United Technologies Corporation

Carrier Corporation

Jan B Kennedy

John B McVey

Edward H Greitzer

John A TeVelde

A mixing device is comprised of a pair of nested flow separator conduits (202, 204) with convolutions (201, 206) on the outlet ends (203, 205) and means of adjusting the relative position of the convolutions on one of the outlet ends relative to the convolutions on the other outlet end. The relative movement of the convolutions (201, 206) provides a method to modulate the rate of mixing between flows passing through the flow separator conduits (202, 204). Exemplary embodiments of the invention include application of the mixing device as a furnace (20) and as a gas turbine combustor (150).

Mechanism for controlling the rate of mixing in combusting flows

An inlet orifice (12) and an inlet orifice (12) and centrifugal fan (21) assembly that promotes fan efficiency and reduces radiated noise. The orifice has an elliptical entry portion (13) and an elliptical diffuser portion (14) that meet smoothly at a throat (16). The major axes of the two ellipses are parallel to the axis of rotation of the fan (12). The relationship between the major and minor axes of the ellipse defining the entry portion (13) and the relationship between the major and minor axes of the ellipse defining the diffuser portion (14) may be the same or different. The major axes of both ellipses may be equal in length or different. Preferred relationships are disclosed. The fan (21) has an outer envelope (22) that is generally cylindrical but with an entry portion (23) that, when assembled with the orifice (12), extends into the diffuser portion (14) of the orifice (12) and has an outer contour that conforms to the contour of the diffuser portion (14). Preferred relationships between certain dimensions of the orifice structure (12) and the fan (21) are disclosed.

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South Windsor, CT, United States of America

Jan B Kennedy