18337546. COMBUSTION OF FUEL simplified abstract (ROLLS-ROYCE plc)
Contents
COMBUSTION OF FUEL
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Craig W. Bemment of Derby (GB)
Benjamin J. Keeler of Chesterfield (GB)
Kevin R. Mcnally of Derby (GB)
COMBUSTION OF FUEL - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18337546 titled 'COMBUSTION OF FUEL
The abstract describes a method of operating a gas turbine engine that includes transferring heat from the oil to the fuel to lower the fuel viscosity, improving engine performance.
- The method involves a gas turbine engine with an engine core, a fan, a main gearbox, a primary oil loop system, and a heat exchange system.
- Heat is transferred from the oil to the fuel to reduce fuel viscosity to enhance combustion efficiency.
- The oil entering the heat exchange system has an average temperature of at least 180°C at cruise conditions.
- The fuel viscosity is lowered to a value of less than or equal to 0.58 mm/s on entry to the combustor at cruise conditions.
- This innovation aims to optimize engine performance by improving fuel combustion efficiency through heat transfer.
Potential Applications: - Aerospace industry for aircraft engines - Power generation for gas turbine power plants - Marine propulsion systems for ships
Problems Solved: - Enhanced fuel combustion efficiency - Improved engine performance - Reduced maintenance costs due to optimized lubrication
Benefits: - Increased fuel efficiency - Lower emissions - Extended engine lifespan
Commercial Applications: Title: Enhanced Fuel Combustion Technology for Gas Turbine Engines This technology can be utilized in commercial aircraft, power generation facilities, and marine vessels to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
Prior Art: Readers can explore prior patents related to heat exchange systems in gas turbine engines, fuel viscosity optimization, and lubrication systems to gain a deeper understanding of the technological advancements in this field.
Frequently Updated Research: Researchers are continually studying ways to further optimize heat transfer efficiency between oil and fuel in gas turbine engines to enhance overall performance and reduce environmental impact.
Questions about Enhanced Fuel Combustion Technology for Gas Turbine Engines: 1. How does this method improve fuel combustion efficiency in gas turbine engines? Heat transfer from the oil to the fuel reduces fuel viscosity, allowing for better combustion in the engine. 2. What are the potential applications of this technology beyond gas turbine engines? This technology can also be applied in other industries such as automotive, where fuel combustion efficiency is crucial for performance and emissions control.
Original Abstract Submitted
A method of operating a gas turbine engine, the engine including an engine core with a turbine, a compressor, a combustor arranged to combust a fuel, and a core shaft connecting the turbine to the compressor; a fan upstream of the engine core; a fan shaft; a main gearbox that receives an input from the core shaft and outputs drive to the fan via the fan shaft; a primary oil loop system to supply oil to lubricate the main gearbox; and a heat exchange system to transfer heat between the oil and the fuel, the oil having an average temperature of at least 180° C. on entry to the heat exchange system at cruise conditions. The method includes transferring heat from the oil to the fuel to lower the fuel viscosity to a value of less than or equal to 0.58 mm/s on entry to the combustor at cruise conditions.
