System and method for blending multiple fuel mixture component

Abstract

To provide a system and method for blending multiple fuel mixture components.SOLUTION: A method for blending two fuel mixture components includes: supplying two fuel mixture components to a cyclonic mixer via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each fuel mixture component of the two fuel mixture components; mixing, via one vortex formed in the cyclonic mixer, the two fuel mixture components to form a fuel mixture; determining, via one or a plurality of sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, at least one or a plurality of parameters of the two fuel mixture components on the basis of the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index; and supplying the fuel mixture to a combustion system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Turbomachines are utilized in various industries and applications for energy transfer. For example, a gas turbine engine typically includes a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section. The compressor section gradually increases the pressure of a working fluid entering the gas turbine engine and supplies the compressed working fluid to the combustion section. The compressed working fluid and fuel are mixed in the combustion section and combusted in a combustion chamber, generating high-pressure and high-temperature combustion gases. The combustion gases flow from the combustion section to the turbine section, where they expand to produce work. For example, the expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine section can rotate a rotor shaft connected to, for example, a generator, to generate electricity. The combustion gases then exit the gas turbine through the exhaust section. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The invention claimed herein relates to the subject matter set forth in the accompanying claims. Aspects and advantages of systems and methods for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to the present disclosure are set forth in part in the description that follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present technology. The fuel mixture components, in embodiments, may include combustible and non-combustible components and are intended to be blended to form a fuel mixture. The fuel mixture components may include at least one combustible fuel mixture component. All or some of the fuel mixture components may be or may include combustible components. The fuel mixture components may hereinafter be referred to simply as fuel or fuels, regardless of whether they are combustible or not.

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

[0005] According to another embodiment, there is provided a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components, the system including: a combustion system; a helical static mixer including a plurality of helical structures; a fuel delivery system for delivering the at least two fuel mixture components to the helical static mixer and the combustion system, the fuel delivery system including a fuel delivery circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel delivery system; and a controller operably connected to the fuel delivery system, the helical static mixer, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the at least two fuel mixture components to be blended via the fuel delivery system to the helical static mixer. and a controller that causes the system to perform one or more operations including: supplying a fuel mixture to the combustion system; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via the multiple helical structures of the helical static mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture via the one or more sensors, where the compatibility index is one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured compatibility index with a predetermined compatibility index; adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index; and supplying the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

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

[0007] According to another embodiment, there is provided a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components, the system including: a combustion system; a mixing chamber including a plurality of baffles; a fuel delivery system for delivering the at least two fuel mixture components to the mixing chamber and the combustion system, the fuel delivery system including a fuel delivery circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel delivery system; and a controller operably connected to the fuel delivery system, the mixing chamber, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the at least two fuel mixture components to be delivered to the mixing chamber via the fuel delivery system. and a controller that causes the system to perform one or more operations including mixing at least two fuel mixture components via a mixing chamber to form a fuel mixture; determining via one or more sensors a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture, where the compatibility index is one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured compatibility index with a predetermined compatibility index; adjusting via a fuel delivery system one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index; and delivering the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

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

[0009] According to another embodiment, there is provided a system for blending at least two fuel mixture components, the system including: a combustion system; an eductor including a power inlet, an intake inlet, and a diffuser; a fuel supply system for supplying the at least two fuel mixture components to the eductor and the combustion system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; and a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the eductor, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to supply the at least two fuel mixture components to the eductor via the fuel supply system and blend the fuel mixture. and a controller that causes the system to perform one or more operations including mixing at least two fuel mixture components from the power inlet and the suction inlet via a diffuser of the eductor to form a fuel mixture containing at least two fuel mixture components; determining via one or more sensors a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture, where the compatibility index is one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured compatibility index with a predetermined compatibility index; adjusting via the fuel delivery system one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index; and delivering the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] A full and enabling disclosure of the present system and method for blending multiple fuel mixture components, including the best mode of making and using the same, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in this specification, which makes reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system and blending module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system having multiple mixing modules. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system and blending module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the mixing module. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of multiple mixing modules. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system and blending module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the mixing module. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system having multiple mixing modules. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system and blending module for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the mixing module. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system having multiple different mixing modules in a series configuration. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fuel delivery system having multiple different mixing modules in a parallel configuration. [Figure 14] 1 is a flow diagram of a method for blending multiple fuel mixture components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computing system for implementing one or more aspects of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present system and method for blending multiple fuel mixture components, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present technology, not limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0019] The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description are used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention. As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the location or importance of the individual components.

[0020] The term "fluid" can be a gas or a liquid. The term "fluid communication" means that a fluid is capable of making a connection between designated areas.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "upstream" (or "forward") and "downstream" (or "aft") refer to relative directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction from which fluid flows. However, as used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" can also refer to electrical flow. The term "radially" refers to relative directions that are substantially perpendicular to the axial centerline of a particular component, the term "axially" refers to relative directions that are substantially parallel and / or coaxially aligned with the axial centerline of a particular component, and the term "circumferentially" refers to relative directions that extend around the axial centerline of a particular component.

[0022] Approximate terms such as "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" are not intended to be limited to the exact value stated. In at least some cases, approximate language can correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring a value or the precision of a method or machine for constructing or manufacturing a component and / or system. For example, approximate language can refer to within a margin of 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20% of an individual value, a range of values, and / or any of the endpoints defining the range of values. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include a range of plus or minus 10 degrees of the stated angle or direction. For example, "approximately vertical" includes directions within 10 degrees of any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, from vertical.

[0023] Terms such as "coupled," "fixed," and "attached," unless expressly stated otherwise herein, refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment via one or more intermediate components or features. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," and "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features and may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or, not an exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0024] As used herein, the "heating value" of a fuel is the upper limit of the available heat energy produced by the complete combustion of the fuel, measured as units of energy per unit mass or unit volume. The "high heating value" is the total amount of heat energy produced per unit mass or unit volume, including the energy used to vaporize the water produced during the combustion reaction (also called the "gross heating value"), and the "low heating value" is the total amount of heat energy produced per unit mass or unit volume, excluding the energy used to vaporize the water produced during the combustion reaction (also called the "net heating value").

[0025] The "specific gravity" of a fuel is the ratio of the fuel's density to the density of air at standard temperature and pressure conditions (273.15 Kelvin, 10,000 Pascals).

[0026] Herein, and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combinable and interchangeable, and unless the context and language dictate otherwise, such ranges are identified and include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0027] As used herein, the term "line" may refer to a pipe, hose, tube, or other fluid-carrying conduit.

[0028] In this regard, two components are "in series" when they are arranged in series, such as when a second component is positioned downstream of a first component so as to receive fluid from the first component. Two components are "in parallel" when they are co-located and receive fluid from a common source and do not share fluid between them.

