Gas turbine engines and methods of controlling formation of condensates

Abstract

To provide systems capable of reducing formation of condensates in gas fuels.SOLUTION: A fuel conditioning system 200 includes a heater 204 for selectively adjusting an operating temperature of a fuel, and a controller 202 communicatively coupled to the heater. The controller 202 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.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to turbine engine assemblies, and more particularly, to methods and systems for preventing the formation of condensate in gas fuels.

[0002] Gas turbines are widely used in a variety of commercial operations, such as for generating electricity and for mechanical drive operations. Gas turbines generally include a compressor, one or more combustors, and one or more turbines. Traditionally, the compressor compresses a working fluid and discharges the compressed working fluid into a combustor. Fuel is injected into the compressed working fluid flow and the mixture is ignited to produce combustion gases at relatively high temperature, pressure, and velocity. The combustion gases exit the combustor and flow to a turbine or turbines where they expand to produce work, which is converted into electrical or mechanical power.

[0003] Condensation of fuel gas can have serious adverse effects in gas fuel systems, especially in combustors, and can lead to damage and erosion of hardware. Thus, conventional fuel supply systems for gas turbines are typically tightly regulated and / or controlled to prevent condensation, for example by heating the gas fuel before it enters the combustor to maintain the temperature of the fuel above the dew point. However, such fuel supply systems typically reduce the overall efficiency of the power generation system, since they must provide energy to one or more heaters in the fuel supply system. Furthermore, since multiple factors affect the dew point temperature of the gas fuel, such as pressure changes, fuel composition changes, and / or changes in gas fuel flow consumption during transient phases in power generation and mechanical drives (such as when the load changes or when operations are started), it can be difficult to target the amount of heat energy required to prevent condensation.

[0004] Therefore, what is needed is a system that can reduce the formation of condensate in a gas fuel without the above-mentioned drawbacks of conventional methods of maintaining the gas fuel above its dew point. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a fuel trimming system for use with a turbine is provided that includes a heater for selectively and dynamically trimming an operating temperature of a fuel, and a controller communicatively coupled to the heater, the controller 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.

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

[0007] In another aspect, a gas turbine engine is provided that includes a combustor section and a conditioning system for conditioning a fuel, the conditioning system including 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 from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawings, in which like characters represent like elements throughout. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example power generation system including an example regulation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example control system that can be used with the coordination system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a process flow for an exemplary method of conditioning fuel for a gas turbine engine.

[0009] Unless otherwise noted, the drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of embodiments of the present disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems that include one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As such, the drawings are not intended to include all conventional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be necessary to practice the embodiments disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings: The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event occurs and instances in which the event does not occur. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" an element or elements having a particular characteristic can include additional elements of the type listed above that do not have that characteristic.

[0011] As used herein, the term "real-time" refers to any of the following times: the time of occurrence of a relevant event, the time of measurement and collection of certain data, the time of processing the data, and the time of the system's response to events and circumstances. In the embodiments described herein, these actions and events occur substantially instantaneously.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer" and related terms (e.g., "processing device," "computing device," and "controller") are not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as computers, but broadly refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application specific integrated circuits, and / or other programmable circuits, and such terms are used interchangeably herein. In embodiments described herein, the memory may include, but is not limited to, computer readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), computer readable non-volatile media, such as flash memory, or may alternatively be a floppy disk, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), magneto-optical disk (MOD), and / or digital versatile disk (DVD). In embodiments described herein, the additional input channel may be, but is not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface, such as a mouse and keyboard, or may alternatively be other computer peripherals, such as a scanner or touch screen. In embodiments described herein, the additional output channel may include, but is not limited to, an operator interface monitor.

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments described herein relate to power generation and mechanical drive systems that utilize a conditioning system for conditioning fuel to reduce and / or prevent the formation of condensates while improving the energy efficiency of the power generation and mechanical drive systems. Fuel condensates have detrimental effects on gas turbine engines, especially if the fuel condensates find their way into the combustor section. For example, over time, the condensates can erode gas fuel system components (such as the manifold or combustor) and / or generate excessive emissions. Maintaining the fuel at a temperature that can inhibit the formation of condensates presents one or more of the following technical challenges: (i) it is difficult to target the dew point temperature in real time, as the dew point temperature can vary depending on the pressure and / or on the fuel composition and / or during transient phases of the power generation or mechanical drive (e.g., start-up, shutdown, load ramp, etc.); and (ii) providing energy to a heater to heat the fuel reduces the overall energy efficiency of the power generation system. The embodiments described herein reduce the amount of energy required to supply to the heater while maintaining the temperature of the gas fuel above the dew point, thus 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, which can reduce the amount of thermal energy required to maintain the temperature of the fuel above the dew point temperature, and can reduce the amount of power required to be supplied to the heater. In some embodiments described herein, the pressure of the fuel is adjusted to reduce or minimize the temperature drop of the fuel, which can reduce the amount of thermal energy required to maintain the temperature of the fuel above the dew point temperature, and can reduce the amount of power required to be supplied to the heater. In some embodiments described herein, the power output of the power generation system, for example, the power required by the power grid and / or the variable load required by the synchronous device, is maintained by ensuring that the required amount of fuel is supplied to the combustor section.

