Systems and methods for blending multiple fuel mixture components

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for blending multiple fuel mixture components. A method of blending at least two fuel mixture components, the method comprising: providing at least two fuel mixture components to a cyclone mixer via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system comprising a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via at least one vortex formed in the cyclonic mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index with a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for blending multiple fuel mixture components. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for blending two or more fuel mixture components for use in combustion systems as set forth in the appended claims. BACKGROUND

[0002] Turbomachines are used for energy transfer purposes in a variety of industries and applications. For example, a gas turbine engine generally includes a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section. The compressor section progressively increases the pressure of a working fluid entering the gas turbine engine and supplies the compressed working fluid to the combustion section. The compressed working fluid and fuel are mixed within the combustion section and combusted in a combustion chamber to generate high pressure and high temperature combustion gases. The combustion gases flow from the combustion section into the turbine section where the combustion gases expand to do work. For example, the expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine section can cause a rotor shaft connected to, for example, an electrical generator to rotate to produce electrical power. The combustion gases then exit the gas turbine via the exhaust section. SUMMARY

[0003] The invention claimed herein is directed to the subject matter set forth in the appended claims. Aspects and advantages of systems and methods for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or can be obvious from the description, or can be learned through practice of the technology. In embodiments, the fuel mixture components can include combustible components as well as non-combustible components, and they are intended to be blended to form a fuel mixture. The fuel mixture components can include at least one combustible fuel mixture component. All or some of the fuel mixture components can be or include combustible components. The fuel mixture components can also be referred to in the following in a simplified manner as one or more fuels, regardless of whether they are combustible.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a method of blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. Within the context of this document, a fuel mixture component is generally understood to be, within the framework of the subject matter disclosed herein, any component intended to be combined with other components to form a combustible fuel mixture. The method includes: providing the at least two fuel mixture components to a helical static mixer via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via a plurality of helical structures of the helical static mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture via one or more sensors, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via the fuel supply system based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The system includes: a combustion system; a helical static mixer including a plurality of helical structures; a fuel supply system for supplying at least two fuel mixture components to the helical static mixer and the combustion system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the helical static mixer, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory storing instructions and one or more processors, the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including: providing, via the fuel supply system, at least two fuel mixture components to the helical static mixer; mixing, via the plurality of helical structures of the helical static mixer, the at least two fuel mixture components to form a fuel mixture; determining, via the one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method of blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The method includes: providing, via a fuel supply system, at least two fuel mixture components to a mixing chamber, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing, via a deflector of the mixing chamber, the at least two fuel mixture components to form a fuel mixture; determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The system includes: a combustion system; a mixing chamber including a plurality of vanes; a fuel supply system for supplying at least two fuel mixture components to the mixing chamber and the combustion system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the mixing chamber, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory storing instructions and one or more processors, the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including: providing, via the fuel supply system, the at least two fuel mixture components to the mixing chamber; mixing, via the mixing chamber, the at least two fuel mixture components to form a fuel mixture; determining, via the one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a method of blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The method includes: providing, via a fuel supply system, at least two fuel mixture components to an injector, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing, via a diffuser of the injector, the at least two fuel mixture components to form a fuel mixture; determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The system includes: a combustion system; an injector including a motive inlet, a suction inlet, and a diffuser; a fuel supply system for supplying at least two fuel mixture components to the injector and the combustion system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the injector, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including: providing the at least two fuel mixture components to the injector via the fuel supply system; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components from the motive inlet and the suction inlet via the diffuser of the injector to form a fuel mixture; determining a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture via the one or more sensors, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via the fuel supply system based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a method of blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The method includes: providing at least two fuel mixture components to a cyclone mixer via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via at least one vortex formed in the cyclone mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture via one or more sensors, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via the fuel supply system based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

[0011] According to another embodiment, a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The system includes: a combustion system; a cyclonic mixer; a fuel supply system for supplying at least two fuel mixture components to the cyclonic mixer and the combustion system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the cyclonic mixer, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including: providing the at least two fuel mixture components to the cyclonic mixer via the fuel supply system; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via at least one vortex formed in the cyclonic mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining, via the one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via the fuel supply system based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a method of blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The method includes: providing at least two fuel mixture components to a first mixing module via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via the first mixing module to form an initial fuel mixture; providing the initial fuel mixture to a second mixing module; mixing the initial fuel mixture via the second mixing module to form a fuel mixture; determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via the fuel supply system based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

[0013] According to another embodiment, a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components is provided. The system includes: a combustion system; a first mixing module; a second mixing module; a fuel supply system for supplying at least two fuel mixture components to the first mixing module, the second mixing module, and the combustion system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the first mixing module, the second mixing module, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory storing instructions and one or more processors, the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including: providing, via the fuel supply system, the at least two fuel mixture components to the first mixing module; mixing, via the first mixing module, the at least two fuel mixture components to form an initial fuel mixture; providing the initial fuel mixture to the second mixing module; mixing, via the second mixing module, the fuel mixture to form a fuel mixture; determining, via the one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the systems and methods of blending two or more fuel mixture components of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The complete and enabling disclosure of the systems and methods of blending multiple fuel mixture components of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, directed to those of ordinary skill in the art in this field of technology is set forth in this specification, which includes claims, and which is accompanied by at least one drawing, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2An illustration of a fuel supply system and mixing module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 An illustration of a fuel supply system with multiple mixing modules is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 An illustration of a fuel supply system and mixing module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 An enlarged view of a mixing module is shown;

[0021] Figure 6 Multiple mixing modules are shown;

[0022] Figure 7 An illustration of a fuel supply system and mixing module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 8 An enlarged view of a mixing module is shown;

[0024] Figure 9 An illustration of a fuel supply system with multiple mixing modules is shown;

[0025] Figure 10 An illustration of a fuel supply system and mixing module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 11 An enlarged view of a mixing module is shown;

[0027] Figure 12 An illustration of a fuel supply system with multiple different mixing modules in a series configuration is shown;

[0028] Figure 13 An illustration of a fuel supply system with multiple different mixing modules in a parallel configuration is shown;

[0029] Figure 14 A flowchart of a method for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0030] Figure 15 A block diagram of a computing system for implementing one or more aspects of the present disclosure according to example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the system and method for blending multiple fuel mixture components of the present application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present technology and not as a limitation of the present technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations to the present technology can be made in light of this teaching. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one implementation can be used with another implementation to yield a still further implementation. Thus, it is intended that this disclosure encompass such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0032] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, all embodiments described herein are to be considered exemplary.

[0033] The DETAILED DESCRIPTION uses digital and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the present application. As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not meant to signify location or importance of the individual components.

