Experimental study of gas turbine combustion with elevated fuel temperatures

Heather K Wiest, Purdue University

Abstract

Many thermal management challenges have developed as advancements in gas turbine engine designs are made. As the thermal demands on gas turbine engines continue to increase, the heat sink available in the combustor fuel flow becomes more attractive. Increasing the temperature of fuel by using it as a heat sink can lead to higher combustion efficiency due to the increase in flow enthalpy and improved vaporization of the heated fuel. Emissions levels can also be affected by using heated fuels with the levels of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons tending to decrease while the amount of the oxides of nitrogen tends to increase. Although there are several benefits associated with using heated fuels in gas turbine engines, some problems can arise from their use including combustion instabilities, flashing within the fuel injector, and fuel coking or deposit formation within the fuel system. Various deoxygenation methods have been created to address the coking problem seen when using heated fuels. In the Gas Turbine Test Cell of the High Pressure Laboratory at Purdue University's Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories, a 5 MW combustion rig was developed to complete combustion test with heated fuels. The facility's supply systems including heated air, jet fuel, cooling water, and nitrogen were designed and integrated to produce simulated engine conditions within the combustion rig. Heating capabilities produced fuel temperatures ranging up to 600 deg F. Testing was completed with two fuel deoxygenation methods: nitrogen sparging and catalytic deoxygenation. Results from the testing campaign included conventional pressure, temperature, and fuel property measurements; however, the most important measurements were the emissions samples that were analyzed for each test condition. Levels of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen were determined as well as the combustion efficiency calculated from these emissions measurements. The trends in emissions and performance from the increase in fuel temperature will be discussed. In addition, high frequency pressure data were recorded during testing to monitor combustion instabilities. Fuel samples were also taken and analyzed to document the changes in the volatile composition of the fuel from the two deoxygenation methods. The testing campaign was extremely successful. All project objectives were met with the heated fuel testing campaign. The combustion rig was run safely with fuel temperature up to 600 deg F, allowing the effects of elevated fuel temperatures on the performance and emissions of a gas turbine combustor to be evaluated as planned.

Degree

M.S.E.

Advisors

Heister, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Aerospace engineering

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