Abstract: A combustor for use in a turbine engine including a compressor section, a combustion section downstream from the compressor section, and a turbine section downstream from the combustion section. An inner annulus wall extends from a burner end of the combustor to an outlet end of the combustor. An outer annulus wall is disposed outwardly from the inner annulus wall and extends from the burner end of the combustor to the outlet end of the combustor. A passageway is formed between the inner annulus wall and the outer annulus wall and extends from a combustion zone to the outlet end of the combustor. A plurality of symmetrically distributed section walls extends between the inner annulus wall and the outer annulus wall from the burner end of the combustor toward the outlet end of the combustor. The section walls divide the combustion zone into a plurality of segments.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus and duct structure for a gas turbine engine are provided. The combustion apparatus comprises a combustion system to receive fuel and air, ignite at least a portion of the fuel and air and output a stream of first combustion products and any remaining fuel and air. The combustion apparatus further comprises structure positioned adjacent to the combustion system for receiving and accelerating the first combustion products and any remaining fuel and air from the combustion system. The duct structure receives the first combustion products and any remaining fuel and air from the combustion apparatus, allows any remaining fuel and air to combust to generate second combustion products, accelerates the first and second combustion products and outputs the first and second combustion products to a first row blade assembly.

Abstract: A combustor arrangement for a gas turbine engine (31) has a split line (42) and a plurality of burners (20,37) arranged in an annular ring (40). The burners (46) of the combustor on either side of the split line (42) have a separation distance of at least two times the average separation distance between burners (48) distant from the split line (42).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seal for sealing a gap between transition sections of adjacent can annular combustors in a turbine engine such that the seal is usable in applications for sealing pressure drops of 0.5 bar or greater. The seal includes a plate configured to extend between adjacent transition sections and the plate may have at least one perforation extending from the front surface of the plate to the rear surface of plate. The seal further includes a porous matrix formed from materials capable of withstanding turbine combustion gas temperatures, wherein a portion of the porous matrix may be fixedly attached to a surface of the plate.

Abstract: The burner (1) for a gas turbine includes a duct (2) housing a plurality of tetrahedron shaped vortex generators (3) and a lance (4) to inject a fuel to be combusted. Within the duct (2), a plurality of vortex generators (3) are provided with a plurality of holes (9) for injecting cooling air. The cooling holes (9) define passing through areas that are non-uniformly distributed on a top wall (11) of the vortex generators (3). A method for locally cooling a hot gases flow passing through a burner includes non-uniformly injecting cooling air from a vortex generator into the hot gas flow in the duct, which can reduce the occurrence of flashback in the burner.

Abstract: One or more Helmholtz-type resonators (270) is/are provided at the junction (260) of a combustor (220) and a combustion chamber (240) of a gas turbine engine (100). In one embodiment, adjacent Helmholtz-type resonators (290, 291, 292), which may be separated by respective baffles (285), have different volumes that help provide for damping different undesired combustion-generated acoustic pressure waves. In some embodiments, a structural member (435) may be provided between adjacent Helmholtz-type resonators (425, 426, 427, 428) at the junction. At least one of the plurality of Helmholtz-type resonators comprises one or more inlet openings (480), and one or more exit openings (482). Embodiments (370, 425-429) are described in which Helmholtz-type resonators provided at the junction are enlarged in size using various approaches.

Abstract: One embodiment of a transition-to-turbine seal (300) comprises a first, flattened section (302) adapted to be received in a peripheral axial slot (320) of a transition (325), and a second, generally C-shaped section (301). The generally C-shaped section (301) comprises a flattened portion (305) near the first, flattened section (302), and a curved portion (306) extending to a free edge (307). A fiber metal strip component (309) may be attached to the flattened portion (305) to define a first engagement surface adapted to engage an upstream side (336) of an outer vane seal rail (337), and a second engagement surface 308, adjacent the free edge (307), provides an opposed wear surface adapted to engage a downstream side (338) of the outer vane seal rail (337). System embodiments also are described, in which such transition-to-turbine seal (300) is isolated from a hot gas path (350) by provision of a plurality of cooling apertures (327) in the transition (325).

Abstract: A method for assembling a combustor for use in a turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing at least one support leg, forming at least one opening in the support leg, wherein the at least one opening has a perimeter defined only by a plurality of non-linear segments, and coupling the support leg to the combustor.

