Having Fuel Supply System Patents (Class 60/734)
  • Publication number: 20090049838
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle for a turbine is disclosed. The fuel nozzle includes a housing, a plurality of fuel passages disposed within the housing, and a plurality of air passages disposed within the housing. A total flow area of the plurality of fuel passages is substantially equal to a total flow area of the plurality of air passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sergey Adolfovich Oskin, Mark Allan Hadley, Joel Meador Hall, Sergey Konstantinovich Yerokhin, Sergey Anatolievich Meshkov
  • Publication number: 20090044513
    Abstract: A method of managing transient events regularly seen during gas turbine operation that may cause undesirable operation and hardware damage. During certain transient operations, a lag may be seen between reference exhaust temperature and actual turbine exhaust temperature. This lag can result in an under-fired condition within the combustion system of variable magnitude and duration. Either fuel split schedules or a control algorithm can be positioned during these transients to prevent combustion dynamics or loss of flame. Combustion dynamics are known to cause damage that may require hardware replacement. Once the transient has completed, normal control operation is resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Jason D. Fuller, Derrick W. Simons, Douglas E. Dean, Christopher T. Meadows
  • Patent number: 7472540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating variations in fuel composition in a gas turbine system consisting of at least two parallel-operated burner stages, wherein the fuel supply to at least two of the burner stages is adjusted in response to variations in fuel composition, wherein the fuel split between the burner stages, i.e. the relative increase in speed of the fuel supplied to the burner stages, is adjusted to a target value or maintained at a target value during adjustment of the fuel supply. The target value can, for example be a constant or a function of one or several variables. More particularly, the gas turbine system can comprise a pilot burner stage and a main burner stage. When the fuel supply is adjusted, the fuel split between the pilot burner stage and the main burner stage is adjusted to a target value or maintained at a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Berenbrink, Malte Blomeyer
  • Patent number: 7464532
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing pressure spikes in a fuel line having a shut-off valve is provided. The apparatus comprises a body housing a biasing member and a moveable separation member. The body has first, second, and third chambers. The first and second chambers are coupled to upstream and downstream sides of the fuel line, respectively. The third chamber is coupled to a return line. When the shut-off valve is open, the separation member is biased toward the first chamber and separates the first and second chambers. When the shut-off valve is closed, the separation member expands the first chamber and places the first chamber and the third chamber in fluid communication once the separation member has gained a significant speed. The expanded first chamber accumulates fuel and the third chamber accumulates and vents the fuel such that transient pressure spikes are reduced and unlikely to damage a turbine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Kamran Eftekhari Shahroudi, Kevin E. Greeb
  • Patent number: 7464552
    Abstract: Under certain conditions, the fuel delivery system can contribute to the formation of strong dynamic pressures in the combustor of a turbine engine. Embodiments of the invention provide a system for dynamically stiffening the fuel supply passage to suppress damaging combustion dynamics. To that end, a Helmholtz resonator can be placed along and in branched relation to the fuel supply passage. The resonator can produce the effect of adding a pressure release opening at a selected location in the fuel line, causing a shift in the fuel line pressure wave pattern that blocks fuel flow fluctuations at the outlet of the fuel passage at the frequency of the oscillation. The pressure wave shift results in a shifting of the volume velocity wave pattern. Ideally, the resonator can be positioned along the flow path such that the volume velocity of the fuel at the fuel passage exit is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley S. Sattinger
  • Publication number: 20080295480
    Abstract: A gasifying agent supply path A from an axial flow compressor 21 which boosts pressure of a gasifying agent to a gasifying furnace 2 is branched, and a gasifying agent bypass path D having an escaping pressure adjusting valve 23 is provided. The flow quantity or pressure of the gasifying agent supplied to the gasifying furnace 2 from the gasifying agent supply path A can be adjusted according to the degree of opening of the adjusting valve 23 disposed in the gasifying agent bypass path D, whereby providing a control valve in the gasifying agent supply path A is no longer necessary. Thus, pressure loss at the gasifying agent supply path A can be suppressed, and the discharge pressure of the axial flow compressor 21 can be greatly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Hyakutake, Yoshiaki Tsukuda, Takao Hashimoto, Satoshi Uchida, Katsuhiro Ota, Takashi Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20080295520
    Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for dynamic control of mixing of diluent and fuel at desired diluent-to-fuel ratios to obtain low level of undesirable emissions in a combustion system are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Dah Yu Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080289339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the combustion in a gas turbine. The method includes measuring, by means of one or two calorimeters, the temperature, calorific value and relative density of a gaseous fuel in order to determine the Wobbe index, comparing the Wobbe index value measured with a predefined Wobbe index value for the gaseous fuel and regulating the temperature of the gaseous fuel by means of at least one heat exchanger in order to reach the predefined Wobbe index value. The method may also include using a second gaseous fuel, having a different Wobbe index from the gaseous fuel, or a fuel obtained by mixing the gaseous fuel and the second gaseous fuel, according to arbitrary proportions and variable with time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Antonio Asti, Mariateresa Paci, Michele D'ercole, Masslmo Betti, Simone Bei, Giovanni Tonno, Jesse Stewart, Francesco Maria Orgero
  • Publication number: 20080289342
    Abstract: A method for measuring combustion parameters within a combustion zone of a gas turbine engine, the combustion zone being defined between an inner and outer casing. The method comprises transmitting a beam from a transmit optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing off a portion of the inner casing and receiving a portion of the beam reflected off the inner casing with a receiving optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing. An apparatus for practicing the method comprises a laser generating a beam and a transmitting/receiving optics pair, the transmitting/receiving optics pair being configured for operative association with a port in an outer casing of a gas turbine engine, whereby the transmitting/receiving optics are in optical communication by reflecting the beam off a portion of an inner casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Zolo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Sappey, Bernard Patrick Masterson, Henrik Hofvander
  • Publication number: 20080289338
    Abstract: A two-stage system for delivering fuel to a gas turbine including a first stage variable pump for serving as a primary source of fuel, a second stage fixed pump for selectively supplementing the variable pump, a bypass valve connected to the fixed pump for loading and unloading the fixed pump and a regulator valve assembly connected to the variable pump and the bypass valve for controlling operation of the variable pump and the bypass valve. Preferably, the two-stage system also includes a control valve connected to the regulator valve assembly for setting a pressure differential across the regulator valve assembly and, thereby, loading and unloading the fixed pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: GOODRICH PUMP & ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Mihir C. Desai
  • Patent number: 7442457
    Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising a plurality of fuel cells combined together to form a fuel cell stack, with the fuel cell stack having an anode side with an inlet for a fuel and an outlet for non-consumed fuel and exhaust gases arising at the anode side as well as a cathode side with an inlet for a gaseous oxidising agent such as air and an outlet for exhaust gases which arise at the cathode side, and a compressor having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet, the compressor outlet of which is connected to the oxidising agent inlet of the fuel cell stack provided at the cathode side, is characterised in that a gas dynamic pressure wave machine having a driven rotor is provided, with an inlet for exhaust gases arising at the cathode side, an inlet for fresh oxidizing agent, an outlet for oxidising agent compressed by the cathode side exhaust gases and also an outlet for the cathode side exhaust gases being associated with the rotor and with the outlet for the oxidising agent compressed by the cathode side ex
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Rainer Pechtold
  • Publication number: 20080229755
    Abstract: The present invention provides a humid air turbine having a compressor, a humidificator for generating humid air by adding moisture to compressed air supplied from the compressor, a combustor, a turbine, a recuperator for effecting heat exchange between exhaust from the turbine and the humid air, an economizer for effecting heat exchange between exhaust from the recuperator and water, and a system for supplying the water heated by the economizer to the humidificator. The humid air turbine includes a temperature measurement device for measuring the temperature of gas discharged from the economizer, and a control device for adjusting the amount of moisture to be supplied to the humidificator in accordance with a temperature signal from the temperature measurement device. The present invention assures low NOx of combustor and flame stability before and after water addition to the humid air turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Tomomi Koganezawa, Yukinori Katagiri, Keisuke Miura