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system 300 for blending at least two fuel mixture components 105, which may then be delivered to a combustion system 302. The system 300 may include the combustion system 302 and a fuel delivery system 100 fluidly connected to the combustion system 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the combustion system 302 is a combustion section of a gas turbine 10. However, in other embodiments, the combustion system 302 may be an internal combustion engine, a jet engine, an aircraft engine, a burner, a dry low NOx combustor, or other combustion system. While an industrial or land-based gas turbine is shown and described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to land-based and / or industrial gas turbines unless otherwise specified in the claims. For example, the inventions described herein may be used with any type of turbomachinery, including, but not limited to, an aircraft gas turbine or a marine gas turbine.

[0030] As shown, the gas turbine 10 generally includes an inlet section 12, a compressor section 14 disposed downstream from the inlet section 12, a plurality of combustors (not shown) in a combustor section 16 disposed downstream from the compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 disposed downstream from the combustor section 16, and an exhaust section 20 disposed downstream from the turbine section 18. Additionally, the gas turbine 10 may include one or more shafts 22 coupled between the compressor section 14 and the turbine section 18.

[0031] Compressor section 14 may generally include a plurality of rotor disks 24 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 44 extending radially outward from and connected to each rotor disk 24. Each rotor disk 24 may then be coupled to or form a portion of a shaft 22 that extends through compressor section 14. Compressor section 14 may further include one or more stator vanes 50 arranged circumferentially around shaft 22. Stator vanes 27 may be fixed to a compressor casing or static casing 48 that extends circumferentially around rotor blades 44.

[0032] Turbine section 18 may generally include a plurality of rotor disks 28 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 30 extending radially outward from and connected to each rotor disk 28. Each rotor disk 28 may in turn be coupled to or form a portion of a shaft 22 that extends through turbine section 18.

[0033] During operation, a working fluid, such as air, enters the compressor section 14 through the inlet section 12, where it is gradually compressed, thus providing compressed air to the combustors in the combustor section 16. The compressed air is mixed with fuel and combusted in each combustor, generating combustion gases 34. The combustion gases 34 enter the hot gas path 32 from the combustor section 16 and into the turbine section 18, where energy (kinetic and / or thermal energy) is transferred from the combustion gases 34 to the rotor blades 30, causing the shaft 22 to rotate. The mechanical rotational energy can then be used to power the compressor section 14 and / or generate electricity. The combustion gases 34 from the turbine section 18 may then be exhausted from the gas turbine 10 via the exhaust section 20. The exhaust gases may be supplied to an exhaust stack 40, which may exhaust the gases to the atmosphere.

[0034] The fuel supply system 100 may supply or provide at least two fuel mixture components 105 to the blending module 104 (and subsequently to the gas turbine 10). For example, the ... A a first fuel supply 106A (for supplying a second fuel F B a second fuel supply 106B (for supplying a third fuel F C a third fuel supply 106C (for supplying a fourth fuel F D and a fourth fuel supply 106D (for supplying the fourth fuel mixture component 106A). Each fuel mixture component of the at least two fuel mixture components 105 may be different from one another (i.e., have different chemical compositions). The fuel mixture components may include (but are not limited to) natural gas, ammonia, hydrogen, or other fuel mixture components. Additionally, fuel supply system 100 may supply other fluids, such as exhaust gas from an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system (not shown). While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes four fuel mixture components, fuel supply system 100 should not be limited to any particular number of fuel mixture components unless specifically recited in the claims. In other embodiments, the fuel supply system may include any number of fuel mixture components.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, fuel supply system 100 may include multiple fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D for separately supplying each fuel mixture component of at least two fuel mixture components 105 to blending module 104. As described in more detail below, each of fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D may be of the same or similar construction.

[0036] The mixing module 104 may be fluidly coupled to each of the fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D. The mixing module 104 may blend at least two fuel mixture components 105 together to generate a homogeneous fuel mixture. The homogeneous fuel mixture may be supplied to the combustion system 302 via an outlet line 108. The outlet line 108 may extend from the mixing module 104 to the combustion system 302, for example, to the combustor section 16 of the gas turbine 10.

[0037] In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , one or more sensors may be operably connected to the fuel delivery system 100. The one or more sensors may include a first Wobbe index sensor 110, a second Wobbe index sensor 112, and a flow sensor 114. The Wobbe index sensors 110, 112 may be configured to sense data indicative of the Wobbe index (i.e., the measured Wobbe index) of the fuel mixture. As will be appreciated, the Wobbe index is a measure, or "compatibility index," used to assess the compatibility of different fuel mixture components (or fuel mixtures). The Wobbe index (WI) is calculated as follows:

number

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the Wobbe Index sensors 110, 112 may be configured to sense data indicative of a Modified Wobbe Index (MWI) of the fuel mixture;

number

[0039] System 300 may further include a controller 400 operably connected to one or more sensors to receive data from the sensors and determine various operating parameters of system 300. In particular, controller 400 may be operably connected to fuel delivery system 100 (including each component on fuel delivery circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D), blending module 104, and one or more sensors 110, 112, 114. As will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 14 , controller 400 may include a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system 300 to perform one or more operations that may include supplying at least two fuel mixture components 105 to the mixing module 104, mixing the at least two fuel mixture components with the mixing module 104, determining a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture via the Wobbe index sensors 110, 112, comparing the measured compatibility index with a predetermined compatibility index, adjusting one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components 105, and supplying the fuel mixture to the combustion system 302.

[0040] For example, based on a comparison between the measured compatibility index and a predetermined compatibility index, the controller 400 may instruct the system 300 to adjust the amount, temperature, pressure, or flow rate of each of the at least two fuel mixture components supplied to the blending module 104 (thereby adjusting the fuel mixture) to drive the measured compatibility index toward the predetermined compatibility index. The predetermined compatibility index is selected based on one or more factors to improve operation of the gas turbine engine, such as efficiency requirements of the gas turbine 10, combustion dynamics including resonant sound pressure pulses, etc. For example, a fuel mixture having a compatibility index equal to the predetermined compatibility index may be the fuel mixture that results in the most efficient operation of the gas turbine 10 when compared to other fuel mixtures.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 , system 300 may further include a heat exchanger 116 disposed in thermal communication on outlet line 108 downstream of first Wobbe index sensor 110 and flow sensor 114 and upstream of second Wobbe index sensor 112 with respect to the flow of the fuel mixture through outlet line 108. Heat exchanger 116 may adjust the temperature of the fuel mixture in outlet line 108 by transferring heat between the thermal fluid and the fuel mixture. For example, heat exchanger 116 may be fluidly coupled to thermal fluid supply 118 via inlet line 119 and to thermal fluid return 120 via outlet line 121. Additionally, valve 122 may be disposed in fluid communication on inlet line 119. Valve 122 may be in operative communication with controller 400 and may be actuable between an open position (permitting flow) and a closed position (restricting or completely preventing flow). Based on a comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index, the controller may adjust the position of valve 122, thereby adjusting the heat transfer rate between the thermal fluid and the fuel mixture, which in turn adjusts the temperature of the fuel mixture to drive the measured compatibility index toward the predetermined compatibility index.