[0014] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary power generation 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 use in conditioning the fuel. Although the exemplary embodiment is illustrated in the context of a gas turbine engine, the invention is not limited to a particular engine and one skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with other turbine engines. As used herein, the terms "turbine," "turbine assembly," and "turbine engine" shall be used interchangeably.

[0015] In the exemplary embodiment, turbine engine 110 includes an intake section 112, a compressor section 114 coupled downstream from intake section 112, a combustor section 116 coupled downstream from compressor section 114, a turbine section 118 coupled downstream from 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 multiple combustors (not shown). Combustor section 116 is coupled to compressor section 114, and compressor section 114 is in flow communication with combustor section 116.

[0016] Fuel injectors 124 are coupled to combustor section 116. In some embodiments, turbine engine 110 includes one or more manifolds 126 that include multiple fuel injectors 124. Turbine section 118 is coupled to compressor section 114 and a load 128 (such as, but not limited to, an electrical generator and / or a mechanical drive). In the 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.

[0017] During operation, the intake section 112 channels air towards the compressor section 114 where the air is compressed to high pressure and temperature and a fuel mixture is delivered to the combustor section 116. The compressed air is mixed with a fuel mixture and ignited to generate combustion gases which are delivered to the turbine section 118. More specifically, in the combustor section 116, a fuel or fuel mixture is injected into the air stream and the fuel-air mixture is ignited to generate hot combustion gases which flow towards the turbine section 118. The turbine section 118 converts thermal energy from the gas stream into mechanical rotational energy as the combustion gases impart rotational energy to the turbine section 118 and rotor assembly 132.

[0018] The conditioning system 200 is in fluid communication with the fuel source 150. The fuel source 150 supplies a fuel mixture to the conditioning system 200, which may be a variable fuel source that supplies various types of fuels and / or fuel mixtures. The fuel source 150 may store and / or supply, for example, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) mixtures, methane, hydrogen, hydrogen / natural gas mixtures, coke oven gas, refinery gas, and any suitable gaseous fuel or gaseous fuel mixture. The fuel supplied and / or stored by the fuel source may be adjustable based on the operating conditions and / or availability of one or more fuel sources. The conditioning system 200 conditions the fuel and supplies the conditioned fuel to the downstream combustor section 116 (e.g., to the fuel injectors 124 and / or the manifold 126). In an exemplary embodiment, the conditioning system 200 conditions the fuel by controlling at least one of a temperature, a pressure, and / or a flow rate of the fuel.

[0019] The turbine engine 110 and / or conditioning system 200 may include one or more conduits, pipes, ducts, and / or tubes (generally referred to herein as conduits 134) used to deliver fuel between components. For example, the one or more conduits 134 may deliver gaseous fuel from a fuel source 150 to the conditioning system 200, and then deliver the conditioned fuel from the conditioning system 200 to the combustor section 116. The fuel may be induced to travel from an upstream component through the conduits 134 to a downstream component using gravity. Alternatively and / or additionally, the fuel may be pressurized through the conduits 134 using, for example, a compressor or pump 136.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, conditioning system 200 maintains the temperature of the fuel at a temperature that can eliminate, reduce, and / or prevent the formation of condensation in the gaseous fuel. In particular, conditioning system 200 maintains the temperature of the gaseous fuel at a temperature at or above the dew point. At temperatures below the dew point temperature, one or more components of the fuel may condense (e.g., one or more components of the fuel may change from a gaseous state to a liquid state). Conditioning system 200 maintains the fuel at or above the dew point temperature, thus preventing the constituents of the fuel from condensing into a liquid state. Conditioning system 200 may maintain the fuel at any suitable temperature and / or temperature range that can prevent condensation from occurring. In some embodiments, the target temperature and / or target temperature range of conditioning system 200 may be preselected, for example by an operator. The target temperature or temperature range may be set to the dew point temperature, a temperature higher (e.g., superheated) than the dew point temperature or a temperature equal to the dew point temperature, a temperature about 15° higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature equal to or greater than about 15° higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature about 20° higher than the dew point temperature, a temperature equal to or greater than about 20° higher than the dew point temperature, and / or any other temperature or temperature range suitable for combustion operation.

[0021] 2, in an exemplary embodiment, conditioning system 200 includes a controller 202 that controls at least one parameter of conditioning system 200 and a heater 204 that provides thermal energy to the fuel to increase an operating temperature of the fuel. Controller 202 is communicatively coupled to heater 204 and may send an output signal to heater 204 to regulate the amount of thermal energy that heater 204 provides to the fuel.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the regulation system 200 includes at least one sensor 206 communicatively coupled to the controller 202. The controller 202 can receive the parameters measured by the sensor 206 in real time. In an 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, such as a flow sensor 216 (e.g., a flow meter) (see FIG. 3 ) used to measure flow parameters of the fuel (such as the flow rate and / or mass flow rate of the fuel). The composition sensor 214 can detect at least one constituent of the fuel, such as the chemical structure of each constituent, and / or the amount of each constituent, and / or the percentage amount of each constituent.

