Patents by Inventor Eric John Stevens
Eric John Stevens has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11788725Abstract: A trapped vortex combustor for use in a gas turbine engine includes an outer vortex chamber wall and a dome attached to, or formed integrally with, the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome, the outer vortex chamber wall, or both define at least in part an outer trapped vortex chamber and a channel. The channel extends along the circumferential direction at a forward end of the outer vortex chamber wall, the channel configured to receive an airflow through or around the outer vortex chamber wall, the dome, or both and provide such airflow as a continuous annular airflow to the inner surface of the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome further defines a fuel nozzle opening, with all openings in the dome outward of the fuel nozzle opening along the radial direction, excepting any effusion cooling holes having a diameter less than about 0.035 inches, being in airflow communication with the channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Beverly Stephenson Duncan, Steven Joseph Lohmueller, Eric John Stevens
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Patent number: 11561008Abstract: Fuel nozzle assemblies are provided. For example, a fuel nozzle assembly for a combustor system comprises a fuel nozzle having a pilot swirler and an outlet defined in an outlet end, as well as a main mixer attached to the outlet end and extending about the outlet. A total combustor airflow through the combustor system comprises a pilot swirler airflow that is greater than about 14% and a main mixer airflow that is less than about 50% of the total combustor airflow. In further embodiments, the fuel nozzle also comprises main and pilot fuel injectors that each are configured to receive a portion of a fuel flow to the fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle provides less than about 80% of the fuel flow to the main fuel injector at a high power operating condition of a gas turbine engine in which the fuel nozzle assembly is installed.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Eric John Stevens, Mark David Durbin, Randall Charles Boehm, Michael Anthony Benjamin, Beverly Stephenson Duncan, Jeffrey Lyal Powell
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Patent number: 11480338Abstract: Combustor systems are provided. For example, a combustor system comprises a combustor having forward and aft ends and including annular inner and outer liners that each extend generally along an axial direction and define a combustion chamber therebetween. The combustor system also comprises a fuel nozzle having an outlet defined in an outlet end of the fuel nozzle and including a pilot swirler. The outlet is positioned at the forward end of the combustor to direct a fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber. The combustor system further comprises a main mixer attached to the outlet end of the fuel nozzle and extending about the outlet. A total combustor airflow through the combustor comprises a pilot swirler airflow that is greater than about 14% of the total combustor airflow and a main mixer airflow that is less than about 50% of the total combustor airflow.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Eric John Stevens, Mark David Durbin, David Louis Burrus
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Publication number: 20220090788Abstract: A trapped vortex combustor for use in a gas turbine engine includes an outer vortex chamber wall and a dome attached to, or formed integrally with, the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome, the outer vortex chamber wall, or both define at least in part an outer trapped vortex chamber and a channel. The channel extends along the circumferential direction at a forward end of the outer vortex chamber wall, the channel configured to receive an airflow through or around the outer vortex chamber wall, the dome, or both and provide such airflow as a continuous annular airflow to the inner surface of the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome further defines a fuel nozzle opening, with all openings in the dome outward of the fuel nozzle opening along the radial direction, excepting any effusion cooling holes having a diameter less than about 0.035 inches, being in airflow communication with the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Beverly Stephenson Duncan, Steven Joseph Lohmueller, Eric John Stevens
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Patent number: 11262073Abstract: A trapped vortex combustor for use in a gas turbine engine includes an outer vortex chamber wall and a dome attached to, or formed integrally with, the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome, the outer vortex chamber wall, or both define at least in part an outer trapped vortex chamber and a channel. The channel extends along the circumferential direction at a forward end of the outer vortex chamber wall, the channel configured to receive an airflow through or around the outer vortex chamber wall, the dome, or both and provide such airflow as a continuous annular airflow to the inner surface of the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome further defines a fuel nozzle opening, with all openings in the dome outward of the fuel nozzle opening along the radial direction, excepting any effusion cooling holes having a diameter less than about 0.035 inches, being in airflow communication with the channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Beverly Stephenson Duncan, Eric John Stevens, Steven Joseph Lohmueller
