U.S. patent application number 16/552151 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-05 for trapped vortex combustor.
The applicant listed for this patent is ClearSign Combustion Corporation. Invention is credited to DONALD KENDRICK, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF.
Application Number | 20200072467 16/552151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69640984 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200072467 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KENDRICK; DONALD ; et
al. |
March 5, 2020 |
TRAPPED VORTEX COMBUSTOR
Abstract
A trapped vortex combustor includes a refractory combustor body
defining a combustion volume aligned to receive an air and fuel
mixture from an air and fuel source. The trapped vortex combustor
includes a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferential to a
portion of the combustion volume and/or arranged at or adjacent to
a center of the combustion volume. The trapped vortex channel is
configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide
ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The trapped vortex combustor
includes a center body supported near or within the combustion
volume.
Inventors: |
KENDRICK; DONALD; (BELLEVUE,
WA) ; WIKLOF; CHRISTOPHER A.; (EVERETT, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ClearSign Combustion Corporation |
SEATTLE |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69640984 |
Appl. No.: |
16/552151 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62723947 |
Aug 28, 2018 |
|
|
|
62730691 |
Sep 13, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23D 11/404 20130101;
F23R 3/16 20130101; F23C 7/002 20130101; F23R 3/58 20130101; F23D
11/406 20130101; F23R 3/286 20130101; F23D 2900/14003 20130101;
F23D 14/70 20130101; F23D 14/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F23R 3/16 20060101
F23R003/16; F23C 7/00 20060101 F23C007/00; F23R 3/58 20060101
F23R003/58 |
Claims
1. A trapped vortex combustor, comprising: an air and fuel source
configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture; a refractory
combustor body defining a combustion volume, the refractory
combustor body having an open upstream end and an open downstream
end, the refractory combustor body being aligned to receive at
least a portion of the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel
source into the upstream end, to limit a lateral extent of a
combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an
inner wall, and to output combustion products from the downstream
end; a trapped vortex channel arranged to hold a trapped vortex
combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel
mixture; and at least one center body supported near or within the
combustion volume.
2. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the trapped
vortex channel is disposed circumferential to the combustion
volume.
3.-6. (canceled)
7. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the air and
fuel source comprises one or more primary fuel nozzles disposed to
cause a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume
between the upstream end and the downstream end.
8. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the air and
fuel source comprises one or more primary fuel nozzles designed
such that combustion location is independent of nozzle
location.
9. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein one or more
primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rich fuel and air
mixture to be output into the trapped vortex channel.
10. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein one or more
primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a vortex circulation
within the trapped vortex channel.
11. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 10, wherein the one or
more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation
direction parallel to an air flow direction where the trapped
vortex combustion meets a main air flow.
12. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 10, wherein the one or
more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation
direction antiparallel to an air flow direction where the trapped
vortex combustion meets a main air flow.
13. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the trapped
vortex channel is continuous around a periphery of the refractory
combustor body.
14. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the trapped
vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments.
15. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 14, wherein the trapped
vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a
periphery of the refractory combustor body.
16.-17. (canceled)
18. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, further comprising:
one or more primary fuel nozzles configured to output fuel into the
combustion volume; and a plurality of secondary fuel nozzles
arranged peripheral to the refractory combustor body.
19. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 18, wherein the plurality
of secondary fuel nozzles are configured to cause fuel ejection at
a selected angle relative to the refractory combustor body.
20. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 18, wherein the plurality
of secondary fuel nozzles selectively receive fuel from a secondary
fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to
provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel nozzles.
21. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 18, wherein the plurality
of secondary fuel nozzles are operable to provide the fuel to a
secondary combustion zone positioned downstream from the downstream
end of the combustion volume.
22. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center
body is configured to partially occlude the combustion volume.
23. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 22, wherein the partial
occlusion is selected to increase stability of the combustion
reaction supported within the combustion volume.
24. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 22, wherein the partial
occlusion of the combustion volume is operable to cause vortex
formation within the combustion volume.
25. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center
body is disposed adjacent to the upstream end of the combustion
volume.
26.-28. (canceled)
29. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center
body is integral with the one or more primary fuel nozzles.
30.-35. (canceled)
36. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center
body is disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the combustion
volume.
37. (canceled)
38. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center
body comprises a solid tile.
39. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center
body comprises a porous tile.
40. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 39, wherein the porous
tile comprises a ceramic honeycomb having a plurality of channels
extending from an upstream face, through the porous tile, to a
downstream face.
41. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 40, wherein the plurality
of channels are arranged at a density of between 2 and 20 channels
per inch across the upstream and downstream faces.
42. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 39, wherein the porous
tile comprises a reticulated ceramic body.
43. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 42, wherein the
reticulated ceramic body has pores arranged at a density of between
4 and 20 pores per inch.
44. A combustor, comprising: an air and fuel source configured to
deliver an air and fuel mixture; a refractory combustor body
defining a combustion volume, the refractory combustor body having
an open upstream end and an open downstream end, the refractory
combustor body being aligned to receive at least a portion of the
air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source into the upstream
end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported
by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output
combustion products from the downstream end; a trapped vortex
channel arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion
volume, the trapped vortex channel being configured to hold a
trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air
and fuel mixture; and a trapped vortex fuel source disposed to
provide fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion
reaction.
45.-49. (canceled)
50. The combustor of claim 44, further comprising one or more
primary fuel nozzles configured to output fuel into the combustion
volume; wherein the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed
to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex
channel.
51. The combustor of claim 50, wherein the one or more primary fuel
nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction parallel to air
flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets main air
flow.
52. The combustor of claim 50, wherein the one or more primary fuel
nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction antiparallel to
the air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets
the main air flow.
53. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex channel
is continuous around a periphery of the refractory combustor
body.
54. (canceled)
55. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex channel
is formed as discontinuous segments around the periphery of the
refractory combustor body.
56.-58. (canceled)
59. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex fuel
source is configured to output a rich fuel to air mixture into the
trapped vortex channel.
60.-67. (canceled)
68. The combustor of claim 44, further comprising: a combustion
sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of combustion in
the trapped vortex channel.
69.-70. (canceled)
71. The combustor of claim 68, further comprising a combustor
controller configured to energize an igniter responsive to sensing,
via the combustion sensor, the absence of a combustion reaction in
the trapped vortex channel while fuel is flowing into the trapped
vortex channel; wherein the igniter is operatively coupled to the
combustor controller and is operable to cause ignition, in the
trapped vortex channel, of the fuel from the trapped vortex fuel
source.
72. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex fuel
source includes a nozzle disposed to cause a vortex circulation
within the trapped vortex channel.
73. (canceled)
74. The combustor of claim 44, further comprising: one or more
primary fuel nozzles configured to output fuel into the combustion
volume; and a plurality of secondary fuel nozzles arranged
peripheral to the refractory combustor body.
75. The combustor of claim 74, wherein the plurality of secondary
fuel nozzles selectively receive fuel from a secondary fuel circuit
separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to provide the fuel
to the one or more primary fuel nozzles.
76. The combustor of claim 74, wherein the plurality of secondary
fuel nozzles are operable to provide the fuel to a secondary
combustion zone positioned downstream from the downstream end of
the combustion volume.
77. A method, comprising: holding a trapped vortex combustion
reaction in a trapped vortex channel positioned in an inner wall of
a refractory combustor body; delivering an air and fuel mixture
from an air and fuel source; receiving at least a portion of the
air and fuel mixture into an open upstream end of the refractory
combustor body; igniting, within a combustion volume defined by the
refractory combustor body, a combustion reaction of the air and
fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction; limiting
a lateral extent of the trapped vortex combustion reaction with the
inner wall of the refractory combustor body; and supporting at
least one center body near or within the combustion volume.
78.-84. (canceled)
85. The method according to claim 77, further comprising outputting
a rich fuel and air mixture into the trapped vortex channel.
86. The method according to claim 77, further comprising causing a
vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel with the one
or more primary fuel nozzles.
87. The method according to claim 86, further comprising causing a
rotation direction parallel to air flow direction where the trapped
vortex combustion meets main air flow.
88. The method according to claim 86, further comprising causing a
rotation direction antiparallel to the air flow direction where the
trapped vortex combustion meets the main air flow.
89. A method, comprising: supporting a trapped vortex combustion
reaction within a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferentially
to a portion of a combustion volume defined by a refractory
combustor body; providing fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex
combustion reaction with a trapped vortex fuel source; delivering
an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source; receiving the
air and fuel mixture into an upstream end of the refractory
combustor body; igniting a combustion reaction of the air and fuel
mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction; and outputting
combustion products of the trapped vortex combustion reaction from
a downstream end of the refractory combustor body.