Abstract: A highly durable, high-strength thermal shield element is provided for the interior lining of the combustion chamber of a gas turbine. For this purpose, the thermal shield element comprises a base produced from a solidified cast ceramic material into which a plurality of reinforcing elements are integrated, to increase the tensile strength of the thermal shield element.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided and includes a late lean injection (LLI) compatible combustor having a first interior in which a first fuel supplied thereto by a fuel circuit is combustible, a turbine, a transition zone, including a second interior in which a second fuel supplied thereto by the fuel circuit and the products of the combustion of the first fuel are combustible, the transition zone being disposed to fluidly couple the combustor and the turbine to one another, and a plurality of fuel injectors, which are structurally supported by the transition zone and coupled to the fuel circuit, and which are configured to supply the second fuel to the second interior in any one of a single axial stage, multiple axial stages, a single axial circumferential stage and multiple axial circumferential stages.

Abstract: A combustor-heat exchanger system comprising a plurality of cans. Each can includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder forming an annular space in between, wherein the inner cylinder is configured to receive and combust a fuel and compressed oxidant to generate heat and a hot gas. The outer cylinder is configured to receive a portion of a gas lean in carbon dioxide from a turbine system and utilize the heat from the inner cylinder to generate a heated gas. The combustor-heat exchanger further includes an inlet volute along the surface of the inner cylinder configured to receive the portion of the gas lean in carbon dioxide and distribute the gas lean in carbon dioxide into an axial flow through the annular space of each can.

Abstract: An arrangement for delivering gasses from can combustors of a can annular gas turbine combustion engine to a turbine first stage section including a first row of turbine blades, the arrangement including a flow-directing structure for each combustor, wherein each flow-directing structure includes a straight path and an annular chamber end, wherein the annular chamber ends together define an annular chamber for delivering the gas flow to the turbine first stage section, wherein gasses flow from respective combustors, through respective straight paths, and into the annular chamber as respective straight gas flows, and wherein the annular chamber is configured to unite the respective straight gas flows along respective shear planes to form a singular annular gas flow, and wherein the annular chamber is configured to impart circumferential motion to the singular annular gas flow before the singular annular gas flow exits the annular chamber to the first row of blades.

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 combustion system for an engine, such as a gas turbine engine is provided. The combustion system has a ceramic component, such as ceramic combustor liner, and at least one metal support component, such as a metal ring or a plurality of metal cones, for providing radial and axial support to the ceramic component. The at least one metal support component includes a structure, such as axial slots or radial slots, for minimizing stress and for increasing compliance of the metal support component with respect to the ceramic component.

Abstract: A plenum (210) in a gas turbine engine mid-frame section (200) comprises one or more annular flow splitters (240) spaced from an inboard annular wall (232) that partition air flow flowing from a compressor into two or more portions of flow having different vectors. This provides for an improved balancing between supplying air to compression chamber intakes more directly and to transitions to aid in convective cooling. When an annular diffuser (202) is spaced between the compressor and the plenum (210), the flow splitters (240) may provide an additional diffusion action. When no annular diffuser is so provided, the flow splitters (452, 454, 456) are effective to diffuse the air flow. Embodiments include those in which an annular diffuser (304) is relatively shorter and there is a longer axial expanse in the plenum (320) for flow splitters (350, 352, 354, 356).

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system for supporting the exit end of a transition duct. The system includes a plurality of support ring segments that collectively form an annular support ring assembly. Each support ring segment can have an outer span and an inner span that are joined by a central column. Lateral openings can be defined on each side of the central column. The lateral openings of two adjacent support ring segments can cooperate to form an opening. An outlet region of a transition duct can be inserted into a respective opening and engage seals provided along the opening. The interface of adjacent ring segments occurs along an imaginary line across the outlet of the common transition duct body. Each support ring segment can be attached to the transition duct as well as to a fixed portion of the engine such as the turbine stationary support structure.

Abstract: A method of assembling a combustor assembly is provided, wherein the method includes providing a combustor liner having a centerline axis and defining a combustion chamber therein, and coupling an annular flowsleeve radially outward from the combustor liner such that an annular flow path is defined substantially circumferentially between the flowsleeve and the combustor liner. The method also includes orienting the flowsleeve such that a plurality of inlets formed within the flowsleeve are positioned to inject cooling air in a substantially axial direction into the annular flow path to facilitate cooling the combustor liner.

