Liquid fuel systems for turbomachinery

Abstract

A liquid fuel supply system and method is provided that increases the operational flexibility of a gas turbine. The liquid fuel system includes a mixing unit and a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems. Each liquid fuel supply system is fluidly connected to the mixing unit. The liquid fuel system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the mixing unit and the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems. The controller includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the liquid fuel system to perform operations including supplying two or more liquid fuels from the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems to the mixing unit. The operations further include mixing the two or more liquid fuels in the mixing unit to create a liquid fuel mixture. The operations further include supplying the liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of a turbomachine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for supplying fuel to gas turbine systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for mixing and supplying a liquid fuel mixture to a gas turbine system. [Background technology]

[0002] Turbomachines are used 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 (e.g., natural gas) are mixed in the combustion section and combusted in a combustion chamber to generate high-pressure, 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 rotates a rotor shaft connected to, for example, an electrical generator. The combustion gases then exit the gas turbine through the exhaust section.

[0003] Some conventional gas turbine engines are equipped with dual fuel supply systems (e.g., a liquid fuel supply system and a gas fuel supply system). The liquid fuel supply system may include multiple different liquid fuel supplies coupled to a fuel selection unit. The fuel selection unit may be a three-way valve configured to output one of multiple different liquid fuels to the combustion section for combustion. However, conventional liquid fuel selection systems lack fuel flexibility because they can only supply one type of liquid fuel to the combustion section at a time.

[0004] Therefore, improved systems and methods for supplying one or more liquid fuels to a gas turbine would be beneficial. In particular, improved systems and methods for supplying one or more liquid fuels to a gas turbine that increase the operational flexibility of the gas turbine would be desirable and appreciated in the art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-177568 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the liquid fuel systems and methods according to the present disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description, and in some cases will be obvious from the following detailed description, or may be learned by practice of the present teachings.

[0007] In one embodiment, a liquid fuel system for a turbomachine is provided. The liquid fuel system includes a mixing unit and a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems. Each liquid fuel supply system is fluidly coupled to the mixing unit. The liquid fuel system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the mixing unit and the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems. The controller includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the liquid fuel system to perform operations including supplying two or more liquid fuels from the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems to the mixing unit. The operations further include mixing the two or more liquid fuels in the mixing unit to create a liquid fuel mixture. The operations further include supplying the liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of the turbomachine.

[0008] In another embodiment, a liquid fuel system for a turbomachine is provided. The liquid fuel system includes a mixing unit. The liquid fuel system further includes a fuel selection unit disposed upstream of the mixing unit and a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems. Each liquid fuel supply system is fluidly coupled to the fuel selection unit. The liquid fuel system further includes an aqueous ammonia supply system fluidly coupled to the mixing unit. The liquid fuel system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the fuel selection unit, the mixing unit, and the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems. The controller includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory has stored therein instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the liquid fuel system to perform operations including supplying two or more liquid fuels from the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems to the fuel selection unit. The operations further include selecting, at the fuel selection unit, one liquid fuel from the two or more liquid fuels and supplying the selected liquid fuel to the mixing unit. The operations further include supplying aqueous ammonia from the aqueous ammonia supply system to the mixing unit. The operations further include mixing, at the mixing unit, the selected liquid fuel and the aqueous ammonia to form a liquid fuel mixture. The operations further include supplying the liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of the turbomachine.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for supplying a liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of a turbomachine is provided. The method includes supplying two or more liquid fuels from a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems to a mixing unit. The method further includes mixing the two or more liquid fuels in the mixing unit to form a liquid fuel mixture. The method further includes supplying the liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section of the turbomachine.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present liquid fuel system and method will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the disclosed technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] The present system and method, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is disclosed herein sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method, including the best mode for making and using the system and method. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a turbomachine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a liquid fuel system for a turbomachine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a liquid fuel system for a turbomachine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3 is a flow chart of a method for supplying a liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of a turbomachine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Various embodiments of the liquid fuel system and method are described in detail below, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is intended to be illustrative, not limiting, of the technology. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the technology without departing from the scope and spirit of the technology as defined by the appended claims. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Accordingly, the present disclosure covers modifications and variations provided within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0013] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, all embodiments described herein are construed as illustrative.

[0014] The detailed description of the invention uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features depicted in the drawings. In the drawings and the detailed description of the invention, like or similar designations indicate like or similar components of the invention. In this specification, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and do not denote the location or importance of the individual components.

[0015] The term "fluid" can refer to either a gas or a liquid. The term "fluid communication" means that a fluid can make a connection between given areas.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "upstream" (or "forward") and "downstream" (or "rearward") refer to relative directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows.

