CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) has developed a low frequency, high amplitude fuel modulator for instability control and emissions reduction in advanced liquid-fueled gas turbine engine combustors. The magnetic fuel actuator is innovative in its low frequency (< 1000 Hz), high amplitude (up to full on/off modulation) capability and its application to a practical fuel nozzle design. The low frequency modulation can be used in the active control of damaging thermo-acoustic instabilities in the 100-800 Hz range (typical in lean gas turbine combustors). The advanced capability offered by this magnetic actuating device is in contrast to the high frequency (> 10,000 Hz), low amplitude fuel modulation of existing piezoelectric actuators.

The new actuator developed by CFDRC is very compact, and durable. A significant focus of the development was on reducing the size and weight of the actuator to make it more applicable to aero applications. The weight was reduced by a factor of 11 and the volume by a factor of 8 over the best commercially available actuator technology. The improved actuator has been tested by pulsing the pilot fuel flow of a lean direct fuel injector being developed for NASA UEET regional jet application. High amplitude modulation from 10 to 900 Hz was demonstrated. Limited durability testing (105 hrs) of the actuator was performed and no degradation of performance has been observed.

Please contact us for more information or a discussion of your specific needs.