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Publication number: 20220042684Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a combustion system to attenuate combustion dynamics. The method includes flowing, via a compressor section, an overall supply of air to the combustion system; flowing, via a fuel supply system, an overall flow of fuel to the combustion system; flowing, to a first fuel nozzle of the combustion system, a first supply of fuel defining a richer burning fuel-air mixture at the first fuel nozzle; flowing, to a second fuel nozzle of the combustion system, a second supply of fuel defining a leaner burning fuel-air mixture at the second fuel nozzle; and igniting the richer burning fuel-air mixture and the leaner burning fuel-air mixture to produce an overall fuel-air ratio at a combustion chamber of the combustion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Allen Michael Danis, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Nicholas Ryan Overman, Kent Hamilton Lyle, Eric John Stevens, Scott Matthew Bush
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Patent number: 11221143Abstract: A combustor assembly comprising a deflector wall in which a plurality of openings is defined through the deflector wall and around the fuel nozzle opening. The plurality of openings defines a first set of openings at a first radius, a second set of openings at or greater than a second radius greater than the first radius, and a third set of openings at one or more of a third radius between the first radius and the second radius. The first set of openings defines one or more of a first angle relative to the radial direction between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 100 degrees. The second set of openings defines one or more of a second angle between approximately zero and approximately 30 degrees. The third set of openings defines one or more of a third angle between the first angle and the second angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Eric John Stevens, Allen Michael Danis
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Patent number: 11181274Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a combustion system to attenuate combustion dynamics. The method includes flowing, via a compressor section, an overall supply of air to the combustion system; flowing, via a fuel supply system, an overall flow of fuel to the combustion system; flowing, to a first fuel nozzle of the combustion system, a first supply of fuel defining a richer burning fuel-air mixture at the first fuel nozzle; flowing, to a second fuel nozzle of the combustion system, a second supply of fuel defining a leaner burning fuel-air mixture at the second fuel nozzle; and igniting the richer burning fuel-air mixture and the leaner burning fuel-air mixture to produce an overall fuel-air ratio at a combustion chamber of the combustion system.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Allen Michael Danis, Scott Matthew Bush, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Nicholas Ryan Overman, Kent Hamilton Lyle, Eric John Stevens
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Patent number: 11149948Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a combustor system including a fuel nozzle comprising a main fuel injector defining an angled main injection port. Each angled main injection port defines an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end is oriented downstream relative to the inlet end at an angle relative to a centerline axis of the fuel nozzle. The angled main injection port permits egress of fuel from a main fuel circuit to the combustion chamber. The fuel nozzle further defines a radial main injection port. The outlet end is oriented along an axial direction approximately equal relative to the inlet end and radially outward thereof relative to the centerline axis. The radial main injection port is extended perpendicular relative to the centerline axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Eric John Stevens, Mark David Durbin, Randall Charles Boehm
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Publication number: 20210317990Abstract: Various embodiments include a trapped vortex combustor and a method for operating trapped vortex combustor. In one embodiment, the trapped vortex combustor comprises a trapped vortex combustion zone and at least one secondary combustion zone disposed downstream of the trapped vortex combustion zone. The trapped vortex combustion zone is operable to receive and combust a first fuel and a first air and produce a first combustion product flowing toroidally therein. The at least one secondary combustion zone is operable to receive and combust the first combustion product and at least one second injection consisting of fuel and/or air and produce at least one second combustion product therein. The combustor may reduce the residence time of the highest temperature combustion products and achieve the lower NOx emission.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Gregory Allen Boardman, Michael Anthony Benjamin, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Joseph Zelina, Eric John Stevens