[0017] The term "radial" refers to a relative direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axial centerline of a part, the term "axial" refers to a relative direction that is substantially parallel to and / or coaxial with the axial centerline of a part, and the term "circumferential" refers to a relative direction about the axial centerline of a part.

[0018] Approximate terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact numerical values ​​stated. In at least some cases, the approximation corresponds to the precision of an instrument that measures the value or the precision of a method or machine for constructing or manufacturing the part and / or system. In at least some cases, the approximation corresponds to the precision of an instrument that measures the value or the precision of a method or machine for constructing or manufacturing the part and / or system. For example, approximation can refer to an error within 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of a particular numerical value, a numerical range, and / or any of the upper and lower limits defining the numerical range. When used in reference to an angle or direction, such terms encompass within ±5 degrees of the stated angle or direction. For example, "approximately vertical" encompasses a direction within 5 degrees in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) from vertical.

[0019] Terms such as "coupled," "secured," or "attached" refer to direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment via one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise stated herein. As used herein, the terms "comprising," "comprising," and "having" are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes recited features is not necessarily limited to those features and may include other features not expressly recited or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "and / or" refers to an inclusive or, not an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is true if A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), if A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), or if both A and B are true (or present).

[0020] In this specification and claims, ranges of numerical limitations are combinable and / or interchangeable with each other, and such ranges are defined by their limits and include all subranges subsumed within them unless otherwise stated or apparent from the context. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of their limits, and the limits are independently combinable with each other unless otherwise stated.

[0021] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a turbomachine, which in the illustrated embodiment is a gas turbine 10. While industrial or land-based gas turbines are described and illustrated herein, the present disclosure is not limited to industrial and / or land-based gas turbines unless otherwise recited in the claims. For example, the systems described herein may be used with any type of turbomachine, including, but not limited to, a steam turbine, an aircraft gas turbine, or a marine gas turbine.

[0022] As shown in the figure, the gas turbine 10 generally includes an intake section 12, a compressor section 14 disposed downstream from the intake section 12, multiple combustors (not shown) in a combustion section 16 disposed downstream from the compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 disposed downstream from the combustion section 16, and an exhaust section 20 disposed downstream from the turbine section 18. Additionally, the gas turbine 10 includes one or more shafts 22 coupled between the compressor section 14 and the turbine section 18.

[0023] Compressor section 14 generally includes a plurality of rotor disks 24 (one shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 26 extending radially outward from and connected to each rotor disk 24. Each rotor disk 24 is coupled to or forms part of a shaft 22 that extends through compressor section 14.

[0024] Turbine section 18 generally includes a plurality of rotor disks 28 (one shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 30 extending radially outward from and connected to each rotor disk 28. Each rotor disk 28 is coupled to or forms part of a shaft 22 that extends through turbine section 18. Turbine section 18 further includes an outer casing 31 that circumferentially surrounds shaft 22 and portions of rotor blades 30 and at least partially defines a hot gas path 32 through turbine section 18.

[0025] During operation, a working fluid, such as air, enters the intake section 12 and the compressor section 14, where it is progressively compressed to provide compressed air to the combustors in the combustion section 16. The compressed air is mixed with fuel and combusted in each combustor to generate combustion gases 34. The combustion gases 34 flow from the combustion section 16 through the hot gas path 32 and into the turbine section 18, where energy (kinetic and / or thermal) is transferred from the combustion gases 34 to the rotor blades 30, causing the shaft 22 to rotate. The mechanical rotational energy may then be used to drive the compressor section 14 and / or to generate electricity. The combustion gases 34 exiting the turbine section 18 may then exit the gas turbine 10 via the exhaust section 20.

[0026] 2 and 3 , a liquid fuel system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated for a turbomachine (e.g., the gas turbine 10 described with reference to FIG. 1 ). As shown, the liquid fuel system 100 may include a mixing unit or device 102, multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104 each in fluid communication with the mixing unit 102, and a controller 106. For example, each of the liquid fuel supply systems 104 may include an inlet line, a liquid fuel tank (e.g., a storage tank, a container, or other liquid fuel source), a liquid fuel forwarding skid (LFFS), and a fuel heat exchanger (FHE). In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid fuel system 100 may be configured to supply one or more liquid fuels (e.g., two or more in some embodiments) from the multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104 to the mixing unit 102 (e.g., via inlet lines 117, 119). In some embodiments, the liquid fuel system 100 may be further configured to mix (and / or emulsify) two or more liquid fuels in the mixing unit 102 to produce a liquid fuel mixture. Additionally, in various embodiments, the liquid fuel system 100 may be configured to supply the liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section 16 (e.g., via ancillary system 136).

