18337603. FUEL OIL HEAT EXCHANGE simplified abstract (ROLLS-ROYCE plc)

FUEL OIL HEAT EXCHANGE

Organization Name

ROLLS-ROYCE plc

Inventor(s)

Craig W Bemment of Derby (GB)

Benjamin J Keeler of Chesterfield (GB)

Kevin R Mcnally of Derby (GB)

Andrea Minelli of Derby (GB)

FUEL OIL HEAT EXCHANGE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18337603 titled 'FUEL OIL HEAT EXCHANGE

The abstract describes a method of operating a gas turbine engine with a unique fuel-oil heat exchanger system.

• The gas turbine engine includes a fuel delivery system, a combustor, a primary fuel-oil heat exchanger, and a secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger.
• The primary heat exchanger receives up to 100% of the fuel flow and transfers heat to the fuel.
• A portion of the fuel then flows to the secondary heat exchanger, where oil transfers heat back to the fuel.
• The method involves transferring a specific amount of heat to the fuel from the oil at cruise conditions.

Potential Applications: - This technology can be applied in gas turbine engines used in power generation, aviation, and marine propulsion systems. - It can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in various industrial applications.

Problems Solved: - Enhances fuel combustion efficiency by preheating the fuel using waste heat from the oil. - Reduces fuel consumption and environmental impact by optimizing heat transfer within the engine.

Benefits: - Increased energy efficiency and reduced operating costs. - Lower emissions and environmental footprint. - Enhanced engine performance and reliability.

Commercial Applications: - This technology can be utilized in power plants, aircraft engines, and marine vessels to improve overall efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the fuel-oil heat exchanger system impact the overall performance of the gas turbine engine? 2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this method in different types of gas turbine engines?

Original Abstract Submitted

A method of operating a gas turbine engine is disclosed, the gas turbine engine comprising a fuel delivery system arranged to provide fuel; a combustor arranged to combust at least a proportion of the fuel; a primary fuel-oil heat exchanger arranged to have up to 100% of the fuel provided by the fuel delivery system flow therethrough; and a secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger arranged to have a proportion of the fuel from the primary fuel-oil heat exchanger flow therethrough. Fuel is arranged to flow from the primary fuel-oil heat exchanger to the secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger and oil is arranged to flow from the secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger to the primary fuel-oil heat exchanger. The method comprises transferring 200-600 KJ/mof heat to the fuel from the oil in the primary fuel-oil heat exchanger at cruise conditions.