Effects of Major Design and Operating Parameters on Achieving Low Emissions From Gas Turbine Combustors

The results of a research program involving the design and performance testing of two low-emission combustors for vehicular gas turbine applications are described. The novel features of the combustor designs tested include the use of airblast fuel nozzles, a relatively high value of pressure-loss factor to promote vigorous mixing, and variable geometry to control the liner air flow distributions. Particular emphasis is placed on describing the relative effects of primary-zone equivalence ratio, combustor inlet temperature and pressure, residence time, and the uniformity of the fuel/air distribution in the primary zone. Guidelines for the future design of low-emission combustors based on the observed effects are also presented. The major conclusion reached is that essentially conventional combustor configurations have the capability of achieving the specified emission goals.