[0034] The term “fluid” can be a gas or a liquid. The term “fluid communication” means that a fluid is able to connect between designated areas.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “upstream” (or “up”) and “downstream” (or “down”) refer to relative directions with respect to the flow of fluid in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction from which fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the direction to which fluid flows. However, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” as used herein can also refer to electrical current. The term “radially” refers to a relative direction substantially perpendicular to an axial centerline of a particular component, the term “axially” refers to a relative direction substantially parallel and / or coaxially aligned with an axial centerline of a particular component, and the term “circumferentially” refers to a relative direction extending around an axial centerline of a particular component.

[0036] Terms having the meaning of approximation, such as “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and “essentially,” are not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the language of approximation can correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure a value, or the precision of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. In at least some instances, the language of approximation can correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure a value, or the precision of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. For example, the language of approximation can refer to a tolerance within 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% in individual values, ranges of values, and / or end values that define a range. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include directions that are within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions that are within ten degrees of vertical in either direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0037] Unless otherwise stated herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like, mean directly coupled, fixed, or attached, and also indirectly coupled, fixed, or attached, through one or more intermediary components or features. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but can include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present).

[0038] As used herein, the “heat value” of a fuel is an upper limit of usable heat energy produced by the complete combustion of the fuel, measured in energy units per unit mass or volume. The “high heat value” is the total amount of heat energy produced per unit mass or volume, including the energy used to vaporize water produced during the combustion reaction (also referred to as the “gross heat value”), and the “low heat value” is the total amount of heat energy produced per unit mass or volume, excluding the energy used to vaporize water produced during the combustion reaction (also referred to as the “net heat value”).

[0039] The “specific gravity” of a fuel is the ratio of the density of the fuel to the density of air at standard temperature and pressure conditions (273.15 Kelvin, 10,000 Pascals).

[0040] Throughout this document and in the claims, range limitations are combined and interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein, unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0041] As used herein, the term "line" can refer to a pipe, hose, tube, or other fluid-carrying conduit.

[0042] In this context, two components are "in series" when they are arranged in a sequential manner, such as when a second component is located downstream of a first component to receive fluid from the first component. Two components are "in parallel" when they are arranged at the same location to receive fluid from a common source and do not share the fluid between them.

[0043] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system 300 for blending at least two fuel mixture components 105, which can then be provided to a combustion system 302, is illustrated. The system 300 can include a combustion system 302 and a fuel supply system 100 fluidly connected to the combustion system 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the combustion system 302 is a combustion section of a gas turbine 10. However, in other embodiments, the combustion system 302 can be an internal combustion engine, a jet engine, an aircraft engine, a combustor, a dry low NOx combustor, or other combustion system. Additionally, while an industrial or land-based gas turbine is shown and described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to land-based and / or industrial gas turbines, unless otherwise specified in the claims. For example, the present invention as described herein can be used in any type of turbomachinery, including but not limited to an aircraft gas turbine or a marine gas turbine.

[0044] As shown, the gas turbine 10 generally includes an inlet section 12, a compressor section 14 disposed downstream of the inlet section 12, a plurality of combustors (not shown) within a combustor section 16 disposed downstream of the compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 disposed downstream of the combustor section 16, and an exhaust section 20 disposed downstream of the turbine section 18. Additionally, the gas turbine 10 can include one or more shafts 22 coupled between the compressor section 14 and the turbine section 18.

[0045] The compressor section 14 can generally include a plurality of rotor disks 24 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 44 extending radially outward from and connected to each rotor disk 24. Each rotor disk 24 can in turn be coupled to or form a portion of the shaft 22 extending through the compressor section 14. The compressor section 14 can also include one or more stator vanes 50 arranged circumferentially about the shaft 22. The stator vanes 27 can be fixed to a compressor casing or static casing 48 extending circumferentially about the rotor blades 44.

[0046] The turbine section 18 can generally include a plurality of rotor disks 28 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 30 extending radially outward from and interconnected to each rotor disk 28. Each rotor disk 28 can in turn be coupled to or form a portion of the shaft 22 extending through the turbine section 18.

[0047] During operation, a working fluid, such as air, flows through the inlet section 12 and into the compressor section 14, where the air is progressively compressed, providing pressurized air to the combustors of the compressor section 16. The pressurized air is mixed with fuel and combusted within each combustor to produce combustion gases 34. The combustion gases 34 flow from the combustor section 16 through the hot gas path 32 into the turbine section 18, where energy (kinetic and / or thermal) is transferred from the combustion gases 34 to the rotor blades 30, causing the shaft 22 to rotate. The mechanical rotational energy can then be used to power the compressor section 14 and / or to generate electricity. The combustion gases 34 exiting the turbine section 18 can then be exhausted from the gas turbine 10 via the exhaust section 20. The exhaust gases can be provided to an exhaust stack 40, which can discharge the gases to the atmosphere.

[0048] The fuel supply system 100 can supply or provide at least two fuel mixture components 105 to the mixing module 104 (and subsequently to the gas turbine 10). For example, the fuel supply system 100 can include a first fuel supply end 106A (for supplying a first fuel F A ), a second fuel supply end 106B (for supplying a second fuel F B ), a third fuel supply end 106C (for supplying a third fuel F C ), and a fourth fuel supply end 106D (for supplying a fourth fuel F D ). Each of the at least two fuel mixture components 105 can be different from one another (i.e., have a different chemical composition). The fuel mixture components can include, but are not limited to, natural gas, ammonia, hydrogen, or other fuel mixture components. Additionally, the fuel supply system 100 can supply other fluids, such as exhaust gases from an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system (not shown). While the illustrated embodiment includes four fuel mixture components, the fuel supply system 100 should not be limited to any particular number of fuel mixture components, unless specifically indicated in the claims. In other embodiments, the fuel supply system can include any number of fuel mixture components. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment includes four fuel mixture components, but the fuel supply system 100 should not be limited to any particular number of fuel mixture components, unless specifically indicated in the claims. In other embodiments, the fuel supply system can include any number of fuel mixture components.

[0049] In example embodiments, the fuel supply system 100 can include a plurality of fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D for providing each of at least two fuel mixture components 105 to the mixing module 104. As discussed in greater detail below, each of the fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D can have the same or similar configuration.

[0050] The mixing module 104 can be fluidly coupled to each of the fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D. The mixing module 104 can blend the at least two fuel mixture components 105 together to produce a homogeneous fuel mixture. The homogeneous fuel mixture can be provided to the combustion system 302 via an outlet line 108. The outlet line 108 can extend from the mixing module 104 to the combustion system 302, for example, to the combustor section 16 of the gas turbine 10.

