Gas turbine engine and method of controlling condensate formation

Abstract

A fuel conditioning system includes a heater for selectively adjusting an operating temperature of a fuel and a controller communicatively coupled to the heater. The controller is configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel and to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel at least at the determined dew point temperature of the fuel.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The field of the present disclosure relates generally to turbine engine components and, more particularly, to methods and systems for preventing condensate formation in gaseous fuel.

[0002] Gas turbines are widely used in various commercial operations, such as power generation operations and mechanical drive operations. Gas turbines generally include a compressor, one or more combustors, and one or more turbines. Conventionally, the compressor compresses a working fluid and discharges the compressed working fluid to the combustor. Fuel is injected into the compressed working fluid stream and the mixture is ignited to produce combustion gases with relatively high temperature, pressure, and velocity. The combustion gases leave the combustor and flow to one or more turbines, where the combustion gases expand to produce work that can be converted into electrical or mechanical energy.

[0003] Condensation of fuel gas can have serious adverse effects on the gas fuel system, particularly within the combustor, resulting in hardware damage and corrosion. Therefore, conventional fuel supply systems for gas turbines typically have strict regulation and / or control to prevent the formation of condensate, for example, by heating the gas fuel before it enters the combustor so that the temperature of the fuel is maintained above its dew point. However, such fuel supply systems typically reduce the overall efficiency of the power generation system because energy must be supplied to one or more heaters of the fuel supply system. In addition, it may be difficult to determine the amount of thermal energy required to prevent condensation because a variety of factors can affect the dew point temperature of the gas fuel, such as changes in pressure during transient phases of power generation and mechanical drive (such as during load changes or startup), changes in fuel composition, and / or changes in gas fuel flow consumption.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system that can reduce the formation of condensate in gaseous fuels without the above-mentioned disadvantages of conventional methods of maintaining the gaseous fuel above dew point. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, a fuel conditioning system for use with a turbine is provided. The fuel conditioning system includes a heater for selectively and dynamically adjusting an operating temperature of a fuel and a controller communicatively coupled to the heater. The controller is configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel and maintain the operating temperature of the fuel at least at the determined dew point temperature of the fuel.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of conditioning a fuel is provided. The method includes determining a dew point temperature of the fuel and maintaining an operating temperature of the fuel at a temperature of at least the determined dew point temperature.

[0007] In another aspect, a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a combustor section and a regulation system for regulating fuel. The regulation system includes a controller configured to determine a dew point temperature and maintain a temperature of the fuel at least at the determined dew point temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 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:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary power generation system including an exemplary regulation system;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the regulation system shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 3 It is possible to Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary control system for use with the regulation system shown in FIG.

[0012] Figure 4 A process flow of an exemplary method of conditioning fuel in a gas turbine engine is provided.

[0013] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is believed that these features are applicable to a variety of systems including one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings are not intended to include all conventional features required for practicing the embodiments disclosed herein known to those of ordinary skill in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following specification and claims, multiple terms will be cited, and these terms should be defined as having the following meanings. Unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" include plural references. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described subsequently may or may not occur, and the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where the event does not occur. In addition, reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the listed features. In addition, unless clearly stated to the contrary, an embodiment that "includes" or "has" an element or multiple elements with a specific attribute may include additional such elements that do not have the attribute.

[0015] As used herein, the term "real time" refers to any of the following: the time of occurrence of associated events, the time of measuring and collecting predetermined data, the time of processing data, or the time of system response to events and circumstances. In the embodiments described herein, these activities and events occur essentially instantaneously.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer" and related terms such as "processing device", "computing device" and "controller" are not limited to those integrated circuits known as computers in the art, but in a broad sense refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits and / or other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In the embodiments described herein, the memory may include, but is not limited to, computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), and computer-readable non-volatile media, such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD) and / or a digital versatile disk (DVD) may also be used. In addition, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated only with an operator interface, such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used, such as, but not limited to, a scanner or a touch screen. In addition, in the embodiments described herein, additional output channels may include, but are not limited to, only an operator interface monitor.

[0017] Embodiments described herein relate to power generation and mechanical drive systems that utilize a regulating system for regulating fuel to reduce and / or prevent the formation of condensate while improving the energy efficiency of the power generation system and the mechanical drive system. Fuel condensate has an adverse effect on gas turbine engines, particularly in situations where fuel condensate is injected into the combustor section. For example, over time, condensate may corrode components of the gas fuel system (such as a manifold or burner) and / or produce excessive emissions. Keeping the fuel at a temperature that is conducive to limiting the formation of condensate may include one or more technical challenges: i) determining the dew point temperature in real time may be challenging because the dew point temperature may fluctuate according to pressure and / or fuel composition and / or during transient phases of power generation or mechanical drive (such as, for example, startup, shutdown, load increase / decrease); and ii) supplying energy to a heater for heating the fuel reduces the overall energy efficiency of the power generation system. The embodiments described herein maintain the temperature of the gas fuel above its dew point while reducing the amount of energy that needs to be supplied to the heater, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the gas turbine engine and / or power generation system. In some embodiments described herein, the pressure of the fuel is adjusted to reduce the real-time dew point temperature, thereby facilitating a reduction in the amount of thermal energy required to keep the temperature of the fuel above the dew point temperature and reducing the amount of power required to be supplied to the heater. In some embodiments described herein, the pressure of the fuel is adjusted to facilitate reducing or minimizing the temperature drop in the fuel, thereby facilitating a reduction in the amount of thermal energy required to keep the temperature of the fuel at or above the dew point temperature and reducing the amount of power required to be supplied to the heater. In some embodiments described herein, the power generation output of the power generation system is maintained by ensuring that the required amount of fuel is supplied to the burner section, for example, the power required by the power grid and / or the variable load required by the synchronous equipment.

