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At least 55 records · Page 3

High-Temperature Piezoelectric Ceramic Developed

Active combustion control of spatial and temporal variations in the local fuel-to-air ratio is of considerable interest for suppressing combustion instabilities in lean gas turbine combustors and, thereby, achieving lower NOx levels. The actuator for fuel modulation in gas turbine combustors must meet several requirements: (1) bandwidth capability of 1000 Hz, (2) operating temperature compatible with the fuel temperature, which is in the vicinity of 400 F, (3) stroke of approximately 4 mils (100 m), and (4) force of 300 lb-force. Piezoelectric actuators offer the fastest response time (microsecond time constants) and can generate forces in excess of 2000 lb-force. The state-of-the-art piezoceramic material in industry today is Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, called PZT. This class of piezoelectric ceramic is currently used in diesel fuel injectors and in the development of high-response fuel modulation valves. PZT materials are generally limited to operating temperatures of 250 F, which is 150 F lower than the desired operating temperature for gas turbine combustor fuel-modulation injection valves. Thus, there is a clear need to increase the operating temperature range of piezoceramic devices for active combustion control in gas turbine engines.

Sayir, Ali↗

Demonstration of Improved CHP Systems utilizing Improved Gas Turbine and sCO2 Cycles Using Additive Manufacturing (AM) Components

This project seeks to integrate a sCO2 bottoming cycle with a 5.3 MW gas turbine to develop a CHP system that is able to transition rapidly between 50% and 100% load by engaging or bypassing the bottoming cycle while maintaining electrical system efficiency above 30% at all times. The project team will engineer an optimized design of the power systems. The needed new key components, such as advanced heat exchangers and a steam injection system for the gas turbine, will be developed and their performance demonstrated in rig tests. The feasibility of the whole integrated CHP system will be validated through a cyber-physical approach.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of water injection and off scheduling of variable inlet guide vanes, gas generator speed and power turbine nozzle angle on the performance of an automotive gas turbine engine

The Chrysler/ERDA baseline automotive gas turbine engine was used to experimentally determine the power augmentation and emissions reductions achieved by the effect of variable compressor and power engine geometry, water injection downstream of the compressor, and increases in gas generator speed. Results were dependent on the mode of variable geometry utilization. Over 20 percent increase in power was accompanied by over 5 percent reduction in SFC. A fuel economy improvement of at least 6 percent was estimated for a vehicle with a 75 kW (100 hp) engine which could be augmented to 89 kW (120 hp) relative to an 89 Kw (120 hp) unaugmented engine.

Warren, E. L.↗

Advanced Turbulence Modeling Concepts

The ZCET program developed at NASA Glenn Research Center is to study hydrogen/air injection concepts for aircraft gas turbine engines that meet conventional gas turbine performance levels and provide low levels of harmful NOx emissions. A CFD study for ZCET program has been successfully carried out. It uses the most recently enhanced National combustion code (NCC) to perform CFD simulations for two configurations of hydrogen fuel injectors (GRC- and Sandia-injector). The results can be used to assist experimental studies to provide quick mixing, low emission and high performance fuel injector designs. The work started with the configuration of the single-hole injector. The computational models were taken from the experimental designs. For example, the GRC single-hole injector consists of one air tube (0.78 inches long and 0.265 inches in diameter) and two hydrogen tubes (0.3 inches long and 0.0226 inches in diameter opposed at 180 degree). The hydrogen tubes are located 0.3 inches upstream from the exit of the air element (the inlet location for the combustor). To do the simulation, the single-hole injector is connected to a combustor model (8.16 inches long and 0.5 inches in diameter). The inlet conditions for air and hydrogen elements are defined according to actual experimental designs. Two crossing jets of hydrogen/air are simulated in detail in the injector. The cold flow, reacting flow, flame temperature, combustor pressure and possible flashback phenomena are studied. Two grid resolutions of the numerical model have been adopted. The first computational grid contains 0.52 million elements, the second one contains over 1.3 million elements. The CFD results have shown only about 5% difference between the two grid resolutions. Therefore, the CFD result obtained from the model of 1.3-million grid resolution can be considered as a grid independent numerical solution. Turbulence models built in NCC are consolidated and well tested. They can handle both coarse and fine grids near the wall. They can model the effect of anisotropy of turbulent stresses and the effect of swirling. The chemical reactions of Magnusson model and ILDM method were both used in this study.

