Fuel Effects on Gas Turbine Combustion—Ignition, Stability, and Combustion Efficiency

Abstract

An analytical study is made of the substantial body of experimental data acquired during recent Wright-Patterson Aero Propulsion Laboratory sponsored programs on the effects of fuel properties on the performance and reliability of several gas turbine combustors, including J79-17A, J79–17C (Smokeless), F101, TF41, TF39, J85, TF33, and F100. Quantitative relationships are derived between certain key aspects of combustion, notably combustion efficiency, lean blowout limits and lean light-off limits, and the relevant fuel properties, combustor design features, and combustor operating conditions. It is concluded that combustion efficiency, lean blowout limits, and lean lightoff limits are only slightly dependent on fuel chemistry, but are strongly influenced by the physical fuel properties that govern atomization quality and spray evaporation rates.