  • Publication number: 20080229750
    Abstract: Location rings 3, 23 are generally known to present a sealing ring 2, 12 in combustor parts of a gas turbine engine. The location rings 3, 23 act to present the sealing rings 2, 12 such that fuel spray nozzles are appropriately presented towards the combustor whilst these location rings 3, 23 are more susceptible to wear than a panel 4, 24 within which the arrangement 1, 10 is secured. Previously location rings 3 have been located by dedicated bolts 6 provided in drilled and tapped apertures in the panel 4. Each bolt 6 is typically spot welded to provide a lock feature such that upon repair and overhaul it is necessary to remove a heat shield 5 and then remove the spot welds before disassembly. By integrating the heat shield 25 with location ring 23 portions it is possible to utilize the existing heat shield retainer positions as fixing points 19 with associated rail or strap elements 16, 17 such that through overlap along retainer edges 26, 27 a desired retained configuration is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Mark Sipson
  • Publication number: 20080173003
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel stabilization unit that removes dissolved oxygen from liquid fuel to increase the temperature at which the liquid fuel can be elevated without substantial formation of insoluble products. At least a portion of the fuel with reduced amounts of dissolved oxygen is vaporized prior to entering a combustion device to improve mixing and combustor performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Alexander G. Chen
  • Patent number: 7401461
    Abstract: A fuel system (10) for a gas turbine engine (18) having a shaft (30) and requiring fuel to be supplied at a first rate for engine start up, the fuel system (10) including: a main fuel pump (14) for providing fuel to the gas turbine engine (18), the main fuel pump (14) having an output varying with shaft speed, the output being at a windmilling rate when the engine (18) is windmilling, the windmilling rate being less than the first rate; and an auxiliary fuel pump (40) for providing fuel to the gas turbine engine (18) and having an auxiliary output rate greater than or equal to the difference between the first rate and the windmilling rate. A method of operating such a fuel system (10) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Eick, Timothy D. Mahoney, David D. Jones, William Lorenz
  • Patent number: 7377114
    Abstract: A method to control the output of a turbine engine pulses individual fuel injectors completely on and then completely off in selectable groups rather than in unison. The operation of the groups are staggered in time to minimize the periods of no fuel flow to the engine. Simplicity in the control of individual injectors is achieved by electrically controlling individual injectors rather than mechanically controlling the fuel supplied to all injectors, and, in addition, offers the advantage of minimizing the periods of no fuel flow to maintain combustion stability at low loads. Electrically controlling injectors positioned at the point of fuel usage improves upon fuel atomization and eliminates the problem of unequal distribution of fuel from multiple injection points connected to a common fuel metering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin P Pearce
  • Publication number: 20080115482
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine that includes a compressor, a combustion stage, a turbine assembly, a fuel gas feed system for supplying fuel gas to a combustion stage of the gas turbine, and an integrated fuel gas characterization system. The integrated fuel gas feed system can include a buffer tank. The integrated fuel gas characterization system for determining the amount of energy provided by the fuel prior to combustion of the fuel in the combustion stage. The integrated fuel gas characterization system minimizes megawatt swings by adjusting the operating parameters of the gas turbine engine based on the rate of change in fuel gas energy content. The integrated fuel gas characterization system also provides improved turbine engine start-up reliability by tuning the turbine engine operating parameters using fuel gas energy content measurements obtained prior to actual start-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. LaGrow, Damien G. Teehan, Chandrashekar Brahmasandra, Janarthanan Venkataraghavan
  • Publication number: 20080115483
    Abstract: A power generation system. The exemplary system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a gas turbine (28), a gasifier (10) for generating gaseous fuel and a gas combustor (26) configured to receive the fuel and power the gas turbine (28). A drain collection and separation system (5) is positioned to collect gaseous fuel entrained in liquid and to separate the gaseous fuel from the liquid so the gaseous fuel can be cycled or disposed of separately from the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Jack Douglas Moore, Damien G. Teehan, Christopher J. Davila-Aponte
  • Publication number: 20080098736