[0042] In various embodiments, the fuel supply system 100 may further include a gas fuel module 124. The gas fuel module 124 may include one or more pumps, pressure regulators, valves, manifolds, and / or fluid conduits to supply the fuel mixture to the combustor section 16 of the gas turbine 10. The gas fuel module 124 may be disposed in the outlet line 108 downstream of the second Wobbe index sensor and heat exchanger 116 and upstream (e.g., directly upstream) of the combustor section 16.

[0043] 2-12, various embodiments of the fuel delivery system 100 (including the fuel delivery circuit 102) and the mixing module 104 are shown. In particular, FIGS. 2-12 show details of the first fuel delivery circuit 102A, which may also be implemented in the other fuel delivery circuits 102B, 102C, and 102D. For example, while the first fuel delivery circuit 102A is shown in detail, it should be understood that each of the other fuel delivery circuits 102B, 102C, and 102D may have the same or similar structure as the first fuel delivery circuit 102A.

[0044] As shown, fuel delivery circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D may each include a main fuel supply line 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D extending from a respective fuel supply 106A, 106B, 106C, 106D to the mixing module 104. As shown, fuel delivery circuit 102 may include an electric heater 128 disposed on and in thermal communication with main fuel supply line 126A immediately downstream of first fuel supply 106A. Electric heater 128 heats the first fuel F in main fuel supply line 126A. A The electric heater 128 may be electrically connected to a power source 130.

[0045] In many embodiments, the recirculation line 132 may extend from an inlet 134 on the main fuel supply line 126 to an outlet 136 on the main fuel supply line 126. The outlet 136 may be upstream of the inlet 134 with respect to the flow of fuel through the main fuel supply line 126. The recirculation line 132 may be disposed downstream of the electric heater 128. In many embodiments, a control valve 138 may be disposed in fluid communication on the main fuel supply line 126 between the inlet 134 and the outlet 136 of the recirculation line 132.

[0046] The fuel supply circuit 102 may include an atmospheric vent line 140 extending from the main fuel supply line 126. The atmospheric vent line 140 may vent fuel from the main fuel supply line 126A for maintenance procedures. For example, if maintenance is required on one or more components of the fuel supply system 100, the vent line 140 may remove remaining fuel from the main fuel supply line 126A so that the maintenance procedure may be performed safely. In various embodiments, a control valve 142 may be disposed on and in fluid communication with the vent line 140.

[0047] The fuel supply circuit 102 may further include a control valve 144 downstream of the inlet 134 to the recirculation line 132. The control valves 138, 142, and 144 may control the amount, or mass flow rate, or volumetric flow rate, respectively, of fuel allowed to flow through the main fuel supply line 126, thereby controlling the amount, or mass flow rate, or volumetric flow rate, respectively, of fuel recirculated through the recirculation line 132. Mass flow rate and volumetric flow rate are coupled to each other by the specific densities of the respective fuels, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, controlling or regulating the mass flow rate and volumetric flow rate of a fuel can be considered equivalent to each other in terms of control, provided that the temperature and pressure of the fuel, particularly a gas fuel, remain constant. In other aspects, the mass flow rate of a gas fuel, in particular, can be varied by changing its temperature and / or pressure while maintaining the volumetric flow rate constant. Particularly from the standpoint of control and / or regulation, the mass flow rate and volumetric flow rate may hereinafter be referred to as "flow rate," and those skilled in the art will readily recognize whether mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, or both are applicable. Each of the control valves 138, 142, 144 may be adjusted (e.g., by the controller 400) between a fully open (e.g., 100% open) position, a partially open (e.g., between 0% open and 100% open) position, and a fully closed (e.g., 0% open) position. By adjusting the control valves 138, 142, 144, the flow of the first fuel F through the fuel supply circuit 102 can be controlled. A may achieve a desired amount and flow rate, e.g., mass flow rate or volume flow rate, respectively.

[0048] First fuel F A One or more sensors 146 may be disposed in the main fuel supply line 126A to sense data indicative of one or more parameters of the first fuel. The one or more sensors 146 may include a flow sensor 148 configured to sense data indicative of a flow rate of the first fuel through the main fuel supply line 126A. The controller 400 may adjust one or more of the valves 138, 142, 144 based on the data indicative of the flow rate from the flow sensor 148. Additionally, the one or more sensors 146 may adjust the flow rate of the first fuel F. AAdditionally, the one or more sensors 146 may include a third Wobbe index sensor 150 that may be configured to sense data indicative of the compatibility index of the first fuel F. A The device may include a pressure sensor 152 capable of sensing data indicative of the pressure.

[0049] Each sensor of the one or more sensors 146 may be operably connected to the controller 400. Based on data provided by the one or more sensors 146 (e.g., data indicative of flow rate, data indicative of compatibility index, and / or data indicative of pressure), the controller may adjust the first fuel F A In addition, based on data provided by one or more sensors 146, the controller 400 may adjust one or more of the control valves 138, 142, 144 to regulate the flow rate of the first fuel F. A The operation of the electric heater 128 may be adjusted to modify (eg, increase or decrease) the temperature of the air.

[0050] The fuel supply circuit 102 may further include a safety shut-off valve (SSOV) 154. The SSOV 154 may prevent fuel from entering the fuel supply if one or more of the control valves 138, 142, 144 fail. For example, if the controller 400 determines a rapid increase in flow rate based on data provided by the flow sensor 148, the SSOV 154 may engage the blending module 104 and prevent fuel from being delivered to the blending module 104. Additionally, the fuel supply circuit 102 may include a first master control valve (MCV) 156 and a second MCV 158, which may be provided to measure and control fuel quantity as an additional safety measure because the fuel mixture components delivered to the mixing chamber are often at extremely high pressures. The first MCV 156 may be a stop ratio valve, and the second MCV 158 may be a gas control valve. The first and second MCVs 156, 158 may be electrically operated valves.