[0023] The regulating system 200, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a pressure controller 230 that can be used to control (e.g., increase or decrease) an operating pressure of the fuel. The pressure controller 230 can be any suitable device that can variably control the operating 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 controller 224 that can be used to control (e.g., increase or decrease) a flow parameter of the fuel. The flow parameter can include a mass flow rate, a flow rate, a mass, and / or a volume of the fuel. The flow controller 224 can include a pump and / or a valve, e.g., a solenoid operated valve (SOV). Additionally, the controller 202 is communicatively coupled to the flow controller 224 and the pressure controller 230. The controller 202 can send an output signal to the flow controller 224 to variably adjust the flow rate of the fuel. The controller 202 may also cause the pressure control device 230 to variably adjust the operating pressure of the fuel. As described in further detail herein, the flow control device 224 may be used to regulate the amount of fuel delivered to the manifold 126 and the combustor section 116. In some embodiments, the flow control device 224 may regulate the pressure of the fuel delivered to the manifold 126 and the combustor section 116. The controller 202 may determine the amount of fuel and the pressure of the fuel delivered to the manifold 126 and the combustor section 116 to meet the power demand.

[0024] The regulating system 200 includes at least one stop valve 220 to stop the flow of fuel to the fuel injectors 124 (eg, nozzles) and / or manifold 126 when commanded by the controller 202 .

[0025] The regulation system 200 may include multiple pressure controllers 230, multiple flow controllers 224, multiple stop valves 220, and / or multiple manifolds 126. In some embodiments, the first pressure controller 230 is disposed downstream of the heater 204 and upstream of the first flow controller 224. At least one stop valve 220 is disposed downstream of the first pressure controller 230. At least one pressure / flow controller 224 is disposed downstream of the second stop valve 220. In some embodiments, the regulation system 200 may include more or fewer stop valves 220 and / or flow controllers 224 disposed in any orientation between the heater 204 and the combustor section 116. The regulation system 200 may also include at least one relief flow controller 228 (e.g., first relief flow controller 228, etc.), for example, between the first pressure controller 230 and the first stop valve 220. In some embodiments, the third stop valve 220 is positioned downstream of the second pressure / flow control device 224 and upstream of the combustor section 116 .

[0026] The regulation system 200 may include a number of temperature sensors 210 and a number of pressure sensors 212. A first temperature sensor 210 detecting (e.g., measuring) a temperature T0 and a first pressure sensor 212 detecting a pressure P0 may be disposed upstream of the heater 204 and downstream of the fuel supply 150. A second temperature sensor 210 detecting a temperature T1 and a second pressure sensor 212 detecting a pressure P1 may be disposed downstream of the heater 204 and upstream of the first pressure controller 230. A third pressure sensor 212 detecting a pressure P2 and a third temperature sensor 210 detecting a temperature T2 may be disposed between the first pressure controller 230 and the first stop valve 220. A fourth pressure sensor 212 detecting a pressure P3 may be disposed between the first and second stop valves. A fourth temperature sensor 210 detecting a temperature T3 may be disposed downstream of the second stop valve 220 and upstream of the second flow controller 224. A fifth pressure sensor 212 detecting pressure P 4 and a fifth temperature sensor 210 detecting temperature T 4 may be located downstream of the second flow controller 224 and upstream of the manifold 126 .

[0027] The controller 202 determines the dew point in real time based on input signals received from at least one sensor 206. The controller 202 may receive or read the sensor data periodically (e.g., every second, every 30 seconds, or every minute). The controller 202 may receive or read the sensor data as frequently as necessary to determine the real-time dew point temperature. The controller 202 may send an output signal to the heater 204 based on the determined dew point temperature, the measured temperature, and / or the measured pressure of the fuel, and / or the instantaneous flow rate of the fuel through the flow control device 224, and / or the required superheat temperature, as described in more detail below.

[0028] In some embodiments, the gas turbine engine 110 and power generation and / or mechanical drive system 100 have a target operating speed and / or a target load. The target load may represent, for example, an amount of power required by a power grid or required by a mechanical load. Thus, for the power generation system 100 to generate the desired target power, the gas turbine engine 110 requires a certain amount of fuel to be delivered to the combustor section 116. The controller 202 may determine the amount of fuel (e.g., volume and / or mass flow volume) that needs to be delivered to the combustor section 116.

[0029] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may determine a fuel flow rate, a rate of change of fuel flow rate, a volume, and / or a mass flow volume of fuel delivered to the combustor section 116. The controller 202 may determine the fuel flow rate and / or the rate of change of fuel flow rate during a transient phase of power generation (e.g., during start-up) or during a change in power demand or a change in mechanical load. The controller 202 may determine a target fuel flow rate, a rate of change of fuel flow rate, a volume, and / or a mass flow volume to be delivered to the combustor to accommodate the change in power demand or the change in mechanical load. The controller 202 may also send an output signal to the flow control device 224, which may deliver the determined amount of fuel to the combustor section 116.

[0030] 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a control system 300 including a controller 202 that may be used with the regulation system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and / or the gas turbine engine 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 to reduce and / or prevent the formation of condensate in a fuel. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 202 includes a processor 302 communicatively coupled to a memory 304. The memory 304 may include non-transitory computer-readable media and programs accessed by the processor 302 to perform operations to control one or more of a temperature, pressure, and / or flow parameter of the fuel. The controller 202 is communicatively coupled to at least one sensor 206 (e.g., pressure sensor 212, temperature sensor 210, flow sensor 216, and / or composition sensor 214) and receives input signals from the sensor 206 that include measurements related to the pressure, temperature, composition, and / or flow parameters of the fuel.

