Effect of Operating Variables on the Performance of a Highly Loaded Annular Combustor

Abstract

A highly loaded full-scale annular combustor is studied in the air-flow facility for the effect of operating variables such as compressor discharge velocity and fuel-air ratio on the performance parameters. The combustor is designed to operate at high pressures and high exit temperatures that impose stringent limitations on its performance such as pressure loss, exit temperature profiles and combustion efficiency. The effect of excess air ratio on performance parameters is found to be marginal over the range tested. Increasing the excess air ratio decreases the pressure loss, exit pattern factors and combustion efficiency. The inlet Mach no. is found to influence the pressure loss strongly and exit temperature patterns marginally. Combustion efficiency is found to deteriorate with increase in Mach number. This will in turn affect the integrity and life of hot end components of the aero engine.