[0051] Each fuel mixture component 105 of the at least two fuel mixture components 105 may be provided to a mixing module 104, which may be different in each of the illustrated embodiments. The at least two fuel mixture components 105 may be mixed or blended together in the mixing module 104 to generate a fuel mixture 166, which may be provided to the combustion system 302 ( FIG. 1 ) via an outlet line 108.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the mixing module 104 may be a helical static mixer 160. The helical static mixer 160 may include a housing 162 defining a chamber 163 and a helical structure 164 disposed within the chamber 163. The helical structure 164 may be fins, twisted blades, turbulators, baffles, vanes, or other structures within the chamber to promote mixing of at least two fuel mixture components into a fuel mixture 166. The helical structure 164 of FIG. 2 is a plurality of helical vanes arranged to induce a change in the flow of the fuel mixture components 105. More specifically, a first helical vane 164A may rotate the flow of the fuel mixture components in a first direction, and an adjacent helical vane 164B may change the direction of the flow to a second direction different from the first direction. In particular, the second direction may be opposite or counter to the first direction, and the fuel mixture components 105 may bounce back and forth between the first and second directions, thereby increasing mixing of the fuel mixture components 105. Additionally, the helical vanes 164 allow the fuel mixture components 105 to move radially from the center of the helical static mixer 160 to the outer edge of the helical static mixer 160, further increasing mixing between the fuel mixture components 105.

[0053] 3, the fuel supply system 100 may include multiple helical static mixers 160. FIG. 3 illustrates three helical static mixers 160, including a first helical static mixer 160A, a second helical static mixer 160B, and a third helical static mixer 160C (collectively, “helical static mixers 160”) arranged in series, such that the fuel mixture components 105 flow sequentially from the first helical static mixer 160A to the second helical static mixer 160B and then to the third helical static mixer 160C. By arranging the helical static mixers 160 in series, each of the helical static mixers can further mix the fuel mixture components such that the fuel mixture 166 is homogenous as it exits the third helical static mixer 160C.

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a helical static mixer 160A providing fuel mixture components F at different points to form a fuel mixture 166. A , F B , F C , F D Specifically, two fuel mixture components F A , F B may be fed to the first helical static mixer 160A to form a first fuel mixture 166A, and then the fuel F C may be fed into a second helical static mixer 160B along with the first fuel mixture 166A to form a second fuel mixture 166B, and then the fuel F D may be fed to a third helical static mixer 160C along with a second fuel mixture 166B to form a fuel mixture 166. It will be appreciated that other combinations of fuel mixture components 105 may be fed to different ones of the helical static mixers 160 to provide a suitable fuel mixture 166.

[0055] 3 , two or more of the helical static mixers 160 may be arranged in parallel rather than in series, with the final helical static mixer 160 in fluid communication with the parallel helical static mixer 160 to form the fuel mixture 166. In such a configuration, some of the fuel mixture components 105 may be supplied to the parallel helical static mixer 160 to form the initial fuel mixture, and the final helical static mixer 160 may mix the initial fuel mixture into the fuel mixture 166. Such an arrangement allows fuel mixture components 105 that mix favorably to be mixed together into the initial fuel mixture, improving the overall mixing of the fuel mixture components 105 to form the fuel mixture 166 in the final helical static mixer 160.

[0056] 4-6, a fuel delivery system 100′ is shown. In the fuel delivery system 100′, the mixing module 104 is a mixing chamber 168. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows the fuel delivery system 100′ having a mixing chamber 168, FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the mixing chamber 168, and FIG. 6 shows multiple mixing chambers 168 arranged in a parallel configuration to form the fuel mixture 166.

[0057] 4, the mixing chamber 168 may include a container or housing 170 defining a chamber 172. A , F B , F C , F D Two or more of the fuel mixture components 105 may be fed into chamber 172, where they mix together to form fuel mixture 166. Fuel mixture 166 is then fed to the combustion system (FIG. 1) via outlet line 108.

[0058] 5 , a housing 170 includes a plurality of inlets 174 and an outlet 176, with an effusion plate 178 and a plurality of baffles 180 disposed within the chamber 172 for mixing the fuel mixture components 105. Specifically, one or more of the main fuel supply lines 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D may be in fluid communication with one of the plurality of inlets 174 to supply one of the fuel mixture components 105 to the mixing chamber 168. The plurality of inlets 174 supply the fuel mixture components 105 to an effusion plate 178, which includes a plurality of openings 182 through which the fuel mixture components 105 are forced, forming individual streams of the fuel mixture components 105 that enter the chamber 172. The fuel mixture components 105 then reach a baffle 180, which causes the individual streams to bounce in different directions and mix the streams together. By forcing the fuel mixture components 105 in different directions, the baffles 180 cause the streams of fuel mixture components 105 to merge together and ultimately form a homogenous fuel mixture 166 that exits the outlet 176 .

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown three mixing chambers 168A, 168B, and 168C (collectively "mixing chambers 168"). It is understood that common parts have a suffix corresponding to the respective mixing chamber; i.e., first mixing chamber 168A includes first housing 170A, first chamber 172A, first inlet 174A, first outlet 176A, first effusion plate 178A, first baffle 180A, and first opening 182A for first effusion plate 178A. Second mixing chamber 168B has similar parts with the suffix "-B," and third mixing chamber 168C has similar parts with the suffix "-C."

[0060] The mixing chambers 168 are arranged in a parallel configuration. Specifically, the first mixing chamber 168A and the second mixing chamber 168B are arranged so that the fuel mixture components 105 enter their respective inlets 174A, independent of one another. In the example of FIG. 6 , the first fuel 105A and the second fuel 105B are supplied to the first inlet 174A of the first mixing chamber 168A, and the third fuel 105C and the fourth fuel 105D are supplied to the second inlet 174B of the second mixing chamber 168B. Upon mixing, the first fuel mixture 166A from the first outlet 176A of the first mixing chamber 168A and the second fuel mixture 166B from the second outlet 176B of the second mixing chamber 168B are supplied to the third inlet 174C of the third mixing chamber 168C. A fifth fuel 105E may be introduced into another of the third inlets 174C. The third mixing chamber 168C mixes the first and second fuel mixtures 166A, 166B (and optionally, the fifth fuel 105E) to form the homogeneous fuel mixture 166. It will be understood that the mixing chambers 168 may alternatively be arranged in a series configuration, not shown.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7-9, the fuel delivery system 100'' illustrates the mixing module 104 as a solid particle gas separator and cyclonic mixer, referred to herein as a "cyclonic mixer" 184. Referring to Figure 7, the cyclonic mixer 184 mixes the fuel mixture components F A , F B , F C , F D The fuel mixture may include a housing 186 defining a chamber 188 into which each of the fuel mixture components F may be supplied. A rotating swirler (not shown) A , F B , F C , F D The swirler may be provided within the chamber 188 to swirl the solid particles 190 within the chamber 188. The centrifugal force generated by the swirler causes the solid particles 190 to swirl with the fuel mixture component F. A , F B , F C , F D while separating fuel mixture component F from fuel mixture component F to form fuel mixture 166.A , F B , F C , F D For example, the solid particles 190 may fall to the bottom of the cyclonic mixer 184 (e.g., via gravity), and the fuel mixture 166 may be fed into the top of the cyclonic mixer 184.

