Laminar Flamelet Based NOx Predictions for Gas Turbine Combustors

Author(s):  
Mohan Sripathi ◽  
Sundar Krishnaswami ◽  
Allen M. Danis ◽  
Shih-Yang Hsieh

Stringent emissions regulations have led engine manufacturers to focus on fuel-efficient low emission technologies. Basic understanding and modeling of fundamental mechanisms governing formation and destruction of NOx, CO and UHC is essential to reduce pollutant emissions. Recent advances in turbulent combustion modeling have enabled designers to use CFD as a design tool for evaluating low emission concepts at the conceptual design phase. Prediction of pollutant NOx for gas turbine combustors has proven successful for design validation applications. The challenge is to provide quick and accurate estimates of NOx for application to gas turbine combustor preliminary design phase, which can be characterized by multiple design changes, varying operating conditions and a variety of fuel staging concepts. NOx formation processes are typically slow compared to the fast hydrocarbon oxidation reactions. As a result, NOx predictions are typically performed as a post-processing step on thermal field obtained from reacting flow simulations. This work builds on prior work on flamelet approach [1,3] by suitably blending it with FLUENT®’s species transport. NOx production within gas turbine combustors has contributions from two major sources: flame front & post-flame thermal NO. The flame front contributions are obtained from flamelet based computations involving detailed chemistry whereas the slow evolution of post-flame NOx is tracked by explicitly solving for NO species transport. The closure of turbulence-chemistry-interactions is derived from Girimaji’s [2] assumed PDF closure using temperature-composition correlations. A Gaussian PDF shape is used with mean and variance of temperatures accounting for the first and second moments, required for PDF weighting computations. The formulation has been validated against SANDIA D flame, and then extended to GE Aviation’s fielded combustors over a wide range of operating conditions, with errors within 11% at Take-Off condition. The model has also been used for pre-test predictions on a number of combustors under development.

Author(s):  
Riccardo Da Soghe ◽  
Bruno Facchini ◽  
Luca Innocenti ◽  
Mirko Micio

Reliable design of secondary air system is one of the main tasks for the safety, unfailing and performance of gas turbine engines. To meet the increasing demands of gas turbines design, improved tools in prediction of the secondary air system behavior over a wide range of operating conditions are needed. A real gas turbine secondary air system includes several components, therefore its analysis is not carried out through a complete CFD approach. Usually, that predictions are performed using codes, based on simplified approach which allows to evaluate the flow characteristics in each branch of the air system requiring very poor computational resources and few calculation time. Generally the available simplified commercial packages allow to correctly solve only some of the components of a real air system and often the elements with a more complex flow structure cannot be studied; among such elements, the analysis of rotating cavities is very hard. This paper deals with a design-tool developed at the University of Florence for the simulation of rotating cavities. This simplified in-house code solves the governing equations for steady one-dimensional axysimmetric flow using experimental correlations both to incorporate flow phenomena caused by multidimensional effects, like heat transfer and flow field losses, and to evaluate the circumferential component of velocity. Although this calculation approach does not enable a correct modeling of the turbulent flow within a wheel space cavity, the authors tried to create an accurate model taking into account the effects of inner and outer flow extraction, rotor and stator drag, leakages, injection momentum and, finally, the shroud/rim seal effects on cavity ingestion. The simplified calculation tool was designed to simulate the flow in a rotating cavity with radial outflow both with a Batchelor and/or Stewartson flow structures. A primary 1D-code testing campaign is available in the literature [1]. In the present paper the authors develop, using CFD tools, reliable correlations for both stator and rotor friction coefficients and provide a full 1D-code validation comparing, due to lack of experimental data, the in house design-code predictions with those evaluated by CFD.


2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Pourfarzaneh ◽  
A. Hajilouy-Benisi ◽  
M. Farshchi

AbstractIn the conceptual design phase of a turbocharger, where emphasis is mainly on parametric studies, before manufacturing and tests, a generalized and robust model that implies over a wide range properly, is unavoidable. The critical inputs such as compressor maps are not available during the conceptual design phase. Hence, generalized compressor models use alternate methods that work without any supplementary tests and can operate on wide range. One of the common and applicable modeling methods in design process is the ‘Dimensionless Modeling’ using the constant coefficient scaling (CCS). This method almost can predict the compressor characteristics at design point. However, at off design conditions, error goes up as mass flow and speed parameters increase. Therefore, the results are not reliable at these points. In this paper, a variable coefficient scaling (VCS) method is described. Then, a centrifugal compressor is modeled using the VCS method. To evaluate the model and compare it with the experimental results, some supplementary experiments are performed. Experimental studies are carried out on the compressor of a S2B model of the Schwitzer turbocharger in the turbocharger Lab., at Sharif University of Technology. The comparison between the experimental results and those obtained by the VCS method indicates a good agreement. It also suggests that the present model can be used as an effective design tool for all operating conditions.