[0027] 2 and 3, the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems 104 in the liquid fuel system 100 may include a first liquid fuel supply system 108 and a second liquid fuel supply system 110. The first liquid fuel supply system 108 may include a first liquid fuel tank 120 that supplies a first liquid fuel 109, a first liquid fuel supply skid 122 disposed in fluid communication with the first liquid fuel tank 120 along a first inlet line 117, and a first fuel heat exchanger 123 disposed in thermal communication with the first inlet line 117. The first inlet line 117 fluidly connects the first liquid fuel tank 120 to the mixing unit 102 (FIG. 2) or the liquid fuel selection unit 150 (FIG. 3). As shown, a first liquid fuel tank 120 supplies a stream of first liquid fuel 109 to a first inlet line 117, which then enters a first liquid fuel supply skid 122, where the fuel 109 may be purified, heated, filtered, and / or pressurized. The stream of first liquid fuel 109 may then flow to a first fuel heat exchanger 123, where it may be heated before entering the mixing unit 102. In this configuration, the first liquid fuel supply skid 122 may be located upstream of the first fuel heat exchanger 123, relative to the flow of fuel through the first inlet line 117.

[0028] Similarly, the second liquid fuel supply system 110 may include a second inlet line 119, a second liquid fuel tank 124 fluidly coupled to the second inlet line 119, a second liquid fuel supply skid 126 disposed in fluid communication with the second inlet line 119, and a second fuel heat exchanger 125 disposed in thermal communication with the second inlet line 119. As shown, the second liquid fuel tank 124 may supply a stream of second liquid fuel 111 to the second inlet line 119, which then enters the second liquid fuel supply skid 126, where the fuel 111 may be purified, heated, filtered, and / or pressurized. The second liquid fuel 111 stream may then pass through the second fuel heat exchanger 125, where it may be heated before entering the mixing unit 102. In this configuration, the second fuel supply skid 126 may be positioned upstream of the second fuel heat exchanger 125 relative to the flow of fuel through the second inlet line 119 .

[0029] In various embodiments, the first and second liquid fuel supply skids 122, 126 may each include one or more manifolds, pumps, fluid conduits, valves, control valves, purification filters, and other components. For example, the first and second liquid fuel supply skids 122, 126 may each include one or more pumps 101 and one or more valves 103. Each of the one or more pumps 101 may be configured to selectively switch between an active mode (in which the pump 101 delivers fluid) and an inactive mode (in which the pump 101 does not deliver fluid). The one or more valves 103 may be operable between an open position (in which fluid is permitted to pass through the valve) and a closed position (in which fluid is blocked or prevented from passing through the valve). A controller 106 is in operative communication with the first and second liquid fuel supply skids 122, 126, and may operate the one or more pumps 101 and open or close the one or more valves 103 (e.g., by sending control signals to the components). In this manner, the controller 106 can selectively supply a first liquid fuel 109 from the first liquid fuel supply system 108 to the mixing unit 102 and / or selectively supply a second liquid fuel 111 from the second liquid fuel supply system 110 to the mixing unit 102.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, each liquid fuel supply system 108, 110 of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems 104 may supply a different liquid fuel to the mixing unit 102. In such an embodiment, the two or more liquid fuels include a first liquid fuel 109 from a first liquid fuel supply system 108 of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems 104 and a second liquid fuel 111 from a second liquid fuel supply system 110 of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems 104. The first liquid fuel 109 and the second liquid fuel 111 may be different liquid fuels. For example, the first liquid fuel 109 may be any of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), or aqueous ammonia. The second liquid fuel 111 may be another (different) of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), or aqueous ammonia. Aqueous ammonia (also referred to as aqueous ammonia, ammonia solution, aqueous ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or ammonia liquid) is an aqueous ammonia solution. This can be represented by the symbol NH3(aq).

[0031] Blending multiple different fuels advantageously increases the fuel versatility of the combustion section 16, thereby increasing the operational flexibility of the turbomachine. Blending multiple different fuels also allows for the combustion of a combination of environmentally friendly and efficient fuels.

[0032] Although Figures 2 and 3 show liquid fuel system 100 having two liquid fuel supply systems in fluid communication with mixing unit 102, liquid fuel system 100 may include any number of liquid fuel supply systems, and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular number of fuel supply systems unless otherwise specified in the claims.

[0033] 2 and 3 , the liquid fuel system 100 may further include an accessory system 136. The accessory system 136 may include a flow divider 138 that divides the fuel flow into multiple streams, each of which is supplied to a respective combustion can 17 in the combustion section 16. For example, the flow divider 138 may include an input line 140 fluidly coupled to the mixing unit 102 and multiple outlet lines 142 fluidly coupled to the respective combustion cans 17 of the multiple combustion cans 17 in the combustion section 16 to supply fuel (e.g., a fuel mixture) to the combustion cans 17. In some embodiments, the accessory system 136 may include a recirculation line 143 and a pump 144. The recirculation line 143 may extend from an inlet disposed in the input line 140 downstream of the pump 144 to an outlet disposed in the input line 140 upstream of the pump 144. Additionally, the accessory system may include one or more valves 145 (e.g., a first valve disposed in the input line 140 upstream of the pump 144 and a second valve disposed in the recirculation line 143). In many embodiments, the accessory system 136 may further include a filter 141 disposed on the input line 140 to filter contaminants from the fuel mixture.

[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the mixing unit 102 may be located upstream of the ancillary system 136 so that the liquid fuel mixture is supplied to the ancillary system 136. In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the mixing unit 102 may be located just upstream of the valve 145 (and downstream of the fuel selection unit 150) so that two or more liquid fuels are mixed (or emulsified) just before entering the pump 144.

[0035] 2 , the liquid fuel system 100 may further include a water supply system 130 in selective fluid communication with the mixing unit 102 and (in some embodiments) in fluid communication with a water manifold 134. For example, the water supply system 130 may be disposed on a water supply line 132 that extends in fluid communication between the water supply system 130, the mixing unit 102, and (in some embodiments) a water manifold 134 that is disposed within or adjacent to the combustion section 16. In some embodiments, a three-way valve 135 may be disposed on the water supply line 132 in operable communication with the controller 106, such that the controller 106 can operate the three-way valve 135 to control when the mixing unit 102 receives water (and / or to control the amount of water the mixing unit 102 receives).

[0036] In many embodiments, the water supply system 130 may include a water tank 146 and a water skid 148. The water tank 146 may be a container, vessel, or other source of water. The water skid 148 includes one or more pumps 101 and one or more valves 103. Each of the one or more pumps 101 may be configured to selectively switch between an active mode (in which the pump 101 is delivering fluid) and an inactive mode (in which the pump 101 is not delivering fluid). The one or more valves 103 may be operable between an open position (in which fluid can pass through the valve) and a closed position (in which fluid is blocked or otherwise prevented from passing through). The controller 106 is in operative communication with the water skid 148 (and / or the water supply system 130 as a whole) so that the controller 106 can selectively supply water from the water tank 146 to the mixing unit 102 by operating the one or more valves 103 and / or operating the one or more pumps 101.

[0037] As shown, the water manifold 134 may provide a flow of water to each of the multiple combustion cans 17 in the combustion section 16. In many embodiments, the water supply system 130 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 106. For example, the controller 106 may selectively provide water from the water supply system to the mixing unit 102 and / or the water manifold 134 (e.g., by controlling the position of one or more valves 103 and / or three-way valve 135 and / or the operation of one or more pumps 101). In many embodiments, the controller 106 may perform one or more operations to cause the liquid fuel system 100 to provide water from the water supply system 130 to the mixing unit 102 (e.g., by providing water from a water tank 146) while providing two or more liquid fuels 109, 111 to the mixing unit 102 from the multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104.

[0038] 3 , in some embodiments, the liquid fuel system 100 may include a liquid fuel selection unit 150 fluidly coupled to the first liquid fuel supply system 108 and the second liquid fuel supply system 110. The liquid fuel selection unit 150 may be a three-way valve, manifold, or other fluid selection means that receives multiple liquid fuels as inputs from the multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104 and selects one liquid fuel as an output to be supplied to the accessory system 136. For example, the liquid fuel selection unit 150 may be operably coupled to the controller 106, which may select a liquid fuel as an output to be supplied to the accessory system 136 and / or the combustion section 16. In such an embodiment, the mixing unit 102 may be located downstream of the liquid fuel selection unit 150 (e.g., fluidly coupled immediately downstream of the liquid fuel selection unit 150), as shown.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3 , liquid fuel system 100 may further include an aqueous ammonia supply system 152 in selective fluid communication with mixing unit 102. In some embodiments, aqueous ammonia supply system 152 can be considered another liquid fuel supply system 104 of multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104. For example, aqueous ammonia supply system 152 may be disposed on an aqueous ammonia supply line 151 that extends in fluid communication between aqueous ammonia tank 154 and mixing unit 102. In many embodiments, aqueous ammonia supply system 152 may include aqueous ammonia tank 154 and an ammonia skid 156. Aqueous ammonia tank 154 may be a container, vessel, or other source of aqueous ammonia. Aqueous ammonia skid 156 may include one or more pumps 101 and one or more valves 103. Each of one or more pumps 101 may be configured to selectively switch between an operating mode (in which pump 101 delivers fluid) and an inactive mode (in which pump 101 does not deliver fluid). One or more valves 103 may be actuated between an open position (allowing fluid to pass through the valve) and a closed position (blocking or otherwise preventing fluid from passing through).

[0040] Controller 106 is in operative communication with aqueous ammonia skid 156 (and / or aqueous ammonia supply system 152 overall), and controller 106 may selectively supply aqueous ammonia from aqueous ammonia tank 154 to mixing unit 102 by operating one or more valves 103 and / or operating one or more pumps 101. In exemplary embodiments, controller 106 may be configured to cause liquid fuel system 100 to perform various operations, including selecting a liquid fuel with liquid fuel selection unit 150 disposed upstream of mixing unit 102. In many embodiments, the operations may further include supplying the liquid fuel selected with liquid fuel selection unit 150 to mixing unit 102. In various embodiments, the operations may further include supplying aqueous ammonia from aqueous ammonia supply system 152 to mixing unit 102. The operations may further include mixing the selected liquid fuel with the aqueous ammonia in mixing unit 102 to produce a liquid fuel mixture. In some embodiments, the operation may further include supplying the liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section 16 (e.g., to a plurality of combustion cans 17 in the combustion section 16) via the accessory system 136, as described above.

[0041] 2 and 3, controller 106 is illustrated as a block diagram illustrating suitable components that may be included in controller 106. As shown, controller 106 may include one or more processors 114 and associated memory devices 116 configured to perform various computer-implemented functions (e.g., perform the methods, steps, calculations, etc. disclosed herein and store associated data). Additionally, controller 106 may include a communications module 118 that facilitates communication between controller 106 and various components of system 100. For example, communications module 118 may be in communication with multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104, water supply system 130, accessory systems 136, and / or aqueous ammonia supply system 152.

[0042] As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in computers, but also to controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the one or more memory devices 116 may generally include one or more memory elements, such as, but not limited to, computer-readable media (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer-readable non-volatile media (e.g., flash memory), floppy disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks (MODs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), and / or other suitable memory elements. Such memory devices 116 may generally be configured to store appropriate computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 114, cause the controller 106 to perform various functions and / or operations.

[0043] The liquid fuel system 100 described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 preferably increases fuel flexibility by allowing the combustion section 16 to operate with two or more fuels (e.g., a fuel mixture) (as opposed to a single fuel) via the mixing unit 102. Additionally, the liquid fuel system 100 allows for robust control of fuel properties (e.g., viscosity, vanadium content, density, modified Wobbe index, etc.) via control of the fuel mixture ratio and / or heating. Additionally, the liquid fuel system 100 preferably allows for emulsification of water with the fuel (e.g., via the mixing unit 102) prior to injection into the combustion section 16. Additionally, the liquid fuel system 100 allows for the use of aqueous ammonia as a fuel for the combustion section 16 by mixing / emulsifying the aqueous ammonia with other fuels (e.g., via the mixing unit 102) to enhance combustion stability and reduce NOx in the combustion section 16.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4 , a flow diagram of a method 400 for supplying a liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section 16 in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technique is shown. Generally, the method 400 will be described with reference to the gas turbine 10 and liquid fuel system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1-3 . However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosed method 400 may be utilized with any suitable turbomachine generally and / or in connection with a liquid fuel system having any other suitable system configuration. Furthermore, while FIG. 4 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 recited in the claims. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, using the disclosure provided herein, that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or variously adapted without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0045] 4 , the method 400 may include step 402 (which may be a first step in some embodiments) of supplying two or more liquid fuels to the mixing unit 102 from a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems 104. For example, the supplying in step 402 may further include step 404 of supplying a first liquid fuel to the mixing unit 102 from a first liquid fuel supply system 108 and step 406 of supplying a second liquid fuel to the mixing unit 102 from a second liquid fuel supply system 110. The first and second liquid fuels may be different from each other, and the mixing unit 102 may receive two or more different fuels as inputs. In some embodiments, one of the first and second liquid fuels is aqueous ammonia (e.g., from aqueous ammonia tank 154).

[0046] In some embodiments, method 400 may further include the optional step 407 of supplying water from water supply system 130 to mixing unit 102 while supplying two or more liquid fuels to mixing unit 102 from multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104. For example, water from water supply system 130 may be selectively supplied to mixing unit 102 and / or water manifold 134 by, for example, actuation of three-way valve 135, actuation of one or more valves 103 on water skid 148, or actuation of one or more pumps 101 on water skid 148.

[0047] In many embodiments, the method 400 may further include mixing 408 two or more liquid fuels to form a liquid fuel mixture in the mixing unit 102. For example, the mixing unit may receive two or more liquid fuels from multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104, mix the two or more liquid fuels (e.g., emulsify, stir, or otherwise provide a homogeneous mixture), and output the fuel mixture to the combustion section 16.

[0048] When the mixing unit 102 is supplied with water in addition to two or more liquid fuels from the multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104, the mixing unit 102 can produce an emulsified mixture of water and fuel (e.g., a mixture including two or more fuels and water). When water is not supplied to the mixing unit (e.g., when the three-way valve 135 is closed or water is only supplied to the water manifold 134), the mixing unit 102 can receive two or more liquid fuels from the multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104 and supply a liquid fuel mixture (without water) to the combustion section 16. In this way, the combustion section 16 can selectively supply either a liquid fuel mixture or an emulsified liquid fuel mixture including water (e.g., by operating the three-way valve 135).

[0049] Notably, in various embodiments, the method 400 may further include a step 410 of supplying the liquid fuel mixture (or emulsion) to the combustion section 16. For example, the liquid fuel mixture from the mixing unit 102 may be supplied to a flow divider 138 of the accessory system 136, where the liquid fuel mixture is split into multiple separate streams that are each supplied to a respective combustion can 17 of the multiple combustion cans 17 of the combustion section 16. In such embodiments, the method may include an optional step 412 of supplying the liquid fuel mixture to the multiple combustion cans 17 of the combustion section 16 using the flow divider 138 of the accessory system 136. For example, the flow divider 138 may include an input line 140 fluidly coupled to the mixing unit 102 and multiple outlet lines 142 fluidly coupled to the combustion cans 17 of the multiple combustion cans 17 of the combustion section 16, for supplying the fuel mixture (or emulsion) to the combustion cans 17.

[0050] In many embodiments, the method 400 may include heating one or more of the one or more fuels in a fuel heat exchanger. For example, the fuel heat exchanger may heat one or more of the one or more fuels before entering the mixing unit 102. In particular, the first fuel supply system 108 may include the first fuel heat exchanger 123, and the second fuel supply system 110 may include the second fuel heat exchanger 125. Both the first fuel heat exchanger 123 and the second fuel heat exchanger 125 may be located upstream of the mixing unit 102, advantageously increasing the operational flexibility of the combustion section 16 because each of the one or more fuels may be heated separately before entering the mixing unit 102.

[0051] In many embodiments, the method 400 may further include selecting a liquid fuel with a liquid fuel selection unit 150 disposed upstream of the mixing unit 102. The liquid fuel selection unit 150 may also be in fluid communication with multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104. For example, the liquid fuel selection unit 150 may receive multiple liquid fuels from multiple liquid fuel supply systems 104 and provide one liquid fuel as an output. In such embodiments, the mixing unit 102 may be disposed in fluid communication with the auxiliary system 136, and the method 400 may further include supplying the liquid fuel from the liquid fuel selection unit 150 to the mixing unit 102. The method 400 may further include supplying aqueous ammonia from an aqueous ammonia supply system 152 to the mixing unit 102. The aqueous ammonia may be selectively supplied to the mixing unit based at least in part on the emissions, power, or other operating requirements of the combustion section 16. In many embodiments, the method 400 may further include mixing the liquid fuel and aqueous ammonia in a mixing unit to form a liquid fuel mixture and providing the liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section 16.

[0052] 4 preferably allows for operation of the combustion section 16 with more than one fuel (or fuel mixture) (as opposed to a single fuel) via the mixing unit 102, thereby increasing fuel flexibility. Furthermore, the liquid fuel system 100 allows for robust control of fuel properties (e.g., viscosity, vanadium content, density, etc.) via control of the fuel mixture ratio and / or heating. Furthermore, the method 400 preferably allows for emulsification of the liquid fuel with water (and / or aqueous ammonia) (e.g., via the mixing unit 102) prior to injection into the combustion section 16. Furthermore, the liquid fuel system 100 allows for the use of aqueous ammonia as a fuel in the combustion section 16 by mixing / emulsifying the aqueous ammonia with other fuels (e.g., via the mixing unit 102) to enhance flame stability and reduce NOx in the combustion section 16.

[0053] This specification has used examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the devices or systems and practicing the methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have elements that are not literal in any way different from the claims, or elements that are substantially equivalent to the claims.

[0054] Additional aspects of the present invention are presented in the following embodiments section. [Embodiment Item 1] 1. A liquid fuel system for a turbomachine, the liquid fuel system comprising: a mixing unit; a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, each liquid fuel supply system fluidly connected to the mixing unit; and a controller communicatively coupled to the mixing unit and the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, the controller comprising a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the liquid fuel system to perform operations including supplying two or more liquid fuels from the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems to the mixing unit, mixing the two or more liquid fuels in the mixing unit to form a liquid fuel mixture, and supplying the liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of the turbomachine. [Embodiment 2] The liquid fuel system of embodiment 1, further comprising a water supply system in selective fluid communication with the mixing unit. [Embodiment 3] A liquid fuel system as described in embodiment 2, wherein a water supply system is communicatively coupled to the controller, and operation further includes supplying water to the mixing unit from the water supply system while supplying two or more liquid fuels to the mixing unit from the multiple liquid fuel supply systems. [Embodiment 4] The liquid fuel system of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each liquid fuel supply system of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems comprises a liquid fuel tank and a liquid fuel supply skid. [Embodiment 5] The liquid fuel system of any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein at least one liquid fuel supply system of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems includes a fuel heat exchanger upstream of the mixing unit. [Embodiment 6] The liquid fuel system of any one of embodiments 1 through 5, further comprising an accessory system having a flow divider, the flow divider including an input line fluidly connected to the mixing unit and a plurality of outlet lines fluidly connected to respective combustion cans of the plurality of combustion cans in the combustion section. [Embodiment 7] The liquid fuel system of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising a water supply system and a water manifold, the water supply system being selectively in fluid communication with the mixing unit and in fluid communication with the water manifold, and the water manifold being in fluid communication with each of the plurality of combustion cans. [Embodiment 8] The liquid fuel system of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the two or more liquid fuels include a first liquid fuel from a first liquid fuel supply system of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems and a second liquid fuel from a second liquid fuel supply system of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, and the second liquid fuel is different from the first liquid fuel. [Embodiment Item 9] The liquid fuel system of any one of embodiments 1 through 8, wherein the first liquid fuel comprises one of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia, and the second liquid fuel comprises another of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia. [Embodiment Item 10] a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, each liquid fuel supply system fluidly coupled to the fuel selection unit; an aqueous ammonia supply system fluidly coupled to the mixing unit; and a controller communicatively coupled to the fuel selection unit, the mixing unit, and the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, the controller comprising a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the liquid fuel system to perform operations including: supplying two or more liquid fuels from the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems to the fuel selection unit; selecting one liquid fuel from the two or more liquid fuels at the fuel selection unit; supplying the selected liquid fuel to the mixing unit; supplying aqueous ammonia from the aqueous ammonia supply system to the mixing unit; mixing the selected liquid fuel and the aqueous ammonia at the mixing unit to form a liquid fuel mixture; and supplying the liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of the turbomachine. [Embodiment Item 11] 1. A method of supplying a liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section of a turbomachine, the method comprising: supplying two or more liquid fuels from a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems to a mixing unit; mixing the two or more liquid fuels in the mixing unit to form a liquid fuel mixture; and supplying the liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section. [Embodiment Item 12] The method of embodiment 11, further comprising supplying water to the mixing unit from a water supply system while supplying two or more liquid fuels to the mixing unit from a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems. [Embodiment Item 13] The method of embodiment 11 or embodiment 12, further comprising, for each liquid fuel supply system of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, directing a respective liquid fuel from the liquid fuel tank to a liquid fuel supply skid. [Embodiment Item 14] The method of any one of embodiments 11 through 13, wherein one or more liquid fuel supply systems of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems comprises a fuel heat exchanger. [Embodiment Item 15] The method of embodiment 14, further comprising heating the one or more liquid fuels in a fuel heat exchanger. [Embodiment 16] The method of any one of embodiments 11 through 15, further comprising: supplying the liquid fuel mixture to a plurality of combustion cans in the combustion section with a flow divider in an auxiliary system. [Embodiment Item 17] The method of any one of embodiments 11 through 16, further comprising selectively supplying water to the mixing unit from a water supply system. [Embodiment Item 18] The method of any one of embodiments 11 to 17, wherein the step of supplying two or more liquid fuels to the mixing unit includes supplying a first liquid fuel from a first liquid fuel supply system of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, and supplying a second liquid fuel from a second liquid fuel supply system of the plurality of liquid fuel supply systems, wherein the second liquid fuel is different from the first liquid fuel. [Embodiment Item 19] 19. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the first liquid fuel comprises one of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia, and the second liquid fuel comprises another of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10. Gas turbine 12 Intake section 14 Compressor Section 16 Combustion Section 17 Combustion can 18 Turbine Section 20 Exhaust Section 100 Liquid Fuel System 102 Mixing Unit 104 Liquid fuel supply system 106 Controller 108 First liquid fuel supply system 109 First Liquid Fuel 110 Second liquid fuel supply system 111 Secondary Liquid Fuel 117 First Entrance Line 119 Second Entrance Line 120 First Liquid Fuel Tank 122 First liquid fuel supply skid 123 First fuel heat exchanger 124 Second Liquid Fuel Tank 125 Second fuel heat exchanger 126 Second Liquid Fuel Supply Skid 130 Water Supply System 134 Water manifold 136 Accessory Systems 138 Flow divider 143 Recirculation Line 146 Water Tank 148 Water Skid 150 Liquid Fuel Selection Unit 152 Aqueous Ammonia Supply System 154 Aqueous Ammonia Tank 156 Aqueous Ammonia Skid

Claims

1. A liquid fuel system (100) for a turbomachinery (10), wherein the liquid fuel system (100) Mixing unit (102), A plurality of liquid fuel supply systems (104), each of which is fluidly connected to a mixing unit (102), A controller (106) is communicatively coupled to a mixing unit (102) and a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems (104). The controller (106) is equipped with memory (116) and one or more processors (114), and when the memory (116) is executed by one or more processors (114), The steps include supplying two or more liquid fuels (109, 111) from multiple liquid fuel supply systems (104) to a mixing unit (102), A step of mixing two or more liquid fuels (109, 111) in a mixing unit (102) to produce a liquid fuel mixture, The steps include supplying a liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section (16) of the turbomachinery (10) and A liquid fuel system (100) that stores instructions for causing the liquid fuel system (100) to perform operations including the above.

2. The liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply system (130) that selectively communicates with a mixing unit (102).

3. The water supply system (130) is communicatively connected to the controller (106), and the operation is performed as follows: The step involves supplying two or more liquid fuels (109, 111) to the mixing unit (102) from multiple liquid fuel supply systems (104) while simultaneously supplying water to the mixing unit (102) from a water supply system (130). The liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. The liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple liquid fuel supply systems (104) comprises a liquid fuel tank (120, 124) and a liquid fuel supply skid (122, 126).

5. The liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 4, wherein one or more of the multiple liquid fuel supply systems (104) are equipped with fuel heat exchangers (123, 125) upstream of the mixing unit (102).

6. The liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary system (136) having a flow divider (138), wherein the flow divider (138) includes an input line (140) fluidly connected to a mixing unit (102) and a plurality of outlet lines (142) fluidly connected to the combustion canisters (17) of a plurality of combustion canisters (17) of a combustion section (16).

7. The liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 6, further comprising a water supply system (130) and a water manifold (134), wherein the water supply system (130) is selectively in fluid communication with a mixing unit (102) and also in fluid communication with the water manifold (134), and the water manifold (134) is in fluid communication with each of the multiple combustion cans (17).

8. A liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 1, wherein two or more liquid fuels (109, 111) include a first liquid fuel (109) from a first liquid fuel supply system (108) of a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems (104), and a second liquid fuel (111) from a second liquid fuel supply system (110) of a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems (104), wherein the second liquid fuel (111) is different from the first liquid fuel (109).

9. The liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first liquid fuel (109) comprises light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia, and the second liquid fuel (111) comprises another of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia.

10. The liquid fuel system (100) Mixing unit (102), A liquid fuel selection unit (150) is positioned upstream of the mixing unit (102) and is fluidly connected to the mixing unit (102), A first liquid fuel supply system (108), A second liquid fuel supply system (110), A water-based ammonia supply system (152) fluidly connected to the mixing unit (102) and It is equipped with, The controller (106) is communicably connected to the liquid fuel selection unit (150), and The liquid fuel selection unit (150) includes the step of selecting one liquid fuel from two or more liquid fuels, The steps include supplying the selected liquid fuel to the mixing unit (102), The steps include supplying aqueous ammonia from the aqueous ammonia supply system (152) to the mixing unit (102), The mixing unit (102) mixes the selected liquid fuel with aqueous ammonia to produce a liquid fuel mixture, The steps include supplying a liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section (16) of the turbomachinery (10) and A liquid fuel system (100) according to claim 8, configured to perform operations including the following.

11. A method for supplying a liquid fuel mixture to a combustion section (16) of a turbomachinery (10), wherein the method is The steps include supplying a first liquid fuel (109) from a first liquid fuel supply system (108) of a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems (104) to a mixing unit (102), A step of supplying a second liquid fuel (111) from a second liquid fuel supply system (110) of a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems (104) to a mixing unit (102), wherein the second liquid fuel (111) is different from the first liquid fuel (109), The steps include mixing a first liquid fuel (109) and a second liquid fuel (111) in a mixing unit (102) to produce a liquid fuel mixture, The steps include supplying a liquid fuel mixture to the combustion section (16) and Methods that include...

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising supplying first and second liquid fuels (109, 111) from a plurality of liquid fuel supply systems (104) to the mixing unit (102) while supplying water from a water supply system (130) to the mixing unit (102).

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising heating at least one of the first and second liquid fuels (109, 111) in a fuel heat exchanger (123, 125) located upstream of the mixing unit (102).

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising supplying a liquid fuel mixture to a plurality of combustion cans (17) of the combustion section (16) using a flow divider (138) of an auxiliary system (136).

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first liquid fuel (109) comprises light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia, and the second liquid fuel (111) comprises another of light diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, or aqueous ammonia.

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