[0062] 8, an enlarged view of the cyclonic mixer 184 is shown. The housing 186 includes an inlet 192, a barrel portion 194, a gas outlet 196 extending from the barrel portion 194, a cone portion 198, and a particle outlet 200 extending from the cone portion 198. The barrel portion 194 and the cone portion 198 define a chamber 188 in which the fuel mixture components 105 swirl. More specifically, the barrel portion 194 is cylindrical, and as the fuel mixture components 105 enter through the inlet 192, the cylindrical shape of the barrel portion 194 causes the fuel mixture components 105 to flow into an outer vortex 202. The outer vortex 202 drives the solid particles 190 to the outer edge of the barrel portion 194, while the remaining fuel mixture components 105 move inward to form an inner vortex 204. The solid particles 190 descend via gravity to the particle outlet 200, and the inner vortex 204 flows upward through the gas outlet 196 to form the fuel mixture 166. The interaction between the inner vortex 204 and the outer vortex 202 causes the fuel mixture components 105 to mix such that the fuel mixture 166 exiting the gas outlet 196 is more mixed than the fuel mixture components 105 entering through the inlet 192. Notably, the fuel mixture 166 exiting the gas outlet 196 may be homogenous.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 9, the multiple cyclone mixers 184 mix multiple fuel mixture components F A , F B , F C , F D may be mixed into the fuel mixture 166. FIG. 9 collectively refers to the first cyclonic mixer 184A, the second cyclonic mixer 184B, and the third cyclonic mixer 184C as "cyclonic mixers 184." The first cyclonic mixer 184A mixes the fuel mixture components 105 (e.g., fuel mixture component FA , F B ) into the first fuel mixture 166A that is fed to the second cyclonic mixer 184B. The second cyclonic mixer 184B mixes the first fuel mixture 166A with another one or more of the fuel mixture components 105 (fuel F C The second fuel mixture 166B may be mixed with one or more of the fuel mixture components 105 (fuel F, etc.) to form a second fuel mixture 166B that is fed to a third cyclonic mixer 184C. The third cyclonic mixer 184C mixes the second fuel mixture 166B with one or more of the fuel mixture components 105 (fuel F, etc.). D ) to form a homogenous fuel mixture 166. It will be appreciated that the fuel supply system 100 may include a different number of cyclonic mixers 184 to form a homogenous fuel mixture 166 having a different number of fuel mixture components 105.

[0064] Multiple cyclonic mixers 184 may be arranged in series, as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, although not shown in Figure 9, two or more of the cyclonic mixers 184 may be arranged in parallel rather than in series, with the final cyclonic mixer 184 in fluid communication with the parallel cyclonic mixers 184 to form the fuel mixture 166.

[0065] 10-11, the fuel supply system 100''' illustrates the mixing module 104 as an eductor 206. FIG. 10 illustrates multiple eductors 206 arranged in a series configuration. The series of eductors 206 may include a first eductor 206A, a second eductor 206B, and a third eductor 206C arranged in series. Each eductor in the series of eductors 206 may be supplied with two input streams of fuel 105 and may output a single stream of fuel as a mixture. For example, the first fuel F A and the second fuel F B may be supplied to the first eductor 206A as an input, and the first eductor 206A may supply the first fuel mixture 166A as an output. Similarly, the first fuel mixture 166A and the third fuel F Cmay be provided as an input to the second eductor 206B, which may provide the second fuel mixture 166B as an output. Further, the second fuel mixture 166B and the fourth fuel F D may be supplied as an input to the third eductor 206C, which may supply the final fuel mixture 166 as an output. The fuel mixture 166 is then supplied to the combustion system (FIG. 1) via the outlet line 108.

[0066] 10, the eductors 206 are arranged in a series configuration. It will be appreciated that alternatively, at least some of the eductors 206 may be arranged in a parallel configuration (not shown in FIG. 10) before providing input to the final eductor 206 that produces the homogeneous fuel mixture 166.

[0067] 11 , the eductor 206 includes a power inlet 208, a suction inlet 210, a convergent nozzle 212, a diffuser 214, and a throat 216 connecting the convergent nozzle 212 to the diffuser 214. The power inlet 208 and the suction inlet 210 each receive at least one of the fuel mixture components 105. In particular, the fuel 105 supplied to the power inlet 208 is pressurized to drive the fuel 105 supplied to the suction inlet 210 into the convergent nozzle 212. In this configuration, momentum from the fuel 105 in the power inlet 208 causes a pressure drop in the fuel 105 in the suction inlet 210, causing additional fuel 105 to flow into the suction inlet 210. The convergent nozzle 212 tapers inwardly toward the throat 216 so that the fuel mixture components 105 are compressed within the convergent nozzle 212 and begin to mix. This compression increases the velocity of the fuel mixture components 105 while decreasing their pressure. The diffuser 214 tapers outward from the throat 216, causing the fuel mixture components 105 to expand as they pass through the throat 216 and enter the diffuser 214, decreasing their velocity while increasing their pressure. This change in velocity and pressure, known as the "Venturi effect," increases mixing of the fuel mixture components 105 and forms a homogeneous fuel mixture 166 exiting the diffuser 214.

[0068] 12-13, a fuel delivery system 100'''' is shown in which multiple different mixing modules 104 may be used to form the fuel mixture 166. FIG. 12 shows a series of mixing modules 104. FIG. 13 shows a parallel arrangement of several mixing modules 104 resulting in the input of a single mixing module 104 that produces the fuel mixture 166.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, each of the blending modules 104 may be arranged in a series configuration. By arranging the blending modules 104 in series, additional fuel mixture components 105 may be introduced sequentially with sufficient time to mix into the mixture before being output as a homogenous fuel mixture 166. Figure 12 illustrates the blending modules 104 as a sequence of a helical static mixer 160, a cyclonic mixer 184, an eductor 206, and a mixing chamber 168 arranged in series. In addition, two fuel mixture components F A , F B is introduced into the helical static mixer 160 to form a first fuel mixture 166A, which is mixed with a third fuel F to form a second fuel mixture 166B. C The second fuel mixture 166B is then mixed with a fourth fuel F to form a third fuel mixture 166C. D and the third fuel mixture 166C is mixed with the fifth fuel F to form the homogenous fuel mixture 166. E and then injected into the mixing chamber 168. Based on the detected compatibility indexes, any combination of fuel mixture components 105 and blending module 104 may be adjusted to provide a specific composition of the homogenous fuel mixture 166.