[0051] In various embodiments, as shown, one or more sensors can be operably connected to the fuel supply system 100. The one or more sensors can include a first Wobbe index sensor 110, a second Wobbe index sensor 112, and a flow rate sensor 114. The Wobbe index sensors 110, 112 can be configured to sense data indicative of a Wobbe index of the fuel mixture (i.e., a measured Wobbe index). It should be understood that the Wobbe index is a measure of interchangeability, i.e., an “interchangeability index,” for evaluating different fuel mixture components (or fuel mixtures). The Wobbe index (WI) is calculated as follows: Figure 1

[0052]

[0053] where LHV is the lower heating value of the fuel, and SG is the specific gravity of the fuel. The Wobbe index helps to determine whether a first fuel (or first fuel mixture) can be substituted for a second fuel (or second fuel mixture). The flow rate sensor 114 can be configured to sense data indicative of a flow rate of the fuel mixture within the outlet line 108.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the Wobbe index sensors 110, 112 can be configured to sense data indicative of a modified Wobbe index (MWI) of the fuel mixture:

[0055]

[0056] where T g is a temperature of the fuel. The modified Wobbe index is another measure that helps to determine whether a first fuel (or first fuel mixture) can be substituted for a second fuel (or second fuel mixture). That is, the interchangeability index can be either the Wobbe index or the modified Wobbe index.

[0057] ​The system 300 can also include a controller 400 operably connected to one or more sensors to receive data from the sensors and determine various operating parameters of the system 300. In particular, the controller 400 can be operably connected to the fuel supply system 100 (including each component on the fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D), the mixing module 104, and one or more sensors 110, 112, 114. As referenced above, the controller 400 can be operably connected to the combustion system 302. The controller 400 can be operably connected to the fuel supply system 100, the mixing module 104, and one or more sensors 110, 112, 114 via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof. Figure 14 As discussed in greater detail, the controller 400 can include a memory and one or more processors. The memory can include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system 300 to perform one or more operations that can include: providing at least two fuel mixture components 105 to the mixing module 104; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components with the mixing module 104; determining a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture via the Wobbe index sensor 110, 112; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components 105; and providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system 302.

[0058] For example, based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index, the controller 400 can instruct the system 300 to adjust the amount, temperature, pressure, or flow rate of each of the at least two fuel mixture components provided to the mixing module 104 (thereby adjusting the fuel mixture) in order to trend the measured interchangeability index toward the predetermined interchangeability index. The predetermined interchangeability index is selected based on one or more factors for improving operation of the gas turbine engine, such as efficiency requirements of the gas turbine 10, combustion dynamics (including resonant acoustic pressure pulses), and the like. For example, a fuel mixture having an interchangeability index equal to the predetermined interchangeability index can be a fuel mixture that causes the highest efficiency operation of the gas turbine 10 compared to other fuel mixtures.

[0059] As discussed above, the controller 400 can be operably connected to the combustion system 302. The controller 400 can be operably connected to the combustion system 302 via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof. Figure 1As shown, system 300 can also include a heat exchanger 116 disposed in thermal communication on outlet line 108 downstream of first Wobbe index sensor 110 and flow rate sensor 114 and upstream of second Wobbe index sensor 112 relative to the flow of fuel mixture through outlet line 108. Heat exchanger 116 can adjust the temperature of the fuel mixture within outlet line 108 by transferring heat between a thermal fluid and the fuel mixture. For example, heat exchanger 116 can be fluidly coupled to a thermal fluid supply 118 via an inlet line 119 and fluidly coupled to a thermal fluid return 120 via an outlet line 121. Additionally, a valve 122 can be disposed in fluid communication on inlet line 119. Valve 122 can be in operable communication with controller 400 and actuatable between an open position in which flow is permitted and a closed position in which flow is restricted or completely prevented. Based on a comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index, controller can adjust the position of valve 122, thereby adjusting the rate of heat transfer between the thermal fluid and the fuel mixture, which in turn adjusts the temperature of the fuel mixture to cause the measured interchangeability index to trend toward the predetermined interchangeability index.

[0060] In various embodiments, fuel supply system 100 can also include a gaseous fuel module 124. Gaseous fuel module 124 can include one or more pumps, pressure regulators, valves, manifolds, and / or fluid conduits for supplying the fuel mixture to combustor section 16 of gas turbine 10. Gaseous fuel module 124 can be disposed on outlet line 108 downstream of second Wobbe index sensor and heat exchanger 116 and upstream (e.g., directly upstream) of combustion section 16.

[0061] Referring now to Figures 2 to 12 various embodiments of fuel supply system 100 (which includes fuel supply circuits 102) and mixing module 104 are illustrated. In particular, Figures 2 to 12 details of first fuel supply circuit 102A are illustrated, which details can also be implemented in other fuel supply circuits 102B, 102C, 102D. For example, while details of first fuel supply circuit 102A are illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that each of the other fuel supply circuits 102B, 102C, 102D can have the same or similar configuration as first fuel supply circuit 102A.

[0062] As shown, the fuel supply circuit 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D can each include a main fuel supply line 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D extending from the respective fuel supply end 106A, 106B, 106C, 106D to the mixing module 104. As shown, the fuel supply circuit 102 can include an electric heater 128 disposed in thermal communication on the main fuel supply line 126A immediately downstream of the first fuel supply end 106A. The electric heater 128 can change the temperature of the first fuel F A in the main fuel supply line 126A. The electric heater 128 can be electrically connected to a power source 130.

[0063] In many embodiments, the recirculation line 132 can extend from an inlet 134 on the main fuel supply line 126 to an outlet 136 on the main fuel supply line 126. The outlet 136 can be located upstream of the inlet 134 with respect to the flow of fuel through the main fuel supply line 126. The recirculation line 132 can be disposed downstream of the electric heater 128. In many embodiments, a control valve 138 can be disposed in fluid communication on the main fuel supply line 126 between the inlet 134 and the outlet 136 of the recirculation line 132.

[0064] The fuel supply circuit 102 can include an atmospheric vent line 140 extending from the main fuel supply line 126. The atmospheric vent line 140 can vent fuel from the fuel supply line 126A for maintenance activities. For example, if maintenance is required on one or more components of the fuel supply system 100, the vent line 140 can purge any remaining fuel from the main fuel supply line 126 so that the maintenance activities can be safely performed. In various embodiments, a control valve 142 can be disposed in fluid communication on the vent line 140.