[0018] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary power generation system or mechanical drive system 100 including a turbine engine 110 (e.g., a gas turbine engine) and a fuel processing and conditioning system 200 for conditioning fuel. Although the exemplary embodiment is described in conjunction with a gas turbine engine, the present invention is not limited to any one particular engine, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be used in conjunction with other turbine engines. As used herein, the terms "turbine," "turbine assembly," and "turbine engine" shall be used interchangeably.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, turbine engine 110 includes an intake section 112, a compressor section 114 coupled downstream of intake section 112, a combustor section 116 coupled downstream of compressor section 114, a turbine section 118 coupled downstream of combustor section 116, and an exhaust section 120. Turbine section 118 is coupled to compressor section 114 via a rotor shaft 122. Combustor section 116 may include a plurality of combustors (not shown). Combustor section 116 is coupled to compressor section 114 such that compressor section 114 is in fluid communication with combustor section 116.

[0020] Fuel injectors 124 are coupled to combustor section 116. In some embodiments, turbine engine 110 includes one or more manifolds 126 that include a plurality of fuel injectors 124. Turbine section 118 is coupled to compressor section 114 and a load 128, such as, but not limited to, a generator and / or a mechanical drive application. In an exemplary embodiment, each compressor section 114 and turbine section 118 includes at least one rotor disk assembly 130 that is coupled to rotor shaft 122 to form a rotor assembly 132.

[0021] During operation, intake section 112 directs air toward compressor section 114, where the air is compressed to a higher pressure and temperature before the fuel mixture is discharged toward combustor section 116. The compressed air is mixed with the fuel mixture and ignited to produce combustion gases, which are directed toward turbine section 118. More specifically, in combustor section 116, fuel or a fuel mixture is injected into the air flow, and the fuel-air mixture is ignited to produce high temperature combustion gases, which are directed toward turbine section 118. Turbine section 118 converts thermal energy from the air flow into mechanical rotational energy as the combustion gases impart rotational energy to turbine section 118 and rotor assembly 132.

[0022] The regulating system 200 is coupled to the fuel source 150 in a fluidly connected manner. The fuel source 150 supplies a fuel mixture to the regulating system 200, and the fuel source 150 can be a variable fuel source for conveying various types of fuels and / or fuel mixtures. For example, the fuel source 150 can store and / or supply natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) blends, methane, hydrogen, hydrogen / natural gas blends, coke oven gas, refinery gas and any suitable gaseous fuel or gaseous fuel mixture. The fuel supplied and / or stored by the fuel source can be regulated based on operating conditions and / or the availability of one or more fuel sources. The regulating system 200 regulates the fuel and supplies the regulated fuel downstream to the burner section 116, for example, to the fuel injector 124 and / or the manifold 126. In an exemplary embodiment, the regulating system 200 regulates the fuel by controlling at least one of the temperature, pressure and / or flow rate of the fuel.

[0023] The turbine engine 110 and / or the conditioning system 200 may include one or more conduits, pipes, tubes, and / or tubes (generally referred to herein as conduits 134) for conveying fuel between components. For example, one or more conduits 134 may convey gaseous fuel from a fuel supply source 150 to the conditioning system 200 before the conditioned fuel is conveyed from the conditioning system 200 to the combustor section 116. Gravity may be used to propel the fuel through the conduits 134 from an upstream component to a downstream component. Alternatively and / or additionally, the fuel may be pressurized through the conduits 134, for example, using a compressor or pump 136.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the regulating system 200 maintains the temperature of the fuel at a temperature that is conducive to eliminating, reducing and / or preventing the formation of condensate in the gaseous fuel. Specifically, the regulating system 200 maintains the temperature of the gaseous fuel at or above the dew point. At a temperature below the dew point temperature, one or more components of the fuel can condense, for example, one or more components of the fuel can change from a gaseous state to a liquid state. The regulating system 200 maintains the fuel at or above the dew point temperature, thereby preventing the components of the fuel from condensing into a liquid state. The regulating system 200 can maintain the fuel at any suitable temperature and / or temperature range that is conducive to preventing condensation from occurring. In some embodiments, the target temperature and / or target temperature range of the regulating system 200 can be (for example) pre-selected by an operator. The target temperature or temperature range can be set at the dew point temperature, a temperature higher than (for example, superheated) or equal to the dew point temperature, a temperature about 15° higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature about 15° or more higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature about 20° higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature about 20° or more higher than the dew point temperature, and / or any other temperature or temperature range suitable for combustion operation.

