Electrostatic Spray Modification in Gas Turbine Combustion

Abstract

The feasibility of using electrostatic fields as a practical means of altering existing gas-turbine-injector spray characteristics has been investigated. Results indicate that with electrical potentials typical of spark plug voltages, a significant modification of spray characteristics in terms of average droplet size reduction and increased spray cone angles can be produced. This suggests a means of expanding the utility of present combustors either by broadening the operating range for optimum performance with the design or by permitting more attractive combustion of nondesign fuels. A simple retrofit during engine overhaul would allow present combustors to operate with or without electrostatic spray modification.