Low NOx Catalytic Combustor for Military Aircraft Engines

"Precision Combustion Inc. (PCI) proposes a novel gas turbine engine fuel injector design that combines catalytic combustion, direct injection and higher airflows through the injector for reducing NOx emission from military aircraft engines withoutdeterioration of the Lean Blow Out (LBO) limit and relight stability and avoiding flashback or early autoignition. This design builds upon PCI's Rich Catalytic/Lean burn technology, now in advanced development for ground power generation gas turbineswith substantial support from the U.S. Department of Energy and gas turbine manufacturers. The design provides a basis, discussed in the proposal, for expecting NOx emissions reductions of 80%. Phase I will achieve proof of concept through a combinationof atmospheric pressure prototype testing and full condition CFD and other modeling. Phase II will optimize the design through injector testing at engine conditions in collaboration with a major aircraft engine manufacturer, as well as further modelingand durability testing. Success offers a new fuel injector design for achieving very low NOx emissions for both military and commercial engine application. The proposed technology targets gas turbine engine fuel nozzle design combining catalyticcombustion and direct injection concepts for reducing NOx from military aircraft engines. The system offers breakthrough technology for achieving lowered Nox emissions (<8 g Nox/kg jet fuel) for aircraft