Fluid Monitoring System

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Fluid Monitoring System". The present invention discloses a fluid monitoring system, which includes a controller (130) configured to determine that the value of at least one fluid property of the fluid is greater than a threshold value, and control actuators to identify which fluid source has a fluid whose at least one fluid property has a value greater than the threshold value. Each actuator is configured to drive a corresponding switching valve between a first position and a second position to direct the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the first manifold (72) or the second manifold (74), and to direct the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the first manifold (72) or the second manifold (74). In addition, the first manifold (72) is configured to direct the fluid to a first sensor assembly (136), and the second manifold (74) is configured to direct the fluid to a second sensor assembly (138).

Description

Background Art

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to fluid monitoring systems.

[0002] A gas turbine system generally includes at least one gas turbine engine having a compressor, a combustion section, a turbine, and a fuel source. The combustion section includes a plurality of burner cans, and each burner can is configured to receive fuel from the fuel source and compressed air from the compressor. For example, each burner can may have a head end configured to receive compressed air from the compressor. As the compressed air flows through the burner can, a fuel nozzle may inject fuel into the compressed air. The fuel-air mixture is then ignited, and the resulting combustion gases are directed to the turbine.

[0003] During operation of the gas turbine system, fuel may enter the head end of the combustor cans due to fuel leaks within the gas turbine system. Therefore, a hydrocarbon sensor may be fluidly coupled to the head end of each combustor can to detect fuel leaks. Unfortunately, due to the cost of the hydrocarbon sensors and the number of combustor cans within the gas turbine engine, utilizing hydrocarbon sensors to detect fuel leaks may significantly increase the cost of the gas turbine system. Summary of the invention

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the initial claims are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief overview of possible forms of the claimed subject matter. In fact, the claimed subject matter may encompass various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid monitoring system includes a controller having a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to determine that the value of at least one fluid property of the fluid is greater than a threshold value, and the controller is configured to control an actuator to identify which fluid source has the fluid whose value of at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold value in response to determining that the value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold value. Each actuator is configured to drive a corresponding exchange valve between a first position and a second position. Each exchange valve is configured to: when the exchange valve is in the first position, guide the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the first manifold and guide the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the second manifold; and when the exchange valve is in the second position, guide the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the second manifold and guide the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the first manifold. In addition, the first manifold is configured to receive the fluid and guide the fluid to the first sensor assembly, and the second manifold is configured to receive the fluid and guide the fluid to the second sensor assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a gas turbine system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a combustion section employed within a gas turbine system of;

[0009] Figure 3 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a fluid monitoring system for a combustion section of;

[0010] Figure 4 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a fluid monitoring system for a combustion section of;

[0011] Figure 5 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 3 In the fluid monitoring system and / or Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a rotary exchange valve used in a fluid monitoring system; and

[0012] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for monitoring a fluid according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it is still a routine task of design, production and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements besides the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and / or environmental conditions do not exclude other parameters / conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

[0015] The disclosed embodiments relate to a fluid monitoring system configured to detect hydrocarbons within the head end of each burner can of a combustion section. As discussed in detail below, the fluid monitoring system includes a first manifold configured to receive a fluid (e.g., air) and direct the fluid to a first sensor assembly (e.g., including a hydrocarbon sensor). In addition, the fluid monitoring system includes a second manifold configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid to a second sensor assembly (e.g., including a hydrocarbon sensor). The fluid monitoring system also includes a plurality of exchange valves. Each exchange valve is configured to direct the fluid from a corresponding first fluid source (e.g., the head end of the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold when the exchange valve is in a first position, and to direct the fluid from a corresponding second fluid source (e.g., the head end of the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold. Each exchange valve is also configured to direct the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the second manifold when the exchange valve is in a second position, and to direct the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the first manifold.

[0016] During operation of the gas turbine system, the fluid monitoring system may detect a fuel leak in the head end of each burner can. For example, when the exchange valve is in the first position, the first sensor assembly may detect the fuel in any head end of the corresponding first burner can, and the second sensor assembly may detect the fuel in any head end of the corresponding second burner can. Therefore, the fluid monitoring system may continuously or substantially continuously monitor the fuel leak in the head end. In addition, the exchange valve may be controlled to identify the head end that is receiving fuel from the fuel leak. For example, in response to determining that there is leaking fuel in the head end, each exchange valve may be sequentially converted to the other of the first position and the second position. The head end experiencing the fuel leak may be identified in response to the detection change between the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly. Therefore, compared with one sensor assembly for each burner can, two sensor assemblies can be used to identify the head end that is receiving the leaking fuel, thereby reducing the cost of the gas turbine system. In addition, because the sensor assembly continuously / substantially continuously monitors the fuel in the head end of the burner can, compared with a fluid monitoring system that cyclically directs air from each burner can to a single sensor assembly, a fuel leak in the gas turbine system can be detected almost immediately.

[0017] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a gas turbine system 10 is shown. The gas turbine system 10 includes a compressor 12, a combustion section 14, and a turbine 16. The combustion section 14 includes a plurality of combustor cans 15 (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, etc.). Each combustor can 15 includes a head end 17 that receives compressed air from the compressor 12 and a fuel nozzle 18 that directs fuel from a fuel source 20 into the combustor can 15 (such as a fuel chute). The fuel source 20 may supply liquid fuel and / or gaseous fuel, such as natural gas and / or syngas generated from a gasification system (e.g., a gasifier that produces syngas from a feedstock such as coal). The combustor cans 15 of the combustion section 14 ignite the fuel and combust the fuel with the compressed air from the compressor 12. The fuel and the compressed air are combusted in a combustion chamber 26 of each combustor can 15, thereby producing hot pressurized combustion gases 22 (e.g., exhaust gas). An inner wall 21 of each combustor can 15 may extend circumferentially around a combustion chamber 26 and direct the combustion gases 22 into the turbine 16 .

[0018] The turbine blades within the turbine 16 are coupled to a shaft 24 of the gas turbine system 10, which may also be coupled to several other components throughout the gas turbine system 10. As the combustion gases 22 flow against and between the turbine blades in the turbine 16, the turbine blades are driven to rotate, which causes the shaft 24 to rotate. Ultimately, the combustion gases 22 exit the gas turbine system 10 via an exhaust outlet 28. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 24 is coupled to a load 30 that is powered via the rotation of the shaft 24. The load 30 may be any suitable device that generates power via the rotational output of the gas turbine system 10, such as an electrical generator, a propeller for an aircraft, or other load.

[0019] The compressor 12 of the gas turbine system 10 includes compressor blades. The compressor blades within the compressor 12 are coupled to the shaft 24 and rotate when the shaft 24 is driven to rotate by the turbine 16, as discussed above. As the compressor blades rotate within the compressor 12, the compressor 12 compresses air (or any suitable oxidant) received from the air intake 32 to produce compressed air 34. The compressed air 34 is then fed into each combustor can 15 (e.g., from the downstream end of the combustor can to the head end to cool the combustion liner). As described above, the fuel nozzle 18 delivers the pressurized air 34 and fuel to the combustion chamber 26 for combustion to drive the rotation of the turbine 16.

[0020] Figure 2 is available in Figure 1Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a combustion section 14 employed in a gas turbine system of FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the combustion section 14 includes twelve combustor cans 15 distributed circumferentially around the central axis of the combustion section 14. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the combustion section includes twelve combustor cans, in other embodiments, the combustion section may include more or fewer combustor cans (e.g., 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, or any other suitable number of combustor cans). In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment, the cans are distributed circumferentially around the central axis of the combustion section, in other embodiments, the combustor cans may be arranged in any other suitable pattern within the combustion section. Each combustor can 15 may include one or more fuel nozzles, igniters, liners, casings, other suitable components, or combinations thereof.

