Aviation and the Global Atmosphere

Aviation and the Global Atmosphere
Aviation and the Global Atmosphere
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7.5. Combustion Technology
7.5.1. Introduction
Other reports in this collection
Section 7.4 explained how major improvements in the fuel efficiency of engines have been achieved through parallel advances in turbomachinery aerodynamics,
combustion, cooling, and materials. Significant progress in each of these areas is the direct result of industrial and governmental investment in balanced,
interdependent research and technology programs that respond to commercial and environmental pressures. This section focuses on combustion technology, with
particular emphasis on achievements to reduce emissions and the prospects of further improvements.
We first describe the modern gas turbine combustion system and the particular requirements placed upon this important engine component. Next we address
emissions from combustors. In view of the wide availability of excellent reference material on this subject, however, only a brief assessment of the principal emissions
is given here. A new emphasis has been placed on current research aimed at improving the understanding of soot formation and aerosols, a matter of increasing
importance (see Chapter 3). We then outline progress made in reducing emissions in recent years. We go on to describe the specific part the combustor plays in
controlling NO x emissions from engines and discuss prospects and plans for further improvements.
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Table 7-2: Typical emission index (g/kg) levels for engine operating regimes.
Species Idle Take-Off Cruise
CO2 3160 3160 3160
H 2 O 1230 1230 1230
CO 25 (10-65) 1 1-3.5
HC (as CH4 ) 4 (0-12) 0.5 0.2-1.3