90.-92. (canceled)
93. The method according to claim 89, further comprising causing a
majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume between
the upstream end and the downstream end.
94. The method according to claim 89, wherein the one or more
primary fuel nozzles are designed such that combustion location is
independent of nozzle location.
95. The method according to claim 89, wherein the trapped vortex
channel is formed as discontinuous segments.
96. The method according to claim 89, wherein the trapped vortex
channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a periphery of
the refractory combustor body.
97. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority benefit from
co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/723,947,
entitled "TRAPPED VORTEX COMBUSTOR," filed Aug. 28, 2018 (docket
number 2651-339-02). The present application also claims priority
benefit from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/730,691, entitled "COMBUSTOR WITH ENHANCED TRAPPED VORTEX
COMBUSTION CHANNEL," filed Sep. 13, 2018 (docket number
2651-340-02). Each of the foregoing applications, to the extent not
inconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by
reference.
SUMMARY
[0002] According to an embodiment, a trapped vortex combustor
includes an air and fuel source configured to deliver an air and
fuel mixture. A refractory combustor body defining a combustion
volume has an open upstream end and an open downstream end. The
combustor body is aligned to receive at least a portion of the air
and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source into the upstream
end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported
by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output
combustion products from the downstream end. The trapped vortex
combustor includes a trapped vortex channel. The trapped vortex
channel may be arranged circumferential to a portion of the
combustion volume. Additionally or alternatively, the trapped
vortex channel may be arranged near a centerline of the combustion
volume. The trapped vortex channel is configured to hold a trapped
vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel
mixture. The trapped vortex combustor includes a center body
supported near or within the combustion volume.
[0003] According to an embodiment, a combustor includes an air and
fuel source configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture. A
refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume has an open
upstream end and an open downstream end. The combustor body is
aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture,
from the air and fuel source, into the upstream end, to limit a
lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and
fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output combustion products
from the downstream end. The combustor includes a trapped vortex
channel. The trapped vortex channel may be arranged circumferential
to a portion of the combustion volume. Additionally or
alternatively, the trapped vortex channel may be arranged near a
centerline of the combustion volume. The trapped vortex channel is
configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide
ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The combustor includes a
trapped vortex fuel source disposed to provide fuel and momentum to
the trapped vortex combustion reaction.
[0004] According to an embodiment, a method includes holding a
trapped vortex combustion reaction in a trapped vortex channel
positioned in an inner wall of a refractory combustor body,
delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source, and
receiving at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture into an
open upstream end of the refractory combustor body. The method
includes igniting, within a combustion volume defined by the
refractory combustor body, a combustion reaction of the air and
fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction, limiting
a lateral extent of the combustion reaction with the inner wall of
the refractory combustor body, and supporting at least one center
body near or within the combustion volume.
[0005] According to an embodiment, a method includes supporting a
trapped vortex combustion reaction within a trapped vortex channel
arranged circumferentially to a portion of a combustion volume
defined by a refractory combustor body, providing fuel and momentum
to the trapped vortex combustion reaction with a trapped vortex
fuel source, and delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and
fuel source. The method includes receiving the air and fuel mixture
into an upstream end of the refractory combustor body, igniting a
combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the trapped
vortex combustion reaction, and outputting combustion products of
the combustion reaction from a downstream end of the refractory
combustor body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1A is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex
combustor, according to an embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 1B is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex
combustor, according to another embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 1C is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex
combustor, according to another embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 1D is a top view of a trapped vortex combustor,
according to another embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a combustor with enhanced
trapped vortex combustion channel, according to an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a detailed side sectional view of the combustor
with enhanced trapped vortex combustion channel of FIG. 2,
according to an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an enhanced trapped
vortex combustor having an alternative trapped vortex fuel source,
according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method, according to an
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method, according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used
and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 1A is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex
combustor 100, according to an embodiment. The trapped vortex
combustor 100 may include an air and fuel source 102 configured to
deliver an air and fuel mixture. In an embodiment, a refractory
combustor body 104 defining a combustion volume 106 has an open
upstream end 108 and an open downstream end 110. The refractory
combustor body 104 may be aligned to receive at least a portion of
the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source 102 into the
upstream end 108, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion
reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall
112, and to output combustion products from the downstream end
110.
[0017] The trapped vortex combustor 100 may include a trapped
vortex channel 114 arranged circumferential to a portion of the
combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. Additionally or
alternatively, the trapped vortex channel 114 may be disposed on a
centerline of the combustion volume 106 (not shown). Additionally
or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel 114 may be disposed
adjacent to a centerline of the combustion volume 106 (not shown).