[0031] The controller 202 uses the processor 302 to process input signals received from the sensors 206 and determine output signals to send to at least one of the heater 204, the pressure controller 230, the stop valve 220, and / or the flow controller 224 to adjust any or all of: i) the amount of thermal energy delivered 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 input signals received from any or all of the composition 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 input signals received from the user interface 306. The user interface 306 allows a user (e.g., a power plant operator) to communicate with the controller 202. The user interface 306 allows the operator to send inputs to the controller 202.

[0032] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may use real-time values ​​of the pressure and / or composition of the fuel to determine a real-time dew point temperature of the fuel. The controller 202 may determine (e.g., update) the real-time dew point temperature frequently (e.g., every minute and / or every 10 minutes). In some embodiments, the controller 202 determines the real-time dew point temperature each time the controller 202 sends an output signal to any of the heater 204, the pressure controller 230, the stop valve 220, and / or the flow controller 224. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as the pressure is detected using the pressure sensor 212. For example, the pressure sensor 212 may detect the pressure at a sampling rate of 1 to 10 times per second. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as the composition is detected. The composition sensor 214 may detect the fuel composition every 5 seconds, every minute, and / or every 5 minutes. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature using a detected pressure sampled at a higher rate than the composition, such that the controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature using the same composition for multiple determined real-time dew point temperatures. The controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as necessary for the conditioning system 200 to function as described herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the controller 202 can compare the input signal (e.g., a signal received from the sensor 206) with a pre-stored criteria (e.g., a threshold or threshold rate of change) (e.g., a temperature, a determined dew point temperature, and / or a superheat temperature), and if the input signal meets the criteria, the controller 202 can determine an updated real-time dew point temperature, update the temperature comparison between the detected temperature and the determined dew point, and also determine the heat energy to be provided to the heater 204. The controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature as frequently as necessary for the controller 202 and the regulation system 200 to function efficiently as described herein. The controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature at any location (e.g., a location between any or all of the components of the multiple components). For example, the controller 202 can determine the real-time dew point temperature at any location downstream of the heater 204. Additionally, the controller 202 may determine the dew point temperature using multiple pressures and multiple compositions at multiple locations between the heater 204 and the fuel injector 124 and may calculate the dew point temperature by calculating a mean temperature, average temperature, or by any other method that allows the controller 202 to operate as described herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the controller 202, for example using the processor 302, may determine an amount of thermal energy that the heater 204 must provide to the fuel to maintain the fuel within a target fuel temperature range. The target fuel temperature range may be based on a real-time dew point temperature and may be compared to a range of temperature inputs received from the user interface 306. In some embodiments, the controller 202, for example using the processor 302, may determine an amount of pressure adjustment to reduce the real-time dew point temperature and / or reduce the temperature drop in the conditioning system 200. In some embodiments, the controller 202, for example using the processor 302, may determine a required amount of fuel that needs to be provided to the combustor section 116 to ensure the power generation system 100 meets the demand placed on it by the power grid or by the mechanical load. In some embodiments, the controller may determine, for example using processor 302, the thermal energy that the heater must supply to the fuel to maintain the fuel within a target fuel temperature range above the real-time dew point temperature during a transient phase (e.g., start-up) of the power generation system and / or mechanical drive 100 and / or during other transient phases (such as phases when the load on the system 100 is increasing).

[0035] In some embodiments, the controller 202, for example using the processor 302, can determine an increased demand for fuel flow during a transient phase (e.g., start-up or load ramp) from an initial fuel flow rate to a target flow rate at a target speed or load, and the controller 202 can adjust the heat energy required to be added to the gas fuel during or before the transient phase to compensate for the temperature drop that would otherwise occur during the transient phase. The controller 202 can determine or predict an increased demand for fuel flow before the transient phase, and the controller 202 can adjust the amount of heat energy provided to the fuel, for example by the heater 204, before the transient phase occurs. The controller 202 can determine or predict one or more other future parameters (e.g., future temperature drop, future pressure drop, etc.) before the transient phase to proactively adjust the operating parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, and flow rate) before the transient phase occurs.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 400 that may be implemented to condition fuel supplied to a gas turbine engine (e.g., gas turbine engine 110) to reduce or prevent condensation from forming. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 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). Fuel may be supplied to conditioning system 200 by one or more conduits 134 and, as needed, using one or more flow motive devices (e.g., compressors and / or pumps 136) such that fuel flows through conduits 134 and is supplied (402) to conditioning system 200. Fuel source 150 may be a variable supply fuel source capable of supplying various types of fuels and / or mixtures of multiple fuels. The type of fuel, the fuel mixture, and the relative ratios of the fuel mixture's constituents may be selected based on, for example, the operating conditions of the gas turbine engine 110, the power generation and / or mechanical drive system 100, and / or the availability of fuel sources.

[0037] The 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 fuel composition using at least one fuel composition sensor 214. In some embodiments, the method 400 includes detecting a flow parameter of the fuel using a flow sensor 216.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method 400 includes using the controller 202 to monitor at least one of a detected temperature, a detected pressure, a detected fuel composition, and / or a detected flow parameter of the fuel. The monitoring may include determining whether the detected parameter meets a predefined criterion. For example, the monitoring may include the controller 202 comparing the detected temperature to a temperature threshold. In another example, the monitoring may include the controller 202 comparing the detected pressure to a pressure threshold. In another example, the monitoring may include the controller 202 comparing the detected flow parameter to a flow parameter threshold. In another example, the monitoring may include the controller 202 comparing the real-time flow parameter to a target flow parameter prior to a transient phase of the turbine section 118 (e.g., acceleration of the turbine section 118). In another example, the monitoring may include the controller 202 comparing the detected temperature to a predefined minimum temperature criterion based on a dew point temperature with added superheat. The criterion may be determined by the controller 202 and / or may be predefined by an operator (e.g., using the user interface 306).