Abstract: Embodiments for an apparatus and associated method for providing a cooling fluid to a gas turbine transition duct in order to lower the effective operating temperatures of the transition duct are disclosed. The transition duct has an inner liner and an impingement sleeve positioned radially outward with a passageway formed therebetween. The impingement sleeve has a plurality of openings where a portion of the openings each have a feed tube extending through the opening and into the passageway. The feed tubes are oriented at an angle relative to the impingement sleeve, such that an inlet to the feed tube is directed generally towards an oncoming flow of cooling fluid. The feed tubes direct a portion of the cooling fluid toward the inner liner and into the passageway for cooling of the transition duct.

Abstract: A plate spring 6 having a hook-shaped cross section from the lower part is installed in the neighborhood of one end “b” of an impingement-cooling plate 4. One end “c” on the lower side is fixed to a rib 1d by welding, while the other end “b” on the upper side is free, which makes it closely contact with the neighborhood of the other end “b” of the impingement-cooling plate 4 by the elastic force thereof. This state makes it possible to seal a gap formed between the impingement-cooling plate 4 and a transition piece 1 on the side of a rib 1d, preventing thermal stress generated in the rib 1d, for example, from affecting the impingement-cooling plate 4.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine including a combustor assembly and a nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a transition piece including a first end, a second end, and a body extending therebetween, where the body includes an inner surface, an opposite outer surface, coupling the first end of the transition piece to the combustor assembly, and coupling the second end of the transition piece to the nozzle assembly such that a turbulator extending helically over the outer surface of the transition piece extends from the transition piece first end to the transition piece second end to facilitate inducing turbulence to cooling air supplied to the combustor assembly.

Abstract: A transition piece body, having an inlet end for receiving combustion products from a turbine combustor and an outlet end for flowing the gaseous products into a first stage nozzle, has dilution holes in zones respectively adjacent the transition piece body inlet and outlet ends. The volume of dilution air flowing into the gas stream is substantially equal at the inlet and outlet ends of the transition piece. The locations and sizes of the openings are given in the respective X, Y, Z coordinates and hole diameters in Table I. The X and Y coordinates lie in the circular plane of the transition body at its inlet end and the Z coordinates extend in the direction of gas flow from the origin.

Abstract: It is the objective of the present invention to enable smooth rotation of the grid plate and normal operation of the bypass valve, regardless of the operational state of the gas turbine.

Abstract: One or more Helmholtz-type resonators (270) is/are provided at the junction (260) of a combustor (220) and a combustion chamber (240) of a gas turbine engine (100). In one embodiment, adjacent Helmholtz-type resonators (290, 291, 292), which may be separated by respective baffles (285), have different volumes that help provide for damping different undesired combustion-generated acoustic pressure waves. In some embodiments, a structural member (435) may be provided between adjacent Helmholtz-type resonators (425, 426, 427, 428) at the junction. At least one of the plurality of Helmholtz-type resonators comprises one or more inlet openings (480), and one or more exit openings (482). Embodiments (370, 425-429) are described in which Helmholtz-type resonators provided at the junction are enlarged in size using various approaches.

Abstract: A transition duct (40) for a gas turbine engine (10) incorporating a combination of cooling structures that provide active cooling in selected regions of the duct while avoiding cooling of highly stressed regions of the duct. In one embodiment, a panel (74) formed as part of the transition duct includes some subsurface cooling holes (92) that extend under a central portion of a stiffening rib (90) attached to the panel and some subsurface cooling holes (94) that have a truncated length so as to avoid extending under a rib end (45). Effusion cooling holes (88) used to cool a side subpanel (48) of the panel may have a distribution that reduces to zero approaching a double bend region (48) of the panel. An upstream subpanel (76) of the panel may be actively cooled only when the panel is located on an extrados of the transition duct.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustion apparatus has a plurality of combustors provided in a circumferential direction within a turbine casing chamber formed by a casing, each combustor comprising a combustor inner tube and a combustor transition pipe, but lacks a turbine bypass mechanism for controlling the amount of compressed air discharged from a compressor into the turbine casing chamber. The combustion apparatus comprises an exhaust port member fitted into a manhole opening in the casing and communicating with the outside of the turbine casing chamber, bleeding pipes for uniformly bleeding compressed air discharged into the turbine casing chamber, a circular pipe for recovering compressed air bled by the bleeding pipes and discharging the compressed air to the exhaust port member, and an opening and closing valve for controlling the amount of exhaust which the circular pipe discharges to the outside of the turbine casing chamber via the exhaust port member, thereby possessing a turbine bypass mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas turbine having a combustion chamber arrangement and a turbine chamber connected downstream of said combustion chamber arrangement, wherein the combustion chamber arrangement includes a plurality of individual combustion chambers formed by input areas and transition areas converging in an annular gap leading to the turbine chamber and wherein the longitudinal axes of the individual combustion chambers are placed at an angle relative to an engine axis that is defined by the axial extension of the turbine chamber. In order to improve said gas turbine by visibly reducing the thermal and mechanical loads of the individual combustion chambers in the transition area so that cooling requirements can be lowered in said area, the transition area of at least one individual combustion chamber into the turbine chamber is deflected in the direction of the engine axis and substantially in the input area of the turbine chamber.