[0021] As previously discussed, each combustor can 15 includes a head end 17 (e.g., including a volume surrounding a fuel nozzle) that receives compressed air from a compressor and a fuel nozzle 18 that directs fuel from a fuel source 20 into the combustor can 15. The combustor cans 15 of the combustion section 14 ignite the fuel and combust the fuel with the compressed air 34 from the compressor 12. The fuel nozzles 18 may premix the fuel and the compressed air 34 (e.g., to create a fuel-air mixture) before delivering it to the combustion chamber 26, and / or the fuel nozzles 18 may separately deliver the fuel and the compressed air 34 to the combustion chamber 26 for diffusion combustion.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, a thermocouple 36 is coupled to each combustor can 15 and is configured to output a signal indicative of a temperature within the corresponding can 15 (e.g., within a head end of the can, within a fuel nozzle of the can, within a combustion chamber of the can, etc.). Although in the illustrated embodiment, a single thermocouple is coupled to each can, in other embodiments, multiple thermocouples may be coupled to at least one can (e.g., to monitor different portions of the can). In addition, one or more of the illustrated thermocouples may be omitted.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid monitoring system 38 is fluidly coupled to the combustion section 14. As shown, a fluid passage 40 extends from each burner can 15 to the fluid monitoring system 38. As discussed in detail below, the fluid monitoring system 38 includes a first manifold configured to receive air from a particular fluid passage 40 and direct the air to a first hydrocarbon sensor assembly. In addition, the fluid monitoring system 38 includes a second manifold configured to receive air from other fluid passages 40 and direct the air to a second hydrocarbon sensor assembly.

[0024] The fluid monitoring system 38 also includes a crossover valve, wherein each crossover valve is configured to direct air from the corresponding first burner can 15 to the first manifold and to direct air from the corresponding second burner can 15 to the second manifold when the crossover valve is in a first position. In addition, each crossover valve is configured to direct air from the corresponding first burner can 15 to the second manifold and to direct fluid from the corresponding second burner can 15 to the first manifold when the crossover valve is in a second position. Each hydrocarbon sensor assembly is configured to detect fuel within the air, thereby facilitating detection of fuel leaks within the gas turbine system. In addition, the position of the crossover valve can be controlled to facilitate identification of the location of a fuel leak between the burner cans 15 of the combustion section 14.

[0025] Figure 3 is fluidly couplable to Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a fluid monitoring system 38 for a combustion section 14 of the present invention. As previously discussed, each burner can 15 of the combustion section 14 is fluidly coupled to the fluid monitoring system 38 through a corresponding fluid channel 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the combustion section 14 has twelve burner cans 15. Therefore, twelve fluid channels 40 extend from the fluid monitoring system 38 to the corresponding burner cans 15. As shown, a first fluid channel 42 extends to burner can 1, a second fluid channel 44 extends to burner can 2, a third fluid channel 46 extends to burner can 3, a fourth fluid channel 48 extends to burner can 4, a fifth fluid channel 50 extends to burner can 5, a sixth fluid channel 52 extends to burner can 6, a seventh fluid channel 54 extends to burner can 7, an eighth fluid channel 56 extends to burner can 8, a ninth fluid channel 58 extends to burner can 9, a tenth fluid channel 60 extends to burner can 10, an eleventh fluid channel 62 extends to burner can 11, and a twelfth fluid channel 64 extends to burner can 12.

[0026] The fluid monitoring system 38 includes a first crossover valve 66 fluidly coupled to the first fluid channel 42 and the second fluid channel 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the first crossover valve 66 is a four-way crossover valve having a first position 68 and a second position 70. When the first crossover valve 66 is in the first position 68, the first crossover valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the first fluid channel 42 and the first manifold 72, and the first crossover valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the second fluid channel 44 and the second manifold 74. Additionally, when the first crossover valve 66 is in the second position 70, the first crossover valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the first fluid channel 42 and the second manifold 74, and the first crossover valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the second fluid channel 44 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the first exchange valve 66 is configured to: when the first exchange valve 66 is in the first position 68, direct air from burner can 1 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and direct air from burner can 2 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the first exchange valve 66 is in the second position 70, direct air from burner can 1 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from burner can 2 to the first manifold 72.

[0027] In addition, the fluid monitoring system 38 includes a second crossover valve 76 fluidly coupled to the third fluid channel 46 and the fourth fluid channel 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the second crossover valve 76 is a four-way crossover valve having a first position 78 and a second position 80. When the second crossover valve 76 is in the first position 78, the second crossover valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the third fluid channel 46 and the first manifold 72, and the second crossover valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the fourth fluid channel 48 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the second crossover valve 76 is in the second position 80, the second crossover valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the third fluid channel 46 and the second manifold 74, and the second crossover valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the fourth fluid channel 48 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the second exchange valve 76 is configured to: when the second exchange valve 76 is in the first position 78, direct air from the burner can 3 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and direct air from the burner can 4 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the second exchange valve 76 is in the second position 80, direct air from the burner can 3 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from the burner can 4 to the first manifold 72.

[0028] In addition, the fluid monitoring system 38 includes a third crossover valve 82 fluidly coupled to the fifth fluid channel 50 and the sixth fluid channel 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the third crossover valve 82 is a four-way crossover valve having a first position 84 and a second position 86. When the third crossover valve 82 is in the first position 84, the third crossover valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the fifth fluid channel 50 and the first manifold 72, and the third crossover valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the sixth fluid channel 52 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the third crossover valve 82 is in the second position 86, the third crossover valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the fifth fluid channel 50 and the second manifold 74, and the third crossover valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the sixth fluid channel 52 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the third exchange valve 82 is configured to: when the third exchange valve 82 is in the first position 84, direct air from the burner can 5 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and direct air from the burner can 6 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the third exchange valve 82 is in the second position 86, direct air from the burner can 5 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from the burner can 6 to the first manifold 72.

[0029] The fluid monitoring system 38 also includes a fourth crossover valve 88 fluidly coupled to the seventh fluid channel 54 and the eighth fluid channel 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth crossover valve 88 is a four-way crossover valve having a first position 90 and a second position 92. When the fourth crossover valve 88 is in the first position 90, the fourth crossover valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the seventh fluid channel 54 and the first manifold 72, and the fourth crossover valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the eighth fluid channel 56 and the second manifold 74. Additionally, when the fourth crossover valve 88 is in the second position 92, the fourth crossover valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the seventh fluid channel 54 and the second manifold 74, and the fourth crossover valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the eighth fluid channel 56 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the fourth exchange valve 88 is configured to: when the fourth exchange valve 88 is in the first position 90, direct air from the burner can 7 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and direct air from the burner can 8 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the fourth exchange valve 88 is in the second position 92, direct air from the burner can 7 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from the burner can 8 to the first manifold 72.

[0030] In addition, the fluid monitoring system 38 includes a fifth crossover valve 94 fluidly coupled to the ninth fluid channel 58 and the tenth fluid channel 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the fifth crossover valve 94 is a four-way crossover valve having a first position 96 and a second position 98. When the fifth crossover valve 94 is in the first position 96, the fifth crossover valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the ninth fluid channel 58 and the first manifold 72, and the fifth crossover valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the tenth fluid channel 60 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the fifth crossover valve 94 is in the second position 98, the fifth crossover valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the ninth fluid channel 58 and the second manifold 74, and the fifth crossover valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the tenth fluid channel 60 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the fifth exchange valve 94 is configured to: when the fifth exchange valve 94 is in the first position 96, guide air from the burner can 9 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and guide air from the burner can 10 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the fifth exchange valve 94 is in the second position 98, guide air from the burner can 9 to the second manifold 74, and guide air from the burner can 10 to the first manifold 72.