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Patent number: 11073286Abstract: Various embodiments include a trapped vortex combustor and a method for operating trapped vortex combustor. In one embodiment, the trapped vortex combustor comprises a trapped vortex combustion zone and at least one secondary combustion zone disposed downstream of the trapped vortex combustion zone. The trapped vortex combustion zone is operable to receive and combust a first fuel and a first air and produce a first combustion product flowing toroidally therein. The at least one secondary combustion zone is operable to receive and combust the first combustion product and at least one second injection consisting of fuel and/or air and produce at least one second combustion product therein. The combustor may reduce the residence time of the highest temperature combustion products and achieve the lower NOx emission.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Gregory Allen Boardman, Michael Anthony Benjamin, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Joseph Zelina, Eric John Stevens
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Patent number: 10823422Abstract: A trapped vortex combustor for use in a gas turbine engine defines a radial direction, an axial direction, and a circumferential direction. The trapped vortex combustor includes an outer vortex chamber wall defining a forward end, and a dome attached to, or formed integrally with, the outer vortex chamber wall at the forward end of the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome and outer vortex chamber wall define at least in part a combustion chamber having an outer trapped vortex chamber. The dome includes an air chute defining an airflow direction. The radial direction and axial direction of the trapped vortex combustor define a reference plane extending through the air chute, the airflow direction of the air chute defining an angle greater than zero with the reference plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Arthur Wesley Johnson, Joseph Zelina, Eric John Stevens, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Beverly Stephenson Duncan, Juntao Zhang
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Patent number: 10801726Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine. The combustor assembly includes a deflector wall, an annular axial wall, and an annular shroud. The deflector wall is extended at least partially along a radial direction and a circumferential direction relative to an axial centerline and adjacent to a combustion chamber. A fuel nozzle opening is defined through the deflector wall, and a nozzle centerline is extended through the fuel nozzle opening along a lengthwise direction. The annular axial wall is coupled to the deflector wall and extended through the fuel nozzle opening. The axial wall is defined around the nozzle centerline. The annular shroud is defined around the nozzle centerline and extended co-directional to the axial wall. The axial wall and the annular shroud are each coupled to a radial wall defined upstream of the deflector wall. The annular shroud, the axial wall, and the radial wall together define a cooling plenum therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric John Stevens, Allen Michael Danis, Ravi Chandra, Jayanth Sekar, Perumallu Vukanti
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Publication number: 20190234615Abstract: A combustor assembly comprising a deflector wall in which a plurality of openings is defined through the deflector wall and around the fuel nozzle opening. The plurality of openings defines a first set of openings at a first radius, a second set of openings at or greater than a second radius greater than the first radius, and a third set of openings at one or more of a third radius between the first radius and the second radius. The first set of openings defines one or more of a first angle relative to the radial direction between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 100 degrees. The second set of openings defines one or more of a second angle between approximately zero and approximately 30 degrees. The third set of openings defines one or more of a third angle between the first angle and the second angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Eric John Stevens, Allen Michael Danis
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Publication number: 20190113235Abstract: A trapped vortex combustor for use in a gas turbine engine defines a radial direction, an axial direction, and a circumferential direction. The trapped vortex combustor includes an outer vortex chamber wall defining a forward end, and a dome attached to, or formed integrally with, the outer vortex chamber wall at the forward end of the outer vortex chamber wall. The dome and outer vortex chamber wall define at least in part a combustion chamber having an outer trapped vortex chamber. The dome includes an air chute defining an airflow direction. The radial direction and axial direction of the trapped vortex combustor define a reference plane extending through the air chute, the airflow direction of the air chute defining an angle greater than zero with the reference plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2017Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Arthur Wesley Johnson, Joseph Zelina, Eric John Stevens, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Beverly Stephenson Duncan, Juntao Zhang