    Abstract: A dual fuel nozzle of a gas turbine combustor with a variable jetting hole diameter is disclosed. The combustor includes a plurality of swirling wings disposed along an outer peripheral surface of a central shaft to have at least one main fuel jetting hole, an air duct positioned at the lower side of the swirling wings to supply air to the swirling wings, a pilot fuel injection hole and jetting hole formed to pass through a central portion of the central shaft to supply a pilot fuel, a switching plate disposed inside the swirling wings to vary the size of the main fuel jetting hole, a driving unit disposed to be connected to the switching plate to move a position of the switching plate, and a casing containing the swirling wings, the air duct, the switching plate and the driving unit. It is possible to enhance fuel flexibility in a multiple fuel system for applying two or more fuels to a gas turbine at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Min-Chul LEE, Jae-Hwa Chung, Seok-Bin Seo, Yong-Jin Joo, Jong-Jin Kim, Dal-Hong Ahn
  • Publication number: 20080092543
    Abstract: A fluid flow system for use with a gas turbine engine includes an exhaust nozzle, a primary air supply valve, a distribution manifold connected to the primary fluid supply valve and in fluid communication therewith, and a plurality of fluid injector assemblies positioned at the exhaust nozzle and connected in fluid communication with the distribution manifold. Each fluid injector assembly includes a first tube, a secondary air valve positioned at least partially within the first tube and in fluid communication with the distribution manifold, a fuel valve positioned at least partially within the first tube and located downstream of the air valve, an igniter extending into the first tube downstream of the fuel valve, and an outlet in fluid communication with the first tube and connected in fluid communication with the exhaust nozzle. The outlet has a different geometry than the first tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald R. Berg, Nathan L. Messersmith, Gary L. Lidstone, John Hinkey
  • Publication number: 20080072598
    Abstract: A heat shield for a fuel member of a gas turbine engine having at least one heat shield segment having a connection edge with at least one joint receiving portion defined therealong for receiving a welded joint attaching the heat shield segment to a fuel member, each joint receiving portion including a stress relieving feature defined along at least one end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Fish, Bhawan B. Patel
  • Publication number: 20080072599
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for a gas turbine engine having a manifold ring, a plurality of spray tip assemblies and a heat shield including at least two heat shield segments cooperating to at least substantially surround a cross-section of the manifold ring around a circumference of the manifold ring, and detachably retained around the manifold ring through a plurality of removable fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Oleg MORENKO, Bhawan B. PATEL, Nagaraja RUDRAPATNA, Saeid OSKOOEI
  • Patent number: 7347050
    Abstract: A fuel metering unit 10 for an aircraft. The unit 10 having an inlet leg 12 within which fuel flows, which leg 12 splits into controlling legs 18, 20 which rejoin downstream to form an outlet leg 30. Shut off valves 28, 30 are provided respectively in the controlling leg 18 and outlet leg 30. Fuel flow through the legs 18, 20 is compared, and if an unexpected relative comparison is made, fuel flow through one or both of the legs 18, 20 can be stopped using respectively either of the valves 28, 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: David M Gainford
  • Publication number: 20080053096
    Abstract: A fuel injection system comprises a fuel conveying member and a nozzle tip assembly threadedly engaged thereto. A sealing element is engaged in a first fuel passage between the fuel conveying member and the nozzle tip for sealing a first junction therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Oleg Morenko, Bhawan B. Patel, Nagaraja Rudrapatna
  • Patent number: 7337761
    Abstract: A fuel system comprises a spill valve 38 operable to relieve the fuel pressure differential across at least one positive displacement pump 16, 18, a shut-off valve 32 operable to control the supply of fuel to an engine 84, and a two stage servo-valve 62 operable to control the operation of the shut-off valve 32, the spill valve 38 having a control chamber 40 the fluid pressure within which is controlled so as to be held at an intermediate level during engine shut-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems Limited
    Inventor: Daniel James Bickley
  • Patent number: 7334407
    Abstract: A fuel system for a propulsion system includes a fuel deoxygenating device and a catalytic module containing catalytic materials. The fuel deoxygenating device removes dissolved oxygen from the fuel to prevent formation of insoluble materials that can potentially foul the catalyst and block desirable catalytic reactions that increase the usable cooling capacity of an endothermic fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Louis J. Spadaccini, He Huang, David R. Sobel
  • Patent number: 7251925