[0031] In addition, the fluid monitoring system 38 includes a sixth exchange valve 100 fluidly coupled to the eleventh fluid channel 62 and the twelfth fluid channel 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the sixth exchange valve 100 is a four-way exchange valve having a first position 102 and a second position 104. When the sixth exchange valve 100 is in the first position 102, the sixth exchange valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the eleventh fluid channel 62 and the first manifold 72, and the sixth exchange valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the twelfth fluid channel 64 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the sixth exchange valve 100 is in the second position 104, the sixth exchange valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the eleventh fluid channel 62 and the second manifold 74, and the sixth exchange valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the twelfth fluid channel 64 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the sixth exchange valve 100 is configured to: when the sixth exchange valve 100 is in the first position 102, guide air from the burner can 11 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and guide air from the burner can 12 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the sixth exchange valve 100 is in the second position 104, guide air from the burner can 11 to the second manifold 74, and guide air from the burner can 12 to the first manifold 72.

[0032] The actuator is coupled to each corresponding exchange valve, and the actuator is configured to drive the corresponding exchange valve between the first position and the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, each actuator includes a biasing element (e.g., a spring) and a solenoid. As shown, a first biasing element 106 and a first solenoid 108 are coupled to the first exchange valve 66. The first biasing element 106 is configured to push the first exchange valve 66 to the first position 68, and the first solenoid 108 is configured to drive the first exchange valve 66 to the second position 70. Therefore, when the first solenoid 108 is activated, the first solenoid 108 drives the first exchange valve 66 to the second position 70, and when the first solenoid 108 is deactivated, the first biasing element 106 drives the first exchange valve 66 to the first position 68.

[0033] In addition, a second biasing element 110 and a second solenoid 112 are coupled to the second switching valve 76. The second biasing element 110 is configured to urge the second switching valve 76 toward the first position 78, and the second solenoid 112 is configured to drive the second switching valve 76 to the second position 80. Therefore, when the second solenoid 112 is activated, the second solenoid 112 drives the second switching valve 76 to the second position 80, and when the second solenoid 112 is deactivated, the second biasing element 110 drives the second switching valve 76 to the first position 78.

[0034] In addition, a third biasing element 114 and a third solenoid 116 are coupled to the third switching valve 82. The third biasing element 114 is configured to push the third switching valve 82 toward the first position 84, and the third solenoid 116 is configured to drive the third switching valve 82 to the second position 86. Therefore, when the third solenoid 116 is activated, the third solenoid 116 drives the third switching valve 82 to the second position 86, and when the third solenoid 116 is deactivated, the third biasing element 114 drives the third switching valve 82 to the first position 84.

[0035] A fourth biasing element 118 and a fourth solenoid 120 are coupled to the fourth switching valve 88. The fourth biasing element 118 is configured to urge the fourth switching valve 88 toward the first position 90, and the fourth solenoid 120 is configured to drive the fourth switching valve 88 to the second position 92. Thus, when the fourth solenoid 120 is activated, the fourth solenoid 120 drives the fourth switching valve 88 to the second position 92, and when the fourth solenoid 120 is deactivated, the fourth biasing element 118 drives the fourth switching valve 88 to the first position 90.

[0036] In addition, a fifth biasing element 122 and a fifth solenoid 124 are coupled to the fifth switching valve 94. The fifth biasing element 122 is configured to push the fifth switching valve 94 toward the first position 96, and the fifth solenoid 124 is configured to drive the fifth switching valve 94 to the second position 98. Therefore, when the fifth solenoid 124 is activated, the fifth solenoid 124 drives the fifth switching valve 94 to the second position 98, and when the fifth solenoid 124 is deactivated, the fifth biasing element 122 drives the fifth switching valve 94 to the first position 96.

[0037] In addition, a sixth biasing element 126 and a sixth solenoid 128 are coupled to the sixth switching valve 100. The sixth biasing element 126 is configured to push the sixth switching valve 100 toward the first position 102, and the sixth solenoid 128 is configured to drive the sixth switching valve 100 to the second position 104. Therefore, when the sixth solenoid 128 is activated, the sixth solenoid 128 drives the sixth switching valve 100 to the second position 104, and when the sixth solenoid 128 is deactivated, the sixth biasing element 126 drives the sixth switching valve 100 to the first position 102.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, each solenoid is communicatively coupled to a controller 130, and the controller 130 is configured to control the solenoid to control the position of the switching valve. In certain embodiments, the controller 130 is an electronic controller having a circuit configured to control the solenoid. In the embodiment shown, the controller 130 includes a processor (such as the microprocessor 132 shown) and a memory device 134. The controller 130 may also include one or more storage devices and / or other suitable components. The processor 132 may be used to execute software, such as software for controlling the solenoid. In addition, the processor 132 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 132 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

[0039] The memory device 134 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM)). The memory device 134 may store various information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device 134 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by the processor 132, such as instructions for controlling a solenoid, etc. The storage device (e.g., non-volatile storage device) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device may store data, instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling a solenoid, etc.), and any other suitable data.

[0040] Although in the illustrated embodiment, each actuator includes a biasing member configured to push the corresponding exchange valve to the first position and a solenoid configured to drive the corresponding exchange valve to the second position, in other embodiments, the fluid monitoring system may include at least one other suitable type of actuator configured to control the position of the corresponding exchange valve. For example, in certain embodiments, at least one actuator may include a biasing member configured to push the corresponding exchange valve to the second position and a solenoid configured to drive the corresponding exchange valve to the first position. In addition, in certain embodiments, at least one actuator may include a first solenoid configured to drive the corresponding exchange valve to the first position and a second solenoid configured to drive the corresponding exchange valve to the second position. In such embodiments, each solenoid may be communicatively coupled to a controller so that the controller can control the position of the corresponding exchange valve. In addition, while each actuator disclosed above includes a solenoid configured to control the position of a corresponding switching valve, in certain embodiments, at least one actuator may include one or more other suitable types of actuation devices, such as a pneumatic actuation device, a hydraulic actuation device, an electromechanical actuation device, other suitable types of actuation devices, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the first manifold 72 is fluidly coupled to a first sensor assembly 136, and the second manifold 74 is fluidly coupled to a second sensor assembly 138. Each sensor assembly is configured to output a signal indicating at least one fluid property of the fluid. In certain embodiments, the at least one fluid property includes the concentration of hydrocarbons in the fluid (e.g., air received from the head end of the burner can). As shown, the controller 130 is communicatively coupled to the first sensor assembly 136 and the second sensor assembly 138. The controller 130 is configured to determine a first value of at least one fluid property (e.g., hydrocarbon concentration) of the fluid (e.g., air) flowing through the first manifold 72 based on feedback from the first sensor assembly 136, and the controller 130 is also configured to determine a second value of at least one fluid property (e.g., hydrocarbon concentration) of the fluid (e.g., air) flowing through the second manifold 74 based on feedback from the second sensor assembly 138. In addition, the controller 130 is configured to compare each value of at least one fluid property (e.g., hydrocarbon concentration) with a threshold value to determine whether the at least one fluid property exceeds the threshold value.

[0042] By way of example, during operation of the gas turbine system, the controller 130 may detect a fuel leak in the head end of the combustor can. For example, when the crossover valve is in the first position, air flows from the corresponding first combustor can to the first sensor assembly 136 via the first manifold 72, and air flows from the corresponding second combustor can to the second sensor assembly 138 via the second manifold 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding first combustor cans include odd-numbered combustor cans (i.e., combustor cans 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11), and the corresponding second combustor cans include even-numbered combustor cans (i.e., combustor cans 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12). Therefore, when the crossover valve is in the first position, air flows from combustor cans 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 to the first manifold 72, and air flows from combustor cans 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 to the second manifold 74. Thus, the first sensor assembly 136 monitors hydrocarbon concentrations within the head ends of burner cans 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , and 11 , and the second sensor assembly 138 monitors hydrocarbon concentrations within the head ends of burner cans 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 , 10 , and 12 .

