Part-Load Operation of a Piloted FLOX® Combustion System

Abstract

A large operational envelope is a key requirement for modern gas turbines. Fuel staging is used here to improve the part load performance of an enhanced FLOX® type combustor. A swirl-stabilized pilot stage is integrated in the FLOX® burner and the results of high pressure lab-scale experiments at system relevant conditions are presented. The operational envelope of the piloted system could be extended by approximately 10%. Pressure scaling and variations of air preheat temperature and jet velocity describe fundamental characteristics of the piloted system. OH* chemiluminescence imaging is used to investigate flame shapes and the effect of the interacting flames. Emissions and pressure pulsations define limits, and optimum operation conditions of the combustor and show the influence of part load relevant parameters.