Optimization of the Mixing Quality of a Real Size Gas Turbine Burner With Instantaneous Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging

Abstract

For lean premixed combustion the NOx emission can be reduced by optimizing the degree of fuel-air mixedness. Since both temporal and spatial mixture variations are of importance, the time resolved planar laser technique of acetone tracer-LIF (laser-induced fluorescence) is used to characterize the mixing quality in an one-to-one scale segment of a Siemens ring shaped gas turbine combustor. Variations of the combustor geometry and of additional mixing devices have been tested, showing the potential to increase the mixing quality. Subsequent tests in a fired atmospheric test rig confirm the influence of the mixing quality, leading to up to 30% further reduction of the NOx emissions.