[0065] The fuel supply circuit 102 can also include a control valve 144 located downstream of the inlet 134 of the recirculation line 132. The control valves 138, 142, 144 can control the amount or mass or volume flow of fuel allowed to flow through the main fuel supply line 126, respectively, thereby controlling the amount or mass or volume flow of fuel recirculated through the recirculation line 132, respectively. As familiar to those skilled in the art, mass flow and volume flow are coupled to each other by the specific weight of the respective fuel. Therefore, if the temperature and pressure of the fuel, in particular of a gaseous fuel, remain constant, controlling or adjusting the mass flow and volume flow of the fuel can thus (in terms of control) be considered equivalent to each other. In other aspects, in particular the mass flow of a gaseous fuel can change when changing its temperature and / or pressure, while the volume flow remains constant. Mass flow and volume flow, in particular in terms of control and / or adjustment, can be referred to as "flow rate" in the following, and it is readily appreciated by those skilled in the art whether mass flow or volume flow or both apply. Each of the control valves 138, 142, 144 can be adjusted (e.g., by the controller 400) between a fully open (e.g., 100% open) position, a partially open (e.g., between 0% open and 100% open) position, and a fully closed (e.g., 0% open) position. By adjusting the control valves 138, 142, 144, a desired amount and flow rate, e.g., mass flow or volume flow, of the first fuel F A through the fuel supply circuit 102 can be achieved, respectively.

[0066] One or more sensors 146 can be provided on the main fuel supply line 126A for sensing data indicative of one or more parameters of the first fuel F A . The one or more sensors 146 can include a flow rate sensor 148 configured to sense data indicative of a flow rate of the first fuel through the main fuel supply line 126A. The controller 400 can adjust one or more of the valves 138, 142, 144 based on the data indicative of the flow rate from the flow rate sensor 146. In addition, the one or more sensors 146 can include a third Wobbe index sensor 150 which can be configured to sense data indicative of an interchangeability index of the first fuel F A . Further, the one or more sensors 146 can include a pressure sensor 152 which can sense data indicative of a pressure of the first fuel F A .

[0067] Each of the one or more sensors 146 is operatively connected to the controller 400. Based on data provided by the one or more sensors 146 (e.g., data indicating flow rate, data indicating interchangeability index, and / or data indicating pressure), the controller can adjust one or more of the control valves 138, 142, 144 to adjust the first fuel F. A The flow rate. Additionally, based on data provided by one or more sensors 146, the controller 400 can adjust the operation of the electric heater 128 to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the first fuel F. A The temperature.

[0068] The fuel supply circuit 102 may also include a safety shut-off valve (SSOV) 154. The SSOV 154 can prevent fuel from flowing into the fuel supply terminal in the event of a failure of one or more of the control valves 138, 142, and 144. For example, if the controller 400 determines a rapid increase in flow rate based on data provided by the flow rate sensor 148, the SSOV 154 can engage and prevent fuel from being supplied to the mixing module 104. Additionally, the fuel supply circuit 102 may include a first master control valve (MCV) 156 and a second MCV 158, which may be provided as additional safety measures (since the fuel mixture components supplied to the mixing chamber are typically at very high pressure) and for measuring and controlling fuel volume. The first MCV 156 may be a stop proportional valve, and the second MCV 158 may be a gas control valve. Both the first MCV 156 and the second MCV 158 may be electrically operated valves.

[0069] At least two fuel mixture components 105 may be provided to a mixing module 104, which may be different in each of the illustrated embodiments. The at least two fuel mixture components 105 may be mixed or blended together within the mixing module 104 to produce a fuel mixture 166, which may be provided to a combustion system 302 via an outlet line 108. Figure 1 ).

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the mixing module 104 may be a helical static mixer 160. The helical static mixer 160 may include a housing 162 and a helical structure 164, the housing defining a chamber 163 in which the helical structure is disposed. The helical structure 164 may be a fin, a torsion blade, a spoiler, a guide vane, a guide vane, or other structure within the chamber, for facilitating the mixing of at least two fuels into a fuel mixture 166. Figure 2The helical structure 164 of the helical static mixer 160 is a plurality of helical vanes arranged to cause a change in flow of the fuel mixture components 105. More specifically, a first helical vane 164A can cause the flow of the fuel mixture components to rotate in a first direction, and an adjacent helical vane 164B can change the direction of the flow to a second direction that is different from the first direction. In particular, the second direction can be a direction that is opposite or inverse to the first direction, and the fuel mixture components 105 are able to bounce back and forth between the first and second directions in a fore-aft motion, which enhances the mixing of the fuel mixture components 105. Additionally, the helical vanes 164 allow the fuel mixture components 105 to move radially from the center of the helical static mixer 160 to the outer edge of the helical static mixer 160, further enhancing the mixing between the fuel mixture components 105.

[0071] Referring now to Figure 3 , the fuel supply system 100 can include a plurality of helical static mixers 160. Figure 3 Three helical static mixers 160 are shown, including a first helical static mixer 160A, a second helical static mixer 160B, and a third helical static mixer 160C (collectively, “helical static mixers 160”) arranged in series, such that the fuel mixture components 105 flow sequentially from the first helical static mixer 160A to the second helical static mixer 160B, and then to the third helical static mixer 160C. By arranging the helical static mixers 160 in series, each of the helical static mixers can further mix the fuel mixture components, such that the fuel mixture 166 is homogeneous once it exits the third helical static mixer 160C.

[0072] Figure 3 Fuel mixture components F A , F B , F C , F D are shown being provided to the helical static mixer 160A at different points to form the fuel mixture 166. A , F B Fuel mixture components F A , F B may be supplied to the first helical static mixer 160A to form a first fuel mixture 166A, then fuel F C may be supplied to the second helical static mixer 160B with the first fuel mixture 166A to form a second fuel mixture 166B, and then fuel F DThe second fuel mixture 166B can be supplied to the third helical static mixer 160C along with the fuel mixture components 105 to form the fuel mixture 166. It should be understood that other combinations of fuel mixture components 105 can be provided to different ones of the helical static mixers 160 to provide a suitable fuel mixture 166.

[0073] Alternatively, Figure 3 Two or more of the helical static mixers 160 can be arranged in parallel, rather than in series, and the last helical static mixer 160 can be in fluid communication with the parallel helical static mixers 160 to form the fuel mixture 166, not shown in FIG. 1. In such a form, some of the fuel mixture components 105 can be supplied to the parallel helical static mixers 160 to form an initial fuel mixture, and the last helical static mixer 160 can mix the initial fuel mixture into the fuel mixture 166. Such an arrangement allows the fuel mixture components 105 that are mixed together sufficiently to be mixed into an initial fuel mixture, improving the overall mixing of the fuel mixture components 105 to form the fuel mixture 166 in the last helical static mixer 160.

[0074] Referring now to Figures 4 to 6 , a fuel supply system 100' is shown. In the fuel supply system 100', the mixing module 104 is a mixing chamber 168. Specifically, Figure 4 a fuel supply system 100' is shown having mixing chambers 168, Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a mixing chamber 168, and Figure 6 multiple mixing chambers 168 arranged in a parallel configuration to form a fuel mixture 166.