Abstract: A heat shield for a transition of a turbine engine for coupling a transition component of a turbine engine to a turbine vane assembly to direct combustor exhaust gases from the transition into the turbine vane assembly. The heat shield may be capable of reducing the temperature differential across a transition bracket extending from a transition component, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature failure of the bracket or the transition, or both. The heat shield may reduce the temperature differential by insulating the transition bracket and transition bracket rib from cooling gases. The heat shield may be formed from a tubular elongated body having first and second end attachments configured to attach the elongated heat shield body to the transition.

Abstract: A gas turbine transition duct having a reduced pressure loss is disclosed. The transition duct of the preferred embodiment comprises a panel assembly having a first panel fixed to a second panel and a mounting assembly for securing the transition duct to a turbine inlet. The first panel includes a means for augmenting the heat transfer from the first panel while the second panel includes a plurality of first cooling holes for directing cooling air through the second panel. Specific details are provided regarding the first cooling holes and multiple embodiments are disclosed for the heat transfer augmentation of the transition duct first panel.

Abstract: A system, such as a turbine power production system, including a plurality of combustion chambers. The combustion chamber may be provided with an ignition system that allows for substantially simultaneous ignition of each of the plurality of the combustors. Generally, a detonation wave may be provided to each of the combustion chambers substantially simultaneously from a single ignition combustion wave chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for reducing the pressure loss of air prior to entering a combustion system, such that, for a known combustion system having a predetermined pressure loss, the resulting fluid entering the turbine has a higher supply pressure that will result in more efficient turbine and increased engine output. Significant enhancements include the addition of a plurality of deflector assemblies to direct the air from a compressor outlet towards an exposed single-wall transition duct to provide direct cooling to a first panel of the transition duct.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustion liner is disclosed having an alternate interface region between it and a transition duct where the cooling effectiveness and heat transfer along the aft end of the combustion liner is improved, resulting in extended component life. The region of the combustion liner proximate its second end comprises a plurality of first feed holes, a plurality of spring seals that seal against a transition duct, a cooling ring having a plurality of second feed holes, that with the first feed holes pass a cooling fluid into an annulus formed between the cooling ring and combustion liner. The cooling fluid passes over a means for augmenting the heat transfer proximate the combustion liner second end, wherein the heat transfer augmentation preferably comprises a plurality of raised ridges that increases the surface area of the outer liner wall to turbulate the cooling fluid and maximize the cooling effectiveness.

Abstract: A variable penetration dilution jet array for a single can and scroll assembly includes a plurality of differentially sized dilution openings around the circumference of the combustor can. The alternating smaller and larger openings provide for circumferential and radial mixing uniformity with the smaller openings giving shallow penetration and the larger openings enabling deep core penetration. The larger openings provide dilution air to the hot gas flow core without the need for an increase in combustor pressure drop. The smaller openings provide a film cooling flow to the downstream scroll, reducing dedicated scroll cooling requirements.

Abstract: A gas collection pipe (1) carrying hot gas establishes the connection between the combustion chambers (9) of a gas turbine plant and the flow channel (13) of the gas turbine. The gas collection pipe (1) has two inlet pipe connections (2), which open via an elbow (3) axially into a gas ring channel (4), which is joined to the flow channel (13). Cooling air is guided on the outside along the elbow (3). A plurality of ribs (8) are arranged at spaced locations from one another on the outside on the gas collection pipe (1) in the area of the elbow (3) on the side facing away from the flow channel (13).