[0039] The method 400 also includes, by the controller 202, determining a real-time dew point (T dew pt. ) (410). dew pt.Determining (410) the fuel composition 410 may include the controller 202 receiving one or more inputs (including one or more of pressure, temperature, fuel composition, flow parameter, and / or flow increment parameter) from the sensors 206 that occur during the acceleration of the turbine before the transient occurs. The flow increment may be a difference in the fuel flow rate (e.g., after the transient phase) between the current flow parameter and the target flow parameter. For example, the controller 202 may receive an operating pressure of the fuel from the pressure sensor 212 (e.g., any of the first pressure sensor 212, the second pressure sensor 212, the third pressure sensor 212, and / or the fourth pressure sensor 212), an operating temperature of the fuel from the temperature sensor 210 (e.g., any of the first temperature sensor 210, the second temperature sensor 210, the third temperature sensor 210, and / or the fourth temperature sensor 210), and / or a fuel composition from the composition sensor 214. The controller 202 may receive the mass flow rate from the flow sensor 216. The controller 202 may determine a real-time dew point temperature 410 using one or more parameters detected by the sensor 206, for example, by performing one or more calculations. 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 in a table of known dew point temperatures based on at least one parameter detected by the sensor. For example, the controller 202 may use the operating pressure P0 and the current composition of the fuel to determine (410) an associated real-time dew point temperature. The method 400 may determine (410) the real-time dew point using any suitable method.

[0040] The controller 202 can determine (410) a real-time dew point temperature at any suitable location between the heater 204 and the combustor section 116. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can determine (410) real-time dew point temperatures at multiple locations between the heater 204 and the combustor section 116. In some embodiments, the controller 202 can use the pressures (e.g., P0, P1, P2, P3, and / or P4) measured by the pressure sensors 212 and the compositions determined by the composition sensors 214 to determine (410) a real-time dew point temperature at and / or near any and / or each pressure sensor 212. The controller 202 can determine (410) real-time dew point temperatures at all locations of the one or more pressure sensors 212.

[0041] In some embodiments, the real-time dew point (T dew pt. Determining (410) the fuel temperature (Tc) includes the controller 202 determining one or more of the following parameters: one or more of an equation of state (EOS), a fuel composition, a compressibility factor (Z), a specific heat (c p ), coefficient of thermal expansion (α), and / or pressure (P). The controller 202 determines the EOS, compressibility factor (Z), specific heat (c p ), and / or a thermal expansion coefficient (α). In some embodiments, determining 410 the real-time dew point can occur when the controller 202 determines 410 the real-time dew point based on the real-time flow rate, the flow rate to meet the target load and / or target speed (described below), and the gas cooling coefficient (e.g., the Joule-Thomson coefficient μ ), caused by the drop in pressure of the fuel as it is delivered from the upstream component (e.g., through the conduit 134, the pump and / or compressor 136, the pressure controller 230, the stop valve 220, and / or the flow controller 224) to the downstream component. JT ) determining a target quantity, target flow rate, and / or a target incremental amount of fuel based on the target quantity, target flow rate, and / or the target incremental amount of fuel.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method 400 includes, by the controller 202, determining the Joule-Thomson coefficient μ JT The controller 202 may determine EOS, volume V, heat capacity C, see equation (1) below. P , the thermal expansion coefficient α, the fuel composition detected by the composition sensor 214, and the temperature T, may be used to determine the Joule-Thomson coefficient. The controller 202 may then use the determined Joule-Thomson coefficient μ JT The method 400 can be used to determine the temperature change of the fuel between the upstream and downstream locations. For example, the temperature of a gas fuel decreases as the fuel moves from a high pressure upstream location to a low pressure downstream location and expands. 1,n→2,n By determining the ratio of the change in operating pressure between the upstream and downstream positions of the manifold 126 or injectors 124 (where n represents one or more of the manifold 126 or injectors 124), the Joule-Thomson coefficient can be determined.

[0043] In some embodiments, the method 400 includes calculating the ratio of the temperature change to the pressure change (δT 1,n→2,n / δP 1,n→2,n ) to obtain the Joule-Thomson coefficient μ JT The method 400 may include estimating in advance the temperature change δT 1→2 is used to determine a target change in operating pressure between the upstream and downstream locations before the transient phase occurs.

number

[0044] In some embodiments, the method 400 may include determining a target temperature or target temperature range based on the determined real-time dew point temperature and / or based on user input (e.g., operator setting such as superheat request) and / or an increment in flow rate occurring during a transient phase of the gas turbine prior to the occurrence of the transient phase. For example, the target temperature and / or temperature range may include a dew point temperature, a temperature at or above the dew point, a temperature about 15° above the dew point temperature, a temperature at or above about 15° above the dew point temperature, a temperature about 20° above the dew point, a temperature at or above about 20° above the dew point temperature, and / or a temperature or temperature range suitable for combustion operation.

