Turbine Nozzle Tip Segmentation for CO Emission Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines operating with gas and steam often fail to meet emissions standards, particularly for carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, due to poor mixing of fluids, which leads to increased CO emissions and unstable flame conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel nozzle tip design with circumferentially-spaced steam and primary fuel outlets that discharge steam and fuel at approximately the same radial position but different angles, enhancing mixing and stabilizing the flame within the combustor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is injected into the combustor without proper mixing arrangement, then the engine can operate with extended useful life and reliability, but CO emissions increase due to poor mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle tip is segmented into multiple circumferentially-spaced outlets for steam and primary fuel, creating distinct injection zones that promote thorough mixing. The segmentation of fluid delivery paths ensures proper distribution and prevents fuel from remaining inboard, thereby reducing CO emissions while maintaining engine reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the nozzle tip are assigned different functions: steam outlets are positioned to discharge at specific radial positions, while primary fuel outlets are circumferentially aligned to create localized mixing zones. This local differentiation optimizes the mixing quality in critical areas without compromising overall engine reliability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If steam and fuel are discharged at the same radial position, then mixing is enhanced and CO emissions are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam outlets and primary fuel outlets are merged in their radial discharge position, both discharging at approximately the same radial position from the nozzle tip. This merging of discharge locations enhances mixing efficiency and reduces CO emissions, while the circumferential spacing provides the necessary structural organization
Solution Approach 2:
While steam and fuel outlets share the same radial dimension, they are differentiated in the circumferential dimension by being spaced around the nozzle tip. This dimensional approach allows multiple outlets to occupy the same radial position without requiring complex internal structures, thereby enhancing mixing while controlling device complexity
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 enhanced mixing of steam and fuel reduces CO emissions and maintains a stable flame, ensuring compliance with emissions standards while extending engine reliability and useful life.
Implementation Method 1
discharging the steam into a combustor from a plurality of circumferentially-spaced steam outlets defined in a tip of the nozzle, and discharging the primary fuel into the combustor from at least one outlet that is spaced circumferentially between the steam outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A method facilitates operating a gas turbine engine. The method comprises supplying steam to a nozzle, supplying primary fuel to the nozzle, discharging the steam into a combustor from a plurality of circumferentially-spaced steam outlets defined in a tip of the nozzle, and discharging the primary fuel into the combustor from at least one outlet that is spaced circumferentially between the steam outlets.