[0043] If the controller 130 determines that the first value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the first manifold 72 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold, the controller 130 may identify a fuel leak within one of the burner cans 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, and if the controller 130 determines that the second value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the second manifold 74 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold, the controller 130 may identify a fuel leak within one of the burner cans 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Thus, the controller 130 may continuously / substantially continuously (e.g., within the sampling rate of the sensor assembly / controller) monitor the head end of the burner cans for fuel leaks.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 130 is configured to selectively control the actuators to identify the burner can tip that is receiving fuel from the fuel leak. For example, in response to determining that fuel / hydrocarbons are present in one tip (e.g., determining that the first value of hydrocarbon concentration or the second value of hydrocarbon concentration is greater than a hydrocarbon threshold), the controller 130 may sequentially instruct each actuator to drive the corresponding crossover valve to the other of the first position and the second position. In addition, the controller may identify which burner can tip is receiving fuel from the fuel leak in response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly.

[0045] By way of example, the head end of burner can 3 may receive fuel from a fuel leak. Therefore, when the crossover valve is in the first position, the controller 130 may determine that the first value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the first manifold 72 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value. The controller 130 may then sequentially instruct each actuator to drive the corresponding crossover valve from the first position to the second position. For example, the controller 130 may instruct the first solenoid 108 to drive the first crossover valve 66 from the first position 68 to the second position 70, thereby directing air from burner can 1 to the second manifold 74 and directing air from burner can 2 to the first manifold 72. Because fuel is not leaking into burner can 1 or burner can 2, the controller 130 may not recognize a detected change in the hydrocarbon concentration in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly that is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value.

[0046] Next, the controller 130 may instruct the second solenoid 112 to actuate the second crossover valve 76 from the first position 78 to the second position 80, thereby directing air from the burner can 3 to the second manifold 74 and directing air from the burner can 4 to the first manifold 72. Because fuel is leaking into the burner can 3, the controller 130 may identify a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than a hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly. For example, the controller 130 may determine that a first value of hydrocarbon concentration within the first manifold 72 is less than the hydrocarbon threshold, and a second value of hydrocarbon concentration within the second manifold is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold. Because the air flow from the head end of the burner can 3 switches from flowing into the first manifold 72 to flowing into the second manifold 74 in response to changing the position of the second crossover valve 76, the controller may identify that fuel is leaking into the head end of the burner can 3.

[0047] By way of another example, in response to determining that fuel / hydrocarbons are present within one head end (e.g., determining that the first value of hydrocarbon concentration or the second value of hydrocarbon concentration is greater than a hydrocarbon threshold value), the controller 130 may sequentially instruct a sequential group of actuators to drive the corresponding crossover valve to the other of the first position and the second position to more quickly identify the burner can receiving the leaking fuel. In addition, the controller may identify which burner can head end is receiving fuel from a fuel leak in response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly.

[0048] For example, the controller may sequentially instruct a group of two actuators to drive a corresponding crossover valve to the other of a first position and a second position. In response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than a hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, the controller may sequentially instruct each actuator in the group to drive a corresponding crossover valve to the other of the first position and the second position. The controller may then identify which burner can end is receiving fuel from a fuel leak in response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than a hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly.

[0049] By way of example, the head end of burner can 3 may receive fuel from a fuel leak. Therefore, when the crossover valve is in the first position, the controller 130 may determine that the first value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the first manifold 72 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value. The controller 130 may then sequentially instruct the plurality of groups of two actuators to drive the respective crossover valves from the first position to the second position. For example, the controller 130 may instruct the first solenoid 108 to drive the first crossover valve 66 from the first position 68 to the second position 70, thereby directing air from burner can 1 to the second manifold 74 and air from burner can 2 to the first manifold 72. The controller 130 may concurrently (e.g., simultaneously) instruct the second solenoid 112 to drive the second crossover valve 76 from the first position 78 to the second position 80, thereby directing air from burner can 3 to the second manifold 74 and air from burner can 4 to the first manifold 72. The controller 130 may identify a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly that is greater than a hydrocarbon threshold value, indicating that a leak is occurring within one of the burner cans 1 - 4 .

[0050] For example, after repositioning of the valves, the controller 130 may determine that a first value of hydrocarbon concentration within the first manifold 72 is less than a hydrocarbon threshold value, and a second value of hydrocarbon concentration within the second manifold is greater than a hydrocarbon threshold value. Such values ​​indicate that a leak is occurring within burner can 1 and / or burner can 3. The controller 130 may then sequentially instruct each of the first actuator 108 and the second actuator 112 to drive the respective crossover valve 66, 76 to the other of the first position and the second position, as discussed above, to facilitate identification of which burner can head end is receiving fuel from the fuel leak. Initially controlling the actuators in groups may reduce the duration of the identification process.

[0051] Although two groups of actuators / swapping valves are disclosed above, in other embodiments, each group may include additional actuators / swapping valves. For example, in certain embodiments, each group may include 3, 4, 5, 6 or more actuators / swapping valves (e.g., depending on the number of burner cans). In addition, in certain embodiments, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct the actuators of the consecutive groups to drive the corresponding swap valves to the other of the first position and the second position. In response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than a hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct the actuators of the subgroup to drive the corresponding swap valves to the other of the first position and the second position. Then, in response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than a hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, the controller may sequentially instruct each actuator within the subgroup to drive the corresponding swap valve to the other of the first position and the second position to facilitate identification of which burner can head end is receiving fuel from a fuel leak.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, two sensor assemblies 136, 138 are used to identify the head end 17 that is receiving leaking fuel. Therefore, the cost of the gas turbine system 10 can be reduced compared to a gas turbine system that utilizes a fluid monitoring system that includes one sensor assembly for each combustor can. In addition, because the sensor assemblies 136, 138 continuously / substantially continuously monitor the fuel at the head end 17 of the combustor can 15, fuel leaks within the gas turbine system 10 can be detected almost immediately compared to a fluid monitoring system that cyclically directs air from each can to a single sensor assembly.

[0053] In addition, the two sensor assemblies 136, 138 provide redundancy within the fluid monitoring system as compared to a single sensor assembly configuration. For example, in response to a failure of one sensor assembly, the controller may cause each crossover valve to periodically cycle between a first position and a second position so that the working sensor assembly can detect a fuel leak in the head end of each combustor can. In addition, because air may flow from the head end of each combustor can to the manifold regardless of the position of the crossover valve, the controller may detect fuel leaking into the head end of each combustor can even if one or more of the crossover valves becomes fixed in the first position or the second position (e.g., due to a failure of a corresponding actuator). In addition, because the same number of combustor cans are fluidly coupled to each manifold regardless of the position of each crossover valve, the fluid flow rate through each manifold may be substantially constant during operation of the gas turbine system, thereby increasing the accuracy of the sensor assembly.

[0054] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid monitoring system includes six exchange valves, in other embodiments, the fluid monitoring system may include more or fewer exchange valves (e.g., 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the number of exchange valves may be half the number of burner cans. In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment, each exchange valve is a two-position four-way valve, in other embodiments, at least one exchange valve may have additional positions (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) and / or additional fluid connections (e.g., 6, 8, 10, etc.). For example, at least one exchange valve may have three positions (e.g., where the exchange valve is configured to block flow through the exchange valve when the exchange valve is in the third position). In addition, in some embodiments, at least one exchange valve may be an eight-way exchange valve (e.g., fluidly coupled to four burner cans and configured to concurrently redirect the output of each burner can by a single transition / movement).

