Simulation performance comparison between high temperature rise triple-swirler combustor with double-swirler combustor

Abstract To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of two multi-swirl fuel-rich dome configurations, namely the triple-swirler and double-swirler, for a novel high-temperature rise centre-staged combustor, this study employed ANSYS Fluent software. Utilising the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes ( RANS) equation as the governing equation, three-dimensional numerical simulations were conducted using the Realisable k-ε turbulence model and non-premixed probability density function (PDF) combustion model to analyse the flow and combustion characteristics of both configurations. A comparative study was then performed to evaluate the performance differences between the two dome configurations under take-off and idle conditions. The results demonstrate that, under both conditions, the fuel-air mixing in the triple-swirler combustor occurs faster and more uniformly. Specifically, during takeoff, the primary zone temperature distribution in the triple-swirler combustor is more uniform, while during idle, the fuel-rich combustion region is more symmetrical. Furthermore, across both conditions, the outlet temperature distribution of the triple-swirler combustor is of superior quality, albeit with equivalent combustion efficiency. Notably, the formation of NOx and soot in the triple-swirler combustor, during takeoff conditions, exceeds that of the double-stage combustor along the flow path, whereas the generation of CO and UHC, during idle conditions, is lower in the former.