Author(s):  
Yeshayahou Levy ◽  
G. Arvind Rao ◽  
Valery Sherbaum

Flameless combustion is one of the most promising technologies that can meet the stringent demands of reduced pollution and increased reliability in future gas turbine engines. Although this new combustion technology has been successfully applied to industrial furnaces, there are inherent problems that prevent application of this promising technology in a gas turbine combustor. One of the main problems is the need for recirculating large amount of burnt gases with low oxygen content, within limited volume, and over a wide range of operating conditions. In the present paper, thermodynamic analysis of a novel combustion methodology operating in the flameless combustion regime for a gas turbine combustor is carried out from the first principles, with an objective to reduce oxygen concentration and temperature in the primary combustion zone. The present analysis shows that unlike in the conventional gas turbine combustor, transferring heat from primary combustion zone to secondary (annulus) cooling air can substantially reduce oxygen concentration in reactants and the combustion temperature, thus reducing NOx formation by a large margin. In addition, to reduce the peak temperature, the proposed methodology is conceptualised / designed such that energy from fuel is released in two steps, hence reducing the peak flame temperature substantially. The new proposed methodology with internal conjugate heat transfer is compared vis-a`-vis to other existing schemes and the benefits are brought out explicitly. It is found that transferring heat from the combustion zone reduces oxygen concentration and increases carbon-dioxide concentration in the combustor, thus creating an environment conducive for flameless combustion. In addition, a schematic of a practical engineering design working on the new proposed methodology is presented. This new methodology, which calls for transfer of heat from the primary combustion zone to alternative air streams, is expected to change the way gas turbine combustors will be designed in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhui Li ◽  
Huaxin Zhu ◽  
Min Zhu ◽  
Gang Zhao ◽  
Xiaofeng Wei

Abstract Conventional physics-based or experimental-based approaches for gas turbine combustion tuning are time consuming and cost intensive. Recent advances in data analytics provide an alternative method. In this paper, we present a cross-disciplinary study on the combustion tuning of an F-class gas turbine that combines machine learning with physics understanding. An artificial-neural-network-based (ANN) model is developed to predict the combustion performance (outputs), including NOx emissions, combustion dynamics, combustor vibrational acceleration, and turbine exhaust temperature. The inputs of the ANN model are identified by analyzing the key operating variables that impact the combustion performance, such as the pilot and the premixed fuel flow, and the inlet guide vane angle. The ANN model is trained by field data from an F-class gas turbine power plant. The trained model is able to describe the combustion performance at an acceptable accuracy in a wide range of operating conditions. In combination with the genetic algorithm, the model is applied to optimize the combustion performance of the gas turbine. Results demonstrate that the data-driven method offers a promising alternative for combustion tuning at a low cost and fast turn-around.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Pampaloni ◽  
Antonio Andreini ◽  
Alessandro Marini ◽  
Giovanni Riccio ◽  
Gianni Ceccherini

Abstract Thermoacoustic characterization of gas turbine combustion systems is of primary importance for successful development of gas turbine technology, to meet the stringent targets on pollutant emissions. In this context, it becomes more and more necessary to develop reliable tools to be used in the industrial design process. The dynamics of a lean-premixed full-annular combustor for heavy-duty applications has been numerically studied in this work. The well-established CFD-SI method has been used to investigate the flame response varying operational parameters such as the flame temperature (global equivalence ratio) and the fuel split between premixed and pilot fuel injections: such a wide range experimental characterization represents an opportunity to validate the employed numerical methods and to give a deeper insight into the flame dynamics. URANS simulations have been performed, due to their affordable computational costs from the industrial perspective, after validating their accuracy through the comparison against LES results. Furthermore, an approach where the pilot and the premixed flame responses are analyzed separately is proposed, exploiting the independence of their evolution. The calculated FTFs have been implemented in a 3D FEM model of the chamber, in order to perform linear stability analysis and to validate the numerical approach. A boundary condition for rotational periodicity based on Bloch-Wave theory has been implemented into the Helmholtz solver and validated against full-annular chamber simulations, allowing a significant reduction in computational time. The reliability of the numerical procedure has been assessed through the comparison against full-annular experimental results.