The trapped vortex channel 114 may be configured to hold a trapped
vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel
mixture. The trapped vortex combustor 100 includes one or more
center bodies 116 supported near or within the combustion volume
106, according to an embodiment.
[0018] The air and fuel source 102 may include an air plenum 118
configured to draw air from an external volume 122. According to
one embodiment, the air plenum 118 is configured to draw ambient
air from the external volume 122 via natural draft. According to
another embodiment, the air plenum 118 is configured to draw
pressurized air from the external volume 122 via a blower (not
shown).
[0019] The air and fuel source 102 may include one or more primary
fuel nozzles 120 configured to output a gaseous fuel into air
moving through the air plenum 118 and into the combustion volume
106, according to an embodiment. The gaseous fuel may include
hydrogen and/or one or more hydrocarbon gases, for example.
[0020] The one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 may be disposed to
cause a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume
106 between the upstream end 108 and downstream end 110, according
to an embodiment. For example, the one or more primary fuel nozzles
120 may be disposed somewhat farther upstream than fuel nozzles
disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur downstream from
the downstream end 110 of the combustion volume 106. According to
another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 are
designed such that combustion location is independent of nozzle
location.
[0021] In an embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120
may be disposed to cause a rich fuel and air mixture to be output
into the trapped vortex channel 114. Additionally or alternatively,
the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 may be disposed to cause a
vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel 114. According
to various embodiments, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120
may disposed to cause a rotation direction parallel to or
antiparallel to air flow direction where the trapped vortex
combustion meets main air flow.
[0022] The trapped vortex channel 114 may be continuous around the
periphery of the refractory combustor body 104 or around the
centerline of the refractory combustor body 104, according to
embodiments. In other embodiments, the trapped vortex channel 114
may be formed as discontinuous segments around the periphery of the
refractory combustor body 104.
[0023] The inner wall 112 of the refractory combustor body 104 may
be operable to store heat received from the combustion reaction and
to release heat to the combustion reaction so as to increase
stability of the combustion reaction.
[0024] The trapped vortex combustor 100 may further include a
plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 arranged peripheral to the
refractory combustor body 104, according to an embodiment. The
plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 may be configured to cause
fuel ejection at a selected angle relative to the refractory
combustor body 104. For example, the fuel may be ejected to cause
at least partial impact on an external surface of the refractory
combustor body 104. In another example, the fuel may be ejected to
cause at least a majority of the secondary fuel to be ejected to a
location 126 corresponding to secondary combustion without first
falling on an exterior surface of the refractory combustor body
104. The plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 may selectively
receive fuel from a secondary fuel circuit separate from a primary
fuel circuit operable to provide the fuel to the one or more
primary fuel nozzles 120, according to an embodiment. The plurality
of secondary fuel nozzles 124 may be operable to provide the fuel
to the secondary combustion zone 126 positioned downstream from the
downstream end 110 of the combustion volume 106, according to an
embodiment.
[0025] The center body 116 may be configured to partially occlude
the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. The partial
occlusion may be selected to increase stability of a combustion
reaction supported within the combustion volume 106, according to
an embodiment. The partial occlusion of the combustion volume 106
may be operable to cause vortex formation within the combustion
volume 106, according to an embodiment.
[0026] The center body 116 may be disposed adjacent to the upstream
end 108 of the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment.
The center body 116 may include a refractory material. In an
embodiment, the center body 116 may include silicon carbide.
Additionally or alternatively, the center body 116 may include
zirconium.
[0027] The trapped vortex combustor 100 may further include one or
more support beams 128 disposed to support the center body 116,
according to an embodiment. The one or more support beams 128 may
include a rod or tube having a circular cross section. Additionally
or alternatively, the one or more support beams 128 may include a
bar having a rectangular cross section. The one or more support
beams 128 may include a ceramic material, such as silicon carbide
and/or include zirconium.
[0028] FIG. 1B is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex
combustor 101, according to another embodiment. The center body 116
may be disposed adjacent to or coincident with the downstream end
110 of the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. The
refractory combustor body 104 may define one or more notches 130
formed adjacent to the downstream end 110 of the refractory
combustor body 104, according to an embodiment. The one or more
support beams 128 may be supported by the one or more notches 130,
according to an embodiment.
