Development of Micro Gas Turbine Combustor with a Recirculation Zone Induced by an Upward Swirl

(Effect of a Primary Zone Configuration on Spray Combustion Characteristics)

Abstract

A new low NOx combustor for kerosene-fueled micro gas turbine was proposed, and the combustion characteristics of prototype combustor were investigated. The new combustor consisted of a primary and a secondary combustion zones, and they were connected by a throat. In order to enhance the recirculation flow in a primary combustion zone, a swirler was set between the primary and secondary combustion zones. Combustion air was introduced through the swirler and forced to flow upward to the combustor bottom, from which the fuel spray was supplied through a nozzle. To achieve high combustion stability and low emission in wide fuel-air ratio, the optimum configuration of the primary combustion zone were investigated. The optimum one was found out by measuring the fundamental combustion characteristics such as lean combustion limit, flame luminosity, exhaust gas composition and combustion gas temperature.