Upstream Igniter Conveying Spark via Air Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fuel injection and ignition systems in gas turbine engines face challenges in achieving reliable and controlled ignition due to complex and turbulent flow fields within the combustion chamber, which can result in inconsistent spark delivery and material degradation from extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement positions an igniter upstream of the fuel injector, with a passage allowing air to convey the spark generated by the igniter into the combustion chamber, ensuring consistent spark delivery and reducing the igniter's exposure to harsh conditions, while using a concentric injector design with a pilot and mains injector to optimize fuel and air mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the igniter protrudes directly into the combustion volume to generate a spark, then ignition capability is improved, but the igniter is exposed to extreme temperatures causing material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air passage as an intermediary medium to convey the spark from the igniter to the combustion volume. The igniter remains upstream in a cooler region, while the spark is transmitted through the air flow in the passage to the fuel-air mixture in the combustion volume, eliminating direct exposure to extreme temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two distinct zones: the igniter location upstream in a cooler region, and the combustion volume downstream at high temperature. The air passage acts as a connection channel between these segmented zones, allowing spark transmission while maintaining spatial separation to protect the igniter from thermal damage.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the igniter is positioned upstream with a passage to convey the spark, then material durability is improved, but spark delivery consistency may be affected by turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the pneumatic flow of air through the passage to convey the spark. The air flow serves as a medium to transport the spark energy from the upstream igniter to the downstream combustion volume, leveraging fluid dynamics to achieve spark delivery without direct mechanical contact or exposure to harsh conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a passage is introduced to convey the spark, then the igniter is protected from heat, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage serves multiple functions: it supplies air to the combustion volume, conveys the spark from the igniter, and protects the igniter from thermal exposure. By making the passage multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components, thereby limiting the increase in 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
This configuration enhances ignition reliability, allows for better control over the ignition process, and enables the use of less stringent temperature materials for the igniter, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions such as smoke and NOx.
Implementation Method 1
a spark generated by the igniter is conveyed along the passage by the air
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for a combustion chamber the arrangement comprising a combustion chamber, an injector for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber and an igniter for supplying a spark for igniting fuel so injected, wherein the injector has a passage through which air is supplied to the combustion chamber in use, the igniter being positioned upstream of the combustion chamber such that a spark generated by the igniter is conveyed along the passage by the injector air.