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for use, for example in a gas turbine engine system, includes a fuel metering unit including a main fuel inlet. The fuel metering unit includes fuel pressure and temperature sensors. A cavitating venturi is in fluid communication with the main fuel inlet and includes venturi characteristics such as throat diameter. A fuel nozzle is in fluid communication with the venturi for delivering fuel to the gas turbine engine. A controller is connected to the pressure temperature sensors and is operable to calculate a flow rate of fuel through the nozzle based upon the signals from the pressure and temperature sensors and the fuel and venturi characteristics. A variable cavitating venturi may be arranged within the throat to vary the area and adjust the flow rate through the venturi. The cavitating venturi can also be used at the fuel nozzle to further simplify the fuel delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce Paradise
  • Patent number: 7234293
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for a gas turbine engine including first and second positive displacement pumps operated simultaneously to supply fuel under pressure from a low pressure source, a combining spill valve controlling the output flows from the first and second pumps to combine the outputs of the first and second pumps for supply to a metering valve of the system, or to spill some or all of the output of one or both pumps back to the low pressure supply, a pressure raising and shut off valve arrangement downstream of the metering valve for isolating the fuel system from an associated engine until the fuel pressure upstream of the pressure raising and shut off valve arrangement exceeds a predetermined pressure, and, a control system dependent upon the position of the combining spill valve for reducing said predetermined pressure at which said pressure raising and shut off valve arrangement opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems Limited
    Inventors: Martin Kenneth Yates, Philip Laurence Elliott
  • Patent number: 7216487
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a turbine engine, and an electric motor that are independently drivable relative to one another. The electric motor has a speed that is selectively controlled based upon a desired fuel flow. A centrifugal pump is driven by the turbine engine. The centrifugal pump provides a desired fuel pressure for the fuel system. A positive displacement pump is driven by the electric motor The positive displacement pump is in fluid communication with the centrifugal pump, for example in a series arrangement. The positive displacement pump meters a desired volume in response to the speed of the second drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventor: Douglas A. Parsons
  • Patent number: 7155896
    Abstract: A system for draining fuel from the combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine in the event of a false start includes associated passageways and a straight through flow pilot air actuated poppet valve. The valve is normally open and actuated by the pilot air to close off the combustion chamber from the drain. A return spring biases the valve to open upon release of pilot air pressure acting on the valve. The valve housing has a piston section with a pilot air chamber and a section defining the passageways for the drain. The drain passageway extends along a straight path at an oblique angle to a piston axis along which a piston actuator moves in response to the return spring and/or the pilot air pressure. The valve also includes a position feedback system for detecting the state of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey B. Jansen, David K. Shields
  • Patent number: 7117675
    Abstract: A system for cooling at least one gas turbine liquid fuel component located in a high temperature environment to eliminate coking in the component is disclosed. The system includes a sleeve surrounding the liquid fuel component, a device for providing a current of cool air, and a conduit connected between the cool air device and the sleeve to direct the current of cool air into the sleeve to cool the liquid fuel component. The system can also include a manifold connected to the conduit and a plurality of second conduits for connecting the manifold to a plurality of sleeves surrounding a plurality of liquid fuel components, each sleeve being connected to a corresponding second conduit. Each sleeve includes a plurality of spacing devices for centering the sleeve around the at least one liquid fuel component so as to form an annulus between the sleeve and the liquid fuel component through which the current of cool air flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Howard Jay Kaplan, David Francis Acquavella, Steven Patrick Junquera, David Martin Johnson, Christopher David Miller, Robert Joseph Iasillo, Gregory James Hampson, Kevin Jon O'Dell
  • Patent number: 7114336