[0025] refer to Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the conditioning system 200 includes a controller 202 that controls at least one parameter of the conditioning system 200 and a heater 204 that supplies thermal energy to the fuel to increase the operating temperature of the fuel. The controller 202 is communicatively coupled to the heater 204 and can transmit an output signal to the heater 204 to adjust the amount of thermal energy that the heater 204 supplies to the fuel.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, the regulation system 200 includes at least one sensor 206 communicatively coupled to the controller 202. The controller 202 can receive parameters measured by the sensor 206 in real time. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one sensor includes at least a temperature sensor 210, a pressure sensor 212, and at least one composition sensor 214. The sensor 206 can also include other sensors, such as but not limited to a flow sensor 216 (e.g., a flow meter) for measuring flow parameters of the fuel, such as the flow rate and / or mass flow rate of the fuel, see Figure 3 The composition sensor 214 may detect at least one component of the fuel, for example, the chemical structure of each of the components and / or the amount of each component and / or the percentage amount of each component.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the regulating system 200 includes a pressure control device 230, which can be used to control (e.g., increase or decrease) the working pressure of the fuel. The pressure control device 230 can be any suitable device that can variably control the working pressure of the fuel, such as but not limited to a valve, a flow control valve (FCV) (e.g., a fuel metering valve (FMV)), a pressure control valve (PCV) and / or a regulator. The regulating system 200 includes at least one flow control device 224, which can be used to control (e.g., increase or decrease) the flow parameters of the fuel. The flow parameters can include the mass flow rate, flow velocity, quality and / or volume of the fuel. The flow control device 224 can include a pump and / or a valve, e.g., a solenoid valve (SOV). The controller 202 is also communicatively coupled to the flow control device 224 and the pressure control device 230. The controller 202 can transmit an output signal to the flow control device 224 so that the flow of the fuel is variably adjusted. The controller 202 can also enable the pressure control device 230 to variably adjust the working pressure of the fuel. As will be described in further detail herein, the flow control device 224 is used to regulate the amount of fuel supplied to the manifold 126 and the combustor section 116. In some embodiments, the flow control device 224 may regulate the pressure of the fuel supplied to the manifold 126 and the combustor section 116. The controller 202 may determine the amount of fuel supplied to the manifold 126 and the combustor section 116 and the pressure of the fuel to meet the power demand.

[0028] The regulation system 200 includes at least one flow shutoff valve 220 to stop the flow of fuel to the fuel injectors 124 (eg, nozzles) and / or the manifold 126 when commanded by the controller 202 .

[0029] The regulation system 200 may include a plurality of pressure control devices 230, a plurality of flow control devices 224, a plurality of shutoff valves 220, and / or a plurality of manifolds 126. In some embodiments, a first pressure control device 230 is located downstream of the heater 204 and upstream of the first flow control device 224. At least one shutoff valve 220 is located downstream of the first pressure control device 230. At least one pressure / flow control device 224 is located downstream of the second shutoff valve 220. In some embodiments, the regulation system 200 may include more or fewer shutoff valves 220 and / or flow control devices 224, which are located between the heater 204 and the combustor section 116 in any orientation. The regulation system 200 may also include at least one bleed flow control device 228, such as, for example, a first bleed flow control device 228 between the first pressure control device 230 and the first shutoff valve 220. In some embodiments, the third shutoff valve 220 is located downstream of the second pressure / flow control device 224 and upstream of the combustor section 116 .

[0030] The regulating system 200 may include a plurality of temperature sensors 210 and a plurality of pressure sensors 212. A first temperature sensor 210 that detects (e.g., measures) temperature T0 and a first pressure sensor 212 that detects pressure P0 may be located upstream of the heater 204 and downstream of the fuel supply source 150. A second temperature sensor 210 that detects temperature T1 and a second pressure sensor 212 that detects pressure P1 may be located downstream of the heater 204 and upstream of the first pressure control device 230. A third pressure sensor 212 that detects pressure P2 and a third temperature sensor 210 that detects temperature T2 may be located between the first pressure control device 230 and the first shutoff valve 220. A fourth pressure sensor 212 that detects pressure P3 may be located between the first shutoff valve and the second shutoff valve. The fourth temperature sensor 210 that detects temperature T3 may be located downstream of the second shutoff valve 220 and upstream of the second flow control device 224. A fifth pressure sensor 212 that detects the pressure P4 and a fifth temperature sensor 210 that detects the temperature T4 may be located downstream of the second flow control device 224 and upstream of the manifold 126 .

[0031] The controller 202 determines the dew point in real time based on input signals received from at least one sensor 206. For example, the controller 202 may receive or retrieve sensor data periodically (e.g., every second, every 30 seconds, or every minute). The controller 202 may receive or retrieve sensor data as frequently as needed to determine the real-time dew point temperature. The controller 202 may transmit an output signal to the heater 204 based on the determined dew point temperature, the measured temperature and / or the measured fuel pressure and / or the instantaneous fuel flow rate through the flow control device 224 and / or the required superheat temperature, as described in more detail below.

[0032] In some embodiments, the gas turbine engine 110 and the power generation system and / or the mechanical drive system 100 may have a target operating speed and / or a target load. For example, the target load may represent the amount of power required by the power grid or required by the mechanical load. Therefore, the gas turbine engine 110 may need to supply a specific amount of fuel to the combustor section 116 so that the power generation system 100 produces the desired target power. The controller 202 can determine the amount of fuel that needs to be supplied to the combustor section 116, for example, volume and / or mass flow.

[0033] In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine the fuel flow rate, rate of change of the fuel flow rate, volume, and / or mass flow rate to be supplied to the combustor section 116. The controller 202 can determine the fuel flow and / or rate of change of the fuel flow rate during a transient phase of power generation (e.g., startup) or during a change in power demand or a change in mechanical load. The controller 202 can determine a target fuel flow rate, rate of change of the fuel flow rate, volume, and / or mass flow rate to be supplied to the combustor in order to meet the change in power demand or the change in mechanical load. The controller 202 can also transmit an output signal to the flow control device 224 so that the flow control device 224 delivers a determined amount of fuel to the combustor section 116.

[0034] Figure 3 An exemplary block diagram of a control system 300 including a controller 202 is shown. Figure 2 The regulation system 200 shown in FIG. Figure 1 10 is used together with the gas turbine engine 110 shown in , to facilitate reducing and / or preventing the formation of condensate in the fuel. In the exemplary embodiment, the controller 202 includes a processor 302 communicatively coupled to a memory 304. The memory 304 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium and a program that is accessed by the processor 302 to perform operations to control one or more of the temperature, pressure, and / or flow parameters of the fuel. The controller 202 is communicatively coupled to at least one sensor 206, for example, a pressure sensor 212, a temperature sensor 210, a flow sensor 216, and / or a composition sensor 214, to receive an input signal from the sensor 206, the input signal including measurements related to the pressure, temperature, composition, and / or flow parameters of the fuel.

