NOX MODEL FOR LEAN COMBUSTION CONCEPT

In an effort to reduce the emissions produced by gas turbine combustor s to meet the expected trends of more stringent regulations, a model t o calculate NOx produced by lean combustion concepts is proposed. The model simulates the combustor by a number of reactors representing the main combustion as well as pilot zones. A detailed reaction rate sche me was used to provide a fundamental basis for the derivation of react ion temperature and NOx formation expressions. The model validation in volved the utilization of the data obtained for a combustor that compr ised a prechamber in which fuel was vaporized and mixed with air, and a variable geometry feature to control air split between various zones . In addition to the satisfactory agreement with the measurements obta ined under a wide range of operations, the model provided insight into the roles of the primary zone and pilot in forming NOx. The present i nvestigation also shows that multidimensional calculations can provide important assistance for emissions model development. Methods of NOx reduction may be implemented in light of such information.