Project Title:

Lean Direct Fuel Injector for Low NOx Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) Gas Turbine Combustors

  94-1	01.02	6576

  Lean Direct Fuel Injector for Low NOx Advanced Subsonic 
  Technology (AST) Gas Turbine Combustors

Abstract:

The high combustor inlet pressures and temperatures required to 
meet Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) goals will put critical 
demands on the fuel injector design. This SBIR project proposes 
to develop an innovative Lean Direct Injector (LDI) concept that 
enhances fuel-air mixing to reduce NOx emissions, yet is free 
from durability problems associated with Lean, Premixed~ 
Prevaporized (LPP) fuel injectors.
In Phase I, at least five configurations of the proposed LDI 
concept will be studied. Different types of axial and radial 
fuel staging techniques used within the nozzle will be examined, 
including partial premixing in some designs. Selected designs 
will be analyzed using 2-D and 3-D turbulent, reacting CFD 
analysis. The analysis will include multi-step, finite-rate 
chemistry and prescribed pdf modeling for turbulence-combustio 
n interaction. General Electric Aircraft Engines, the selected 
subcontractor, will assist in the review/ assessment of result 
s. In Phase II, the most promising designs will be optimized 
using a combined numerical/experimental approach. Experimental 
tests will be performed using existing experimental rigs at GEAE 
or General Applied Science Laboratories (GASL). LDI fuel 
injector concepts that are successfully demonstrated in Phase II 
have strong potential for future transition into commercial and 
military low NOx combustors.

The final product of this project will be a staged LDI fuel 
injector capable of durable and reliable operation with very low 
NOx emissions for the full range of anticipated AST operating 
conditions. This product is of significant interest to 
manufacturers of gas turbine engines.

Key Words

CFD Research Corporation
3325 Triana Blvd.
Huntsville, AL 35805