Shih, Tsan-Hsing↗

Experimental and theoretical studies of time-averaged and time resolved rotor heat transfer

Efforts in support of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) structural durability program have concentrated on obtaining detailed time-averaged and time-resolved (or phase-locked) measurements on a full-scale rotating turbine both with and without cold gas injection and on theoretical studies designed to improve the prediction capability for these turbine flows. The experimental efforts have concentrated on use of the Garrett TFE 731-2 hp turbine. However, it has been possible to apply the theoretical efforts to predicting heat-flux distributions obtained for two additional turbines - i.e., (1) the Garrett low aspect ratio turbine (LART) and (2) the Teledyne 702 turbine. The experimental technique is the short duration, shock-tunnel approach, in which fast-response, thin-film resistance thermometers are used to measure surface temperature histories at prescribed locations on the turbine component parts. Heat-flux values are then inferred from the temperature histories by using standard data reduction procedures. The turbine being used is the Garrett TFE 731-2 hp stage, and both the nozzle guide vanes and the rotor blades are heavily instrumented with thin-film heat-flux gauges. Depending on how the data from a particular heat-flux gauge are recorded, one can get either time-resolved (or phase-locked) or time-averaged results. Both types of data are illustrated.

Dunn, M. G.↗

Small gas-turbine combustor study: Fuel injector evaluation

As part of a continuing effort at the Lewis Research Center to improve performance, emissions, and reliability of turbine machinery, an investigation of fuel injection technique and effect of fuel type on small gas turbine combustors was undertaken. Performance and pollutant emission levels are documented over a range of simulated flight conditions for a reverse flow combustor configuration using simplex pressure-atomizing, spill-flow return, and splash cone airblast injectors. A parametric evaluation of the effect of increased combustor loading with each of the fuel injector types was obtained. Jet A and an experimental referee broad specification fuel were used to determine the effect of fuel type.

Norgren, C. T.↗

Two-phase operation of a Terry steam turbine using air and water mixtures as working fluids

Terry steam turbines are employed in the safety systems of many nuclear Boiling Water Reactors to drive pumps and provide cooling water to the nuclear reactor core. While the turbine efficiency is low, the more important feature is high reliability under off-normal conditions. An important aspect of reliability is the ability to function with two-phase steam-water injection into the turbine, as most likely occurred in the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accidents. This study investigates the characteristics of a Terry turbine during air-water injection with gas mass fractions ranging from 1 (dry gas) to 0.05 (wet gas), to better understand the Terry turbine’s true operational capabilities and provide justification for extended Terry turbine use for reactor safety. Other parameters investigated are the inlet pressure, the exhaust backpressure and the turbine’s rotational speed. The turbine performance is presented in terms of dynamometer loading and pump performance change as functions of the gas mass fraction.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Heat-flux measurements for the rotor of a full-stage turbine. I - Time-averaged results

Blade measurements of time-averaged flux distribution are obtained with and without gas injection for a full-stage rotating turbine. Results are presented along the blade in the flow direction at 10, 50, and 90 percent span locations for both the pressure and suction surfaces; enough measurements were obtained to present spanwise distributions as well. The results suggest that the suction surface laminar flat plate prediction is in reasonable agreement with the data from the stagnation point up to about 10 percent of the wetted distance. The influence of upstream nozzle guide vane injection is to significantly increase the local blade heat flux in the immediate vicinity of the leading edge.

Dunn, M. G.↗

Hydrogen turbine power conversion system assessment

A three part technical study was conducted whereby parametric technical and economic feasibility data were developed on several power conversion systems suitable for the generation of central station electric power through the combustion of hydrogen and the use of the resulting heat energy in turbogenerator equipment. The study assessed potential applications of hydrogen-fueled power conversion systems and identified the three most promising candidates: (1) Ericsson Cycle, (2) gas turbine, and (3) direct steam injection system for fossil fuel as well as nuclear powerplants. A technical and economic evaluation was performed on the three systems from which the direct injection system (fossil fuel only) was selected for a preliminary conceptual design of an integrated hydrogen-fired power conversion system.

