Trapped Vortex Reverse Flow Combustor for Gas Turbines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines with trapped vortex-type combustors face challenges in attaching ceramic matrix composite (CMC) domes and liners due to large airflow requirements, leading to inefficient combustion as primary airflow directly flows into the turbine section without adequate mixing with combustion products.

Innovation Solution

A trapped vortex reverse flow combustor design featuring a first dome structure with first-dome vortex driver airflow openings and a second dome structure with second-dome vortex driver airflow openings, along with primary driver airflow openings, generates a vortex flow within a trapped vortex cavity, reversing the primary driver airflow direction to enhance mixing with combustion products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If large main airflow openings are used to provide sufficient primary airflow into the main combustion chamber, then the airflow requirement is met, but the primary airflow flows directly into the turbine section without adequate mixing with combustion products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprimary airflow quantityVSAvoidcombustion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reverse flow mechanism where the primary airflow is directed to flow backward through the combustion chamber, opposite to the normal flow direction. This is achieved by configuring the main airflow openings and internal passages to create a reverse flow pattern, allowing the primary airflow to mix thoroughly with combustion products before exiting to the turbine section, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining airflow quantity and improving combustion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a reverse flow dimension to the traditional linear airflow path. By creating a U-shaped or multi-directional flow path through the combustion chamber, the primary airflow traverses the combustion zone twice - once forward and once backward - significantly increasing mixing opportunity without requiring additional airflow openings or reducing the quantity of primary airflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If ceramic matrix composite (CMC) domes and liners are used in trapped vortex-type combustors, then material performance is improved, but attachment difficulties arise due to large airflow requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial performanceVSAvoidattachment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the dome structure into multiple segments or sections, each with smaller, distributed airflow openings rather than few large openings. This segmentation allows for easier attachment of CMC components while still meeting the overall airflow requirements, as the distributed smaller openings can be more easily integrated into modular CMC segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements different airflow characteristics in different regions of the combustor. By localizing specific flow patterns and opening configurations to particular zones, the design accommodates the attachment constraints of CMC materials in critical areas while maintaining overall combustion performance through region-specific optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If primary airflow flows directly through the combustion chamber to the turbine section, then pressure losses are minimized, but mixing with combustion products is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure lossVSAvoidmixing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a periodic flow pattern where the primary airflow oscillates or reverses direction through the combustion chamber. This periodic action causes the airflow to repeatedly enter and mix with combustion products, enhancing mixing efficiency while the overall pressure loss remains minimized due to the controlled nature of the reverse flow mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 reverse flow design improves combustion efficiency by better mixing primary airflow with combustion products, reducing pressure losses and enhancing fuel-air mixture ignition within the combustion chamber.

Implementation Method 1

a vortex flow is generated within a trapped vortex cavity, reversing a direction of the primary driver airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS11920791B1Trapped vortex reverse flow combustor for a gas turbine

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A trapped vortex reverse flow combustor for a gas turbine includes a first dome structure having a plurality of first-dome vortex driver airflow openings for providing a first vortex generating mid airflow therethrough to a trapped vortex cavity. A second dome structure is arranged downstream of the first dome structure and includes a plurality of second-dome vortex driver airflow openings providing a first vortex generating outer airflow therethrough to the trapped vortex cavity, and a plurality of primary driver airflow openings providing a primary driver airflow therethrough radially inward of the trapped vortex cavity.