[0045] The method 400 includes controlling 412 the temperature of the fuel. The controller 202 can control 412 the operating temperature of the fuel (up or down) such that the fuel temperature is maintained at a target temperature and / or within a target temperature range at steady flow conditions or at expected increments of flow during expected transient phases (e.g., acceleration of the turbine section 118). Controlling the temperature may involve the controller 202 receiving the operating temperature of the fuel (T O Controlling (412) the temperature can include the controller 202 comparing the determined real-time dew point temperature to an operating temperature (e.g., temperatures T1, T2, T3, or T4 measured by the temperature sensor 210). The controller 202 can determine a temperature difference (e.g., T O -T dew pt. ) can be calculated.

[0046] In some cases, the operating temperature may be equal to or greater than the real-time dew point temperature. In some cases, the operating temperature may be lower than the real-time dew point temperature. In some cases, the operating temperature may be higher than the determined estimated dew point temperature plus a superheat requirement following the gas turbine acceleration process due to the requested speed and / or load requirements.

[0047] In some embodiments, controlling the temperature of the fuel (412) may include determining the amount of thermal energy (Q) and / or rate of thermal energy that needs to be provided to the fuel to raise the operating temperature of the fuel to a target fuel temperature and / or target fuel temperature range.

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[0048] Controlling the temperature (412) may include sending an output signal to the heater 204 to adjust the amount or rate of thermal energy the heater 204 delivers to the fuel. The controller 202 may send a signal to the heater 204 to cause the heater 204 to deliver a determined amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of the fuel to a target temperature and / or target temperature range. Controlling the temperature (412) may include the controller 202 adjusting the real-time temperature rate of change T RT-RoCThe controller 202 can determine the rate of change of temperature by calculating the difference between the temperature at a first location (e.g., a downstream location, closer to the combustor section 116) and the real-time dew point temperature for the duration ∂(t). The controller 202 can determine the rate of change of temperature by calculating the difference between the temperature at a first location (e.g., a downstream location, closer to the combustor section 116) and the real-time dew point temperature for the duration ∂(t). RT-RoC Set the target value T RoC For example, the controller 202 may compare T RT-RoC is the target value T RoC It can be determined whether or not the value is greater than or equal to the threshold (see Equation 3).

[0049] To control 412 the temperature, the controller 202 may include dynamically sending a signal to the heater 204 to increase the thermal energy added to the fuel to accommodate speed and / or load increments during steady flow conditions and / or during acceleration processes such that the left side of equation (3) remains greater than the rate of change specified by the right side of equation (3). Controlling 412 the temperature may in parallel include the controller 202 dynamically sending a signal to the pressure control device 230 to reduce the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 212 to reduce the pressure drop in the regulation system 200 and thus reduce the temperature drop estimated by equation (1) either during steady flow conditions and / or during transient phases.

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[0050] Method 400 can include improving the efficiency of power generation and / or mechanical drive system 100. Improving efficiency can include reducing the power consumption of heater 204. Improving efficiency can include decreasing the real-time dew point temperature such that a reduced amount of thermal energy is required to raise the temperature of the fuel to a target temperature. Improving efficiency can also include decreasing the amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of the fuel to a target temperature and / or temperature range. For example, the real-time dew point temperature can be decreased by adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the pressure of the fuel. In some cases, method 400 can decrease the pressure such that the real-time dew point temperature is decreased. In some alternatives, method 400 can increase the pressure to decrease the real-time dew point temperature. In the embodiments illustrated herein, controller 202 can adjust (increase or decrease) the pressure to decrease the real-time dew point temperature. In some embodiments, controller 202 can adjust the pressure such that the appropriate temperature of the fuel is at a target value (e.g., a target dew point temperature and / or a target superheat temperature).

[0051] The method 400 also includes the controller 202 adjusting (414) the pressure of the fuel by sending a signal to the pressure controller 230. The controller 202 may adjust the pressure of the fuel to reduce the dew point temperature of the fuel. The controller 202 may adjust the pressure of the fuel to reduce the temperature drop across the regulation system 200. The controller 202 may adjust the pressure of the fuel to reduce the amount of thermal energy required to heat the fuel. After adjusting the pressure, the method 400 includes determining (e.g., re-determining) (410) the real-time dew point temperature and the target temperature and / or temperature range. In some embodiments, adjusting (414) includes the controller 202 sending a signal to the pressure controller 230 to reduce or increase the operating pressure of the fuel at P2, thus reducing the temperature drop across the fuel controller 224, thus reducing the thermal energy required by the heater 204 to maintain the target temperature and / or target temperature range. After the real-time pressure P2 decreases, the controller 202 may determine an updated thermal energy and / or rate of thermal energy to be supplied to the fuel to maintain the temperature of the fuel at the new lower target temperature and / or reduced temperature range.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method 400 includes determining, for example, by the controller 202, a target power load for the power generation and / or mechanical drive system 100. The target power load may be required by the power grid or an attached load to the turbine section 118. In some cases, the target power may fluctuate (increase and / or decrease) as the demands of the power grid or the attached load change or fluctuate. The controller 202 may determine a target operating speed and / or a target load for the combustor section 116 based on the target power from the power grid or the attached load. The target load may be, for example, an amount of power or electricity required by the power grid.

