High velocity variables residence time combustor for small gas turbine engines

An innovative annular combustor concept has demonstrated superior performance while achieving very low lean blowout fuel to air ratio and providing a major reduction in NOx emissions. The design utilizes bulk swirl and is based on a Variable Residence Time (VRT) concept which allows large fuel particles adequate time to completely burn in the circumferentially mixed primary zone. High durability of the combustor is achieved by dual function use of the incoming air. Due to the method of circumferential air admission, it is ideally suited to very high inlet air velocities with minimum losses which will result in an improved cycle efficiency and a lower engine specific fuel consumption. SOL-3 Resources proposes to apply the VRT combustor concept to an advanced small engine currently under development. The support of the major engine manufacturer has already been obtained.