    Abstract: A pulsing valve assembly pulses metered fuel flow to a turbine engine. The pulsing valve assembly comprises a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet. A divider valve divides metered fuel flow into a first flow portion and a second flow portion. A first actuator sets a magnitude of a flow divide between the first and second flow portions. The valve assembly also includes a pulsing valve for pulsing the first flow portion and a second actuator for setting a frequency of pulsing valve. The pulsed and unpulsed flow portions are then joined and delivered to the turbine engine combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: Edward L. Hommema
  • Patent number: 7093437
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine includes a main fuel pump supplying fuel to a fuel-metering device. The operational flow range of the fuel system is dependent on a minimum net positive suction pressure at the main pump inlet required to prevent pump cavitation. A mixture of fuel and dissolved gases increases the minimum net positive suction pressure required to prevent cavitation. A fuel de-aerator including a permeable membrane removes dissolved gases from the fuel to eliminate formation of dissolved gases. The elimination of dissolved gases from within the liquid fuel reduces the required net positive suction pressure, enabling a greater operational flow range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Louis J. Spadaccini, Scott Kaslusky, Robert A. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 7028484
    Abstract: A multiple conduit system for a gas turbine engine, the multiple conduit system extending between a plurality of conduit inlet and outlets. A channel is formed in a surface of a gas turbine engine component, and the channel is adapted for conveying a fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet. At least a first sealing member is disposed within the channel and divides the channel into at least a first discrete conduit and a second discrete conduit. A second sealing member encloses the channel to define the second discrete conduit. The first and second discrete conduits are each adapted to direct an independent fluid flow from respective inlets to respective outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Lev Alexander Prociw, Harris Shafique, John Sokalski, Claude Raymond Pelletier
  • Patent number: 7007452
    Abstract: A system for automatically transferring the fuel from one or more engine fuel manifolds directly to the engine fuel tank(s) during engine shutdown using an ejector pump has been presented. A checkvalve, which may be integrated with the ejector pump, is also used. A metering valve initiates fuel flow shutoff and is used in the draining of the fuel manifolds, thereby eliminating the need for an additional solenoid dedicated mainly to the shutoff function. The shutoff and pressurizing valve provides flow division between manifolds and manifold drain for systems having multiple manifolds. The bypass valve is used to turn the motive flow and/or manifold drain functions on and off as a function of engine speed at start and shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Dmitriy Baryshnikov, Douglas P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7007476
    Abstract: In a fuel injector circuit for a gas turbine engine, a fuel staging valve assembly for distributing fuel into multiple zones in the combustor, the staging valve assembly, including a pilot valve operatively interconnected with at least one main valve, having high pressure and no leak capabilities, which are used to open, close and modulate the mass flow rate volume of fuel within the fuel injection circuit, with the position of the normally-closed valve being controlled by the pressure difference between the nozzle fuel supply circuit and a separately supplied signal circuit. As long as the desired pressure differential is maintained, fuel flow may be modulated without affecting the position of the valve, with the valve seats and valve seals being so configured as to prevent fuel leakage into the downstream nozzle circuit under these conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Thane Mains, Jeffrey R. Lehtinen
  • Patent number: 7003939
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel injection system for a staged combustion chamber (1) of a gas turbine aero-engine, in which a certain quantity of fuel is permanently supplied to the pilot burner(s) (3) and in which fuel is apportioned to the main burner(s) (4) only at higher engine performance, whereby a staging valve unit (7) which variably splits the total fuel mass flow (WF) to the pilot burners (3) and to the main burners (4) is provided downstream of a control valve unit (6) which controls the entire fuel mass flow, with both valve units being actuated by an engine control unit (8) and with the actuation of the staging valve unit (7) being accomplished on the basis of the desired engine performance, characterized in that the engine performance is described by way of a staging parameter (SP) reflecting the load of the gas turbine combustion chamber (1) and actuating the staging control unit (7) according to a switching line, in that the staging parameter (SP) is derived from a functional relationship, in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Leif Rackwitz, Klaus-Jurgen Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7003960