[0035] The controller 202 uses the processor 302 to process the input signal received from the sensor 206 and determines the output signal to be transmitted to at least one of the heater 204, the pressure control device 230, the stop valve 220 and / or the flow control device 224 to adjust any one or all of the following: i) the amount of thermal energy supplied to the fuel, ii) the operating pressure of the fuel, and / or iii) the flow parameters of the fuel. The controller 202 uses the processor 302 to process the input signal received from any one or all of the component sensor 214, the pressure sensor 212 and / or the temperature sensor 210 to determine the dew point temperature of the fuel. In some embodiments, the controller 202 uses the processor 302 to process the input signal received from the user interface 306. The user interface 306 enables a user (e.g., a power plant operator) to communicate with the controller 202. The user interface 306 can enable the operator to transmit input to the controller 202.

[0036] In some embodiments, the controller 202 can use the real-time value of the pressure and / or component of the fuel to determine the real-time dew point temperature of the fuel. The controller 202 can frequently (e.g., every minute and / or every 10 minutes) determine (e.g., update) the real-time dew point temperature. In some embodiments, whenever the controller 202 transmits the output signal to any one of the heater 204, the pressure control device 230, the stop valve 220 and / or the flow control device 224, the controller 202 determines the real-time dew point temperature. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as using the pressure sensor 212 to detect the pressure. For example, the pressure sensor 212 can detect the pressure at a sampling rate of 1 to 10 times per second. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as detecting the component. The component sensor 214 can detect the fuel component every five seconds, every minute and / or every five minutes. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature using a detected pressure that is sampled at a higher rate than the detected composition, and thus the controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature over multiple determined real-time dew point temperatures using the same composition. The controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as necessary to enable the conditioning system 200 to function as described herein.

[0037] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may compare an input signal (e.g., received from the sensor 206) to a pre-stored criterion (e.g., a threshold or rate of change of a threshold, such as a temperature, a determined dew point temperature, and / or a superheat temperature), and if the input signal satisfies the criterion, the controller 202 may also determine an updated real-time dew point temperature, an updated temperature comparison between the detected temperature and the determined dew point, and a determined amount of heat to be supplied to the heater 204. The controller 202 may determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as necessary to enable the controller 202 and the conditioning system 200 to function efficiently as described herein. The controller 202 may determine the real-time dew point temperature at any location (e.g., any one of the components or any location between all of the components). For example, the controller 202 may determine the real-time dew point temperature at any location downstream of the heater 204. Additionally, controller 202 may determine dew point temperatures at multiple locations between heater 204 and fuel injector 124 , and using multiple pressures and compositions, may calculate the dew point temperature, such as by calculating a median temperature, an average temperature, or any other method that enables controller 202 to operate as described herein.

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller 202 determines, for example, using the processor 302, the amount of thermal energy that the heater 204 must supply to the fuel to keep the fuel within a target fuel temperature range. The target fuel temperature range can be based on the real-time dew point temperature and can be compared to the temperature input range received from the user interface 306. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine, for example, using the processor 302, a pressure adjustment that will reduce the real-time dew point temperature and / or reduce the temperature drop by regulating the system 200. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine, for example, using the processor 302, the required amount of fuel that needs to be supplied to the combustor section 116 to ensure that the power generation system 100 meets the demand imposed by the power grid or by the mechanical load. In some embodiments, the controller can determine, for example, using the processor 302, the thermal energy that the heater must supply to the fuel to keep the fuel within the target fuel temperature range, above the real-time dew point temperature during transient phases (e.g., startup) of the power generation system and / or mechanical drive 100 and / or during other transient phases (such as increasing the load on the system 100).

[0039] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may determine, for example, using the processor 302, an increase in fuel flow demand from an initial fuel flow rate to a target flow rate for a target speed or load during any transient phase (e.g., startup or load ramp-up), and the controller 202 may adjust the thermal energy required to be added to the gaseous fuel during or before the transient phase to compensate for the temperature drop that will occur during the transient phase. The controller 202 may determine or predict the increase in fuel flow demand prior to the transient phase so that the controller may adjust, for example, the amount of thermal energy supplied to the fuel by the heater 204 before the transient phase occurs. The controller 202 may determine or predict one or more other future parameters, such as a future temperature drop, a future pressure drop, etc., prior to the transient phase so as to pre-adjust operating parameters, such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate, before the transient phase occurs.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 400 that may be implemented to condition fuel supplied to a gas turbine engine (eg, gas turbine engine 110) to facilitate reducing or preventing the formation of condensate. Figures 1 to 3 In an exemplary embodiment, method 400 includes supplying 402 fuel from a fuel source (e.g., fuel source 150) to a conditioning system (e.g., conditioning system 200). The fuel may be supplied 402 to conditioning system 200 via one or more conduits 134, and if necessary, one or more flow actuation devices (e.g., compressors and / or pumps 136) may be used to force the fuel through conduits 134 to reach conditioning system 200. Fuel source 150 may be a variable supply fuel source capable of supplying various types of fuels and / or fuel mixtures. The type of fuel, fuel mixture, and relative ratios of fuel mixture components (e.g.,) may be selected based on operating conditions of gas turbine engine 110, power generation system, and / or mechanical drive system 100 and / or availability of fuel sources.