[0075] As Figure 4 shown, the mixing chamber 168 can include a container or housing 170 that defines a chamber 172. Two or more of the fuel mixture components F A , F B , F C , F D can be provided to the chamber 172, where the fuel mixture components 105 are mixed together to form the fuel mixture 166. The fuel mixture 166 is then provided to the combustion system (not shown) via the outlet line 108. Figure 1

[0076] Referring now to Figure 5 ​The housing 170 includes a plurality of inlets 174 and an outlet 176, and is provided with a flow breaker plate 178 and a plurality of flow breaker plates 180 in the chamber 172 to mix the fuel mixture components 105. Specifically, one or more of the main fuel supply lines 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D can be in fluid communication with one of the plurality of inlets 174 to provide one of the fuel mixture components 105 to the mixing chamber 168. The plurality of inlets 174 provide the fuel mixture components 105 to the flow breaker plate 178, which includes a plurality of orifices 182 through which the fuel mixture components 105 are pushed, thereby forming individual streams of the fuel mixture components 105 that enter the chamber 172. The fuel mixture components 105 then reach the flow breaker plates 180, which cause the individual streams to bounce in different directions, thereby mixing the streams together. By pushing the fuel mixture components 105 in different directions, the flow breaker plates 180 cause the flow of the fuel mixture components 105 to merge with one another, ultimately forming the homogenous fuel mixture 166 that exits the outlet 176.

[0077] Referring now to Figure 6 three mixing chambers 168A, 168B, 168C (collectively, “mixing chambers 168”) are shown. It should be understood that common components will have a suffix corresponding to their respective mixing chamber; that is, the first mixing chamber 168A includes a first housing 170A, a first chamber 172A, a first inlet 174A, a first outlet 176A, a first flow breaker plate 178A, a first flow breaker plate 180A, and first orifices 182A for the first flow breaker plate 178A. The second mixing chamber 168B has similar components with a suffix “-B,” and the third mixing chamber 168C has similar components with a suffix “-C.”

[0078] The mixing chambers 168 are arranged in a parallel configuration. Specifically, the first mixing chamber 168A and the second mixing chamber 168B are arranged such that the fuel mixture components 105 enter their respective inlets 174A independently of one another. In Figure 6In the example, first fuel 105A and second fuel 105B are supplied to the first inlet 174A of the first mixing chamber 168A, and third fuel 105C and fourth fuel 105D are supplied to the second inlet 174B of the second mixing chamber 168B. During mixing, a first fuel mixture 166A from the first outlet 176A of the first mixing chamber 168A and a second fuel mixture 166B from the second outlet 176B of the second mixing chamber 168B are supplied to the third inlet 174C of the third mixing chamber 168C. ​​A fifth fuel 105E may be introduced into another third inlet in the third inlet 174C. The third mixing chamber 168C mixes the first fuel mixture 166A and the second fuel mixture 166B (and optionally, the fifth fuel 105E) to form a homogeneous fuel mixture 166. It should be understood that the mixing chambers 168 may alternatively be arranged in a series configuration, not shown in the figures.

[0079] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the fuel supply system 100” indicates that the mixing module 104 is shown as a solid particulate gas separator and a cyclone mixer, referred to herein as “cyclone mixer” 184. Reference Figure 7 The cyclone mixer 184 may include a housing 186 that defines a chamber 188 for the fuel mixture component F. A F B F C F D Each of the components can be supplied to this chamber. A rotating cyclone (not shown) can be disposed within chamber 188 such that the fuel mixture component F A F B F C F D A swirling flow is generated within chamber 188. The centrifugal force generated by the swirler causes the solid particles 190 to mix with the fuel mixture components F. A F B F C F D Separate and simultaneously mix fuel mixture components F A F B F C F D To form fuel mixture 166. For example, solid particles 190 may fall to the bottom of cyclone 184 (e.g., by gravity), and fuel mixture 166 may be supplied from the top of cyclone mixer 184.

[0080] See now Figure 8An enlarged view of the cyclone mixer 184 is shown. The housing 186 includes an inlet 192, a cylindrical portion 194, a gas outlet 196 extending from the cylindrical portion 194, a tapered portion 198, and a particulate outlet 200 extending from the tapered portion 198. The cylindrical portion 194 and the tapered portion 198 define a chamber 188 in which the fuel mixture components 105 create a vortex. More specifically, the cylindrical portion 194 is cylindrical in shape and, as the fuel mixture components 105 enter through the inlet 192, the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical portion 194 causes the fuel mixture components 105 to flow into an outer vortex 202. The outer vortex 202 drives the solid particulates 190 to the outer edge of the cylindrical portion 194, and the remaining fuel mixture components 105 travel inward to form an inner vortex 204. The solid particulates 190 fall by gravity to the particulate outlet 200, and the inner vortex 204 flows upward through the gas outlet 196, thereby forming the fuel mixture 166. The interaction between the inner vortex 204 and the outer vortex 202 causes the fuel mixture components 105 to mix such that the fuel mixture 166 exiting the gas outlet 196 is more thoroughly mixed than the fuel mixture components 105 entering through the inlet 192. In particular, the fuel mixture 166 exiting the gas outlet 196 can be homogeneous.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 9 , multiple cyclone mixers 184 can mix multiple fuels F A , F B , F C , F D into the fuel mixture 166. Figure 9 A first cyclone mixer 184A, a second cyclone mixer 184B, and a third cyclone mixer 184C (collectively, “cyclone mixers 184”) are shown. The first cyclone mixer 184A can mix two or more of the fuel mixture components 105, such as fuel mixture components F A , F B , into a first fuel mixture 166A, which is provided to the second cyclone mixer 184B. The second cyclone mixer 184B can mix the first fuel mixture 166A with another fuel or fuels 105, such as fuel F C , to form a second fuel mixture 166B, which is provided to the third cyclone mixer 184C. The third cyclone mixer 184C can mix the second fuel mixture 166B with one or more of the fuel mixture components 105, such as fuel F D , to form a homogeneous fuel mixture 166. It should be appreciated that the fuel supply system 100 can include a different number of cyclone mixers 184 to form the homogeneous fuel mixture 166 with a different number of fuel mixture components 105.

[0082] The plurality of cyclone mixers 184 can be arranged in series, as shown. Figure 9 Alternatively, Figure 9 not shown in FIG. 2, two or more of the cyclone mixers 184 can be arranged in parallel, rather than in series, and the last cyclone mixer 184 can be in fluid communication with the parallel cyclone mixers 184 to form the fuel mixture 166.

