Abstract:
A dual channel ignition circuit (Channel A and a Channel B). In a start sequence in which a successful ignition event occurs, an exciter controller first energizes only a primary ignition channel (Channel A). Once the exciter controller recognizes a success light-off, the alternate channel (Channel B) will also then be excited as the gas turbine engine is accelerated to a self-sustaining speed. The exciter controller will then switch the primary alternative designation of the channels for the next start attempt. In a start sequence in which an unsuccessful ignition event occurs, the exciter controller sets a fail-to-start on the primary ignition channel on a failure to start A/B counter such that a failed ignition channel is diagnosed without dedicated electronic diagnostic circuits while still attempting to excite both circuits to enhance the dependability of a successful engine light-off.
Abstract:
An annular combustor that has angled effusion holes through at least one surface of the combustor liner with the angle of the effusion holes oriented to cause the flow of air through the holes to facilitate swirling of the fuel and air within the combustor. The effusion holes thereby facilitate efficient cooling of the combustor liner combined with superior fuel/air mixing within the combustor.
Abstract:
An axial-flow pyrospin combustor comprises inner and outer combustor liners and a plurality of pyrospin effusion holes. The inner liner is coaxially mounted inside the outer liner, about a central combustor axis. The pyrospin effusion holes are formed in at least one of the outer combustor liner and the inner combustor liner. Each of the pyrospin effusion holes has a down angle and a back angle, which control a global swirl flow about the central axis, and promote film cooling without detachment.
Abstract:
A dual channel ignition circuit (Channel A and a Channel B). In a start sequence in which a successful ignition event occurs, an exciter controller first energizes only a primary ignition channel (Channel A). Once the exciter controller recognizes a success light-off, the alternate channel (Channel B) will also then be excited as the gas turbine engine is accelerated to a self-sustaining speed. The exciter controller will then switch the primary alternative designation of the channels for the next start attempt. In a start sequence in which an unsuccessful ignition event occurs, the exciter controller sets a fail-to-start on the primary ignition channel on a failure to start A/B counter such that a failed ignition channel is diagnosed without dedicated electronic diagnostic circuits while still attempting to excite both circuits to enhance the dependability of a successful engine light-off.
Abstract:
An active thrust management system varies pressure responsive to changes in rotor assembly thrust to maintain a desired position. The system includes a bearing supporting rotation of a rotor assembly within a pressurizing chamber. The rotor assembly is supported on a cushion of air generated between the bearing and the rotor assembly. Pressure within a cavity adjacent the rotor assembly opposes a thrust force to maintain a desired position of the rotor assembly. Modulating airflow into the pressurizing chamber adjacent the rotor assembly compensates for changes in the thrust generated by the rotor assembly to maintain the desired rotor assembly position.
Abstract:
A combustor assembly includes a combustor chamber having a primary and intermediate zone that provides for reduced flame temperatures. The combustor assembly includes first and second pluralities of injectors. The first plurality of injectors introduces fuel to a primary zone. A second plurality of injectors introduces fuel to an intermediate zone. During operation between initial start up and before the introduction of engine load, fuel is introduced into the primary zone only by the first plurality of injectors. Once engine load is applied to the engine, fuel is introduced into the intermediate zone by the second plurality of injectors. Introduction of additional volume of fuel allows the fuel-air ratio to remain constant regardless of engine operating conditions. The constant fuel-air ratio is maintained at a desired rate to lower flame temperatures and reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Abstract:
An exciter circuit for a gas turbine engine delivers a first single high-energy spark followed by subsequent sparks of relatively lower energy to ensures start reliability by specifically clearing ice build-up at the ignition plugs.
Abstract:
A combustor assembly includes a combustor chamber having a primary and intermediate zone that provides for reduced flame temperatures. The combustor assembly includes first and second pluralities of injectors. The first plurality of injectors introduces fuel to a primary zone. A second plurality of injectors introduces fuel to an intermediate zone. During operation between initial start up and before the introduction of engine load, fuel is introduced into the primary zone only by the first plurality of injectors. Once engine load is applied to the engine, fuel is introduced into the intermediate zone by the second plurality of injectors. Introduction of additional volume of fuel allows the fuel-air ratio to remain constant regardless of engine operating conditions. The constant fuel-air ratio is maintained at a desired rate to lower flame temperatures and reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Abstract:
An example gas turbine engine fuel injector nozzle assembly includes a nozzle tip secured relative to a combustion area within a gas turbine engine. The nozzle establishes a plurality of first apertures that are configured to communicate a fuel to the combustion area. The nozzle establishes at least one second aperture that is configured to communicate a fluid to the combustion area. The fluid is different than the fuel. An example method of providing fuel to a combustion area within a gas turbine engine includes communicating a fuel through a first aperture in a nozzle tip to a combustion area in a gas turbine engine. The nozzle tip establishes an axis. The method also includes influencing fuel moving from the nozzle tip using a fluid directed through a second aperture in the nozzle tip. The fluid is different than the fuel. A portion of the second aperture is radially closer to the axis than the first aperture.
Abstract:
A fuel system for a gas turbine engine comprises a set of starting fuel injectors that operate in a fuel pressurised atomisation mode to atomise fuel that flows therethrough during an ignition and a post-ignition phase and a set of main fuel injectors that operate in an air blast mode to atomise fuel that flows therethrough during the post-ignition phase and a high altitude ready to load phase and an air assist mode to control the pattern of fuel atomisation during a loaded phase.