Liquid fuel cyclone combustors for gas turbine applications

Abstract

It is pointed out that the variation in fuel and air flow rate in gas turbines between idling and full power requires a combustion system with a wide operating range. In order to achieve the required performance within the emission control levels, a compromise has generally been achieved at the expense of fuel economy and simplicity of design. The combustion systems which have been investigated include multiple combustor systems. The merits of a cyclone combustor are considered. The use of such a combustor makes it feasible to achieve a system with a good turn down ratio and efficient combustion without recourse to a multiple combustor system. A brief review is presented of earlier work which was directed toward obtaining a better understanding of the mechanisms within the cyclone chamber, using gaseous fuel. The previous studies are extended to take into consideration the use of liquid fuel. The implications of the obtained results for gas turbine applications are also evaluated. 14 references.