[0029] The center body 116 may include a solid tile, according to
an embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the center body 116
may include a porous tile. The center body 116 may include a single
body (as illustrated in FIG. 1B) or may include a plurality of
bodies such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C.
[0030] FIG. 1C is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex
combustor 100, according to another embodiment. The center body 116
may be integral with the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120.
[0031] The porous tile may include a ceramic honeycomb having a
plurality of channels extending from an upstream face, through the
porous tile, to a downstream face, according to an embodiment. The
plurality of channels are arranged at a density of between 2 and 20
channels per inch across the upstream and downstream faces,
according to an embodiment.
[0032] The porous tile may include a reticulated ceramic body,
according to an embodiment. The reticulated ceramic body may have
pores arranged at a density of between 4 and 20 pores per inch,
according to an embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 1D is a top view of a trapped vortex combustor 100,
according to an embodiment. The trapped vortex channel 114 is
defined in part by a surface 115 corresponding to an outer diameter
of the trapped vortex channel 114. FIG. 1D illustrates four primary
fuel nozzles 120, according to an embodiment. More or fewer fuel
nozzles 120 can be included in the trapped vortex combustor 100. A
plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 are positioned around the
refractory combustor body 104. FIG. 1D does not illustrate a center
body 106 or a support beam 128. However, one or more center bodies
106 and support beams 128 can be disposed as shown in other FIGs,
as will be recognized by those of skill in the art in light of the
present disclosure. While FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment in
which the trapped vortex channel 114 extends in a complete circle,
the trapped vortex channel 114 can include multiple discontinuous
segments.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a combustor 200 with
enhanced trapped vortex combustion channel, according to an
embodiment. In an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes an air and
fuel source 202 configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture. The
combustor 200 may include a refractory combustor body 204 defining
a combustion volume 206. In an embodiment, the combustor body 204
has an open upstream end 208 and an open downstream end 210. The
combustor body 204 may be aligned to receive at least a portion of
the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source 202 into the
upstream end 208, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion
reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall
212, and to output combustion products from the downstream end
210.
[0035] According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a
trapped vortex channel 214 arranged circumferential to a portion of
the combustion volume 206. Additionally or alternatively, the
trapped vortex channel 214 may be disposed on a centerline of the
combustion volume 206. Additionally or alternatively, the trapped
vortex channel 214 may be disposed adjacent to a centerline of the
combustion volume 206. The trapped vortex channel 214 may be
configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide
ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The combustor 200 includes a
trapped vortex fuel source 216 disposed to provide fuel and
momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction.
[0036] In an embodiment, the air and fuel source 202 includes an
air plenum 218 configured to draw air from an external volume 222.
According to one embodiment, the air plenum 218 is configured to
draw ambient air from an external volume 222 via natural draft.
According to another embodiment, the air plenum 218 is configured
to draw pressurized air from an external volume via a blower (not
shown).
[0037] According to an embodiment, the air and fuel source 202
includes one or more primary fuel nozzles 220 configured to output
a gaseous fuel into air moving through the air plenum and into the
combustion volume 206, according to an embodiment. The gaseous fuel
may include hydrogen and/or one or more hydrocarbon gases, for
example.
[0038] In an embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 220
are disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur in the
combustion volume 206 between the upstream end 208 and the
downstream end 210. For example, the one or more primary fuel
nozzles 220 may be disposed somewhat farther upstream than fuel
nozzles disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur
downstream from the downstream end 210 of the combustion volume
206. According to another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel
nozzles 220 are designed such that combustion location is
independent of nozzle location.
[0039] In an embodiment, the trapped vortex channel 214 is
continuous around the periphery of the refractory combustor body
204 or around the centerline of the refractory combustor body
204.
[0040] In other embodiments, the trapped vortex channel 214 is
formed as discontinuous segments around the periphery of the
refractory combustor body 204.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a detailed side sectional view 300 of the
combustor 200 with enhanced trapped vortex combustion channel of
FIG. 2, according to an embodiment.
[0042] In an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source 216 is
configured to provide a pure gaseous fuel to the trapped vortex
channel 214.
[0043] In an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source 216 is
configured to provide a mixture of gaseous fuel and air to the
trapped vortex channel 214. In an embodiment, the trapped vortex
fuel source 216 is configured to output a rich fuel to air mixture
into the trapped vortex channel 214. The trapped vortex fuel source
216 can supply fuel from a trapped vortex fuel circuit separated
from the primary fuel circuit and the secondary fuel circuit.