[0070] 13, a block diagram of multiple mixing modules 104 arranged in parallel is shown. Specifically, the mixing modules 104 are individual blocks labeled 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D, and the mixing modules 104A, 104B, and 104C are arranged in parallel to supply the fuel mixture to the mixing module 104D. Each of the mixing modules 104A-104D is one of a helical static mixer 160, a mixing chamber 168, a cyclonic mixer 184, or an eductor 206, and one of the mixing modules 104A-104D is of a different type than another of the mixing modules 104A-104D. Therefore, any combination of the helical static mixer 160, the mixing chamber 168, the cyclonic mixer 184, and the eductor 206 may be used to generate the homogenous fuel mixture 166. Additionally, although four mixing modules 104 are shown in FIG. 13, it will be understood that any number of mixing modules 104 may be arranged in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to generate a homogenous fuel mixture 166.

[0071] In addition to combustibles, nitrogen oxides (NO x Other fluids may be introduced into the mixing module 104 to provide emissions mitigation, such as NO 2 , CO 3 , and CO 2 sequestration / suppression. x The reduction fluid acts as a diluent that does not participate in the combustion reaction, absorbing the heat generated by the combustion reaction and reducing the overall temperature of the combustion gases. x Since the production of NO is primarily driven by the temperature of the combustion gases, reducing this temperature reduces the amount of NO in the exhaust gases. x The total amount of NO is reduced. x Abatement fluids include steam, liquid water, nitrogen, ammonia, and combinations thereof. Particularly when used in an EGR system, they reduce NO in the exhaust gas. xAmmonia added to reduce production may be recycled for use as a fuel mixture component. For CO and CO control, the fuel mixture can be adjusted to be fuel lean (reducing CO formation) to include non-carbonaceous fuel mixture components (which generally reduce carbonaceous emissions), ignition timing can be adjusted to control the combustion of the fuel mixture, or a combination of these techniques may be utilized.

[0072] Additionally, other fluids may be introduced into the mixing module 104 for axial fuel staging (AFS), which enhances combustion due to active combustion dynamics mitigation and control, such as adjusting the fuel / air ratio. AFS introduces combustible fluids into the head end of the combustor through a dedicated fuel circuit, which creates axially staged combustion in two separate zones, improving performance at both baseload and minimum turndown. Other AFS strategies include NO x Active inlet power conditioning methodologies for emission control and control of CO, CO2, dynamically blended fuel mixture components, etc., as well as capturing ammonia as a fuel and providing fuel for a duct burner or other internal combustion engine, as described above, and ammonia NO x It involves combining fuel mixture components to a predetermined compatibility index using suppression technology and EGR systems.

[0073] In addition to emissions control, AFSs may also be used to control combustion dynamics. Specifically, when fuel burns, resonant acoustic pressure pulses can be generated and radiated to components. The pulses can disrupt combustion by reflecting off the combustor walls, causing oscillations in the air / fuel mixture that lead to instabilities in the local equivalence ratio, and amplifying resonant waves in future combustions. Delivering fuel through an AFS reduces fuel introduction instabilities, thereby reducing combustion dynamics and improving engine operation.

[0074] Referring now to FIG. 14 , a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 500 for blending at least two fuel mixture components is shown, in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter. Generally, the method 500 is described herein with reference to the system 300, gas turbine 10, controller 400, and fuel supply system 100 described above. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed method 500 may generally be utilized in any suitable system and / or in connection with a system having any other suitable system configuration. Additionally, while FIG. 14 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and explanation, the methods described herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement unless otherwise specified in the claims. Those skilled in the art will understand, using the disclosure provided herein, that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adjusted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] The method 500 may include, at 502, supplying at least two fuel mixture components to a blending module via a fuel supply system. The fuel supply system may include a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components. Each fuel mixture component of the at least two fuel mixture components may be separately supplied to the blending module via a respective fuel supply circuit. The fuel supply circuit may modify a compatibility index, such as a Wobbe index, of each individual fuel, thereby enabling the resulting fuel mixture to meet a desired or predetermined compatibility index.

[0076] The method 500 may further include mixing via a mixing module of the fuel gas blending system at 504. In various embodiments, the mixing module may be at least one of a helical static mixer, a mixing chamber, a solid particle cyclonic gas separator mixer, or an eductor. Upon mixing at 504, a fuel mixture may be formed.

[0077] In an example implementation, method 500 may include, at 506, determining a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture via one or more sensors. Additionally, method 500 may include, at 508, comparing the measured compatibility index to a predetermined compatibility index. For example, if the measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture is not within a predetermined margin (e.g., a 5-10% margin) of the predetermined compatibility index, one or more parameters of each fuel mixture component may be adjusted to drive the measured compatibility index toward the predetermined compatibility index.

[0078] In particular, the method 500 may include, at 510, adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on a comparison between the measured compatibility index and a predetermined compatibility index. The one or more parameters include at least one of pressure, temperature, amount, and flow rate, e.g., mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate. For example, each of these parameters may be adjusted for each of the at least two fuel mixture components (e.g., via each of the fuel supply circuits 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D described above) based on a comparison between the measured compatibility index and a predetermined compatibility index. In many implementations, adjusting at 510 may include adjusting a temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the fuel supply circuit. In other implementations, adjusting at 510 may include adjusting a quantity, mass flow rate, or volumetric flow rate, respectively, of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components supplied to the blending module by adjusting a control valve disposed in fluid communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0079] In various implementations, the method 500 may further include (e.g., as a final step) supplying the fuel mixture to a combustion system. In an exemplary implementation, the combustion system may be a combustion section of a gas turbine.

[0080] 15 provides a block diagram of an exemplary computing system 600. The computing system 600 can be used to implement aspects disclosed herein. The computing system 600 can include one or more computing devices 602. The controller 400 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-12 can be constructed and can operate in the same or similar manner as the computing system 600, for example.

[0081] 15, the one or more computing devices 602 can each include one or more processors 604 and one or more memory devices 606. The one or more processors 604 can include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a logic device, and / or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory devices 606 can include one or more computer-readable media, including, but not limited to, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, and other memory devices, such as one or more buffer devices.

[0082] The one or more memory devices 606 may store information accessible by the one or more processors 604, including computer-readable or computer-executable instructions 608 that may be executed by the one or more processors 604. The instructions 608 may be any set of instructions or control logic that, when executed by the one or more processors 604, causes the one or more processors 604 to perform operations. The instructions 608 may be software written in any suitable programming language or may be implemented in hardware. In some embodiments, the instructions 608 may be executed by the one or more processors 604 to cause the one or more processors 604 to perform operations.

