INTRODUCTION ‘The combustion system is designed to burn the fuel as efficiently as possible over the whole range of engine operating conditions. It must do this without any increase in pressure, with all the energy released by the fuel converted into heat and velocity energy. In addition to the above, the functions of the combustion chamber are as follows: > To ensure a stable fuel burn with maximum thermal efficiency over a wide range of air pressure, temperature, and mass flow To ignite and maintain combustion of airfuel ratios ranging from 45:1 to 130:1 To give an even outlet temperature distribution To have low overall drop in total pressure Be of small size and weight, and have a long mechanical life > > > > COMBUSTION PROCESS [=> seconpary FLow Fig. 15.1 ‘Air from the compressor enters the combustion system at a velocity of up to 500 fl/second. However, this airspeed is too high to effect satisfactory combustion, so the air must be decelerated, which increases the static pressure. Powerplant 1561Chapter 15. Gas Turbine Engine Combustion System: Efficient combustion only takes place within 2 narrow band or range of airffuel ratios of approximately 16:1 to 18:1. The gas temperatures that result from these ratios are unacceptable due to the thermal limitations of the turbine and turbine blade materials. itis therefore essential to cool the gases to an acceptable level. Introducing additional air into the gas stream after combustion has taken place achieves this, thereby increasing the overall airfuel ratio to between 45:1 and 130:1 emary Air seoopeyne: Bo Outlow to Nozzle Guide Vanes Air leaving the compressor enters the combustion system where approximately 80% is directed into the space between the flame tube and the surrounding air casing. The remaining 20%, termed primary air, enters the flame tube via the snout, as shown in figure 15.2. Twelve percent (12%) of the primary air passes through the swirl vanes that surround the fuel bumer into the primary zone, the remaining 8% of the primary air enters the primary zone via a perforated flare that stretches across the fiame tube and supports the swirl vanes. Shown in Figure 15.3, this is sometimes termed a colander. The function of the swirl vanes is to impart a swirl to the air Creating a vortex while simultaneously reducing axial velocity of the air to match the relatively slow burning rate of kerosene. 15.3 15.2 PowerplantGas Turbine Engine Combustion Systems Chapter 15 ‘An additional 20% of the secondary airflow enters the primary zone via secondary air holes. The interaction of these two airflows creates a region of low velocity recirculation that stabilises and ‘anchors the flame, thus ensuring complete combustion and initiating cooling. Gas temperature ‘during combustion is approximately 1800°C to 2000°C, which is excessive for entry to the turbine section. The remaining 60% of the secondary air is for cooling and dilution, of which approximately 40% cools the flame tube. The remaining 20% enters the dilution zone to dilute. This cools the gases to an acceptable level before they enter the turbine. Typical values of gas temperature entering the turbine are between 1000°C to 1500°C. Figure 15.4 shows an actual flame tube. Fig. 15.4 Primary air is the portion of the compressor output air used for the actual combustion of fuel, usually 20% to 25%. Secondary air is the portion of the compressor output air used for cooling combustion gases and engine parts. ‘An igniter plug creates an electrical spark to ignite the airifuel mixture and onee ignited, the flame is continuous. There are two igniters per combustion system. Their operation is described later Under ignition. Powerplant 153