[0083] Referring now to Figures 10 to 11 , the fuel supply system 100”’ shows the mixing module 104 as an injector 206. Figure 10 A plurality of injectors 206 are shown arranged in a series configuration. The series of injectors 206 can include a first injector 206A, a second injector 206B, and a third injector 206C arranged in series. Each of the injectors in the series of injectors 206 can be provided with two input streams of fuel 105 and can output a single stream of fuel as a mixture. For example, a first fuel F A and a second fuel F B may be provided as inputs to the first injector 206A, and the first injector 206A can provide a first fuel mixture 166A as an output. Similarly, the first fuel mixture 166A and a third fuel F C may be provided as inputs to the second injector 206B, and the second injector 206B can provide a second fuel mixture 166B as an output. Further, the second fuel mixture 166B and a fourth fuel F D may be provided as inputs to the third injector 206C, and the third injector 206C can provide a final fuel mixture 166 as an output. The fuel mixture 166 is then provided to the combustion system 102 via the outlet line 108. Figure 1 ).

[0084] In Figure 10 , the injectors 206 are arranged in a series configuration. Alternatively, it should be understood that at least some of the injectors 206 can be arranged in a parallel configuration (not shown in FIG. 2) prior to providing inputs to a last injector 206 that outputs the homogeneous fuel mixture 166. Figure 10

[0085] Referring to Figure 11 ​The injector 206 includes a motive inlet 208, a suction inlet 210, a converging nozzle 212, a diffuser 214, and a throat 216 connecting the converging nozzle 212 to the diffuser 214. The motive inlet 208 and the suction inlet 210 each receive at least one of the fuel mixture components 105. In particular, fuel 105 provided to the motive inlet 208 is pressurized to drive fuel 105 provided to the suction inlet 210 into the converging nozzle 212. In such a form, the momentum from the fuel 105 in the motive inlet 208 causes the pressure of the fuel 105 in the suction inlet 210 to decrease, causing additional fuel 105 to flow into the suction inlet 210. The converging nozzle 212 tapers inwardly toward the throat 216, such that the fuel mixture components 105 are compressed in the converging nozzle 212 and begin to mix. This compression decreases the pressure of the fuel mixture components 105 while increasing the velocity of the fuel mixture components 105. The diffuser 214 tapers outwardly from the throat 216, such that as the fuel mixture components 105 pass through the throat 216 into the diffuser 214, the fuel mixture components 105 expand, causing the velocity of the fuel mixture components 105 to decrease while the pressure of the fuel mixture components 105 increases. The change in velocity and pressure, known as the "Venturi effect," enhances the mixing of the fuel mixture components 105, resulting in a homogenous fuel mixture 166 exiting the diffuser 214.

[0086] Referring to Figures 12 to 13 , a fuel supply system 100" is shown in which a plurality of different mixing modules 104 can be used to form the fuel mixture 166. Figure 12 A series of mixing modules 104 is shown. Figure 13 A parallel arrangement of some of the mixing modules 104 that provide inputs to a single mixing module 104 that outputs the fuel mixture 166 is shown.

[0087] As Figure 12 shown, each of the mixing modules 104 can be arranged in a series configuration. By arranging the mixing modules 104 in series, additional fuel mixture components 105 can be introduced in sufficient temporal sequence to mix into a mixture, which is then output as a homogenous fuel mixture 166. Figure 12 The mixing modules 104 are shown as a series of serially arranged helical static mixers 160, cyclone mixers 184, injectors 206, and mixing chambers 168. Additionally, two fuels F A , F B are introduced to the helical static mixers 160 to form a first fuel mixture 166A, which is mixed with a third fuel F Ctogether into a swirl mixer 184 to form a second fuel mixture 166B. The second fuel mixture 166B is then input into an injector 206 to form a third fuel mixture 166C with a fifth fuel F D together into a swirl mixer 184 to form a second fuel mixture 166B. The second fuel mixture 166B is then input into an injector 206 to form a third fuel mixture 166C with a fifth fuel F E together into a swirl mixer 184 to form a second fuel mixture 166B. The second fuel mixture 166B is then input into an injector 206 to form a third fuel mixture 166C with a fifth fuel F x Based on the detected interchangeability index, any combination of fuel mixture components 105 and mixing modules 104 can be adjusted to provide a particular composition of the homogeneous fuel mixture 166.

[0088] Referring now to Figure 13 , a block diagram of multiple mixing modules 104 arranged in parallel is shown. Specifically, the mixing modules 104 are shown as separate blocks, labeled 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, where mixing modules 104A, 104B, and 104C are arranged in parallel to provide a fuel mixture to mixing module 104D. Each of the mixing modules 104A-D is one of a helical static mixer 160, a mixing chamber 168, a swirl mixer 184, or an injector 206, and at least one of the mixing modules 104A-D is a different type than another one of the mixing modules 104A-D. Thus, any combination of helical static mixers 160, mixing chambers 168, swirl mixers 184, and injectors 206 can be used to produce a homogeneous fuel mixture 166. Additionally, while four mixing modules 104 are shown in Figure 13 , it should be understood that any number of mixing modules 104 can be arranged in series, in parallel, or in a combination thereof to produce a homogeneous fuel mixture 166.

[0089] In addition to the combustible, other fluids can be introduced to the mixing modules 104 to reduce emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and to sequester / suppress CO and CO2. Generally, the fluid that reduces NO x acts as a diluent that does not participate in the combustion reaction, absorbs heat generated by the combustion reaction, and lowers the overall temperature of the combustion gases. Since the production of NO x is primarily driven by the temperature of the combustion gases, lowering this temperature reduces the overall amount of NO x in the exhaust gases. Example fluids that reduce NO x include steam, liquid water, nitrogen gas, ammonia gas, and combinations thereof. In particular, when used in an EGR system, the steam, liquid water, nitrogen gas, ammonia gas, and combinations thereof reduce NO xAmmonia gas produced can be recycled for use as a fuel mixture component. For CO and CO2 control, the fuel mixture can be adjusted to be lean (reducing CO formation), can include a non-carbon based fuel mixture component (generally reducing carbon based emissions), spark timing can be adjusted to control combustion of the fuel mixture, or combinations of these techniques can be employed.

[0090] Additionally, other fluids can be introduced to the mixing module 104 for axial fuel staging (AFS), where combustion is enhanced for active combustion power mitigation and control, such as adjusting fuel / air ratio. AFS introduces a combustible fluid into the head end of the combustor through a dedicated fuel circuit, which enables axial staged combustion in two different zones, performing improvements at both base load and minimum turndown. Other AFS strategies include: combining fuel mixture components into a predetermined interchangeability index, utilizing active inlet power adjustment methods for emissions suppression and control, such as for NO x , CO, CO2, dynamically blending fuel mixture components, and utilizing ammonia NO x suppression techniques and EGR systems capture ammonia as a fuel (as described above) and provide fuel for a ducted combustor or other internal combustion engine.