[0044] According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a
fuel valve 302 configured to control a flow of the fuel into the
trapped vortex channel 214.
[0045] According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a
combustor controller 304 configured to control a combustion system
300 including the trapped vortex channel 214. The combustor 200
includes a fuel valve 302 configured to control a flow of the fuel
into the trapped vortex channel 214 and is operatively coupled to
the combustor controller 304. The combustor 200 may further include
a mixer 306 configured to mix the fuel with air. In an embodiment,
the mixer 306 includes an eduction device. The combustor 200 may
further include an air damper 308 operatively coupled to the
combustor controller 304 and configured to admit a selected flow of
air, for mixing with the flow of the fuel, into the trapped vortex
channel 214. The combustor 200 may further include an igniter 310
operatively coupled to the combustor controller 304 and is operable
to cause ignition, in the trapped vortex channel 214, of the fuel
from the trapped vortex fuel source 216.
[0046] In an embodiment, the igniter 310 includes a spark discharge
device.
[0047] In an embodiment, the igniter 310 includes a cold plasma
generator. The combustor 200 includes a combustion sensor 314
configured to sense the presence or absence of combustion in the
trapped vortex channel 214. In an embodiment, the combustion sensor
314 includes at least a pair of electrodes 312 (one electrode 312
is shown in FIG. 3) configured to respectively emit and receive a
time-varying electrical signal that passes through the trapped
vortex channel 214 and which is modified according to the presence
or absence of a combustion reaction in the trapped vortex channel
214. In an embodiment, the time-varying electrical signal is
modified according to an electrical permittivity in the trapped
vortex channel 214. In an embodiment, the combustor controller 304
is configured to energize the igniter 310 to responsively sense,
via the combustion sensor 314, absence of a combustion reaction, in
the trapped vortex channel 214, while fuel is flowing into the
trapped vortex channel 214.
[0048] In an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source 216
includes a nozzle 314 disposed to cause a vortex circulation within
the trapped vortex channel 214.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the inner wall
212 of the refractory combustor body 204 is operable to store heat
received from the combustion reaction and to release heat to the
combustion so as to increase stability of the combustion
reaction.
[0050] According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a
plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 224 arranged peripheral to the
refractory combustor body 204. The plurality of secondary fuel
nozzles 224 may be configured to cause fuel ejection at a selected
angle relative to the refractory combustor body 204. For example,
the fuel may be ejected to cause at least partial impact on an
external surface of the refractory combustor body 204. In another
example, the fuel may be ejected to cause at least a majority of
the secondary fuel to be ejected to a location 226 corresponding to
secondary combustion without first falling on an exterior surface
of the refractory combustor body 204. In an embodiment, the
plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 224 selectively receive a
secondary fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit
operable to provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel
nozzles 220. In an embodiment, the plurality of secondary fuel
nozzles 224 are operable to provide the fuel to a secondary
combustion zone 226 positioned downstream from the downstream end
210 of the combustion volume 206.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view 400 of an enhanced trapped
vortex combustor having an alternative trapped vortex fuel source
402, according to an embodiment. The enhanced trapped vortex
combustor 400 includes one or more center bodies 404 supported near
or within the combustion volume 206.
[0052] According to an embodiment, the center body 404 may be
configured to partially occlude the combustion volume 206. The
partial occlusion may be selected to increase stability of a
combustion reaction supported within the combustion volume 206.
Additionally or alternatively, the partial occlusion of the
combustion volume 206 may be operable to cause vortex formation
within the combustion volume 206.
[0053] According to an embodiment, the center body 404 is disposed
adjacent to the upstream end 208 of the combustion volume 206,
according to an embodiment. The center body 404 may include a
refractory material. In an embodiment, the center body 404 may
include silicon carbide. Additionally or alternatively, the center
body 404 may include zirconium.
[0054] According to an embodiment, the enhanced trapped vortex
combustor 400 further includes on or more support beams 406
disposed to support the center body 404. The one or more support
beams 406 may include a rod or tube having a circular cross
section. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more support
beams 406 may include a bar having a rectangular cross section. The
one or more support beams 406 may include a ceramic material, such
as silicon carbide and/or include zirconium.
[0055] According to an embodiment, the center body 404 may be
disposed adjacent to or coincident with the downstream end 210 of
the combustion volume 206. The refractory combustor body 204 may
define one or more notches formed adjacent to the downstream end
210 of the refractory combustor body 204. The one or more support
beams 406 may be supported by the one or more notches.
