Georgia Tech researchers have developed a combustor system and method for an oxy-fuel type combustion reaction. The system includes a set of nested cylindrical shells and strategically placed carbon dioxide, oxygen, and fuel inlets. The shells form separate mixing zones for first mixing oxygen and carbon dioxide and then for introducing fuel into the system. A combustion zone is also included, and a series of openings in the inner shell can be used to divert carbon dioxide from the inlet away from the first mixing zone to mix with and cool the combustion product prior to reaching the turbine inlet nozzle. The oxygen to carbon dioxide ratio can also be varied to increase flame stability and to control the combustion product temperature. The system is also compatible with a high-pressure oxygen stream, which reduces costs and assists in regulating pressure drops and improving gas mixing.
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions
- Reduce costs
- Improves power production and fuel efficiency
- Carbon dioxide can be used to cool the combustion product
- Gas turbines: Aircraft engines and power plants
- Turbines: Single and multiple shaft or a non-integrated turbine with an external burner
- Standalone configuration: Furnaces
In efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emission, an oxy-fuel gas turbine has been proposed as a lower cost and more efficient alternative to fuel de-carbonization and post-combustion capture. However, the implementation of a commercial oxy-fuel gas turbine that utilizes carbon dioxide as the working fluid poses development challenges related to the combustor implementation. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system that maintains stoichiometric combustion in an oxy-fuel type combustion reaction.