Emission analysis for a new tubular aeroengine combustor in atmospheric test rig conditions

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to have semiempirical correlations for carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that are collected and calibrated by using experimental data of a tubular-type combustor.Design/methodology/approachCombustor uses a coflow radial-type air-blast atomizer and is especially designed for the empirical correlation issues. Air mass flow rate, air inlet temperature and air-to-fuel ratio parameters have been changed and different inlet conditions have been created for combustor tests. Six different inlet temperatures from 475 to 350 K have been set for each air mass flow rate. Air mass flow rate values from 0.035 to 0.050 kg/s have been used to create varied combustor aerodynamic loadings.FindingsIncreasing combustor inlet temperature decreases the CO and UHC emissions. However, it has an adverse effect in NOx emissions. Moreover, CO and UHC emissions have an increasing trend by the mass flow rate rise that results an extra aerodynamic loading.Research limitations/implicationsIt is difficult to obtain real operating parameters for the combustor. Therefore, as a different approach in respect of the literature, rig test parameters have been used for thermodynamic calculations. Additionally, emission calculations of the combustor design point have been performed based on a conditioned test environment. Moreover, combustor outlet temperature and emission values have been scanned and mean values used for the analysis.Practical implicationsTo perform preliminary calculations for these pollutants, designers need experimentally calibrated correlations for the similar combustors.Social implicationsIf the application area of the designed engine is a civil aircraft, emissions are one of the most important issues because of the strict regulations of International Civil Aviation Organization. Therefore, aviation companies are continuously working on reducing of emissions.Originality/valueA comprehensive study for the preliminary emission calculation of newly designed gas turbine combustors was performed to investigate semiempirical correlations in the atmospheric test rig.