Method for supplying fuel to at least one gas turbine combustion chamber and associated fuel supply system - Patents.com

Abstract

A method for supplying fuel to at least one gas turbine combustion chamber (2), comprising: introducing hydrocarbons together with hydrogen into a fuel supply line (3) connected to at least one combustion chamber (2); and separating the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in a bypass circuit (8) connected to the fuel supply line (3) to obtain separated hydrogen and hydrocarbons; and selectively supplying hydrogen, hydrocarbons, or a mixture of hydrocarbons and hydrogen to the combustion chamber (2) depending on the mode of operation of the gas turbine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to fuel delivery to the combustion chamber of a gas turbine, and more particularly to the separation of a hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend for delivery to the combustion chamber of a gas turbine.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a method for supplying fuel to at least one combustion chamber of a gas turbine, and an associated fuel supply system that allows for the separation of a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen intended to be supplied to the combustion chamber. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, there has been increasing interest and activity in the development of non-fossil fuel derived energy sources, such as electricity generated from solar or wind energy and electricity produced from hydrogen.

[0004] This development resulted in the production of hydrogen from surplus renewable energy for injection into natural gas pipelines.

[0005] Indeed, European Union Directive 2003 / 55 / EC opened access to existing natural gas transmission and distribution networks with the possibility of co-transporting hydrogen blended with natural gas.

[0006] The resulting blending of natural gas with hydrogen reduces the carbon intensity of the hydrocarbons.

[0007] Additionally, the use of hydrogen in combustion systems is advantageous because it does not produce compounds that are considered harmful to the environment, such as S, CO2, CO, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons.

[0008] Typically, the initial mixture may contain about 1% hydrogen and may go up to 20%.

[0009] However, when used in gas turbines, hydrogen can cause various operational hazards, such as explosions, flame holding, etc. In particular, during the start-up of a gas turbine using a fuel mixture containing more than 5% hydrogen, and if the start-up phase is interrupted, a volume of hydrogen-containing gas may be found in the internal cavities of the turbine downstream of the combustion and up to the exhaust. Some of the hydrogen present in the internal cavities of the turbine, combined with high temperatures, can cause an explosion and overpressure due to deflagration. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the start-up of the gas turbine by using a high percentage of hydrogen in the fuel mixture, thereby eliminating the risks incurred during combustion.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a method for supplying hydrocarbons, but not hydrogen, to the combustion chamber of a gas turbine, when it makes it possible to remedy these drawbacks and in particular to limit the risks associated with their use from blends of hydrocarbons and hydrogen conveyed to the gas turbine by industrial gas networks, transport or distribution.

[0011] Hydrogen can be separated from the blend by physical processes involving diffusing the hydrogen through a membrane that can be made of polymer, metal, ceramic, or even liquid form. However, when separation uses this technique, it must be taken into account that it is generally difficult to tolerate certain molecules (especially acids, hexane, and sulfites).

[0012] These molecules tend to degrade the polymer structure of the membrane. Furthermore, molecules with large carbon chains easily condense and clog the filter, thus reducing the efficiency of the membrane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,394,685 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Accordingly, a method for supplying at least one gas turbine combustion chamber is proposed, the method comprising: introducing a blend of hydrocarbon and hydrogen into a supply line connected to a combustion chamber; separating the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in a bypass circuit connected to the supply line to obtain hydrogen and hydrocarbons separately; selectively supplying hydrogen, hydrocarbons, or a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen to the combustion chamber depending on the mode of operation of the gas turbine.

[0015] Advantageously, the bypass circuit may include at least one hydrocarbon tank, and the method may further comprise the steps of: determining the amount of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank; comparing the determined amount of hydrocarbons with a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold; capturing a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in the supply line when the determined amount of hydrocarbons is less than a predetermined threshold value of hydrocarbons; separating the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in a bypass circuit to produce hydrocarbons during operation of the gas turbine or when the gas turbine is shut down; storing the obtained hydrocarbons in a hydrocarbon tank until a hydrocarbon amount equal to or greater than a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold is obtained; Includes.

[0016] Preferably, the predetermined threshold is related to the amount of hydrocarbons required for operation of the gas turbine during at least one transient stage.

[0017] Advantageously, the transient stage may be one of ignition, starting, stopping, and changing combustion modes of the gas turbine, or even increasing or decreasing a load in response to an electrical network event to which the gas turbine is connected.

[0018] Advantageously, the method comprises feeding hydrocarbons previously separated from the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in a bypass circuit through the feed line of at least one combustion chamber for operation of the gas turbine during a transient phase.

[0019] Preferably, the method comprises measuring the hydrogen content in hydrocarbons previously separated from the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen by a bypass circuit.

[0020] Advantageously, the method may include an additional separation step if the measured hydrogen content exceeds a predetermined hydrogen threshold, for example in the case of membrane fouling.

[0021] Preferably, the bypass circuit comprises at least one hydrogen tank and the method includes storing the hydrogen obtained after separation of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in the hydrogen tank.

[0022] Preferably, the bypass circuit includes at least one hydrocarbon tank, and the method further comprises: storing the hydrocarbons obtained after separating the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in a hydrocarbon tank; obtaining a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen from hydrocarbons stored in a hydrocarbon tank and hydrogen stored in a hydrogen tank, the blend having a controlled ratio of hydrocarbons to hydrogen; supplying a controlled ratio blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen to a combustion chamber; It has.