[0056] According to an embodiment, the center body 404 includes a
solid tile. Additionally or alternatively, the center body 404 may
include a porous tile. The center body 404 may include a single
body or may include a plurality of bodies.
[0057] According to an embodiment, the center body 404 may be
integral with the one or more primary fuel nozzles 220.
[0058] The porous tile may include a ceramic honeycomb having a
plurality of channels extending from an upstream face, through the
porous tile, to a downstream face, according to an embodiment. The
plurality of channels are arranged at a density of between 2 and 20
channels per inch across the upstream and downstream faces,
according to an embodiment.
[0059] The porous tile may include a reticulated ceramic body,
according to an embodiment. The reticulated ceramic body may have
pores arranged at a density of between 4 and 20 pores per inch,
according to an embodiment.
[0060] According to an embodiment, a combustor includes an air and
fuel source configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture, and a
refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume. The
refractory combustor body may have an open upstream end and an open
downstream end, and may be aligned to receive at least a portion of
the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source into the
upstream end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction
supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to
output combustion products from the downstream end. The combustor
may include a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferential to a
portion of the combustion volume. The trapped vortex channel may be
configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide
ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The combustor may include a
trapped vortex fuel source disposed to provide fuel and momentum to
the trapped vortex combustion reaction. In an embodiment, the air
and fuel source includes an air plenum configured to draw air from
an external volume, and one or more primary fuel nozzles configured
to output a gaseous fuel into the air moving through the air plenum
and into the combustion volume. In one embodiment, the air plenum
is configured to draw ambient air from the external volume via
natural draft. In another embodiment, the air plenum is configured
to draw pressurized air from the external volume via a blower. In
one embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed
to cause a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume
between the upstream end and the downstream end. In another
embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are designed such
that combustion location is independent of nozzle location.
Additionally and/or alternatively, the one or more primary fuel
nozzles are disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the
trapped vortex channel. In another embodiment, the one or more
primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction
parallel to air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion
meets main air flow. In another embodiment, the one or more primary
fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction
antiparallel to the air flow direction where the trapped vortex
combustion meets the main air flow.
[0061] According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is
continuous around the periphery of the refractory combustor body.
In another embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is formed as
discontinuous segments. In one embodiment, the trapped vortex
channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a periphery of
the refractory combustor body. Additionally and/or alternatively,
the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments
around a center of the refractory combustor body.
[0062] According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source
is configured to provide a pure gaseous fuel to the trapped vortex
channel. In another embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source is
configured to provide a mixture of gaseous fuel and air to the
trapped vortex channel. Additionally and/or alternatively, the
trapped vortex fuel source is configured to output a rich fuel to
air mixture into the trapped vortex channel.
[0063] According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a
fuel valve configured to control a flow of the fuel into the
trapped vortex channel.
[0064] According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a
combustor controller configured to control a combustion system
including the trapped vortex channel, and a fuel valve configured
to control a flow of the fuel into the trapped vortex channel and
operatively coupled to the combustor controller. According to an
embodiment, the combustor further includes a mixer configured to
mix the fuel with air. In one embodiment, the mixer includes an
eduction device. According to an embodiment, the combustor further
includes an air damper operatively coupled to the combustor
controller and configured to admit a selected flow of air for
mixing with the flow of the fuel into the trapped vortex channel.
According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes an
igniter operatively coupled to the combustor controller and
operable to cause ignition, in the trapped vortex channel, of the
fuel from the trapped vortex fuel source. In one embodiment, the
igniter comprises a spark discharge device. Additionally and/or
alternatively, the igniter comprises a cold plasma generator.
According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a
combustion sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of
combustion in the trapped vortex channel. In one embodiment, the
combustion sensor includes at least a pair of electrodes configured
to respectively emit and receive a time-varying electrical signal
that passes through the trapped vortex channel and which is
modified according to the presence or absence of a combustion
reaction in the trapped vortex channel. The time-varying electrical
signal may be modified according to an electrical permittivity in
the trapped vortex channel. In an embodiment, the combustor
controller is configured to energize the igniter responsive to
sensing, via the combustion sensor, the absence of a combustion
reaction in the trapped vortex channel while fuel is flowing into
the trapped vortex channel.
[0065] According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source
includes a nozzle disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the
trapped vortex channel.
[0066] According to an embodiment, the inner wall of the refractory
combustor body is operable to store heat received from the
combustion reaction and to release heat to the combustion reaction
so as to increase stability of the combustion reaction.