[0041] Method 400 includes detecting 404 a pressure of the fuel using at least one pressure sensor 212, detecting 406 a temperature of the fuel using at least one temperature sensor 210, and / or detecting 408 a composition of the fuel using at least one fuel composition sensor 214. In some embodiments, method 400 includes detecting a flow parameter of the fuel using flow sensor 216.

[0042] In some embodiments, method 400 includes monitoring at least one of the detected temperature, the detected pressure, the detected fuel component and / or the detected fuel flow parameter using controller 202. Monitoring can include determining whether the detected parameter meets a predefined standard. For example, monitoring can include controller 202 comparing the detected temperature with a temperature threshold. In another example, monitoring can include controller 202 comparing the detected pressure with a pressure threshold. In another example, monitoring can include controller 202 comparing the detected flow parameter with a flow parameter threshold. In another example, monitoring can include controller 202 comparing the real-time flow parameter with the target flow parameter before the transient phase of turbine section 118 (such as acceleration of turbine section 118). In another example, monitoring can include controller 202 comparing the detected temperature with a predefined minimum temperature standard based on dew point temperature and additional superheat. The standard can be determined by controller 202 and / or can be predefined by an operator (for example) using user interface 306.

[0043] The method 400 also includes determining 410, by the controller 202, a real-time dew point (T dew pt. ). Determine 410 the real-time dew point temperature (T dew pt. ) may include the controller 202 receiving one or more inputs from the sensor 206, including one or more of a pressure, temperature, fuel composition, flow parameter, and / or flow increment parameter occurring during a turbine acceleration period before a transient occurs. The flow increment may be a difference in fuel flow between a current flow parameter and a target flow parameter, for example, after a transient phase. For example, the controller 202 may receive an operating pressure of the fuel from a pressure sensor 212 (e.g., any one of a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a third pressure sensor, and / or a fourth pressure sensor 212), an operating temperature of the fuel from a temperature sensor 210 (e.g., any one of a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, and / or a fourth temperature sensor 210), and / or a fuel composition from a composition sensor 214. The controller 202 may receive a mass flow rate from the flow sensor 216. The controller 202 may determine 410 a real-time dew point temperature, for example, by performing one or more calculations using one or more of the parameters detected by the sensor 206. Additionally and / or alternatively, the controller 202 may determine 410 the dew point temperature using one or more lookup searches to find a value for the real-time dew point temperature within a table of known dew point temperatures based on at least one of the parameters detected by the sensor. For example, the controller 202 may determine 410 the associated real-time dew point temperature using the operating pressure P0 and the current composition of the fuel. The method 400 may determine 410 the real-time dew point using any suitable method.

[0044] The controller 202 may determine 410 the real-time dew point temperature at any suitable location between the heater 204 and the combustor section 116. In some embodiments, the controller 202 determines 410 the real-time dew point temperature at a plurality of locations between the heater 204 and the combustor section 116. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may determine 410 the real-time dew point temperature at and / or near any one and / or each of the pressure sensors 212 using the pressures (e.g., P0, P1, P2, P3, and / or P4) measured by the pressure sensors 212 and the composition determined by the composition sensor 214. The controller 202 may determine 410 the real-time dew point temperature at all each location of the one or more pressure sensors 212.

[0045] In some embodiments, the real-time dew point (T dew pt. ) may include the controller 202 determining one or more of the following parameters: one or more equations of state (EOS), fuel composition, compressibility factor (Z), specific heat (c p ), thermal expansion coefficient (α), and / or pressure (P). The controller 202 may determine 410 the EOS, compressibility factor (Z), specific heat (c p ) and / or thermal expansion coefficient (α). In some embodiments, determining 410 the real-time dew point may include controller 202 determining the real-time dew point based on the real-time flow and the flow that meets the target load and / or speed (described below) and the gas cooling factor (e.g., Joule-Thomson coefficient, μ JT ) determines a target fuel quantity, a target fuel rate, and / or a target fuel increment, the gas cooling factor being caused by a reduction in fuel pressure as fuel is supplied from an upstream component to a downstream component (e.g., via conduit 134, pump and / or compressor 136, pressure control device 230, shutoff valve 220, and / or flow control device 224).

[0046] In some embodiments, method 400 may include determining, by controller 202, the Joule-Thomson coefficient, μ JT See Equation 1 below. The controller 202 may use EOS, volume V, heat capacity C P , thermal expansion coefficient α, fuel composition detected by composition sensor 214, and temperature T to determine the Joule-Thomson coefficient. Controller 202 may use the determined Joule-Thomson coefficient μ JTto determine the fuel temperature change between the upstream location and the downstream location. For example, the gaseous fuel temperature may decrease as the fuel moves and expands from the higher pressure upstream location to the lower pressure downstream location. The method 400 may include determining the ratio of the temperature change between the upstream location and the downstream location, δT 1,n→2,n The Joule-Thomson coefficient is determined, where n represents the change in operating pressure of one or more of the manifold 126 or the ejectors 124 between an upstream location and a downstream location.

[0047] In some embodiments, method 400 may include prospectively estimating the Joule-Thomson coefficient μ JT , the Joule-Thomson coefficient is determined by determining the ratio of the change in temperature and pressure between the upstream and downstream locations. The method 400 may include using the change in temperature δT 1→2 ) to determine the target change in operating pressure between the upstream and downstream locations before the transient phase occurs.

[0048]

[0049] In some embodiments, the method 400 may include determining a target temperature or temperature range before a transient phase occurs based on the determined real-time dew point temperature and / or based on user input (e.g., operator settings, such as superheat requirements) and / or flow rate increments occurring during a transient phase of the gas turbine. For example, the target temperature and / or target temperature range may include a dew point temperature, a temperature greater than or equal to the dew point, a temperature about 15° higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature about 15° or more higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature about 20° higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature about 20° or more higher than the dew point temperature, and / or any temperature or temperature range suitable for combustion operations.