2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip L. Andrew ◽  
Harika S. Kahveci

Avoiding aerodynamic separation and excessive shock losses in gas turbine turbomachinery components can reduce fuel usage and thus reduce operating cost. In order to achieve this, blading designs should be made robust to a wide range of operating conditions. Consequently, a design tool is needed—one that can be executed quickly for each of many operating conditions and on each of several design sections, which will accurately capture loss, turning, and loading. This paper presents the validation of a boundary layer code, MISES, versus experimental data from a 2D linear cascade approximating the performance of a moderately loaded mid-pitch section from a modern aircraft high-pressure turbine. The validation versus measured loading, turning, and total pressure loss is presented for a range of exit Mach numbers from ≈0.5 to 1.2 and across a range of incidence from −10 deg to +14.5 deg relative to design incidence.


Author(s):  
E. Benvenuti ◽  
B. Innocenti ◽  
R. Modi

This paper outlines parameter selection criteria and major procedures used in the PGT 25 gas turbine power spool aerodynamic design; significant results of the shop full-load tests are also illustrated with reference to both overall performance and internal flow-field measurements. A major aero-design objective was established as that of achieving the highest overall performance levels possible with the matching to latest generation aero-derivative gas generators; therefore, high efficiencies were set as a target both for the design point and for a wide range of operating conditions, to optimize the turbine’s uses in mechanical drive applications. Furthermore, the design was developed to reach the performance targets in conjunction with the availability of a nominal shaft speed optimized for the direct drive of pipeline booster centrifugal compressors. The results of the full-load performance testing of the first unit, equipped with a General Electric LM 2500/30 gas generator, showed full attainment of the design objectives; a maximum overall thermal efficiency exceeding 37% at nominal rating and a wide operating flexibility with regard to both efficiency and power were demonstrated.


Author(s):  
S. James ◽  
M. S. Anand ◽  
B. Sekar

The paper presents an assessment of large eddy simulation (LES) and conventional Reynolds averaged methods (RANS) for predicting aero-engine gas turbine combustor performance. The performance characteristic that is examined in detail is the radial burner outlet temperature (BOT) or fuel-air ratio profile. Several different combustor configurations, with variations in airflows, geometries, hole patterns and operating conditions are analyzed with both LES and RANS methods. It is seen that LES consistently produces a better match to radial profile as compared to RANS. To assess the predictive capability of LES as a design tool, pretest predictions of radial profile for a combustor configuration are also presented. Overall, the work presented indicates that LES is a more accurate tool and can be used with confidence to guide combustor design. This work is the first systematic assessment of LES versus RANS on industry-relevant aero-engine gas turbine combustors.


Author(s):  
George Rocha ◽  
Simon Reynolds ◽  
Theresa Brown

Solar Turbines Incorporated has combined proven technology and product experience to develop the new Taurus 65 gas turbine for industrial power generation applications. The single-shaft engine is designed to produce 6.3 megawatts of electrical power with a 33% thermal efficiency at ISO operating conditions. Selection of the final engine operating cycle was based on extensive aerodynamic-cycle studies to achieve optimum output performance with increased exhaust heat capacity for combined heat and power installations. The basic engine configuration features an enhanced version of the robust Centaur®50 air compressor coupled to a newly designed three-stage turbine similar to the Taurus 70 turbine design. Advanced cooling technology and materials are used in the dry, lean-premix annular combustor, consistent with Solar’s proven SoLoNOx™ combustion technology, capable of reducing pollutant emissions while operating on standard natural gas or diesel liquid fuels. Like the Titan™ 130 and Taurus 70 products, a traditional design philosophy has been applied in development of the Taurus 65 gas turbine by utilizing existing components, common technology and product experience to minimize risk, lower cost and maximize durability. A comprehensive factory test plan and extended field evaluation program was used to validate the design integrity and demonstrate product durability prior to full market introduction.


Author(s):  
R. Friso ◽  
N. Casari ◽  
M. Pinelli ◽  
A. Suman ◽  
F. Montomoli

Abstract Gas turbines (GT) are often forced to operate in harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, the presence of particles in their flow-path is expected. With this regard, deposition is a problem that severely affects gas turbine operation. Components’ lifetime and performance can dramatically vary as a consequence of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, the operating conditions of the machine can vary in a wide range, and they cannot be treated as deterministic. Their stochastic variations greatly affect the forecasting of life and performance of the components. In this work, the main parameters considered affected by the uncertainty are the circumferential hot core location and the turbulence level at the inlet of the domain. A stochastic analysis is used to predict the degradation of a high-pressure-turbine (HPT) nozzle due to particulate ingestion. The GT’s component analyzed as a reference is the HPT nozzle of the Energy-Efficient Engine (E3). The uncertainty quantification technique used is the probabilistic collocation method (PCM). This work shows the impact of the operating conditions uncertainties on the performance and lifetime reduction due to deposition. Sobol indices are used to identify the most important parameter and its contribution to life. The present analysis enables to build confidence intervals on the deposit profile and on the residual creep-life of the vane.


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