    Abstract: A method and an appliance are described for supplying fuel to a premixing burner for operating a gas turbine, which premixing burner has at least one burner shell (1, 2) at least partially bounding an axially extending premixing burner space, having a premixing gas supply directed into the premixing burner space via the burner shell (1, 2), the premixing gas (6) being mixed with combustion inlet air and being ignited downstream external to the premixing burner, The invention is characterized by the fact that the premixing gas supply is carried out separately by means of at least two spatially axially separated regions (S1, S2) along the burner shell (1, 2), having a region (S1), which is arranged upstream, and at least a second region (S2), which is arranged downstream, by the fact that more than 60% of the total premixing gas supply takes place via the first region (S1) in order to start the gas turbine, and by the fact that a stepwise or continuous redistribution of the premixing gas supply to the second re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LTD
    Inventor: Adnan Eroglu
  • Patent number: 6997437
    Abstract: There is disclosed a valve comprising a valve stem threaded with a translator having a flow modulating region, in which rotation of the valve stem about its axis causes the translator to move axially relative to the valve stem. In one aspect, the threads on the translator and the valve stem threads have substantially similar coefficients of thermal expansion. In another aspect, a protrusion limits axial movement of the valve stem in one direction, the valve stem has at least one protuberance, at least one gland is engaged with the valve body, and at least one shim is positioned between the protuberance and the gland so as to limit axial movement of the valve stem relative to the valve body in an opposite direction. There are also disclosed power generating systems including such valves, and methods of constructing such valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: John Mitten
  • Patent number: 6996969
    Abstract: A multi-mode shutdown system in combination with a fuel metering unit of an engine to prevent normal fuel delivery during engine malfunction such as the engine overspeeding. The multi-mode shutdown system includes a shutdown solenoid capable of closing a pressurizing valve to prevent fuel flow to the engine for creating a shutdown mode of operation with no fuel flow to the engine. The multi-mode shutdown system also includes a minimum flow solenoid in fluid communication a source of fuel at a minimum flow rate for creating a minimum flow mode of operation with fuel provided to the engine at the minimal flow rate. In the minimum flow mode, the shutdown solenoid and minimum flow solenoid establish a flow path for the fuel to the engine manifold at the minimal flow rate. During normal operation, the fuel metering unit regulates the fuel flow to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Goodrich Pump & Engine Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6996970
    Abstract: A fuel control system (10) in a turbine engine includes a centrifugal boost pump (20) that receives fuel from a fuel tank and increases the pressure of the fuel. A piston pump (40) boosts the fuel pressure to levels required by the turbine engine and meters an amount of fuel delivered to the turbine engine. A speed controlled electric motor (30) drives the piston pump (40). The electric motor (30) is driven by an electronic speed control wherein by controlling motor speed, fuel flow to the turbine engine is controlled, and fuel flow is directly proportional to the speed of the motor (30). Accordingly, the system (10) seeks precision of fuel control that can be achieved with an accuracy of better than +/?3% over a 30:1 fuel flow range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: William Lorenz
  • Patent number: 6988356
    Abstract: A fuel metering unit in a turbomachine is connected between a high pressure pump which draws fuel from a fuel tank and a plurality of fuel injectors disposed in a combustion chamber of the turbomachine, the unit comprises a meter which receives the fuel for injection from a regulator valve at a pressure P1 and delivers it at a pressure P2 to said plurality of injectors via a stop valve, said regulator valve serving to recirculate fuel back to said high pressure pump as a function of the pressure difference between pressures taken directly from the terminals of the meter and injected into two end inlets of the regulator valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hispano Suiza
    Inventors: Laurent Hodinot, Henry Leclerc, Sylvain Poitout
  • Patent number: 6981359
    Abstract: A fuel system for a gas turbine engine that utilizes a centrifugal pump. The system includes a fuel metering valve that is adapted to set a metered flow of fuel, and a throttle valve that is adapted to accurately control pressure drop across the fuel metering valve. The throttle valve has at least two variable orifices and a compensation chamber between the variable orifices. The throttle valve includes a differential valve piston slidable in a valve body. The differential valve piston comprises working surfaces of at least two different diameters such that changes in chamber pressures effect different axial forces upon the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Donald E. Wernberg, Paul J. Schaefer, Edward L. Hommema
  • Patent number: 6978767
