Multi-objective optimization approach toward conceptual design of gas turbine combustor

Abstract

This paper focused on the conceptual design of a conventional gas turbine combustor via the multi-objective optimization approach. The suggested method integrated the design and estimation of the performance of the combustion chamber. The geometry and performance parameters could be found by applying the design tool. According to the level of available information in the primary phases of the design process, a chemical reactor network approach for modeling the combustion was chosen; thus, the droplet evaporation of the liquid fuel and unmixedness of the fuel-air mixture in the primary zone was modeled. The results obtained from the design tool for the two annular combustors were compared with the empirical data and showed an acceptable convergence between the dimensions and exhaust pollutants emission. The targets in the optimization process were the amount of the emission indices for two important pollutants (NOx and CO) produced by engines. Also, the parameters of the mass fractions of the primary zone, secondary zone, dilution zone, and the length of the primary and secondary zone were considered as the optimization variables. The results of the optimization process showed that minor changes in the combustor design could minimize the specified objectives to an acceptable level.