Upstream Igniter Placement in Fuel Injectors for Hydrogen Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine engine combustors designed for traditional fuels are inadequate for hydrogen-containing fuels due to higher burn temperatures and faster burning velocities, which can lead to reduced engine lifespan and increased combustion dynamics, resulting in heat and pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an igniter within the fuel injector or compressed air passage to ignite hydrogen-containing fuel mixtures closer to the injector, reducing combustion dynamics and extending engine lifespan by controlling heat and pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional fuel combustion design is used, then engine structure is simpler, but burn temperature is too high causing reduced engine lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The igniter is positioned upstream within the fuel injector or compressed air passage to ignite the fuel mixture before it enters the main combustion chamber. This preliminary ignition allows the fuel to burn more gradually as it mixes with compressed air, reducing the peak burn temperature that would otherwise damage engine components and reduce lifespan.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fuel combustion design is used, then combustion process is simpler, but burning velocity is too fast causing increased combustion dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
By igniting the fuel mixture upstream before it enters the main combustion chamber, the combustion process begins gradually as fuel and air mix. This controls the burning velocity and reduces violent combustion dynamics, creating a more stable combustion process that prevents excessive pressure fluctuations and heat release rates.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If igniter is positioned upstream within fuel injector or compressed air passage, then burn temperature is reduced extending engine lifespan, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The igniter is integrated within the existing fuel injector or compressed air passage structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while achieving the benefit of upstream ignition that extends engine lifespan by controlling burn temperature.
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 allows for efficient combustion of hydrogen-containing fuels with reduced combustion dynamics, increased engine lifespan, and lower pollutant emissions while maintaining performance, making the turbine engine more eco-friendly and efficient compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one igniter provided within a portion of at least one of the at least one fuel injector or the at least one compressed air passage and configured to ignite the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine comprising a compressor section, a combustion section having a combustor, and a turbine section in serial flow arrangement. The combustor having a combustion chamber, at least one fuel injector, at least one compressed air passage, and at least one igniter. The at least one igniter can be provided within a portion of the at least one fuel injector or the at least one compressed air passage.