Abstract: This invention relates to a combustion chamber arrangement for a gas turbine, with a number of individual combustion chambers which open into an annular gap, leading to a turbine chamber, whereby burners are arranged before the individual combustion chambers, connected to the individual combustion chambers through a turbine housing. According to the invention, said combustion chamber arrangement may be further developed, such that the cooling efficiency of the individual combustion chambers may be significantly improved, with an embodiment of simple construction, whereby at least one collar, arranged on one side of the turbine housing, facing the turbine chamber, running radially in the direction of the turbine chamber, at least partly surrounds a section of at least one individual combustion chamber whilst leaving a gap space.

Abstract: Variations in dilution air leakage paths in a gas turbine combustion liner assembly are minimized or eliminated to reduce emissions and variations in emissions from combustor to combustor. Leakage paths between the liner sleeve and venturi outer liner are minimized by using additional rivets at that joint. The leakage paths between the outer and inner sleeves of the venturi are eliminated by applying a peripheral weld to the end edges of the flanges of the outer and inner sleeves. The leakage paths between the venturi and outer liner are minimized while simultaneously maintaining accurate venturi throat area relative to the cap centerbody by match drilling holes through the liner sleeve and the overlapped flanges of the venturi and followed by riveting the parts together.

Abstract: A combustion liner cap assembly includes a cylindrical outer sleeve supporting internal structure therein and a plurality of fuel nozzle openings formed through the internal structure. A first set of circumferentially spaced cooling holes is formed through the cylindrical outer sleeve, and a second set of circumferentially spaced cooling holes is formed through the cylindrical outer sleeve. The second set of cooling holes is axially spaced from the first set of cooling holes. The resulting construction serves to decrease combustion dynamics in a simplified manner that is retrofittable to current designs and reversible without impacting the original configuration. The reduction in combustion dynamics improves hardware life, which leads to reduced repair and replacement costs.

Abstract: A crossfire tube assembly is provided having an increased resistance to wear and oxidation. This increased resistance is provided by the application of coatings to the mating surfaces between the crossfire tube and crossfire tube clip. In the preferred embodiment, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) Titanium Aluminum Nitride coating is applied to the outer walls of the crossfire tubes which is used in combination with an air plasma spray (APS) Aluminum Bronze coating applied to the crossfire tube clip open end that mates with the crossfire tubes. The coating combination serves to protect the components from frictional wear and extend their life. In an alternate embodiment, the crossfire tubes also contain a plurality of air purge holes that provide a layer of cooling air along the crossfire tube inner wall.

Abstract: An attachment and sealing system for securing a combustor cap assembly to a combustion chamber, while providing effective cooling to the combustor cap assembly aft end, is disclosed. The combustor cap assembly is secured within a combustion chamber by a plurality of pins such that the aft end region of the combustor cap assembly is cooled by a fluid medium that is injected through a plurality of first holes in the combustion chamber wall. A generally annular seal, which encompasses the combustor cap assembly, has a plurality of raised ridges, which are in sealing contact with the combustion chamber wall. Multiple embodiments are disclosed regarding the length of the generally annular seal and position and orientation of the plurality of first cooling holes in the combustion chamber wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas turbine combustor which makes it possible to achieve both a high combustion efficiency and low NOx emissions characteristics over a wide output power range without using a device that can vary the flow rate of the air used for combustion, by burning a lean mixture using high-temperature burned gas. The gas turbine combustor 10 comprises pre-mixture injection tubes 16 which conduct a mixture of fuel and air into a combustion chamber 11. The mixture from the pre-mixture injection tubes 16 is injected toward burned gas 19a present on the downstream side of the flame 19, which is injected from burners 15 that open into the combustion chamber 11, and this mixture is mixed with the burned gas 19a. Even in a mixture which is leaner than the lower limit of inflammability, the radicals in the burned gas 19a are effective in initiating reactions, so that the combustion of the mixture can be started.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor apparatus comprising plural combustors and plural fuel supply systems realizes a combustion of a lean and uniform pre-mixture in each of the combustors to thereby enable to reduce NOx generation. Flow regulating valves 29, 30 are provided in fuel supply systems 23, 24, respectively, that supply combustors 25, 26 with fuel. Pressure gauges 31, 32 are provided in the fuel supply systems 23, 24, respectively, in front of inlets of the combustors 25, 26. The flow regulating valves 29, 30 are controlled so that pressures measured by the pressure gauges 31, 32 become the same.

Abstract: In order to provide a gas turbine tail tube seal which can prevent an outer shroud and an inner shroud in a first row stationary blade from being damaged by heat and from being worn, and to provide a gas turbine having the above-mentioned gas turbine tail tube seal, in the gas turbine tail tube seal, the width of a combustion gas flow channel in the gas turbine tail tube seal is smaller than the width of a combustion gas flow channel made between an outer surface of the inner shroud and an inner surface of the outer shroud, and the combustion gas flow channel is provided with inclined surfaces having a gradually enlarging cross section toward the first row stationary blade in at least a downstream end section.

