Electric lamp and discharge devices – Spark plugs – Plural parallel gaps
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-22
2001-05-15
Patel, Nimeshkumar D. (Department: 2879)
Electric lamp and discharge devices
Spark plugs
Plural parallel gaps
C313S141000, C313S130000, C123S1690EB
Reexamination Certificate
active
06232703
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates in general to electrical igniters and more particularly to a multiple electrode igniter for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustor of a gas turbine engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Multitude existing engines, such as aircraft engines, and also including automobile, marine, industrial and other engines, require an igniter for initiating and maintaining combustion in the engine. An igniter for the combustor of a gas turbine engine permits the production of an electrical spark across a gap formed between oppositely charged electrodes. The spark so produced is effective for igniting a combustible fuel-air mixture within the combustor.
Igniters in the existing art typically use one electrode as a source for the spark. This does not permit a second source to be connected directly to the igniter. In some existing art, a single electrode source for the spark is split internally to provide multiple sparking points. This existing art requires ground electrodes. One example of an existing igniter is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,559 wherein an igniter is affixed to a combustion chamber with the electrodes extending a short distance to an ignition position in the combustor. This device includes spring retention of the electrodes in the ignition position. The spring permits the electrodes to retract from the combustor in the presence of high pressure within the combustor, as occurs once ignition is attained.
In order to provide redundancy and enhance safety, existing systems often require the use of a second igniter. However, use of a second igniter can significantly impact cost, weight and complexity.
It would be desirable to be able to increase system reliability without requiring a second, or additional, igniter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a multiple electrode igniter which can increase system reliability without requiring additional igniters.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an igniter for a combustor of a gas turbine comprises a ground shell electrical conductor; at least two ignition spark source electrical conductors; at least one insulator to isolate the spark sources from each other and from the ground shell conductor; and a pair of electrical connection points, typically a connector that would mate with an ignition source electrical lead having a source conductor, a ground conductor, and insulation to separate these conductors.
In the drawings as hereinafter described, various embodiments are depicted; however, other modifications and alternative constructions can be made thereto without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 2836756 (1958-05-01), Smits
patent: 2963620 (1960-12-01), Knudson et al.
patent: 3394285 (1968-07-01), Lindsay
patent: 3956664 (1976-05-01), Rado et al.
General Electric Company
Guharray Karabi
Hess Andrew C.
Patel Nimeshkumar D.
Young Rodney M.
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