[0055] Each sensor assembly 136, 138 may include one sensor or multiple sensors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more). For example, in certain embodiments, at least one sensor assembly may include multiple hydrocarbon sensors (e.g., to provide redundant hydrocarbon concentration detection). In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment, each sensor assembly 136, 138 is configured to detect hydrocarbon concentration, in other embodiments, at least one sensor assembly may be configured to detect other and / or additional one / multiple characteristics of the air (e.g., alone or in combination with hydrocarbon concentration). For example, at least one sensor assembly 136, 138 may include one or more sensors configured to detect hydrocarbon concentration, air temperature, air flow rate, concentration of particulate matter in the air, concentration of other chemicals in the air, other suitable one / multiple characteristics of the air, or combinations thereof (e.g., including multiple sensors for detecting the same characteristic).

[0056] Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment the fluid flowing through the manifold and monitored by the sensor assembly comprises air (e.g., mostly air that may have small amounts of hydrocarbons), in other embodiments the fluid may comprise any other suitable type of fluid, including a liquid (e.g., water, liquid fuel, etc.) and / or one or more gases (e.g., gaseous fuel, combustion gases, etc.).

[0057] Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment the fluid monitoring system 38 is used to monitor air within the burner can end, in other embodiments the fluid monitoring system 38 may be used to monitor fluid from any other suitable fluid source, such as monitoring water quality from multiple water sources, monitoring fuel quality from multiple fuel sources, monitoring chemicals from multiple chemical sources of various elements / compounds, and other suitable applications.

[0058] Figure 4 is fluidly couplable to Figure 2Schematic diagram of another embodiment of a fluid monitoring system 140 for a combustion section 14 of a combustion section 14 and including three manifolds and three corresponding sensor assemblies. As shown, the first switching valve 66 is fluidly coupled to the first fluid channel 42 and the second fluid channel 44. When the first switching valve 66 is in the first position 68, the first switching valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the first fluid channel 42 and the first manifold 72, and the first switching valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the second fluid channel 44 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the first switching valve 66 is in the second position 70, the first switching valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the first fluid channel 42 and the second manifold 74, and the first switching valve 66 establishes a fluid connection between the second fluid channel 44 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the first exchange valve 66 is configured to: when the first exchange valve 66 is in the first position 68, direct air from burner can 1 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and direct air from burner can 2 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the first exchange valve 66 is in the second position 70, direct air from burner can 1 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from burner can 2 to the first manifold 72.

[0059] In addition, the second switching valve 76 is fluidly coupled to the third fluid channel 46 and the fourth fluid channel 48. When the second switching valve 76 is in the first position 78, the second switching valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the third fluid channel 46 and the third manifold 142, and the second switching valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the fourth fluid channel 48 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the second switching valve 76 is in the second position 80, the second switching valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the third fluid channel 46 and the second manifold 74, and the second switching valve 76 establishes a fluid connection between the fourth fluid channel 48 and the third manifold 142. Therefore, the second exchange valve 76 is configured to: when the second exchange valve 76 is in the first position 78, direct air from the burner can 3 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the third manifold 142, and direct air from the burner can 4 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the second exchange valve 76 is in the second position 80, direct air from the burner can 3 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from the burner can 4 to the third manifold 142.

[0060] In addition, the third switching valve 82 is fluidly coupled to the fifth fluid channel 50 and the sixth fluid channel 52. When the third switching valve 82 is in the first position 84, the third switching valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the fifth fluid channel 50 and the first manifold 72, and the third switching valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the sixth fluid channel 52 and the third manifold 142. In addition, when the third switching valve 82 is in the second position 86, the third switching valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the fifth fluid channel 50 and the third manifold 142, and the third switching valve 82 establishes a fluid connection between the sixth fluid channel 52 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the third exchange valve 82 is configured to: when the third exchange valve 82 is in the first position 84, direct air from the burner can 5 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and direct air from the burner can 6 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the third manifold 142; and when the third exchange valve 82 is in the second position 86, direct air from the burner can 5 to the third manifold 142, and direct air from the burner can 6 to the first manifold 72.

[0061] The fourth switching valve 88 is fluidly coupled to the seventh fluid channel 54 and the eighth fluid channel 56. When the fourth switching valve 88 is in the first position 90, the fourth switching valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the seventh fluid channel 54 and the first manifold 72, and the fourth switching valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the eighth fluid channel 56 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the fourth switching valve 88 is in the second position 92, the fourth switching valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the seventh fluid channel 54 and the second manifold 74, and the fourth switching valve 88 establishes a fluid connection between the eighth fluid channel 56 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the fourth exchange valve 88 is configured to: when the fourth exchange valve 88 is in the first position 90, direct air from the burner can 7 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and direct air from the burner can 8 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the fourth exchange valve 88 is in the second position 92, direct air from the burner can 7 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from the burner can 8 to the first manifold 72.

[0062] In addition, the fifth switching valve 94 is fluidly coupled to the ninth fluid channel 58 and the tenth fluid channel 60. When the fifth switching valve 94 is in the first position 96, the fifth switching valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the ninth fluid channel 58 and the third manifold 142, and the fifth switching valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the tenth fluid channel 60 and the second manifold 74. In addition, when the fifth switching valve 94 is in the second position 98, the fifth switching valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the ninth fluid channel 58 and the second manifold 74, and the fifth switching valve 94 establishes a fluid connection between the tenth fluid channel 60 and the third manifold 142. Therefore, the fifth exchange valve 94 is configured to: when the fifth exchange valve 94 is in the first position 96, direct air from the burner can 9 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the third manifold 142, and direct air from the burner can 10 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the second manifold 74; and when the fifth exchange valve 94 is in the second position 98, direct air from the burner can 9 to the second manifold 74, and direct air from the burner can 10 to the third manifold 142.

[0063] In addition, the sixth switching valve 100 is fluidly coupled to the eleventh fluid channel 62 and the twelfth fluid channel 64. When the sixth switching valve 100 is in the first position 102, the sixth switching valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the eleventh fluid channel 62 and the first manifold 72, and the sixth switching valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the twelfth fluid channel 64 and the third manifold 142. In addition, when the sixth switching valve 100 is in the second position 104, the sixth switching valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the eleventh fluid channel 62 and the third manifold 142, and the sixth switching valve 100 establishes a fluid connection between the twelfth fluid channel 64 and the first manifold 72. Therefore, the sixth exchange valve 100 is configured to: when the sixth exchange valve 100 is in the first position 102, guide air from the burner can 11 (e.g., the corresponding first fluid source, the corresponding first burner can) to the first manifold 72, and guide air from the burner can 12 (e.g., the corresponding second fluid source, the corresponding second burner can) to the third manifold 142; and when the sixth exchange valve 100 is in the second position 104, guide air from the burner can 11 to the third manifold 142, and guide air from the burner can 12 to the first manifold 72.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the third manifold 142 is fluidly coupled to a third sensor assembly 144. The third sensor assembly 144 is configured to output a signal indicating at least one fluid property of the fluid. As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the at least one fluid property includes the concentration of hydrocarbons within the fluid (e.g., air received from the head end of the burner can). As shown, the controller 130 is communicatively coupled to the third sensor assembly 144. The controller is configured to determine a first value of at least one fluid property (e.g., hydrocarbon concentration) of the fluid (e.g., air) flowing through the first manifold 72 based on feedback from the first sensor assembly 136, the controller is configured to determine a second value of at least one fluid property (e.g., hydrocarbon concentration) of the fluid (e.g., air) flowing through the second manifold 74 based on feedback from the second sensor assembly 138, and the controller is configured to determine a third value of at least one fluid property (e.g., hydrocarbon concentration) of the fluid (e.g., air) flowing through the third manifold 142 based on feedback from the third sensor assembly 144. Additionally, the controller is configured to compare each value of the at least one fluid property (eg, hydrocarbon concentration) to a threshold value to determine whether the value of the at least one fluid property exceeds the threshold value.