[0053] The controller 202 may determine a target amount (e.g., volume and / or mass flow volume) of fuel that needs to be delivered to the combustor section 116 so that the power generation system and / or mechanical drive 100 can generate a desired target power. The method 400 includes adjusting (416), by the controller 202, a flow parameter of the fuel. Adjusting (416) may involve the controller 202 sending one or more output signals to the flow control device 224, which may adjust, increase, or decrease the amount of fuel delivered from the adjustment system 200 to the combustor section 116.

[0054] The method 400 may further include the controller 202 comparing the definition of overheat to a comparison logic that determines whether the controller 202 is comparing a difference T between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 210 and the determined dew point temperature. x -T dewpt.,x The controller 202 may determine this difference T x -T dewpt.,x may be compared to one or more conditions (see Equation 4). If a condition is met, the controller 202 performs one or more actions. For example, if the difference is greater than 20° F., the controller 202 maintains the state of the system 100. In another example, if the difference is less than 20° F. but greater than 5° F., the controller 202 may send one or more signals that 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 send one or more command signals to shut down one or more components of the system 100 to protect the system 100 from condensation.

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[0055] In some embodiments, the method 400 includes determining a fuel flow rate of fuel supplied to the combustor section 116.

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[0056] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following embodiments. [Embodiment 1] 1. A fuel trimming system for use with a turbine, the fuel trimming system comprising: a heater that selectively and dynamically trims an operating temperature of a fuel; and a controller communicatively coupled to the heater, the controller 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. [Embodiment 2] 2. A fuel trimming system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the trimming system further includes a temperature sensor for detecting an operating temperature of the fuel. [Embodiment 3] 3. The fuel trimming system of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the trimming system further includes a flow device for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, and the controller is further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel supplied to a combustor section of the turbine. [Embodiment 4] The fuel trimming system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the trimming system is further a pressure control device that selectively adjusts an operating pressure of the fuel downstream of the heater, and the controller is further configured to adjust the operating pressure of the fuel to reduce a dew point temperature of the fuel and reduce a temperature drop in the trimming system. [Embodiment 5] The adjustment system of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the adjustment system further includes a composition sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, and the controller is further configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured composition of the fuel. [Embodiment 6] The adjustment system of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the adjustment system includes a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the fuel and a composition sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, and the controller is further configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured pressure of the fuel and the measured composition of the fuel, and to determine a lower heating value of the fuel based on the determined dew point temperature or the composition of the fuel used to determine a real-time or predicted fuel flow requirement. [Embodiment 7] The adjustment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising a pressure control device for adjusting an operating pressure of the fuel and a flow control device for adjusting a flow parameter of the fuel, the flow control device being located downstream of the pressure control device. [Embodiment 8] 1. A gas turbine engine comprising: a combustor section; and a regulating system for regulating a fuel, the regulating system including a controller configured to determine a dew point temperature and to maintain a temperature of the fuel at at least the determined dew point temperature. [Embodiment 9] 9. A gas turbine engine as described in embodiment 8, wherein the gas turbine engine further comprises a temperature sensor for detecting an operating temperature of the fuel. [Embodiment 10] 10. The gas turbine engine of embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the regulating system further includes a flow device for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, and the controller is further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel to the combustor section. [Embodiment 11] The gas turbine engine according to any one of embodiments 8 to 10, wherein the regulation system further includes a pressure control device for selectively regulating a pressure of the fuel, and the controller is configured to adjust an operating pressure of the fuel to reduce a dew point temperature of the fuel and reduce a temperature drop in the regulation system. [Embodiment 12] The gas turbine engine according to any one of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the adjustment system further includes a composition sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, and the controller is configured to: determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured composition of the fuel; and determine a lower heating value of the fuel based on the measured composition of the fuel used to establish a real-time or predicted fuel flow requirement. [Embodiment 13] The gas turbine engine according to any one of embodiments 8 to 12, wherein the gas turbine engine includes a composition sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel and a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the fuel, and the controller is configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the measured composition of the fuel and the measured pressure. [Embodiment 14] The gas turbine engine according to any one of embodiments 8 to 13, wherein the regulating system further includes a pressure control device for adjusting a pressure of the fuel, and a flow control device for adjusting a flow parameter of the fuel, the flow control device being located downstream of the pressure control device. [Embodiment 15] 11. 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 a minimum, the determined dew point temperature. [Embodiment 16] 16. The method of embodiment 15, wherein the method further comprises sensing a pressure of the fuel, sensing a composition of the fuel, and determining a dew point temperature of the fuel based on the sensed pressure and the sensed composition. [Embodiment 17] 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising regulating a pressure of the fuel with a pressure control device to reduce the dew point temperature and reduce a temperature drop across the regulation system, and maintaining the fuel temperature above the reduced dew point temperature. [Embodiment 18] The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 17, further comprising adjusting the flow rate of the fuel to maintain a desired amount of fuel to the combustor section. [Embodiment 19] The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the method further comprises monitoring the temperature using a temperature sensor. [Embodiment 20] The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 19, further comprising adjusting a pressure of the fuel such that a dew point temperature is reduced and a temperature drop in a regulation system is reduced, and adjusting a flow parameter of the fuel using a flow control device such that a desired amount of fuel is delivered to a combustor section is maintained. [Embodiment 21] The method according to any of embodiments 15 to 20, wherein the method includes determining a target fuel flow rate before a transient phase of a gas turbine engine, and adjusting thermal energy supplied to the fuel from a heater before the transient phase of the turbine.

