Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Flow Structure and Combustion Characteristics of Novel Multi-Swirl LDI Burners
Abstract: For several decades, gas turbines have been utilized in various applications, primarily for power generation on land and propelling aircraft. Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on the environmental effects of aero engines, particularly concerning emissions and noise, which has caused significant public interest. Aircraft discharge various pollutants, including NOx, Unburned Hydrocarbons, CO, CO2, and Particulate matter, which predominantly includes smoke/soot. These pollutants have two main effects: one on local air quality, particularly near airports, and the other on climate change (global warming). Three series of novel multi-swirl LDI burners have developed, which possess substantial potential in significantly reducing CO2 and NOx emissions compared to traditional combustion systems used in aviation gas turbines. The research work presents a detailed experimental (PIV) and CFD analysis of the flow field, combustion and emission characteristics of these novel multi-swirl LDI burners, which explains its underlying features that are primarily responsible for the measured low emissions and higher combustion efficiency.