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Publication number: 20190086088Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine. The combustor assembly includes a deflector wall, an annular axial wall, and an annular shroud. The deflector wall is extended at least partially along a radial direction and a circumferential direction relative to an axial centerline and adjacent to a combustion chamber. A fuel nozzle opening is defined through the deflector wall, and a nozzle centerline is extended through the fuel nozzle opening along a lengthwise direction. The annular axial wall is coupled to the deflector wall and extended through the fuel nozzle opening. The axial wall is defined around the nozzle centerline. The annular shroud is defined around the nozzle centerline and extended co-directional to the axial wall. The axial wall and the annular shroud are each coupled to a radial wall defined upstream of the deflector wall. The annular shroud, the axial wall, and the radial wall together define a cooling plenum therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Eric John Stevens, Allen Michael Danis, Ravi Chandra, Jayanth Sekar, Perumallu Vukanti
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Publication number: 20190086092Abstract: Various embodiments include a trapped vortex combustor and a method for operating trapped vortex combustor. In one embodiment, the trapped vortex combustor comprises a trapped vortex combustion zone and at least one secondary combustion zone disposed downstream of the trapped vortex combustion zone. The trapped vortex combustion zone is operable to receive and combust a first fuel and a first air and produce a first combustion product flowing toroidally therein. The at least one secondary combustion zone is operable to receive and combust the first combustion product and at least one second injection consisting of fuel and/or air and produce at least one second combustion product therein. The combustor may reduce the residence time of the highest temperature combustion products and achieve the lower NOx emission.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Gregory Allen Boardman, Michael Anthony Benjamin, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Joseph Zelina, Eric John Stevens
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Publication number: 20190063753Abstract: Fuel nozzle assemblies are provided. For example, a fuel nozzle assembly for a combustor system comprises a fuel nozzle having a pilot swirler and an outlet defined in an outlet end, as well as a main mixer attached to the outlet end and extending about the outlet. A total combustor airflow through the combustor system comprises a pilot swirler airflow that is greater than about 14% and a main mixer airflow that is less than about 50% of the total combustor airflow. In further embodiments, the fuel nozzle also comprises main and pilot fuel injectors that each are configured to receive a portion of a fuel flow to the fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle provides less than about 80% of the fuel flow to the main fuel injector at a high power operating condition of a gas turbine engine in which the fuel nozzle assembly is installed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Eric John Stevens, Mark David Durbin, Randall Charles Boehm, Michael Anthony Benjamin, Beverly Stephenson Duncan, Jeffrey Lyal Powell
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Publication number: 20190063752Abstract: Combustor systems are provided. For example, a combustor system comprises a combustor having forward and aft ends and including annular inner and outer liners that each extend generally along an axial direction and define a combustion chamber therebetween. The combustor system also comprises a fuel nozzle having an outlet defined in an outlet end of the fuel nozzle and including a pilot swirler. The outlet is positioned at the forward end of the combustor to direct a fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber. The combustor system further comprises a main mixer attached to the outlet end of the fuel nozzle and extending about the outlet. A total combustor airflow through the combustor comprises a pilot swirler airflow that is greater than about 14% of the total combustor airflow and a main mixer airflow that is less than about 50% of the total combustor airflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Eric John Stevens, Mark David Durbin, David Louis Burrus
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Publication number: 20190056114Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a combustion system to attenuate combustion dynamics. The method includes flowing, via a compressor section, an overall supply of air to the combustion system; flowing, via a fuel supply system, an overall flow of fuel to the combustion system; flowing, to a first fuel nozzle of the combustion system, a first supply of fuel defining a richer burning fuel-air mixture at the first fuel nozzle; flowing, to a second fuel nozzle of the combustion system, a second supply of fuel defining a leaner burning fuel-air mixture at the second fuel nozzle; and igniting the richer burning fuel-air mixture and the leaner burning fuel-air mixture to produce an overall fuel-air ratio at a combustion chamber of the combustion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Allen Michael Danis, Scott Matthew Bush, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Nicholas Ryan Overman, Kent Hamilton Lyle, Eric John Stevens