[0057] In embodiments described herein, the regulating system includes a controller to variably regulate heat supplied to the fuel such that the operating temperature of the fuel is consistently maintained at a predetermined or selected dew point temperature and / or superheat temperature, and / or any other suitable temperature and / or pressure. In embodiments of the regulating system, the real-time temperature, dew point temperature, and / or superheat temperature of the fuel can be targeted during transient phases in the power generation system and also during steady-state operation. In particular, the regulating system can ensure that the fuel enters the combustor at or above the dew point temperature and does not introduce fuel condensate into the combustor section. The regulating system can be coupled to a variable gas fuel supply system and can vary the composition of the fuel. The controller determines a real-time dew point specific to the fuel composition based on received sensor information (such as real-time pressure and / or real-time composition).

[0058] Thus, in the embodiments described herein, the controller can determine a real-time accurate dew point temperature. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the regulation system includes at least one pressure control device that can be used to dynamically adjust the pressure of the fuel, thereby reducing the dew point temperature and reducing the temperature drop in the regulation system. For example, in the embodiments described herein, the controller can reduce the operating pressure of the fuel to reduce the temperature drop and therefore reduce the thermal energy required to heat the fuel above the dew point. In some embodiments described herein, the controller can predict a temperature drop between the upstream and downstream locations (e.g., in the regulation system) that may occur during a subsequent transient phase, and accordingly, the controller can pre-adjust the amount of thermal energy provided to the fuel prior to the transient phase. As a result, the overall efficiency of the power generation and / or mechanical drive system can be improved. In the embodiments described herein, the controller can adjust the flow parameters of the fuel to, for example, provide the required amount of fuel to the combustor section to maintain the power generation and / or mechanical drive of the turbine engine at a desired level.

[0059] Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, and in accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0060] This specification uses examples to disclose embodiments of the systems and methods, including the best mode, and is intended to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the systems and methods, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing the incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the systems and methods 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 the other examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the other examples include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 100 Systems 110 Gas Turbine Engine 112 Intake section 114 Compressor section 116 Combustor section 118 Turbine section 120 Exhaust section 122 rotor shaft 124 Fuel Injector 126 Manifold 128 Load 130 Rotor disk assembly 132 Rotor Assembly 134 Conduit 150 fuel source 200 Adjustment System 202 Controller 204 Heater 206 Sensors 210 Temperature Sensor 212 Pressure Sensor 214 Composition Sensor 216 Flow Sensor 220 Stop valve 224 Flow Control Device 230 Pressure Control Device 300 Control System 302 Processor 304 Memory 306 User Interface 400 ways 410 Dew point temperature

Claims

1. 1. A fuel trimming system for use with a turbine, comprising: a heater for selectively and dynamically adjusting an operating temperature of the fuel; a controller communicatively coupled to the heater, determining a dew point temperature of the fuel; and maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel at at least the determined dew point temperature of the fuel; A controller configured to run Fuel trim system.

2. The fuel trimming system of claim 1 , wherein the trimming system further comprises a temperature sensor for detecting an operating temperature of the fuel.

3. 2. The fuel trimming system of claim 1, wherein the trimming system further includes a flow device for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, the controller further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel delivered to a combustor section of the turbine.

4. The adjustment system further comprises:

10. The fuel trimming system of claim 1, further comprising: a pressure control device that selectively adjusts an operating pressure of the fuel downstream of the heater, the controller further configured to adjust the operating pressure of the fuel to reduce a dew point temperature of the fuel and facilitate reducing a temperature drop across the trimming system.

5. 2. The tuning system of claim 1, wherein the tuning system further includes a composition sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel, and the controller is further configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on a measured composition of the fuel.

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

7. 2. The regulating system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure controller for regulating an operating pressure of the fuel and a flow controller for regulating a flow parameter of the fuel, the flow controller being located downstream of the pressure controller.

8. 1. A gas turbine engine, comprising: A combustor section; A regulation system for regulating the fuel; Including, The adjustment system comprises: Determining the dew point temperature; and Maintaining the temperature of the fuel at least at the determined dew point temperature. A gas turbine engine comprising: a controller configured to execute

9. The gas turbine engine of claim 8 , further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting an operating temperature of the fuel.

10. 9. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the regulating system further includes a flow device for controlling a flow parameter of the fuel, and the controller is further configured to maintain a desired amount of fuel to the combustor section.

11. The regulating system further includes a pressure control device for selectively regulating a pressure of the fuel, the controller comprising:

9. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, configured to regulate an operating pressure of the fuel to reduce a dew point temperature of the fuel and reduce a temperature drop across the regulation system.

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

13. The adjustment system comprises: a composition sensor for detecting at least one component of the fuel; and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the fuel; Including, The controller: The gas turbine engine of claim 8 configured to determine a dew point temperature of the fuel based on a measured composition of the fuel and a sensed pressure.

14. 9. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the regulating system further comprises a pressure controller for regulating a pressure of the fuel and a flow controller for regulating a flow parameter of the fuel, the flow controller being downstream of the pressure controller.

15. 1. A method for modulating fuel, comprising: determining a dew point temperature of the fuel; and Maintain the operating temperature of the fuel at, at a minimum, the determined dew point temperature. A method comprising:

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