Abstract: Respective combustion gas streams are generated in a can combustor. The streams are channeled downstream into an annular turbine nozzle. And, dynamic interaction of circumferentially adjacent combustion gas streams is suppressed axially between the cans and the nozzle.

Abstract: A flame-passage device (10) for non-annular gas turbine combustion chambers comprises a tubular body (11), which is provided with a plurality of cooling holes (12), for cooling on the swirl-cooling type. The tubular body (11) is inserted in a flanged pipe (27), which connects the cases (31, 32) of two successive combustion chambers (17, 18), and has a first end (13) with a cylindrical shape, and a second end (14) with an oval shape, wherein the second, oval end (14) is provided with three rings (23, 24, 25), for anchorage of the corresponding combustion chamber (17) to the case (31).

Abstract: This invention relates to a combustion chamber arrangement for a gas turbine, with a number of individual combustion chambers which open into an annular gap, leading to a turbine chamber, whereby burners are arranged before the individual combustion chambers, connected to the individual combustion chambers through a turbine housing. According to the invention, said combustion chamber arrangement may be further developed, such that the cooling efficiency of the individual combustion chambers may be significantly improved, with an embodiment of simple construction, whereby at least one collar, arranged on one side of the turbine housing, facing the turbine chamber, running radially in the direction of the turbine chamber, at least partly surrounds a section of at least one individual combustion chamber whilst leaving a gap space.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) includes a plurality of can combustors (19). Each can combustor includes a first stage of burners (46) located at a first radius about the combustor centerline (42) and a second stage of burners (50) located at a second radius greater than the first radius. The second stage of burners may be clocked to an angular position that is not midway between respective neighboring burners of the first stage. Combustion instabilities may be controlled by exploiting variations in combustion parameters created by differential fueling of the two stages.

Abstract: A connector segment for connecting a combustor liner and a transition piece in a gas turbine has a substantially cylindrical shape and is of double-walled construction including inner and outer walls and a plurality of cooling channels extending axially along the segment, between the inner and outer walls. The cooling channels are defined in part by radially inner and outer surfaces, wherein at least one of the radially inner and outer surfaces is formed with an array of concavities.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor (10) having a first grouping (64) of pre-mix burners (12, 12′, 12″) having mixing passages (36) that are geometrically different than the mixing passages (38) of a second grouping (66) of pre-mix burners (14, 14′, 14″). The aerodynamic differences created by these geometric differences provide a degree of control over combustion properties of the respective flames (44, 46) produced in a downstream combustion chamber (40) when the two groupings of burners are fueled by separate fuel stages (52, 54). The geometric difference between the fuel passages of the two groupings may be outlet diameter, slope of convergence of the passage diameter, or outlet contour. The fuel injection regions (16, 18) of all of the burners may be identical to reduce cost and inventory complexity. The burners may be arranged in a ring (60) with a center pre-mix burner (68) being identical to burners of either of the groupings.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) includes a plurality of can combustors (19). Each can combustor includes a first stage of burners (46) located at a first radius about the combustor centerline (42) and a second stage of burners (50) located at a second radius greater than the first radius. The second stage of burners may be clocked to an angular position that is not midway between respective neighboring burners of the first stage. Combustion instabilities may be controlled by exploiting variations in combustion parameters created by differential fueling of the two stages.

Abstract: A combustion system including a plurality of axially staged tubular premixers to control emissions and minimize combustion noise. The combustion system includes a radial inflow premixer that delivers the combustion mixture across a contoured dome into the combustion chamber. The axially staged premixers having a twist mixing apparatus to rotate the fluid flow and cause improved mixing without causing flow recirculation that could lead to pre-ignition or flashback.

Abstract: A combustion chamber arrangement for gas turbines includes a multiplicity of individual combustion chambers which open out in a common annular combustion chamber and are arranged in the shape of a circle. The arrangement is such that it can be cooled highly efficiently using convective cooling, while also as far as possible dispensing with the use of impingement cooling. In such a combustion chamber arrangement, the annular combustion chamber, in the transition region to the individual combustion chambers, is of a height which fluctuates periodically and which is minimal in the region between adjacent individual combustion chambers.