Objective
Objectives and Problems to be solved:
Mixed air-steam turbine (MAST) systems blend open cycle gas turbine simplicity with combined cycle efficiency at a competitive price. However, the presence of large quantities of water in the gas turbine air stream will modify combustion performance. This can result in problems with flame stability and flame location, thereby affecting emissions and reducing the reliability/availability of the machines. The aim of this project is to develop the capability to design improved combustion systems for MAST applications. The two objectives of the project are to develop a novel set of optical sensors, to permit measurement of the flame location during pressurised tests, and to provide evaluated computer guidelines for the design of MAST combustion chambers. Description of work: The project comprises five work packages:
1. Manufacture and preliminary evaluation of two novel optical sensors, based on chemiluminescent emission and infrared absorption. This will be carried out under laboratory conditions, at atmospheric pressure.
2. Evaluation of the sensors' temporal and spatial response. Measurements of fuel/flame location will be compared with those made by advanced laser diagnostics in burners at elevated temperature and pressure.
3. Measurements in high-pressure component test facilities (HP-CTF) in both tubular and annular combustion systems, at realistic operating conditions.
4. Numerical model development. The sensor measurements will be used to evaluate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes, developed in laboratories specialised in gas turbines and emissions. The models will go beyond the current state of the art for the prediction of flame location.
5. Generation of design guidelines for MAST combustion systems. The CFD models will be used to provide guidelines for the design of combustion chambers for novel, high efficiency advanced gas turbines based on humid air cycles. Expected Results and Exploitation Plans: The two industrial partners will aim to exploit the developed flame sensors and numerical models in their future product development programmes. Particular efforts will be made to disseminate the results through technical papers in journals, and presentations at conferences.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensors
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsfluid dynamicscomputational fluid dynamics
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuels
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesmeteorologyatmospheric pressure
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
CV7 9JR COVENTRY
United Kingdom