[0091] In addition to emissions control, AFS can be used to control combustion dynamics. Specifically, when fuel burns, it can generate resonant acoustic pressure pulses and radiate to components. The pulses can interfere with combustion, such as by reflecting off the walls of the combustor, creating oscillations in the air / fuel mixture to cause instability in the local equivalence ratio, and amplifying resonant waves in future combustion. Providing fuel through AFS reduces the instability of fuel introduction, reducing combustion dynamics and improving operation of the engine.

[0092] Referring now to Figure 14 , a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 500 of blending at least two fuel mixture components in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive subject matter is illustrated. Generally, the method 500 will be described herein with reference to the system 300, gas turbine 10, controller 400, and fuel supply system 100 described above. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the disclosed method 500 can generally be used with any suitable system and / or can be used in conjunction with a system having any other suitable system configuration. Moreover, although the method 500 is described herein as being performed by the system 300, the controller 400, and / or the fuel supply system 100, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the method 500 can be performed by any suitable system and / or combination of systems. Figure 14 The steps depicted for purposes of illustration and discussion are performed in a particular order, but the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement, unless otherwise indicated in the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, using the disclosure provided herein, that the individual steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adjusted in various ways without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0093] The method 500 can include providing, at 502, at least two fuel mixture components to a mixing module via a fuel supply system. The fuel supply system can include a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components. Each of the at least two fuel mixture components can be provided to the mixing module separately via a respective fuel supply circuit. The fuel supply circuit can modify an interchangeability index, such as a Wobbe index, of each individual fuel, thereby allowing the resulting fuel mixture to meet a desired interchangeability index or a predetermined interchangeability index.

[0094] The method 500 can further include mixing, at (504), via a mixing module of the fuel gas blending system. In various embodiments, the mixing module can be at least one of a helical static mixer, a mixing chamber, a solid particle cyclone gas separator mixer, or an eductor. The mixing at (504) can result in the formation of a fuel mixture.

[0095] In an example implementation, the method 500 can include determining, at (506), a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture via one or more sensors. Additionally, at 508, the method 500 can include comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index. For example, if the measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture is not within a predetermined margin (e.g., a 5% to 10% margin) of the predetermined interchangeability index, one or more parameters of each fuel mixture component can be adjusted to trend the measured interchangeability index toward the predetermined interchangeability index.

[0096] Specifically, method 500 may include, at 510, adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via the fuel supply system based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index. The one or more parameters include at least one of the following: pressure, temperature, quantity, and flow rate, such as mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate. For example, each of these parameters may be adjusted for each of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index (e.g., via the corresponding fuel supply loops 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D described above). In many specific embodiments, the adjustment at 510 may include adjusting the temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via an electric heater thermally connected to the fuel supply loop. In other specific embodiments, the adjustment at 510 may include adjusting the amount, mass flow rate, or volume flow rate of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components supplied to the mixing module by adjusting a control valve configured in fluid communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0097] In various embodiments, method 500 may further include (e.g., as a final step) providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system. In an exemplary embodiment, the combustion system may be a combustion section of a gas turbine.

[0098] Figure 15 A block diagram of an exemplary computing system 600 is provided. The computing system 600 can be used to implement various aspects disclosed herein. The computing system 600 may include one or more computing devices 602. For example, referenced above... Figures 1 to 12 The controller 400 discussed may be constructed in the same or similar manner as the computing system 600 and may be operated in this manner.

[0099] like Figure 15 As shown, one or more computing devices 602 may each include one or more processors 604 and one or more memory devices 606. The one or more processors 604 may include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logic device, or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory devices 606 may include one or more computer-readable media, including but not limited to one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard disk drives, flash drives, and other memory devices, such as one or more buffer devices.

[0100] The one or more memory devices 606 can store information accessible to the one or more processors 604, including computer-readable or computer- executable instructions 608 that can be executed by the one or more processors 604. The instructions 608 can be any set of instructions or control logic that, when executed by the one or more processors 604, cause the one or more processors 604 to perform operations. The instructions 608 can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. In some embodiments, the instructions 608 can be executed by the one or more processors 604 to cause the one or more processors 604 to perform operations.

[0101] The memory devices 606 can further store data 610 that is accessible to the processors 604. For example, the data 610 can include sensor data as described herein, such as engine parameters, model data, logic data, and the like. According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, the data 610 can include one or more tables, functions, algorithms, models, formulas, and the like.

[0102] The one or more computing devices 602 can also include a communication interface 612 for communicating with other components of the system, such as sensors, blending modules, valves, electric heaters, heat exchangers, or other components, for example. The communication interface 612 can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network interfaces, including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

[0103] The technology discussed herein makes reference to computer-based systems and actions taken by and information sent to and from computer-based systems. It is understood that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memories, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems.

[0104] While specific features of various embodiments can be shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only as each embodiment can include any or all of the features shown in any of the drawings.

[0105] This written description uses examples to disclose the application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the application, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the application claimed herein is defined by the claims that follow the written description.

[0106] Other aspects of the application are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0107] A method of blending at least two fuel mixture components, the method comprising: providing, via a fuel supply system, at least two fuel mixture components to a cyclone mixer, the fuel supply system comprising a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing, via at least one vortex formed in the cyclone mixer, the at least two fuel mixture components to form a fuel mixture; determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

[0108] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a pressure, a temperature, a quantity, and a flow rate.

[0109] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters comprises adjusting a temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0110] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters comprises adjusting a quantity or a flow rate of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components provided to the cyclone mixer by adjusting a control valve disposed in fluid communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0111] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: providing the fuel mixture from the cyclone mixer to a second cyclone mixer prior to providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0112] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: providing the fuel mixture from the cyclone mixer to a second cyclone mixer; mixing, in the second cyclone mixer, the fuel mixture with another of the at least two fuel mixture components to form a second fuel mixture; and providing the second fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0113] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising combusting the fuel mixture in the combustion system to form an exhaust gas, and providing at least some of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system as one of the at least two fuel mixture components.

[0114] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising providing ammonia gas to the exhaust gas prior to providing the at least some of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system.

[0115] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fuel supply circuit comprises: a main fuel supply line; an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the main fuel supply line; and one or more valves disposed in fluid communication on the main fuel supply line downstream of the electric heater; a recirculation line extending from the main fuel supply line; and an atmospheric vent line extending from the main fuel supply line.

[0116] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fuel supply system further comprises an outlet line extending from the cyclone mixer to the combustion system, wherein a heat exchanger is disposed in thermal communication on the outlet line.

