Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flashback occurrences in a premixed combustor system having at least one fuel nozzle includes at least one photodetector and at least one fiber optic element coupled between the at least one photodetector and a test region of the combustor system wherein a respective flame of the fuel nozzle is not present under normal operating conditions. A signal processor monitors a signal of the photodetector. The fiber optic element can include at least one optical fiber positioned within a protective tube. The fiber optic element can include two fiber optic elements coupled to the test region. The optical fiber and the protective tube can have lengths sufficient to situate the photodetector outside of an engine compartment.

Abstract: A combustor comprises an outer combustor casing defining a plurality of circumferentially adjoining combustion chambers. Each combustion chamber comprises a dome at an upstream end and an outlet at a downstream end. A plurality of pre-mixers are joined to the combustor dome of each respective combustion chamber. The pre-mixers comprise a duct having an inlet at one end for receiving compressed air, an outlet at an opposite end disposed in flow communication with the combustion chamber and a swirler disposed in the duct adjacent the duct inlet for swirling air channeled therethrough. A fuel injector is provided for injecting fuel into the pre-mixer ducts and for mixing with the air in the ducts for flow into the combustion chamber to generate a combustion flame at the duct outlets.

Abstract: A combustor comprises an outer combustor casing defining a plurality of circumferentially adjoining combustion chambers. Each combustion chamber comprises a dome at an upstream end and an outlet at a downstream end. A plurality of pre-mixers are joined to the combustor dome of each respective combustion chamber. The pre-mixers comprise a duct having an inlet at one end for receiving compressed air, an outlet at an opposite end disposed in flow communication with the combustion chamber and a swirler disposed in the duct adjacent the duct inlet for swirling air channeled therethrough. A fuel injector is provided for injecting fuel into the pre-mixer ducts and for mixing with the air in the ducts for flow into the combustion chamber to generate a combustion flame at the duct outlets.

Abstract: A low NOx combustor and method improve dynamic stability of a combustion flame fed by a fuel and air mixture. The combustor includes a chamber having a dome at one end thereof to which are joined a plurality of premixers. Each premixer includes a duct with a swirler therein for swirling air, and a plurality of fuel injectors for injecting fuel into the swirled air for flow into the combustion chamber to generate a combustion flame therein. The fuel injectors are axially staged at different axial distances from the dome to uncouple the fuel from combustion to reduce dynamic pressure amplitude of the combustion flame.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed in general to combustors for gas turbines and, more specifically, to a hybrid can-annular combustor for axial staging in low NOx Combustion. In a preferred embodiment, the instant invention uses premixing stages at different axial positions to carry out axial staging of the heat release for increased operability, where the combustor has a first premixing means for injecting a fuel-air mixture into a can-type configuration for providing the advantages of a can-type combustor for low-load and/or low-temperature conditions and a second premixing means for injecting a fuel-air mixture into an annular-type configuration for providing the advantages of an annular-type combustor for high load and/or high temperature conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flashback occurrences in a premixed combustor system having at least one fuel nozzle includes at least one photodetector and at least one fiber optic element coupled between the at least one photodetector and a test region of the combustor system wherein a respective flame of the fuel nozzle is not present under normal operating conditions. A signal processor monitors a signal of the photodetector. The fiber optic element can include at least one optical fiber positioned within a protective tube. The fiber optic element can include two fiber optic elements coupled to the test region. The optical fiber and the protective tube can have lengths sufficient to situate the photodetector outside of an engine compartment.

Abstract: A low NOx combustor and method improve dynamic stability of a combustion flame fed by a fuel and air mixture. The combustor includes a chamber having a dome at one end thereof to which are joined a plurality of premixers. Each premixer includes a duct with a swirler therein for swirling air, and a plurality of fuel injectors for injecting fuel into the swirled air for flow into the combustion chamber to generate a combustion flame therein. The fuel injectors are axially staged at different axial distances from the dome to uncouple the fuel from combustion to reduce dynamic pressure amplitude of the combustion flame.

Abstract: This invention relates to low NOx combustor burners of the type that employ an irregular edge at the edge of the center hub of the combustor burner. Such structures of this type, generally, reduce the strength of combustion instabilities by disrupting the coherent vortices shed from the center hub section of the burner.