[0050] Method 400 includes controlling 412 the temperature of the fuel. Controller 202 may control 412, increase or decrease the operating temperature of the fuel to maintain the fuel temperature at a target temperature and / or within a target temperature range at an expected flow increase under steady flow conditions or during an expected transient phase, such as acceleration of turbine section 118. Controlling the temperature may include controller 202 determining the operating temperature (T ) of the fuel from temperature sensor 210 at any suitable location downstream of heater 204, for example. O Controlling 412 the temperature may include the controller 202 comparing the determined real-time dew point temperature to an operating temperature (e.g., temperature T1, T2, T3, or T4) measured by the temperature sensor 210. The controller 202 may calculate the operating temperature and the real-time dew point (e.g., T O -T dewpt.) between the temperatures.

[0051] In some cases, the operating temperature may be greater than or equal to the real-time dew point. In some cases, the operating temperature may be less than the real-time dew point temperature. In some cases, the operating temperature may be greater than the determined estimated dew point temperature plus the superheat requirement required after the gas turbine undergoes a speed-up process due to speed and / or load requirements.

[0052] In some embodiments, controlling 412 the temperature of the fuel may include determining an amount of thermal energy (Q), and / or a rate of thermal energy that needs to be supplied to the fuel to raise the operating temperature of the fuel to a target fuel temperature and / or a target fuel temperature range. and / or the rate of thermal energy required to be supplied to the fuel to maintain a target fuel temperature plus a target superheat for an estimated target flow demand of the turbine after a transient phase has occurred (such as after acceleration of turbine section 118 has occurred) to meet a desired load and / or speed increase, see Equation 2 below. Controller 202 may calculate the target flow demand of the turbine based on pressure, temperature, and / or temperature difference (ΔT=T0-T dew pt. ), specific heat (c p ), real-time dew point temperature (T dew pt. ), target temperature and / or target temperature range, mass flow rate At least one of a target mass flow rate increment for an anticipated acceleration transient, a coefficient of thermal expansion (a), determines an amount of thermal energy and / or a thermal energy rate.

[0053]

[0054] Controlling 412 the temperature may include transmitting an output signal to heater 204 to cause heater 204 to adjust the amount or rate of thermal energy supplied to the fuel by heater 204. Controller 202 may transmit a signal to heater 204 to cause heater 204 to supply a determined amount of thermal energy required to increase the temperature of the fuel to a target temperature and / or target temperature range. Controlling 412 the temperature may include controller 202 determining a real-time rate of temperature change, T RT-Roc The controller 202 may calculate the temperature difference at a first location (eg, a downstream location, i.e., a location immediately adjacent to the combustor section 116) and the real-time dew point temperature over the duration. The controller 202 can determine the temperature change rate. RT-RoC With target T RoC For example, the controller 202 may determine whether T RT-RoC Greater than or equal to target T RoC , see Equation 3.

[0055] To control 412 the temperature, the controller 202 may include dynamically transmitting a signal to the heater 204 to increase the thermal energy added to the fuel, thereby maintaining the left side of equation (3) always greater than the rate of change specified in the right side of equation (3) during steady flow conditions and / or during acceleration processes to meet speed and / or load increments. Controlling 412 the temperature may also include in parallel the controller 202 dynamically transmitting a signal to the pressure control device 230 to reduce the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 212, thereby reducing the voltage drop across the regulation system 200, thereby reducing the temperature drop as estimated by equation (1) during steady flow conditions and / or during transient phases.

[0056]

[0057] Method 400 may include improving the efficiency of power generation system and / or mechanical drive system 100. Improving efficiency may include reducing the power consumption of heater 204. Improving efficiency may include reducing the amount of heat energy required to raise the fuel temperature to the target temperature. Improving efficiency may also include reducing the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of the fuel to the target temperature and / or target temperature range. For example, the real-time dew point temperature may be reduced by adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the pressure of the fuel. In some cases, method 400 may reduce pressure to reduce the real-time dew point temperature. In some alternative cases, method 400 may increase pressure to reduce the real-time dew point temperature. In the embodiments shown herein, controller 202 may adjust, increase or reduce pressure to reduce the real-time dew point temperature. In some embodiments, controller 202 may adjust pressure to determine any suitable temperature of the fuel, e.g., target dew point temperature and / or target superheat temperature.

[0058] Method 400 also includes regulating 414 the pressure of the fuel by transmitting a signal to pressure control device 230 through controller 202. Controller 202 can regulate the pressure of the fuel to reduce the dew point temperature of the fuel. Controller 202 can regulate the pressure of the fuel so as to reduce the temperature drop through regulating system 200. Controller 202 can regulate the pressure of the fuel to reduce the amount of heat energy required to heat the fuel. After adjusting the pressure, method 400 includes determining 410 (e.g., determining again) the real-time dew point temperature and the target temperature and / or the target temperature range. In some embodiments, regulation 414 can include controller 202 transmitting a signal to pressure control device 230 to cause the operating pressure of the fuel on P2 to decrease or increase, thereby reducing the temperature drop through fuel control device 224, and thus reducing the heat energy required for heater 204 to maintain the target temperature and / or the target temperature range. After the real-time pressure P2 has been reduced, controller 202 can determine the updated heat energy and / or heat energy rate to be supplied to the fuel to keep the temperature of the fuel within a new lower target temperature and / or a reduced temperature range.

