Laser ignition methods and apparatus for combustors
AssigneeSimmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
InventorDennis M. DeFreitas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for igniting fuel in a combustor having at least one fuel nozzle that emits an atomized fuel spray into a primary zone of the combustion chamber comprising a laser energy source for producing infrared laser energy and optic fiber means for transmitting the laser energy from the laser source into the primary zone of the combustor to ignite the fuel spray. In one embodiment the laser igniter is disposed in a main fuel nozzle of the combustor.
Claims28
A method of igniting fuel in a flow through combustor comprising the steps of:
- a. producing an atomized fuel spray in an ignition zone of the combustor;
- b. directing infrared laser energy into the ignition zone at a wavelength substantially unabsorbed by the fuel spray;
- and
- c. focussing the laser energy to initiate combustion of the fuel spray and an unthrottled air flow.
Apparatus for igniting fuel in a flow through combustor having at least one fuel nozzle that emits an atomized fuel spray into an ignition zone of the combustion chamber comprising:
- source means for producing infrared laser energy at a wavelength substantially unabsorbed by the fuel spray;
- means for providing an unthrottled air supply through the combustor;
- and
- optic means for directing said laser energy from said source means into the fuel spray in the ignition zone of the combustor, the laser energy being focused to ignite the fuel spray.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.