[0065] By way of example, during operation of the gas turbine system, the controller 130 may detect a fuel leak in the head end of the combustor can. For example, when the first set of exchange valves (e.g., the first exchange valve 66 and the fourth exchange valve 88) are in the first position, air flows from the corresponding first combustor can to the first sensor assembly 136 via the first manifold 72, and air flows from the corresponding second combustor can to the second sensor assembly 138 via the second manifold 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding first combustor can includes combustor cans 1 and 7, and the corresponding second combustor can includes combustor cans 2 and 8. In addition, when the second set of exchange valves (e.g., the second exchange valve 76 and the fifth exchange valve 94) are in the first position, air flows from the corresponding first combustor can to the third sensor assembly 144 via the third manifold 142, and air flows from the corresponding second combustor can to the second sensor assembly 138 via the second manifold 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding first combustor can includes combustor cans 3 and 9, and the corresponding second combustor can includes combustor cans 4 and 10. In addition, when the third group of crossover valves (e.g., the third crossover valve 82 and the sixth crossover valve 100) are in the first position, air flows from the corresponding first burner cans to the first sensor assembly 136 via the first manifold 72, and air flows from the corresponding second burner cans to the third sensor assembly 144 via the third manifold 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding first burner cans include burner cans 5 and 11, and the corresponding second burner cans include burner cans 6 and 12.

[0066] Thus, when the crossover valve is in the first position, air flows from burner cans 1, 5, 7, and 11 to the first manifold 72; air flows from burner cans 2, 4, 8, and 10 to the second manifold 74; and air flows from burner cans 3, 6, 9, and 12 to the third manifold 142. Thus, the first sensor assembly 136 monitors hydrocarbon concentrations within the head ends of burner cans 1, 5, 7, and 11, and the second sensor assembly 138 monitors hydrocarbon concentrations within the head ends of burner cans 2, 4, 8, and 10, and the third sensor assembly 144 monitors hydrocarbon concentrations within the head ends of burner cans 3, 6, 9, and 12. If the controller 130 determines that the first value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the first manifold 72 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value, the controller 130 may identify a fuel leak within one of the burner cans 1, 5, 7, and 11. If the controller 130 determines that the second value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the second manifold 74 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value, the controller 130 may identify a fuel leak within one of the burner cans 2, 4, 8, and 10. If the controller 130 determines that the third value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the third manifold 142 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold, the controller 130 may identify a fuel leak within one of the burner cans 3, 6, 9, and 12. Thus, the controller 130 may continuously / substantially continuously (e.g., within the sampling rate of the sensor assembly / controller) monitor the head end of the burner can for fuel leaks.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 130 is configured to control the actuators to identify the burner can head end that is receiving fuel from the fuel leak. For example, in response to determining that fuel / hydrocarbons are present in one head end (e.g., determining that a first value of hydrocarbon concentration, a second value of hydrocarbon concentration, or a third value of hydrocarbon concentration is greater than a hydrocarbon threshold), the controller 130 may sequentially instruct each actuator to drive the corresponding crossover valve to the other of the first position and the second position. In addition, the controller may identify which burner can head end is receiving fuel from the fuel leak in response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the third sensor assembly.

[0068] By way of example, the head end of burner can 3 may receive fuel from a fuel leak. Therefore, when the crossover valve is in the first position, the controller 130 may determine that the third value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the third manifold 142 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold. Then, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct each actuator to drive the corresponding crossover valve from the first position to the second position to identify whether the leak exists in burner cans 3, 6, 9, or 12, which are burner cans coupled to the third manifold 142 when the corresponding crossover valve is in the first position.

[0069] For example, the controller 130 may instruct the first solenoid 108 to actuate the first crossover valve 66 from the first position 68 to the second position 70, thereby directing air from burner can 1 to the second manifold 74 and directing air from burner can 2 to the first manifold 72. In this example, because fuel is not leaking into burner can 1 or burner can 2, the controller 130 may not identify a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly.

[0070] Next, the controller 130 may instruct the second solenoid 112 to drive the second crossover valve 76 from the first position 78 to the second position 80, thereby directing air from the burner can 3 to the second manifold 74 and directing air from the burner can 4 to the third manifold 142. Because fuel is leaking into the burner can 3, the controller 130 may identify a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the third sensor assembly. Specifically, after driving the second crossover valve 76 to the second position 80, the controller 130 may determine that the third value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the third manifold 142 is less than the hydrocarbon threshold, and the second value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the second manifold 74 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold. Because the air flow from the head end of the burner can 3 switches from flowing into the third manifold 142 to flowing into the second manifold 74 in response to changing the position of the second crossover valve 76, the controller may identify that fuel is leaking into the burner can 3.

[0071] In addition, in certain embodiments, the controller 130 may sequentially transition only the actuators coupled to the crossover valves fluidly coupled to the sensor assembly that detects a hydrocarbon concentration greater than a hydrocarbon threshold. For example, the head end of the burner can 3 may receive fuel from a fuel leak. Therefore, when the crossover valve is in the first position, the controller 130 may determine that the third value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the third manifold 142 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold. The controller 130 may then sequentially transition each actuator coupled to the corresponding crossover valve fluidly coupled to the third manifold 142. For example, the controller 130 may instruct the second solenoid 112 to drive the second crossover valve 76 from the first position 78 to the second position 80, thereby directing air from the burner can 3 to the second manifold 74 and directing air from the burner can 4 to the third manifold 142.

[0072] Because fuel is leaking into the burner can 3, the controller 130 may identify a detected change in the hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value in the second sensor assembly and the third sensor assembly. For example, the controller 130 may determine that the third value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the third manifold 142 is less than the hydrocarbon threshold value, and the second value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the second manifold is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value. Since the air flow from the head end of the burner can 3 is switched from flowing into the third manifold 142 to flowing into the second manifold 74 in response to changing the position of the second crossover valve 76, the controller 130 may identify that fuel is leaking into the burner can 3. Because the controller 130 only switches the actuator coupled to the crossover valve fluidly coupled to the sensor assembly that detects the hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value, the location of the leak may be identified more quickly than sequentially switching each valve, as discussed above.

[0073] By way of another example, in response to determining that fuel / hydrocarbons are present in one head end (e.g., determining that a first value of hydrocarbon concentration, a second value of hydrocarbon concentration, or a third value of hydrocarbon concentration is greater than a hydrocarbon threshold), the controller 130 may sequentially instruct a sequential group of actuators to drive a corresponding crossover valve to the other of the first position and the second position. Further, the controller 130 may identify which burner can head end is receiving fuel from a fuel leak in response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly 136, the second sensor assembly 138, and the third sensor assembly 144.

[0074] For example, the head end of burner can 3 may receive fuel from a fuel leak. Therefore, when the crossover valve is in the first position, the controller 130 may determine that the third value of the hydrocarbon concentration in the third manifold 142 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold value. Then, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct the plurality of groups of two actuators to drive the corresponding crossover valves from the first position to the second position. For example, the controller 130 may instruct the first solenoid 108 to drive the first crossover valve 66 from the first position 68 to the second position 70, thereby directing air from burner can 1 to the second manifold 74 and directing air from burner can 2 to the first manifold 72. The controller 130 may also instruct the second solenoid 112 to drive the second crossover valve 76 from the first position 78 to the second position 80, thereby directing air from burner can 3 to the second manifold 74 and directing air from burner can 4 to the third manifold 142.