[0059] In some embodiments, method 400 includes, for example, determining, by controller 202, a target power load for the power generation system and / or mechanical drive system 100. The target power load may be required by a power grid or a load attached to turbine section 118. In some cases, the target power may fluctuate, increase, and / or decrease as the demand of the power grid or the attached load changes or fluctuates. Controller 202 may determine a target operating speed and / or a target load for combustor section 116 based on the target power from the power grid or the attached load. For example, the target load may be the amount of power or electricity required by the power grid.

[0060] The controller 202 may determine a target amount (e.g., volume and / or mass flow) of fuel that needs to be supplied to the combustor section 116 to enable the power generation system and / or the mechanical drive 100 to produce the desired target power. The method 400 includes adjusting 416, by the controller 202, a flow parameter of the fuel. The adjustment 416 may include the controller 202 transmitting one or more output signals to the flow control device 224, causing the flow control device 224 to adjust, increase, or decrease the amount of fuel supplied from the adjustment system 200 to the combustor section 116.

[0061] The method 400 may also include the controller 202 comparing the superheat definition with comparison action logic. The comparison action logic may include the controller determining a difference between the temperature measured by any temperature sensor 210 and the determined dew point temperature, T x -T dewpt.,x The controller 202 can use the difference T x -T dewpt.,xThe difference is compared to one or more criteria, see Equation 4. If the criteria are met, the controller 202 will perform one or more actions. For example, if the difference is greater than 20°F, the controller 202 maintains the condition of the system 100. In another example, if the difference is less than 20°F but greater than 5°F, the controller 202 may transmit one or more signals to cause the user interface 306 to display a warning. In yet another example, if the difference is less than 5°F, the controller 202 may transmit one or more command signals that cause the shutdown of one or more components of the system 100 to protect the system 100 from condensation.

[0062] (a≤T x -T dewpt.,x ,x≥b,AL;SD…) (4)

[0063] In some embodiments, method 400 includes determining a fuel flow rate, The method 400 may include determining the fuel flow rate during a transient phase (eg, during startup, during ramp-up and ramp-down phases) In some embodiments, method 400 includes determining a rate of change of a fuel flow rate over a period of time. Sure This may include determining the magnitude of the load during transient phases (e.g., during startup, during ramp-up and ramp-down phases).

[0064] Other aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0065] 1. A fuel conditioning system for use with a turbine, the fuel conditioning system comprising:

[0066] A heater for selectively and dynamically adjusting an operating temperature of a fuel; and a controller communicatively coupled to the heater, the controller being configured to: determine a dew point temperature of the fuel; and maintain the operating temperature of the fuel at least at the determined dew point temperature of the fuel.

[0067] 2. A fuel conditioning system according to any preceding clause, wherein the conditioning system further comprises: a temperature sensor for detecting an operating temperature of the fuel.

[0068] 3. A fuel conditioning system according to any preceding clause, wherein the conditioning system further comprises: a flow device for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel supplied to the combustor section of the turbine.

[0069] 4. A fuel regulating system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the regulating system further comprises: a pressure control device for selectively regulating the working pressure of the fuel downstream of the heater, wherein the controller is further configured to regulate the working pressure of the fuel to facilitate lowering the dew point temperature of the fuel and reducing the temperature drop through the regulating system.

[0070] 5. A regulation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the regulation system further comprises: a component sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel; wherein the controller is further configured to determine the dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured component of the fuel.

[0071] 6. A regulation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the regulation system comprises: a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the fuel; and a component sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine the dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured pressure of the fuel and the measured component of the fuel; and determine the lower heating value of the fuel based on the determined dew point temperature or component of the fuel for limiting real-time or expected fuel flow requirements.

[0072] 7. A regulation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the regulation system further comprises: a pressure control device for regulating the working pressure of the fuel; and a flow control device for regulating the flow parameters of the fuel, wherein the flow control device is located downstream of the pressure control device.

[0073] 8. A gas turbine engine, the gas turbine engine comprising: a combustor section;

[0074] A conditioning system for conditioning fuel, the conditioning system comprising: a controller configured to: determine a dew point temperature; and maintain the temperature of the fuel at least at the determined dew point temperature.

[0075] 9. A gas turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the gas turbine engine further comprises: a temperature sensor for detecting an operating temperature of the fuel.

[0076] 10. The gas turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the regulation system further comprises: a flow device for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel reaching the combustor section.

[0077] 11. A gas turbine engine according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the regulating system further comprises: a pressure control device for selectively regulating the pressure of the fuel, wherein the controller is configured to: regulate the operating pressure of the fuel to facilitate lowering the dew point temperature of the fuel and reducing the temperature drop through the regulating system.

[0078] 12. A gas turbine engine according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the regulation system further comprises: a component sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, and wherein the controller is further configured to: determine the dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured component of the fuel; determine the lower heating value of the fuel based on the measured component of the fuel for use in limiting real-time or expected fuel flow requirements.

[0079] 13. A gas turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the gas turbine engine comprises: a composition sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel; and

[0080] A pressure sensor is provided for detecting a pressure of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured composition and the measured pressure of the fuel.

[0081] 14. A gas turbine engine according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the regulating system further comprises: a pressure control device for regulating the pressure of the fuel; and a flow control device for regulating the flow parameters of the fuel, wherein the flow control device is located downstream of the pressure control device.

[0082] 15. A method of conditioning a fuel, the method comprising: determining a dew point temperature of the fuel; and maintaining an operating temperature of the fuel at at least the determined dew point temperature.

[0083] 16. A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the method further comprises: detecting a pressure of the fuel; detecting a composition of the fuel; and determining a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the detected pressure and the detected composition.

[0084] 17. A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the method further comprises: regulating the pressure of the fuel using a pressure control device to lower the dew point temperature and reduce the temperature drop through the regulation system; and maintaining the fuel temperature above the lowered dew point temperature.