    Abstract: A vehicle traveling through an environmental media such as air experiences drag. The drag is actively modulated by energy beams which may either increase or decrease the drag. The energy beams may provide either a chemical, acoustic or electromagnetic energy at a transition region between turbulent and laminar flows or at the leading edge of a laminar flow or in the direction of a crosswind in order to facilitate the respective increase or decrease in drag. If the vehicle is a sailing ship, areas of the sails are selectively roughened or widened to enhance the thrust derived from the wind. Furthermore, the keel or hull of the sailing ship may be modified to improve the hydrodynamic characteristics of the sailing ship. If the vehicle is an automobile, the tires or road surface may be selectively heated to improve the traction of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Bonutti IL, LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 6957537
    Abstract: Manifolds are shaped cross star having curved surfaces inside thereof, and holes are bored in four corners of the manifolds. In mounting a combustor to a casing, oil in the manifolds is transmitted to the holes by way of the curved surfaces. As a result of this, oil is prevented from staying, and coking is prevented from occurring, inside the manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeo Hirasaki
  • Patent number: 6945053
    Abstract: A lean premix burner for a gas turbine having at least one fuel supply ring 4 fitted with primary fuel nozzles 8 and additional secondary fuel nozzles 9, and a method of operation for this lean premix burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Rolls Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Ralf Sebastian Von Der Bank
  • Patent number: 6918255
    Abstract: A system for cooling at least one gas turbine liquid fuel component located in a high temperature environment to eliminate coking in the component is disclosed. The system includes a sleeve surrounding the liquid fuel component, a device for providing a current of cool air, and a conduit connected between the cool air device and the sleeve to direct the current of cool air into the sleeve to cool the liquid fuel component. The system can also include a manifold connected to the conduit and a plurality of second conduits for connecting the manifold to a plurality of sleeves surrounding a plurality of liquid fuel components, each sleeve being connected to a corresponding second conduit. Each sleeve includes a plurality of spacing devices for centering the sleeve around the at least one liquid fuel component so as to form an annulus between the sleeve and the liquid fuel component through which the current of cool air flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Howard Jay Kaplan, David Francis Acquavella, Steven Patrick Junquera, David Martin Johnson, Christopher David Miller, Robert Joseph Iasillo, Gregory James Hampson, Kevin Jon O'Dell
  • Patent number: 6854257
    Abstract: A system for injecting fuel into a turbomachine comprising N fuel injectors placed in a combustion chamber of the turbomachine and fed from a fuel tank, the injection system further comprising, interposed between the N injectors and the tank, a single pumping means for taking fuel from the tank and delivering N metered flow rates of fuel to the injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Pascal Leblanc, Pascal Marly, José Rodrigues, Alain Tiepel
  • Publication number: 20040231334
    Abstract: A gas turbine has a cooling air system supplying air for cooling a high temperature part of the gas turbine and a spray air system supplying air for spraying fuel into a combustor and is formed so that a part of high-pressure air compressed by a gas turbine compressor is used as air of the cooling air system and spray air system, wherein a heat exchanger and a boost compressor are arranged downstream of the outlet of compressed air of the gas turbine compressor, and the boost compressor is composed of a parallel connection of a compressor driven by the turbine shaft and ae compressor driven by a driven source other than the turbine shaft, and pressurized air from the boost compressor is used as air for the cooling air system and the spray air system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Yamanaka, Satoshi Kondou, Masami Noda
  • Publication number: 20040221580
    Abstract: In a fuel injector circuit for a gas turbine engine, a fuel staging valve assembly for distributing fuel into multiple zones in the combustor, the staging valve assembly, including a pilot valve operatively interconnected with at least one main valve, having high pressure and no leak capabilities, which are used to open, close and modulate the mass flow rate volume of fuel within the fuel injection circuit, with the position of the normally-closed valve being controlled by the pressure difference between the nozzle fuel supply circuit and a separately supplied signal circuit. As long as the desired pressure differential is maintained, fuel flow may be modulated without affecting the position of the valve, with the valve seats and valve seals being so configured as to prevent fuel leakage into the downstream nozzle circuit under these conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Thane Mains, Jeffrey R. Lehtinen