[0083] The memory device 606 may further store data 610 accessible by the one or more processors 604. For example, the data 610 may include sensor data, such as engine parameters, model data, logic data, etc., as described herein. The data 610 may include one or more tables, functions, algorithms, models, formulas, etc., according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] The one or more computing devices 602 may also include a communication interface 612 used to communicate with other components of the system, such as, for example, sensors, mixing modules, valves, electric heaters, heat exchangers, or other components. The communication interface 612 may include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, and / or other suitable components.

[0085] The technology described herein refers to computer-based systems and operations performed by, and information exchanged with, computer-based systems. It will be recognized that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a wide variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functions among components. For example, the processes described herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memory, instructions, and applications may be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems.

[0086] Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, and in accordance with 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.

[0087] Examples are used herein to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of the invention as claimed herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art.

[0088] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0089] 1. A method for blending at least two fuel mixture components, the method comprising: supplying at least two fuel mixture components to a cyclonic mixer via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via at least one vortex formed in the cyclonic mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining via one or more sensors a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture, the compatibility index being one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured compatibility index with a predetermined compatibility index; adjusting via the fuel supply system one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index; and supplying the fuel mixture to a combustion system.

[0090] 10. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of pressure, temperature, volume, and flow rate.

[0091] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters includes adjusting a temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via an electric heater disposed on and in thermal communication with the fuel supply circuit.

[0092] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters comprises adjusting the amount or flow rate of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components supplied to the cyclonic mixer by adjusting a control valve disposed in fluid communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0093] 10. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising delivering the fuel mixture from the cyclonic mixer to a second eductor before delivering the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0094] 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: supplying the fuel mixture from the cyclonic mixer to a second cyclonic mixer; mixing the fuel mixture with another of the at least two fuel mixture components in the second cyclonic mixer to form a second fuel mixture; and supplying the second fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0095] 10. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising combusting the fuel mixture in the combustion system to form an exhaust gas; and supplying at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system as one of the at least two fuel mixture components.

[0096] 10. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising supplying ammonia to the exhaust gas prior to supplying the at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system.

[0097] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fuel supply circuit includes a main fuel supply line, an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the main fuel supply line and one or more valves disposed in fluid communication on the main fuel supply line downstream of the electric heater, a recirculation line extending from the main fuel supply line, and an atmospheric vent line extending from the main fuel supply line.

[0098] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fuel supply system further includes an outlet line extending from the cyclonic mixer to the combustion system, and wherein a heat exchanger is disposed on and in thermal communication with the outlet line.

[0099] 1. A system for blending at least two fuel mixture components, the system comprising: a combustion system; a cyclonic mixer; a fuel supply system for supplying at least two fuel mixture components to the cyclonic mixer and the combustion system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each of the at least two fuel mixture components; one or more sensors operably connected to the fuel supply system; and a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the cyclonic mixer, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the at least two fuel mixture components to be supplied to the cyclonic mixer via the fuel supply system. and a controller that causes the system to perform one or more operations including: mixing the at least two fuel mixture components via at least one vortex formed in the cyclonic mixer to form a fuel mixture; determining via one or more sensors a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture, wherein the compatibility index is one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture; comparing the measured compatibility index with a predetermined compatibility index; adjusting via the fuel delivery system one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index; and delivering the fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0100] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of pressure, temperature, volume, and flow rate.

[0101] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters includes adjusting a temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components via an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0102] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters includes adjusting the amount or flow rate of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components supplied to the cyclonic mixer by adjusting a control valve disposed in fluid communication on the fuel supply circuit.

[0103] 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a second cyclonic mixer downstream of the cyclonic mixer; and wherein the one or more operations further comprise: supplying the fuel mixture from the cyclonic mixer to the second cyclonic mixer; mixing the fuel mixture with another of the at least two fuel mixture components via the second cyclonic mixer to form a second fuel mixture; and supplying the second fuel mixture to the combustion system.

[0104] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operations further include combusting the fuel mixture in the combustion system to form an exhaust gas; and supplying at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system as one of the at least two fuel mixture components.

[0105] 10. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more actions further include supplying ammonia to the exhaust gas prior to supplying the at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system.

[0106] 10. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a second cyclonic mixer and a third cyclonic mixer, the cyclonic mixer and the second cyclonic mixer being in fluid communication with the third cyclonic mixer.

[0107] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fuel supply circuit includes a main fuel supply line, an electric heater disposed in thermal communication on the main fuel supply line and one or more valves disposed in fluid communication on the main fuel supply line downstream of the electric heater, a recirculation line extending from the main fuel supply line, and an atmospheric vent line extending from the main fuel supply line.

[0108] 10. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel supply system further includes an outlet line extending from the cyclonic mixer to the combustion system, a heat exchanger disposed on and in thermal communication with the outlet line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10. Gas Turbine Engine 12 Entrance Section 14 Compressor Section 16 Combustor Section 18 Turbine Section 20 Exhaust Section 22 shaft 24 rotor disc 27 Stator vane 28 rotor disc 30 rotor blades 32 Hot gas path 34 Combustion Gas 40 exhaust stack 44 rotor blades 48 Static Casing 50 stator vanes 100 Fuel Supply System 100' Fuel Supply System 100'' Fuel Supply System 100'' Fuel Supply System 100'' Fuel Supply System 102 Fuel supply circuit 102A fuel supply circuit 102B Fuel supply circuit 102C Fuel supply circuit 102D Fuel supply circuit 104 Mixed Module 104A Mixed Module 104B Mixed Module 104C Mixed Module 104D Mixed Module 105 Fuel mixture components 105A First Fuel 105B Secondary Fuel 105C Third Fuel 105D Fourth Fuel 105E Fifth Fuel 106A First fuel supply 106B Second fuel supply 106C Third fuel supply 106D 4th fuel supply Exit Line 108 110 First Wobbe Index Sensor 112 Second Wobbe Index Sensor 114 Flow Sensor 116 Heat exchanger 118 Thermal Fluid Supply 119 Entrance Line 120 Thermal fluid return section 121 Exit Line 122 Valve 124 Gas Fuel Module 126 Main fuel supply line 126A Main fuel supply line 126B Main fuel supply line 126C Main fuel supply line 126D Main fuel supply line 128 Electric heater 130 Power supply 132 Recirculation Line 134 Entrance 136 Exit 138 Control Valve 140 Atmospheric Vent Line 142 Control Valve 144 Control Valve 146 Sensors 148 Flow Sensor 150 Third Wobbe Index Sensor 152 Pressure Sensor 154 Safety Shut-Off Valve (SSOV) 156 First Master Control Valve (MCV) 158 Second MCV 160 Helical Static Mixer 160A First Helical Static Mixer 160B Second Helical Static Mixer 160C Third Helical Static Mixer 162 Housing 163 Chamber 164 Helical structure, helical vane 164A First Helical Vane 164B Adjacent helical vanes 166 Homogeneous fuel mixture 166A First fuel mixture 166B Second fuel mixture 166C Third fuel mixture 168 Mixing Chamber 168A First Mixing Chamber 168B Second mixing chamber 168C Third Mixing Chamber 170 Housing 170A First Housing 172 Chamber 172A First Chamber 174 Entrance 174A First Entrance 174B Second Entrance 174C Third Entrance 176 Exit 176A Exit 1 176B 2nd Exit 178 Effusion Plate 178A First Effusion Plate 180 Baffle 180A First Baffle 182 Opening 182A First opening 184 Cyclone Mixer 184A First Cyclone Mixer 184B Secondary Cyclone Mixer 184C Third Cyclone Mixer 186 Housing 188 Chamber 190 Solid particles 192 Entrance 194 Barrel part 196 Gas outlet 198 Cone part 200 particle outlet 202 Outer vortex 204 Inner Vortex 206 Eductor 206A First Eductor 206B Second Eductor 206C Third Eductor 208 Power inlet 210 Intake inlet 212 Converging Nozzle 214 Diffuser 216 Throat 300 System 302 Combustion System 400 Controller 500 ways 600 Computing Systems 602 Computing Devices 604 processor 606 Memory Devices 608 command 610 Data 612 Communication Interface F A First fuel, fuel mixture component FB Second fuel, fuel mixture component F C Third fuel, fuel mixture component F D Fourth fuel, fuel mixture component F E Fifth Fuel

Claims

1. A method (500) of blending at least two fuel mixture components (105), said method (500) comprising: supplying (502) the at least two fuel mixture components (105) to at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) via a fuel supply system (100), the fuel supply system (100) including a fuel supply circuit (102, 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D) for each fuel mixture component (105) of the at least two fuel mixture components (105); mixing (504) the at least two fuel mixture components (105) via at least one vortex (202, 204) formed in the at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) to form a fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C); and determining (506) a measured compatibility index of the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) via one or more sensors (110, 112, 114), wherein the compatibility index is one of a measured Wobbe index of the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) or a measured modified Wobbe index of the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C); comparing (508) the measured compatibility index with a predetermined compatibility index; adjusting (510) one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components (105) via the fuel supply system (100) based on the comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index; supplying (512) the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) to a combustion system (302); The method (500) includes:

2. The method (500) of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of pressure, temperature, volume, and flow rate.

3. adjusting (510) the one or more parameters adjusting the temperature of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components (105) via an electric heater (128) disposed in thermal communication on the respective fuel supply circuit (102, 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D) of the fuel supply system (100); and adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components (105) supplied to the at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) by adjusting a control valve (138, 142, 144) disposed in fluid communication on the respective fuel supply circuit (102, 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D); The method (500) of claim 2, comprising at least one of:

4. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: supplying a first fuel mixture from a first cyclonic mixer of the at least one cyclonic mixer to a second cyclonic mixer of the at least one cyclonic mixer; and supplying the fuel mixture from the second cyclonic mixer to the combustion system.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: mixing at least two of the at least two fuel mixture components in the first cyclonic mixer to form the first fuel mixture; mixing the first fuel mixture from the first cyclonic mixer with another of the at least two fuel mixture components in a second cyclonic mixer to form a second fuel mixture; and supplying the second fuel mixture to the combustion system as the fuel mixture.

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components based on the comparison between the measured compatibility index and the predetermined compatibility index comprises adjusting the one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuel mixture components, such as to drive the measured compatibility index toward the predetermined compatibility index.

7. 7. The method (500) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising combusting the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) in the combustion system (302) to form an exhaust gas, and supplying at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system (100) as one of the at least two fuel mixture components (105).

8. 8. The method (500) of claim 7, further comprising supplying ammonia to the exhaust gas prior to supplying the at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel supply system (100).

9. A system (300) for blending at least two fuel mixture components (105), said system (300) comprising: at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C); a fuel supply system (100) including a fuel supply circuit (102, 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D) for each of the at least two fuel mixture components (105), the fuel supply system (100) being configured to supply the at least two fuel mixture components (105) to the at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C); the at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) is configured to mix (504) the at least two fuel mixture components (105) via at least one vortex (202, 204) formed in the at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) to form a fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C); a fuel supply system (100); one or more sensors (110, 112, 114) operably connected to the fuel delivery system (100); a controller operably connected to the fuel supply system, the at least one cyclonic mixer, and the one or more sensors, the controller including a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform one or more operations, including the method of any one of claims 1 to 8; Equipped with In particular, the fuel supply system (100) is configured to supply the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) to a combustion system (302). System (300).

10. and a second cyclonic mixer (184B) of the at least one cyclonic mixer (184, 184A, 184B, 184C) downstream of the first cyclonic mixer (184A), wherein the second cyclonic mixer (184B) is configured to mix the first fuel mixture (166A) from the first cyclonic mixer (184A).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fuel supply system is further configured to, among other things, supply the second fuel mixture to the combustion system as the fuel mixture.

11. 10. The system of claim 9, comprising: a first cyclonic mixer of the at least one cyclonic mixer; a second cyclonic mixer of the at least one cyclonic mixer; and a third cyclonic mixer of the at least one cyclonic mixer, wherein the first cyclonic mixer and the second cyclonic mixer are in fluid communication with the third cyclonic mixer.

12. At least one of the fuel supply circuits (102, 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D) includes a main fuel supply line (126, 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D), an electric heater (128) disposed on the main fuel supply line (126, 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D) in thermal communication with the main fuel supply line (126, 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D), and a heater (128) disposed on the main fuel supply line (126, 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D) downstream of the electric heater (128).

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: one or more valves disposed in flow communication on the main fuel supply line; a recirculation line extending from the main fuel supply line; and an atmospheric vent line extending from the main fuel supply line.

13. 10. The system (300) of claim 9, wherein the fuel supply system (100) further includes an outlet line (108) extending from at least one of the at least one cyclonic mixers (184, 184A, 184B, 184C), and a heat exchanger (116) is disposed on and in thermal communication with the outlet line (108), and in particular, the outlet line (108) extends to the combustion system (302).

14. 14. A gas turbine engine (10) comprising: a combustion system (302); and a system (300) for blending at least two fuel mixture components (105) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the fuel supply system (100) of the system (300) for blending at least two fuel mixture components (105) is configured to supply the fuel mixture (166, 166A, 166B, 166C) to the combustion system (302).

15. 15. The gas turbine engine (10) of claim 14, wherein the gas turbine engine (10) is configured to supply exhaust gas to the fuel supply system (100) as one of the at least two fuel mixture components (105).

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