[0085] 18. A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the method further comprises: regulating the flow of the fuel to facilitate maintaining a desired amount of fuel reaching the combustor section.

[0086] 19. A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the method further comprises: monitoring temperature using a temperature sensor.

[0087] 20. A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the method further comprises: regulating the pressure of the fuel to lower the dew point temperature and reduce the temperature drop through the regulating system; and regulating the flow parameters of the fuel using a flow control device to maintain a desired amount of fuel being delivered to the combustor section.

[0088] 21. A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the method further comprises: determining a target fuel flow prior to a transient phase of a gas turbine engine; and regulating thermal energy supplied to the fuel from a heater prior to the transient phase of the turbine.

[0089] In the embodiments described herein, a regulating system including a controller variably regulates the heat supplied to the fuel so that the operating temperature of the fuel is consistently maintained at a predefined or selected dew point temperature and / or superheat temperature and / or any other suitable temperature and / or pressure. The embodiment of the regulating system can determine the real-time temperature, dew point temperature and / or superheat temperature of the fuel during the transient phase of the power generation system and during steady-state operation. Specifically, the regulating system ensures that the fuel enters the burner at or above the dew point temperature, and therefore no fuel condensate will be introduced into the burner section. The regulating system can be coupled to a variable gas fuel supply system, in which the component of the fuel can vary. The controller determines the real-time dew point specific to the fuel component based on the received sensor information (such as, real-time pressure and / or real-time component).

[0090] Therefore, in the embodiments described herein, the controller is able to determine an accurate and real-time dew point temperature. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the regulating system includes at least one pressure control device, which can be used to dynamically adjust the pressure of the fuel, thereby reducing the dew point temperature and reducing the temperature drop through the regulating system. For example, in the embodiments described herein, the controller can reduce the working pressure of the fuel to reduce the temperature drop, and thus reduce the thermal energy required to heat the fuel above the dew point. In some embodiments described herein, the controller can (for example) predict the temperature drop between the upstream position and the downstream position through the regulating system, which may occur during the subsequent transient phase, and therefore, the controller can pre-adjust the amount of thermal energy supplied to the fuel before the transient phase. As a result, it is beneficial to improve the overall efficiency of the power generation system and / or the mechanical drive system. In the embodiments described herein, the controller can adjust the flow parameters of the fuel so that the required amount of fuel is delivered to the combustor section, for example, to keep the power generation and / or mechanical drive of the turbine engine at a desired level.

[0091] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in other drawings, this is for convenience only. According to the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0092] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of the systems and methods, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the systems and methods, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the systems and methods is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one 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 that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A fuel conditioning system for use with a turbine, the fuel conditioning system comprising: a heater for selectively and dynamically adjusting the operating temperature of the fuel; and a controller communicatively coupled to the heater, the controller being configured to: determining a dew point temperature of the fuel; and The operating temperature of the fuel is maintained at at least a determined dew point temperature of the fuel.

2. The fuel conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the conditioning system further comprises: The temperature sensor is used to detect the operating temperature of the fuel.

3. The fuel conditioning system of claim 1 , wherein the conditioning system further comprises: A flow device is provided for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel supplied to a combustor section of the turbine.

4. The fuel conditioning system of claim 1 , wherein the conditioning system further comprises: a pressure control device for selectively regulating an operating pressure of the fuel downstream of the heater, wherein the controller is further configured to regulate the operating pressure of the fuel to facilitate lowering the dew point temperature of the fuel and reducing temperature drop through the regulation system.

5. The regulating system according to claim 1, wherein the regulating system further comprises: A composition sensor is provided for detecting at least one component of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured composition of the fuel.

6. The regulating system according to claim 1, wherein the regulating system comprises: A pressure sensor, used to detect the pressure of the fuel; and a component sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to: determining a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured pressure of the fuel and the measured composition of the fuel; and A lower heating value of the fuel is determined based on the determined composition of the fuel.

7. The regulating system according to claim 1, wherein the regulating system further comprises: a pressure control device for regulating the working pressure of the fuel; and a flow control device for adjusting a flow parameter of the fuel, wherein the flow control device is located downstream of the pressure control device.

8. A gas turbine engine, comprising: burner section; A regulating system for regulating fuel, the regulating system comprising: The controller is configured as: Determine the dew point temperature; and The temperature of the fuel is maintained at at least the determined dew point temperature.

9. The gas turbine engine according to claim 8, wherein the gas turbine engine further comprises: The temperature sensor is used to detect the operating temperature of the fuel.

10. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the regulation system further comprises: A flow device is provided for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel reaching the combustor section.

11. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the regulation system further comprises: a pressure control device for selectively regulating the pressure of the fuel, wherein the controller is configured to: The operating pressure of the fuel is regulated to facilitate lowering the dew point temperature of the fuel and reducing the temperature drop through the regulation system.

12. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the regulation system further comprises: a component sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, and wherein the controller is further configured to: determining a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured composition of the fuel; and A lower heating value of the fuel is determined based on the measured components of the fuel.

13. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the regulation system comprises: a component sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel; and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the fuel, wherein the controller is further configured to: A dew point temperature of the fuel is determined based on the measured composition and the detected pressure of the fuel.

14. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the regulation system further comprises: a pressure control device for regulating the pressure of the fuel; and a flow control device for adjusting a flow parameter of the fuel, wherein the flow control device is located downstream of the pressure control device.

15. A method of conditioning fuel, the method comprising: determining a dew point temperature of the fuel; as well as The operating temperature of the fuel is maintained at a temperature of at least the determined dew point temperature.

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