[0117] A system for blending at least two fuel mixture components, the system comprising: a combustion system; a cyclonic mixer; a fuel supply system for supplying at least two fuel mixture components to the cyclonic mixer and the combustion system, the fuel supply system comprising a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the cyclonic mixer, and the one or more sensors, the controller comprising a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations comprising: providing the at least two fuel mixture components to the cyclonic mixer via the fuel supply system; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via at least one vortex formed in the cyclonic mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining, via the one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via the fuel supply system based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and providing the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0118] The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a pressure, a temperature, an amount, and a flow rate.

[0119] The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters comprises adjusting a temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0120] The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters comprises adjusting an amount or a flow rate of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components provided to the cyclonic mixer by adjusting a control valve disposed in fluid communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0121] The system of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second cyclone mixer positioned downstream of the cyclone mixer, and wherein the one or more operations further comprise: providing the fuel mixture from the cyclone mixer to the second cyclone mixer; mixing, via the second cyclone mixer, the fuel mixture with another of the at least two fuel mixture components to form a second fuel mixture; and providing the second fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0122] The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more operations further comprise: combusting the fuel mixture in the combustion system to form exhaust gas, and providing at least some of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system as one of the at least two fuel mixture components.

[0123] The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more operations further comprise providing ammonia gas to the exhaust gas prior to providing the at least some of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system.

[0124] The system of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second cyclone mixer and a third cyclone mixer, wherein the cyclone mixer and the second cyclone mixer are in fluid communication with the third cyclone mixer.

[0125] The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fuel supply circuit comprises: a main fuel supply line; an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the main fuel supply line; and one or more valves disposed in fluid communication on the main fuel supply line downstream of the electric heater; a recirculation line extending from the main fuel supply line; and an atmospheric vent line extending from the main fuel supply line.

[0126] The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fuel supply system further comprises an outlet line extending from the cyclone mixer to the combustion system, wherein a heat exchanger is disposed in thermal communication on the outlet line.

Claims

1. A method for blending at least two fuel mixture components, the method comprising: The at least two fuel mixture components (105) are supplied (502) to at least one cyclone mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) via a fuel supply system (100), the fuel supply system including a fuel supply loop (102, 102A, 102b, 102C, 102D) for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; The at least two fuel mixture components (105) are mixed (504) via at least one vortex (202, 204) formed in the at least one cyclone mixer to form a fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C); The interchangeability index of the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) is determined (506) via one or more sensors (110, 112, 114), the interchangeability index being either the measured Warburg index of the fuel mixture or the measured modified Warburg index of the fuel mixture. The measured interchangeability index is compared with a predetermined interchangeability index (508); Based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index, one or more parameters of at least one fuel mixture component of the at least two fuel mixture components are adjusted (510) via the fuel supply system (100); and The fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) is supplied to the combustion system (302).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of pressure, temperature, quantity, and flow rate.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjusting (510) the one or more parameters includes at least one of the following: The temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components (105) is adjusted via an electric heater (128) installed in a thermally connected manner on a corresponding fuel supply circuit (102, 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D) of the fuel supply system (100); and The flow rate of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components (105) supplied to the at least one cyclone mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) is adjusted by regulating the control valves (138, 142, 144) which are fluidly connected to the respective fuel supply circuits.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The first fuel mixture is supplied from the first cyclone mixer (184A) of the at least one cyclone mixer to the second cyclone mixer (184B) of the at least one cyclone mixer, and the fuel mixture is supplied from the second cyclone mixer to the combustion system.

5. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising: At least two of the at least two fuel mixture components are mixed in the first cyclone mixer to form the first fuel mixture, and the first fuel mixture from the first cyclone mixer is mixed with another of the at least two fuel mixture components in the second cyclone mixer (184B) to form the second fuel mixture (166B); and the second fuel mixture is provided to the combustion system as the fuel mixture.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjusting (510) one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index comprises adjusting (510) one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components so that the measured interchangeability index tends toward the predetermined interchangeability index.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) is burned in the combustion system (302) to form exhaust gas, and at least a portion of the exhaust gas is supplied to the fuel supply system as one of the at least two fuel mixture components.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising supplying ammonia to the exhaust gas before supplying the at least portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system.

9. A system for blending at least two fuel mixture components (105), said system comprising: At least one cyclone mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C); A fuel supply system (100) comprising fuel supply loops (102, 102A, 102b, 102C, 102D) for each of the at least two fuel mixture components, the fuel supply system being configured to supply the at least two fuel mixture components (105) to the at least one cyclone mixer (184, 184A). The at least one cyclone mixer is configured to mix (504) the at least two fuel mixture components (105) via at least one vortex (202, 204) formed in the at least one cyclone mixer to form a fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C). One or more sensors (110, 112, 114) are operatively connected to the fuel supply system; and A controller (400), operably connected to the fuel supply system, the at least one cyclone mixer, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including the method according to any one of the preceding method claims. Specifically, the fuel supply system is configured to supply the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising: The at least one cyclone mixer includes a first cyclone mixer (184A) and a second cyclone mixer (184B) located downstream of the first cyclone mixer (184A), wherein the second cyclone mixer is configured to receive a first fuel mixture from the first cyclone mixer and mix the first fuel mixture from the first cyclone mixer with another fuel mixture component of the at least two fuel mixture components to form a second fuel mixture, wherein the fuel supply system is also specifically configured to supply the second fuel mixture as the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

11. The system according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the system comprises: The first cyclone mixer (184A), the second cyclone mixer (184A), and the third cyclone mixer (184C) of the at least one cyclone mixer, wherein the first cyclone mixer and the second cyclone mixer are in fluid communication with the third cyclone mixer.

12. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one of the fuel supply circuits (102, 102A, 102b, 102C, 102D) comprises: Main fuel supply lines (126, 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D); an electric heater (128) thermally connected to the main fuel supply lines; and one or more valves (138, 142, 144) fluidly connected to the main fuel supply lines downstream of the electric heaters; and a recirculation line (132) extending from the main fuel supply lines. and an atmospheric exhaust line (140), which extends from the main fuel supply line.

13. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the fuel supply system further comprises an outlet line (108) extending from at least one of the at least one cyclone mixers, wherein a heat exchanger (116) is provided in thermal communication with the outlet line, and wherein, in particular, the outlet line extends to the combustion system.

14. A gas turbine engine (10) comprising a combustion system (302) and a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components (105) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the fuel supply system of the system for blending at least two fuel mixture components (105) is configured to supply the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) to the combustion system.

15. The gas turbine engine (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the gas turbine engine is configured to supply exhaust gas to the fuel supply system (100) as one of the at least two fuel mixture components.

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