Wright, D. E.↗

Optimization of Orifice Geometry for Cross-Flow Mixing in a Cylindrical Duct

Mixing of gaseous jets in a cross-flow has significant applications in engineering, one example of which is the dilution zone of a gas turbine combustor. Despite years of study, the design of the jet injection in combustors is largely based on practical experience. The emergence of NO(x) regulations for stationary gas turbines and the anticipation of aero-engine regulations requires an improved understanding of jet mixing as new combustor concepts are introduced. For example, the success of the staged combustor to reduce the emission of NO(x) is almost entirely dependent upon the rapid and complete dilution of the rich zone products within the mixing section. It is these mixing challenges to which the present study is directed. A series of experiments was undertaken to delineate the optimal mixer orifice geometry. A cross-flow to core-flow momentum-flux ratio of 40 and a mass flow ratio of 2.5 were selected as representative of a conventional design. An experimental test matrix was designed around three variables: the number of orifices, the orifice length-to- width ratio, and the orifice angle. A regression analysis was performed on the data to arrive at an interpolating equation that predicted the mixing performance of orifice geometry combinations within the range of the test matrix parameters. Results indicate that the best mixing orifice geometry tested involves eight orifices with a long-to-short side aspect ratio of 3.5 at a twenty-three degree inclination from the center-line of the mixing section.

Kroll, J. T.↗

Progress in net shape fabrication of alpha SiC turbine components

The development status of component technology in an automotive gas turbine Ceramic Applications in Turbine Engines program is discussed, with attention to such materials and processes having a low cost, net shape fabrication potential as sintered alpha-SiC that has been fashioned by means of injection molding, slip casting, and isostatic pressing. The gas turbine elements produced include a gasifier turbine rotor, a turbine wheel, a connecting duct, a combustor baffle, and a transition duct.

Storm, R. S.↗

A Second Generation Swirl-Venturi Lean Direct Injection Combustion Concept

A low-NO (sub x) aircraft gas turbine engine combustion concept was developed and tested. The concept is a second generation swirl-venturi lean direct injection (SV-LDI) concept. LDI is a lean-burn combustion concept in which the fuel is injected directly into the flame zone. Three second generation SV-LDI configurations were developed. All three were based on the baseline 9-point SV-LDI configuration reported previously. These second generation configurations had better low power operability than the baseline 9-point configuration. Two of these second generation configurations were tested in a NASA Glenn Research Center flametube; these two configurations are called the at dome and 5-recess configurations. Results show that the 5-recess configuration generally had lower NO (sub x) emissions than the flat dome configuration. Correlation equations were developed for the flat dome configuration so that the landing-takeoff NO (sub x) emissions could be estimated. The flat dome landing-takeoff NO (sub x) is estimated to be 87-88 percent below the CAEP/6 standards, exceeding the ERA project goal of 75 percent reduction.

Tacina, Kathleen M.↗

A Comparison of Three Second-generation Swirl-Venturi Lean Direct Injection Combustor Concepts

Three variations of a low emissions aircraft gas turbine engine combustion concept were developed and tested. The concept is a second generation swirl-venturi lean direct injection (SV-LDI) concept. LDI is a lean-burn combustion concept in which the fuel is injected directly into the flame zone. All three variations were based on the baseline 9- point SV-LDI configuration reported previously. The three second generation SV-LDI variations are called the 5-recess configuration, the flat dome configuration, and the 9- recess configuration. These three configurations were tested in a NASA Glenn Research Center medium pressure flametube. All three second generation variations had better low power operability than the baseline 9-point configuration. All three configurations had low NO(sub x) emissions, with the 5-recess configuration generally having slightly lower NO(x) than the flat dome or 9-recess configurations. Due to the limitations of the flametube that prevented testing at pressures above 20 atm, correlation equations were developed for the at dome and 9-recess configurations so that the landing-takeoff NO(sub x) emissions could be estimated. The flat dome and 9-recess landing-takeoff NO(x) emissions are estimated to be 81-88% below the CAEP/6 standards, exceeding the project goal of 75% reduction.