[0075] Because fuel is leaking into the burner can 3, the controller 130 may identify a change in detection of hydrocarbon concentrations greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the second sensor assembly and the third sensor assembly. For example, the controller 130 may determine that the third value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the third manifold 142 is less than the hydrocarbon threshold, and the second value of the hydrocarbon concentration within the second manifold 74 is greater than the hydrocarbon threshold. Because there is a change in detection of hydrocarbon concentrations greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the second sensor assembly and the third sensor assembly compared to the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, the controller 130 may identify that fuel is leaking into the burner can 3 or 4. In addition, because the detection of the hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold is changed from the third sensor assembly 144 to the second sensor assembly 138 in response to transitioning the second crossover valve 76 to the second position 80, the controller may identify that fuel is leaking into the burner can 3. Because the controller can identify the location of the fuel leak in the four burner cans through a single transition of the two valves, the leak location may be identified more quickly than sequentially transitioning the individual valves, as discussed above.

[0076] Although two actuator / swapping valve groups are disclosed above, in other embodiments, each group may include additional actuator / swapping valves. For example, in certain embodiments, each group may include 3, 4, 5, 6 or more actuator / swapping valves. In addition, in certain embodiments, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct the actuators of the continuous group to drive the corresponding switching valve to the other of the first position and the second position. In response to the detection change of the hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the third sensor assembly, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct the individual actuators within the group to drive the corresponding switching valve to the other of the first position and the second position to facilitate the identification of which burner can end is receiving fuel from the fuel leak. In addition, in certain embodiments, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct the actuators of the continuous group to drive the corresponding switching valve to the other of the first position and the second position. In response to the detection change of the hydrocarbon concentration greater than the hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the third sensor assembly, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct the actuators of the subgroup to drive the corresponding switching valve to the other of the first position and the second position. Then, in response to identifying a detected change in hydrocarbon concentration greater than a hydrocarbon threshold in the first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the third sensor assembly, the controller 130 may sequentially instruct each actuator within the subgroup to drive the corresponding crossover valve to the other of the first position and the second position to facilitate identifying which burner can end is receiving fuel from the fuel leak.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, three sensor assemblies 136, 138, 144 are used to identify the head end that is receiving fuel. Thus, the cost of the gas turbine system can be reduced compared to a gas turbine system that utilizes a fluid monitoring system that includes one sensor assembly for each combustor can. In addition, because the sensor assemblies continuously / substantially continuously monitor the fuel at the head end of the combustor cans, fuel leaks within the gas turbine system can be detected almost immediately compared to a fluid monitoring system that cyclically directs air from each combustor can to a single sensor assembly.

[0078] In addition, the three sensor assemblies 136, 138, 144 provide redundancy within the fluid monitoring system as compared to a single sensor assembly configuration. For example, in response to a failure of one sensor assembly, the controller 130 may cause each crossover valve fluidically coupled to the non-operating sensor assembly to periodically cycle between a first position and a second position so that the two operating sensor assemblies can detect a fuel leak in the head end of each combustor can. In addition, because air may flow from the head end of each combustor can to the manifold regardless of the position of the crossover valves, the controller 130 may detect fuel leaking into the head end of each combustor can even if one or more of the crossover valves becomes fixed in the first position or the second position (e.g., due to a failure of a corresponding actuator). In addition, because the same number of combustor cans are fluidly coupled to each manifold regardless of the position of each crossover valve, the fluid flow rate through each manifold may be substantially constant during operation of the gas turbine system, thereby increasing the accuracy of the sensor assembly.

[0079] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid monitoring system includes six exchange valves, in other embodiments, the fluid monitoring system may include more or fewer exchange valves (e.g., 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the number of exchange valves may be half the number of burner cans. In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment, each exchange valve is a two-position four-way valve, in other embodiments, at least one exchange valve may have additional positions (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) and / or additional fluid connections (e.g., 6, 8, 10, etc.). For example, at least one exchange valve may have three positions (e.g., where the exchange valve is configured to block flow through the exchange valve when the exchange valve is in the third position). In addition, in some embodiments, at least one exchange valve may be an eight-way exchange valve (e.g., fluidly coupled to four burner cans and configured to concurrently redirect the output of each burner can by a single transition / movement).

[0080] In addition, while in the illustrated embodiment, the first exchange valve 66 and the fourth exchange valve 88 are fluidly coupled to the first manifold 72 and the second manifold 74, the second exchange valve 76 and the fifth exchange valve 94 are fluidly coupled to the second manifold 74 and the third manifold 142, and the third exchange valve 82 and the sixth exchange valve 100 are fluidly coupled to the first manifold 72 and the third manifold 142, in other embodiments, the fluid monitoring system 140 may include different arrangements of fluid couplings between the exchange valves and the three manifolds. In addition, while in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid monitoring system 140 includes three manifolds, in other embodiments, the fluid monitoring system 140 may include more or fewer manifolds (e.g., 2, 4, 5, 6, or more). For example, in certain embodiments, the fluid monitoring system may be configured to monitor the head ends of 16 burner cans. In such embodiments, the fluid monitoring system may include eight exchange valves and four manifolds, and the fluid connections between the exchange valves and the manifolds may be arranged so that each manifold receives air from four burner cans, regardless of the position of the exchange valves.

[0081] Each sensor assembly 136, 138, 144 may include one sensor or multiple sensors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more). For example, in certain embodiments, at least one sensor assembly may include multiple hydrocarbon sensors (e.g., to provide redundant hydrocarbon concentration detection). In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment, each sensor assembly 136, 138, 144 is configured to detect hydrocarbon concentration, in other embodiments, at least one sensor assembly may be configured to detect other and / or additional one / multiple characteristics of the air (e.g., alone or in combination with hydrocarbon concentration). For example, at least one sensor assembly may include one or more sensors configured to detect hydrocarbon concentration, air temperature, air flow rate, concentration of particulate matter in the air, concentration of other chemicals in the air, other suitable one / multiple characteristics of the air, or combinations thereof (e.g., including multiple sensors for detecting the same characteristic). Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid flowing through the manifold and monitored by the sensor assembly includes air (e.g., mostly air that may have a small amount of hydrocarbons), in other embodiments, the fluid may include any other suitable type of fluid, including liquids (e.g., water, liquid fuel, etc.) and / or one or more gases (e.g., gaseous fuel, combustion gases, etc.). Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid monitoring system 140 is used to monitor air within the burner can end, in other embodiments, the fluid monitoring system 140 may be used to monitor fluid from any other suitable fluid source, such as monitoring water quality from multiple water sources, monitoring fuel quality from multiple fuel sources, monitoring chemicals from multiple chemical sources of various elements / compounds, and other suitable applications.

[0082] In addition, although Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the schematic diagram of , the exchange valves are shown as separate elements, but in some embodiments, at least two exchange valves can be disposed in a common housing to form a valve assembly. For example, a single valve assembly can include a housing, and each exchange valve can be disposed in the housing. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more exchange valves can be separate elements (e.g., each having a corresponding housing). In addition, in some embodiments, Figure 3 Fluid monitoring systems and / or Figure 4 At least one crossover valve within the fluid monitoring system of the present invention is configured to split the air flow between the manifolds fluidly coupled to the crossover valve when the crossover valve is in an intermediate position. Thus, when the crossover valve transitions between positions, the air flow transitions continuously / substantially continuously between the manifolds fluidly coupled to the crossover valve.

[0083] Figure 5 is available in Figure 3 In the fluid monitoring system and / or Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a rotary crossover valve 146 employed within a fluid monitoring system of . In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary crossover valve 146 includes a first fluid channel 148 and a second fluid channel 150. When the rotary crossover valve 146 is in the first position shown, the first fluid channel 148 fluidly couples a first inlet 152 (e.g., which is fluidly coupled to a corresponding first burner can) to a first outlet 154 (e.g., which is fluidly coupled to a first manifold). In addition, when the rotary crossover valve 146 is in the first position shown, the second fluid channel 150 fluidly couples a second inlet 156 (e.g., which is fluidly coupled to a corresponding second burner can) to a second outlet 158 ​​(e.g., which is fluidly coupled to a second manifold). As shown, the first fluid channel 148 and the second fluid channel 150 extend through a rotor 160 of the rotary crossover valve 146.

