall mixing efficiency while allowing each individual outlet to be manufactured with standard precision tolerances rather than requiring high precision across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane array structure serves multiple functions: it conditions the compressed air flow and simultaneously acts as the mounting structure for steam outlets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate precision-manufactured steam injection components, as the existing vane structure is utilized for dual purposes.
3Strength
If steam is introduced into the core flowpath, then thermal stresses are reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional system controls
Solution Approach 1:
The steam system utilizes steam generated from the engine's own combustion process, creating a self-sustaining cycle where combustion produces steam through water injection, and this steam is then reused to reduce thermal stresses in subsequent combustion cycles. This self-service approach minimizes the need for external steam generation systems and complex external controls.
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 integration of the steam system into the turbine engine core flowpath improves engine efficiency, reduces thermal stresses, and decreases NOx production by mixing steam with compressed air, facilitating better combustion and emission reduction.
Implementation Method 1
mixing steam with compressed air
Implementation Method 2
steam system configured to introduce steam into the core flowpath
Implementation Method 3
reducing combustion product temperatures, which in turn reduces thermal stresses
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft propulsion system is provided that include a propulsor rotor, a turbine engine core and a steam system. The turbine engine core is configured to power the propulsor rotor. The turbine engine core includes a core flowpath, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. The core flowpath extends through the compressor section, the combustor section and the turbine section from a flowpath inlet to a flowpath exhaust. The combustor section includes a diffuser plenum and a combustor disposed within the diffuser plenum. The steam system is configured to introduce steam into the core flowpath upstream of the diffuser plenum.