combustor↗

Role of Inlet Boundary Conditions on Fuel-Air Mixing at Supercritical Conditions

Advanced engine design and alternative fuels present the possibility of fuel injection at purely supercritical conditions in diesel engines and gas turbines. The complex interactions that govern this phenomenon still need significant research, particularly the boundary conditions for fuel injection are critical for accurate simulation. However, the flow inside the injector itself is often omitted to reduce the computational efforts, and thus, velocity, mass flux, or total pressure is specified at the injector exit (or domain inlet), often with simplified velocity profiles and turbulence levels. This simplified inlet boundary treatment has minimal effects on results for conventional fuel injection conditions, however, the validity of this approach at supercritical conditions has not been assessed. Comprehensive real-gas and binary fluid mixing models have been implemented for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of fuel-air mixing at supercritical conditions. The model is verified using prior CFD results from the literature. The model is used to investigate the effects of the shape of axial velocity and mass fraction profiles at the inlet boundary with the goal to improve the comparison of predictions to experimental data. Results show that the boundary conditions have a significant effect on the predictions, and none of the cases match precisely with experimental data. Furthermore, the study reveals that the physical location of the inlet boundary might be difficult to infer correctly from the experiments and highlights the need for high-quality, repeatable measurements at supercritical conditions to support the development of relevant high-fidelity models for fuel-air mixing.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Small gas-turbine combustor study - Fuel injector evaluation

As part of a continuing effort at the Lewis Research Center to improve performance, emissions, and reliability of turbine machinery, an investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of fuel injection technique and fuel type on similar improvements for small gas-turbine combustors. Performance and pollutant emission levels are documented over a range of simulated flight conditions for a reverse-flow combustor configuration using simplex pressure-atomizing, spill-flow return, and splash cone airblast injectors. A parametric evaluation of the effect of increased combustor loading with each of the fuel injector types was obtained. Jet A and an experimental referee broad specification fuel were used to determine and compare effects of burning different types of fuels in a small experimental gas turbine combustor.

Norgren, C. T.↗

Effects of air injection on a turbocharged Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-360-C engine

Results are presented for tests performed to assess the effects of exhaust manifold injection air flow rate on emissions and on exhaust gas temperature and turbine inlet temperature for a range of engine operating conditions (speed, torque, and fuel-air ratios) of a fuel-injected turbocharged six-cylinder air-cooled Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-360-C engine. Air injection into the exhaust gas at 80 F resulted in a decrease in hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide while exceeding the maximum recommended turbine inlet temperature of 1650 F at the full rich mixture of the engine. The EPA standards could be met within present turbine inlet temperature limits using commercially available air pumps, provided that the fuel-air ratios were leaned in the taxi, climb, and approach modes.

Cosgrove, D. V.↗

CFD Evaluation of Aviation Fuels for Commercial Supersonics Technology

An overview is provided of a CFD analysis of a Lean-Direct Injection (LDI) combustion concept for NASA’s Commercial Supersonic Transport (CST) program. The National Combustion Code (OpenNCC) was used to perform two-phase reacting flow computations with three different aviation fuels for UTRC’s Axially Controlled Stoichiometry (ACS) combustor at CST cruise conditions. All computations were performed with a consistent approach of mesh-generation, spray and chemical-kinetics modeling for the combustor. Emissions (EICO, EINOx) and performance characteristics were predicted with OpenNCC, to evaluate the impact of replacing Jet-A with RP2 and Iso-Paraffinic Kerosene (IPK) for supersonic combustor applications. The CFD predictions of flame structure for IPK fuel were significantly different in comparison to those of Jet-A and RP2 fuel. However, the CFD analysis predicted very similar EINOx emissions for Jet-A, RP-2 and IPK fuels. The predicted EINOx emissions for all three fuels also compared very well with measured experimental data.

gas turbine combustion↗