[0084] Rotating the rotor 160 in a first rotational direction 162 (e.g., counterclockwise) through an angle of 90 degrees causes the first fluid passage 148 to fluidly couple the first inlet 152 to the second outlet 158 ​​(e.g., establishing a fluid connection between the corresponding first burner can and the second manifold) and causes the second fluid passage 150 to fluidly couple the second inlet 156 to the first outlet 154 (e.g., establishing a fluid connection between the corresponding second burner can and the first manifold). In addition, rotating the rotor 160 in a second rotational direction 164 (e.g., clockwise) through an angle of 90 degrees causes the first fluid passage 148 to fluidly couple the second inlet 156 to the first outlet 154 (e.g., establishing a fluid connection between the corresponding second burner can and the first manifold) and causes the second fluid passage 150 to fluidly couple the first inlet 152 to the second outlet 158 ​​(e.g., establishing a fluid connection between the corresponding first burner can and the second manifold). Thus, the rotor 160 can be rotated in either rotational direction to transition the rotary crossover valve 146 to the second position. The rotary exchange valve shown can be used for Figure 3 The fluid monitoring system 38 and / or Figure 4 Any or all of the exchange valves within the fluid monitoring system 140. In addition, in certain embodiments, a plurality of rotary exchange valves may be disposed within a housing (eg, a cylindrical housing) to form an exchange valve assembly.

[0085] Figure 6 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 166 for monitoring a fluid. First, as represented by box 168, it is determined whether the value of at least one fluid property (e.g., hydrocarbon concentration) is greater than a threshold value (e.g., hydrocarbon threshold value). As represented by box 170, in response to determining that the value of at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold value, a plurality of actuators are controlled to identify which fluid source has a fluid whose value of at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold value. As previously discussed, each actuator is configured to drive a corresponding exchange valve between a first position and a second position. In addition, each exchange valve is configured to: when the exchange valve is in the first position, direct a fluid (e.g., air) from a corresponding first fluid source (e.g., a combustion pot) to a first manifold, and direct a fluid from a corresponding second fluid source (e.g., a combustion pot) to a second manifold; and when the exchange valve is in the second position, direct a fluid from a corresponding first fluid source to a second manifold, and direct a fluid from a corresponding second fluid source to the first manifold. In addition, the first manifold is configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid to a first sensor assembly, and the second manifold is configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid to a second sensor assembly.

[0086] In some embodiments, as represented by block 172, controlling the actuators to identify which fluid source has a fluid having a value of at least one fluid property greater than a threshold value includes sequentially instructing each actuator to drive a corresponding crossover valve to the other of a first position and a second position. As represented by block 174, a fluid source having a fluid having a value of at least one fluid property greater than a threshold value is identified in response to identifying a detected change in the value of at least one fluid property greater than a threshold value in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, as represented by block 176, controlling the actuators to identify which fluid source has a fluid having a value of at least one fluid property greater than a threshold value includes sequentially instructing a continuous group of actuators to drive a corresponding crossover valve to the other of a first position and a second position. As represented by block 178, a fluid source having a fluid having a value of at least one fluid property greater than a threshold value is identified in response to identifying a detected change in the value of at least one fluid property greater than a threshold value in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly.

[0087] The steps of the method 166 may be performed in the order disclosed herein or in any other suitable order. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the method 166 is performed by the controller 130 of the fluid monitoring system 38, 140. However, in other embodiments, the method 166 may be performed by any other suitable controller, such as a gas turbine system controller.

[0088] This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosed subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of patentable subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0089] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature that significantly improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements that are designated as "[performs] [a function] ..." or "[performs] the steps of [a function] ...", then such elements shall be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, such element shall not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A fluid monitoring system, comprising: A controller (130), the controller comprising a memory (134) and a processor (132), wherein the controller (130) is configured to: determining that a value of at least one fluid property of the fluid is greater than a threshold value; and In response to determining that the value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold, controlling a plurality of actuators to identify which fluid source has fluid having the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold; wherein each actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to drive a corresponding crossover valve of the plurality of crossover valves between a first position and a second position; wherein each of the plurality of crossover valves is configured to: when the crossover valve is in the first position, direct the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the first manifold (72) and direct the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the second manifold (74); and when the crossover valve is in the second position, direct the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the second manifold (74) and direct the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the first manifold (72); and The first manifold (72) is configured to receive the fluid and direct the fluid to a first sensor assembly (136), and the second manifold (74) is configured to receive the fluid and direct the fluid to a second sensor assembly (138).

2. The fluid monitoring system according to claim 1 comprises the first sensor assembly (136) and the second sensor assembly (138), wherein the controller (130) is communicatively coupled to the first sensor assembly (136) and the second sensor assembly (138), the first sensor assembly (136) being configured to detect at least one fluid property of the fluid, and the second sensor assembly (138) being configured to detect at least one fluid property of the fluid.

3. The fluid monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid property comprises a concentration of hydrocarbons within the fluid. 4 . The fluid monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of crossover valves is a rotary crossover valve or a four-way crossover valve.

5. The fluid monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to control the plurality of actuators to identify which fluid source has a fluid whose value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold value by: sequentially instructing each of the plurality of actuators to drive a corresponding crossover valve of the plurality of crossover valves to the other of the first position and the second position; and In response to identifying a detected change in the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, identifying which fluid source has fluid having the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold.

6. The fluid monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to control the plurality of actuators to identify which fluid source has a fluid whose value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold value by: sequentially instructing successive groups of the plurality of actuators to drive corresponding ones of the plurality of crossover valves to the other of the first position and the second position; and In response to identifying a detected change in the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, identifying which fluid source has fluid having the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold.

7. A method for monitoring a fluid, comprising: determining, via a controller (130) having a memory (134) and a processor (132), that a value of at least one fluid property of the fluid is greater than a threshold; and In response to determining that the value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold, controlling a plurality of actuators via the controller (130) to identify which fluid source has fluid whose value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold; wherein each actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to drive a corresponding crossover valve of the plurality of crossover valves between a first position and a second position; wherein each of the plurality of crossover valves is configured to: when the crossover valve is in the first position, direct the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the first manifold (72) and direct the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the second manifold (74); and when the crossover valve is in the second position, direct the fluid from the corresponding first fluid source to the second manifold (74) and direct the fluid from the corresponding second fluid source to the first manifold (72); and The first manifold (72) is configured to receive the fluid and direct the fluid to a first sensor assembly (136), and the second manifold (74) is configured to receive the fluid and direct the fluid to a second sensor assembly (138).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein controlling the plurality of actuators to identify which fluid source has a fluid whose value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold comprises: sequentially instructing each of the plurality of actuators via the controller (130) to drive a corresponding switching valve of the plurality of switching valves to the other of the first position and the second position; and In response to identifying a detected change in the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, identifying via the controller (130) which fluid source has fluid whose value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein controlling the plurality of actuators to identify which fluid source has a fluid whose value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold comprises: sequentially instructing, via the controller (130), consecutive groups of actuators among the plurality of actuators to drive corresponding switching valves among the plurality of switching valves to the other of the first position and the second position; and In response to identifying a detected change in the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold in the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly, identifying via the controller (130) which fluid source has fluid whose value of the at least one fluid property is greater than the threshold.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one fluid property comprises a concentration of hydrocarbons within the fluid.

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