[0067] According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a
plurality of secondary fuel nozzles arranged peripheral to the
refractory combustor body. In one embodiment, the plurality of
secondary fuel nozzles selectively receive fuel from a secondary
fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to
provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel nozzles.
Additionally and/or alternatively, the plurality of secondary fuel
nozzles are operable to provide the fuel to a secondary combustion
zone positioned downstream from the downstream end of the
combustion volume.
[0068] While not illustrated herein, top views of the trapped
vortex combustors 101, 200, 300, 400 may be substantially similar
to the top view of the trapped vortex combustor 100 shown in FIG.
1D in many regards.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 500, according
to an embodiment. The method 500 includes several steps.
[0070] According to an embodiment, the method 500 includes, in step
502, holding a trapped vortex combustion reaction in a trapped
vortex channel positioned in an inner wall of a refractory
combustor body. Step 504 includes delivering an air and fuel
mixture from an air and fuel source. Step 506 includes receiving at
least a portion of the air and fuel mixture into an open upstream
end of the refractory combustor body. Step 508 includes igniting,
within a combustion volume defined by the refractory combustor
body, a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the
trapped vortex combustion reaction. Step 510 includes limiting a
lateral extent of the trapped vortex combustion reaction with the
inner wall of the refractory combustor body, and step 512 includes
supporting at least one center body supported near or within the
combustion volume.
[0071] According to an embodiment, in step 502, the trapped vortex
channel is disposed circumferential to the combustion volume. In
another embodiment, in step 502, the trapped vortex channel is
disposed on or adjacent to a centerline of the combustion
volume.
[0072] According to an embodiment, in step 504, delivering the air
and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source includes drawing air
from an external volume with an air plenum, and outputting, with
one or more primary fuel nozzles, a gaseous fuel into the air
moving through the air plenum and into the combustion volume. In
one embodiment, in step 504, drawing air from an external volume
includes drawing ambient air from the external volume via natural
draft. In another embodiment, in step 504, drawing air from an
external volume includes drawing pressurized air from the external
volume via a blower. Additionally and/or alternatively, the method
500 further includes causing a majority of combustion to occur in
the combustion volume between the upstream end and a downstream end
of the refractory combustor body. In another embodiment, the one or
more primary fuel nozzles are designed such that the combustion
location is independent of nozzle location. In a third embodiment,
the method 500 further includes outputting a rich fuel and air
mixture into the trapped vortex channel. According to one
embodiment, the method 500 further includes causing a vortex
circulation within the trapped vortex channel with the one or more
primary fuel nozzles. In another embodiment, the method 500 further
includes causing a rotation direction parallel to air flow
direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets main air flow.
Additionally and/or alternatively, the method 500 further includes
causing a rotation direction antiparallel to the air flow direction
where the trapped vortex combustion meets the main air flow.
[0073] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600, according
to an embodiment. The method 600 includes several steps.
[0074] According to an embodiment, the method 600 includes, in step
602, supporting a trapped vortex combustion reaction within a
trapped vortex channel arranged circumferentially to a portion of a
combustion volume defined by a refractory combustor body. Step 604
includes providing fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex
combustion reaction with a trapped vortex fuel source. Step 606
includes delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel
source. Step 608 includes receiving the air and fuel mixture into
an upstream end of the refractory combustor body. Step 610 includes
igniting a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the
trapped vortex combustion reaction, and step 612 includes
outputting combustion products of the trapped vortex combustion
reaction from a downstream end of the refractory combustor
body.
[0075] According to an embodiment, in step 606, delivering the air
and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source includes drawing air
from an external volume with an air plenum, and outputting, with
one or more primary fuel nozzles, a gaseous fuel into the air
moving through the air plenum and into the combustion volume. In
one embodiment, the method 600 further includes drawing ambient air
from the external volume with the air plenum via natural draft. In
another embodiment, the method 600 further includes drawing
pressurized air from the external volume with the air plenum via a
blower. Additionally and/or alternatively, the method 600 further
includes causing a majority of combustion to occur in the
combustion volume between the upstream end and the downstream end.
In another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are
designed such that the combustion location is independent of nozzle
location.
[0076] According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is
formed as discontinuous segments. Additionally and/or
alternatively, the trapped vortex channel is formed as
discontinuous segments around a periphery of the refractory
combustor body. In one embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is
formed as discontinuous segments around a center of the refractory
combustor body.
[0077] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various
aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of
illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true
scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *