Reduction of NO emissions in a turbojet combustor by direct water/steam injection: Numerical and experimental assessment

Numerical and experimental investigations are conducted to assess the benefits and drawbacks of both water (mist) and steam direct injection within the combustion chamber of a 200 N static thrust turbojet. For this purpose, a three-dimensional CFD model of the combustion process is implemented where pollutant emissions are calculated; in parallel, a test campaign on the turbojet at sea level static conditions is carried out. In both cases the refrigerant flow is injected directly into the combustor, outside the liner. The aim of the investigations is to evaluate the impact of increasing water and steam flows (ranging from 0% to 200% of the fuel mass flow) onto the emissions levels (NO and CO) of the engine.