Multi-Element Lean Direct Injection Combustor Module, Phase I

We propose to develop a Multi-Element Lean Direct Injection, ME-LDI, Combustion concept with the following innovative features: 1. Independent, mini burning zones created by containing the flame in a cylinder downstream of each fuel injector/swirler element in a multiple fuel injector array, see figure 1. The independent burning zones will enable fuel staging the fuel injectors (turning off fuel to selected fuel injectors) to cover the operating cycle, such that at each point of the operating cycle the combustor will have high combustion efficiency (>99%) and low NOx emissions. At high power conditions the combustion efficiency should be greater than 99.9%. 2. A low flow number, "Butterfly" fuel injector will be incorporated into ME-LDI that is low cost and simple to manufacture but a highly effective atomizer. The term "Butterfly" derives from the butterfly shape of the spray. The shape of the spray is formed by two diametrically opposed slots cut through a closed end fuel tube, see figure 2. The fuel flow through each slot forms a fan spray. The slot width can be varied to control drop-sizes within the spray.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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