Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel and improved device and method for securing a combustion liner within a gas turbine combustor. The improved configuration comprises a plurality of equally spaced support tab assemblies secured about the combustion liner and positioned radially outward of the combustion zone. The support tab assemblies comprise parallel liner tabs which provide increased flexibility, greater structural support, and lower operating stresses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel and improved apparatus and method for reducing the emissions of a gas turbine combustion system. More specifically, a combustion system is provided having a first combustion chamber and a premixer positioned proximate an outlet end of a combustion liner for mixing a second fuel/air mixture with hot combustion gases and burning the subsequent mixture to achieve reduced emissions levels. The premixer is positioned generally about the combustion liner and includes a plurality of channels and fuel injectors for introducing a fuel/air mixture, induced with a swirl, into a second, axially staged combustor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and way for controlling a velocity of a fuel-air mixture entering a gas turbine combustion system. The apparatus comprises a hemispherical dome assembly which directs a fuel-air mixture along a portion of the outer wall of a combustion liner and turns the fuel-air mixture to enter the combustion liner in a manner coaxial to the combustor axis and radially outward of a pilot fuel nozzle so as to regulate the velocity of the fuel-air mixture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and method for operating a gas turbine combustor having a structural configuration proximate a pilot region of the combustor which seeks to minimize the onset of thermo acoustic dynamics. The pilot region of the combustor includes a generally cylindrical extension having an outlet end with an irregular profile which incorporates asymmetries into the system so as to destroy any coherent structures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel way of controlling a gas turbine engine using detected temperatures and detected turbine rotor speed. An operating system provides a series of operating modes for a gas turbine combustor through which fuel is staged to gradually increase engine power, yet harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide, are kept within acceptable levels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel and improved apparatus and method for reducing the emissions of a gas turbine combustion system. More specifically, a combustion system is provided having a first combustion chamber and a premixer positioned proximate an outlet end of a combustion liner for mixing a second fuel/air mixture with hot combustion gases and burning the subsequent mixture to achieve reduced emissions levels. The premixer is positioned generally about the combustion liner and includes a plurality of channels and fuel injectors for introducing a fuel/air mixture, induced with a swirl, into a second, axially staged combustor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel way of controlling a gas turbine engine to reduce emissions levels when demand for power from the gas turbine engine is reduced. The operating system provides a series of operating modes for a gas turbine combustor through which fuel is staged to gradually increase engine power, yet harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide are kept within acceptable levels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel and improved device and method for securing a combustion liner within a gas turbine combustor. The improved configuration comprises a plurality of equally spaced support tab assemblies secured about the combustion liner and positioned radially outward of the combustion zone. The support tab assemblies comprise parallel liner tabs which provide increased flexibility, greater structural support, and lower operating stresses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and method for operating a gas turbine combustor having a structural configuration proximate a pilot region of the combustor which seeks to minimize the onset of thermo acoustic dynamics. The pilot region of the combustor includes a generally cylindrical extension having an outlet end with an irregular profile which incorporates asymmetries into the system so as to destroy any coherent structures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and way for altering the airflow to a gas turbine combustion system. The apparatus comprises a flow divider mechanism which splits the airflow surrounding a combustion liner into two distinct portions, one directed towards a pilot and one directed towards a main stage combustion. The flow divider mechanism is interchangeable so as to provide a way of altering airflow splits between stages of the combustion system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and method for a mixing fuel and air in a gas turbine combustion system. The mixer helps to mix fuel and air while being able to selectively increase the fuel flow to a shear to a shear layer of a pilot flame in order to reduce polluting emissions. The mixer directs a flow of air radially inward into the combustion system and includes two sets of fuel injectors within each radially-oriented vane. A first plurality of fuel injectors operate independent of a second plurality of fuel injectors and the second plurality of fuel injectors are positioned to selectively modulate the fuel flow to the shear layer of the resulting pilot flame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and way for controlling a velocity of a fuel-air mixture entering a gas turbine combustion system. The apparatus comprises a hemispherical dome assembly which directs a fuel-air mixture along a portion of the outer wall of a combustion liner and turns the fuel-air mixture to enter the combustion liner in a manner coaxial to the combustor axis and radially outward of a pilot fuel nozzle so as to regulate the velocity of the fuel-air mixture.

Abstract: A transition duct having a panel assembly with an inlet end of generally circular cross section and an outlet end having a generally rectangular arc-like cross section is disclosed. The panel assembly has an uncoated internal profile substantially in accordance with coordinate values X, Y, and Z as set forth in Table 1. The coordinates are taken at a sweep angle ? wherein ? is an angle measured from the inlet end and X, Y, and Z are coordinates defining the panel assembly profile at each angle ? from the inlet end. An alternate embodiment is also disclosed defining an envelope for the uncoated internal profile of the panel assembly.

Abstract: A sealing device for use between a gas turbine combustor transition duct aft frame and a turbine inlet having improved durability, reduced wear on the mating turbine vane, and reduced manufacturing costs, is disclosed. The sealing device has a circumferential length, an axial width, and a radial height and contains a plurality of channels extending axially along the seal inner surface for passing a controlled amount of cooling air to a turbine inlet. The sealing device is formed of abradable honeycomb having a plurality of honeycomb cells with the honeycomb cells oriented to ensure maximum control against cooling air leakage while also providing maximum flexibility during assembly. The sealing device is captured between the transition duct aft frame, bulkhead, and turbine vane platform, thereby allowing easy replacement of the seal without requiring major disassembly of the transition duct aft frame section.

Abstract: An improved sealing device for use between a transition duct aft frame and turbine inlet is disclosed. The improved sealing device includes a plurality of corrugated metal seals that are secured to the transition duct aft frame along the arc-like sections of the aft frame. The corrugated seals contact both the transition duct aft frame and turbine inlet to provide a more effective seal and to control the amount of compressor discharge air introduced to cool the turbine vane platforms. In the preferred embodiment, the corrugated seals are coated to reduce wear, fretting, and galling and are used in conjunction with a transition duct thermally free aft frame and pivot bearing mounting system. An alternate embodiment of the seal is also disclosed that utilizes an alternate cooling hole pattern for providing additional cooling air to the turbine vane platform.