General Electric Company

Edward David Sailer

John Eric Bloomberg

David Paul Leachman

A gas turbine engine system having improved thermal efficiency, which comprises: (1) an inlet air stream; and (2) a dry low emissions combustor assembly having an air inlet for receiving the inlet air stream, at least one bleed air port and an air outlet for discharging at least a portion of the received air from the inlet air stream. This system includes a source of warmer air capable of raising the ambient temperature of the inlet air stream received by the air inlet of the dry low emissions combustor assembly while operating at a partial load until the system reaches a new equilibrium state having improved thermal efficiency. Also disclosed is a method for improving the thermal efficiency of the dry low emissions combustor assembly, which comprises the step of including a source of warmer air with the inlet air stream received by the air inlet of the dry low emissions combustor assembly while operating at a partial load until the system reaches a new equilibrium state having improved thermal efficiency.

System and method for improving thermal efficiency of dry low emissions combustor assemblies

A device is provided for increasing the power output of a gas turbine engine at the low ambient inlet temperatures which would otherwise produce a decrease in power. The device includes a conduit for bypassing a portion of the compressor discharge air around the combustor whereupon it is reintroduced back into the engine downstream of the compressor-driving turbine and upstream of the power turbine, if any. A valve is provided to increase the bypass flow rate through the conduit at low ambient temperatures, the increasing bypass flow permitting the engine to operate at a higher fuel flow and cycle temperatures for the same compressor mass flow. The increased temperature with the same mass flow rate results in an increase in power.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

Edward David Sailer