[0023] For example, the supply method may include obtaining a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen having a controlled fraction that is enriched or depleted in hydrogen compared to the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in the industrial gas network, the transportation gas network, or the distribution gas network.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a fuel supply system for at least one combustion chamber in a gas turbine, the fuel supply system comprising: a supply line for supplying a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen to at least one combustion chamber, the supply line comprising: an intake section intended to be connected to an industrial, transport or distribution gas network providing a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen; a separation section adjacent to the intake section and connected to an inlet of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in the bypass circuit, the separation section having at least one separation device DS1 for the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend; an injection section adjacent to the separation section and connected to the hydrocarbon outlet and the hydrogen outlet of the bypass circuit; a supply section adjacent to the injection section and connected to at least one combustion chamber of the gas turbine; a plurality of valves positioned respectively between the intake section and the separation section, between the separation section and the injection section, between the injection section and the feed section, between the separation section of the feed line and an inlet for the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in the bypass circuit, between the hydrocarbon outlet of the bypass circuit and the feed section of the feed line, and between the hydrogen outlet of the bypass circuit and the injection section of the feed line; It has.

[0025] Preferably, the bypass circuit is positioned downstream of the separation device for blending hydrocarbons and hydrogen and comprises a hydrocarbon tank having a volume equal to or greater than a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold.

[0026] Preferably, the fuel supply system is configured to: incorporating a blend of hydrocarbon and hydrogen into a fuel supply system; separating the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in a bypass circuit to obtain hydrocarbons; storing the obtained hydrocarbons in a hydrocarbon tank until a hydrocarbon amount equal to or greater than a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold is obtained; The system includes a management computer configured to instruct the

[0027] Advantageously, the fuel supply system can include at least one gas analyzer positioned downstream of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend separation device and configured to measure the hydrogen content in the hydrocarbons obtained after the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend separation device, thus making it possible to verify the efficiency of the separation process and to compare the hydrogen content with a predetermined expected hydrogen level.

[0028] Advantageously, the bypass circuit may include an additional separation device for blending hydrocarbons and hydrogen, positioned downstream of the separation device. The presence of an additional separation device is particularly advantageous for increasing the efficiency of the separation process.

[0029] Preferably, the bypass circuit comprises at least one hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen that has been previously separated from the hydrocarbons by the separation device or an additional separation device.

[0030] Other objects, advantages and features will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a fuel supply system for a gas turbine combustion chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, the term "at least one" as used in this description is equivalent to the term "one or more."

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a fuel supply system 1 designed to supply fuel to at least one combustion chamber 2 in a gas turbine.

[0034] The fuel supply system 1 includes a fuel supply line 3 for a combustion chamber 2 .

[0035] It can be envisaged that the fuel supply line 3 of the fuel supply system 1 supplies fuel to a number of combustion chambers 2 in a gas turbine.

[0036] The fuel supply line 3 consists of an intake section 4, a separation section 5, an injection section 6 and a supply section .

[0037] The intake section 4 is intended to be connected to an industrial, transport or distribution gas network that provides a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen outside the fuel supply system 1, and allows the intake of the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen into the fuel supply line 3.

[0038] The network may be an industrial gas network, a transportation gas network and / or a distribution gas network that carries a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the gas network providing the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen is a distribution gas network.

[0040] The mixtures that are transported and then distributed through industrial, transport or distribution gas networks may contain a hydrocarbon or multiple hydrocarbons of different nature.

[0041] The amount of hydrogen in the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen distributed by the industrial gas network, the transport gas network or the distribution gas network may be from 0 to 20%.

[0042] In the present invention, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are considered with respect to the direction of fuel flow within the gas turbine, and in particular between the intake section 4 and the combustion chamber 2 of the gas turbine.

[0043] Separation section 5 is positioned adjacent to and downstream of intake section 4 .

[0044] The separation section 5 is connected to an inlet E1 of a bypass circuit 8 and takes the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen into the bypass circuit 8.

[0045] A bypass circuit 8 connected to the separation section 5 is positioned in parallel with the fuel supply line 3 .

[0046] The bypass circuit 8 has at least one separation device DS1 for the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen, separating the hydrocarbons and hydrogen from the mixture into two separate streams with a given efficiency. Preferably, the separation device is a membrane in polymer, metal, ceramic or liquid form.

[0047] The injection section 6 is positioned adjacent to and downstream of the separation section 5 .

[0048] The injection section 6 is also connected to a hydrocarbon outlet SHC1 and a hydrogen outlet SH2 of a bypass circuit 8.

[0049] The feed section 7 is adjacent to the injection section 6 and is connected to the gas turbine combustion chamber.

[0050] In one embodiment, where the fuel supply line 3 is connected to several combustion chambers, the supply section 7 terminates in each of them.

[0051] Additionally, the fuel delivery system 1 includes a plurality of valves for selectively controlling fluid communication between various adjacent portions of the fuel delivery system 1 .

[0052] Valve V1 is positioned between intake section 4 and separation section 5.

[0053] Valve V2 is positioned between the separation section 5 and the injection section 6.

[0054] Valve V3 is positioned between injection section 6 and supply section 7.

[0055] A first portion 9 of the bypass circuit 8 extends between the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend inlet E1 connected to the intake section 4 of the fuel supply line 3 and the separation device DS1.

[0056] Valve V4 is positioned on the first portion 9 between the separation section 5 of the fuel supply line 3 and the inlet E1 for the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in the bypass circuit 8 to control the passage of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend into the bypass circuit 8.

[0057] A second portion 10 of the bypass circuit 8 extends from the DS1 separator and is connected to the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3 by a hydrocarbon outlet SHC1.

[0058] Valve V5 is positioned on the second portion 10 of the bypass circuit 8 between the SHC1 hydrocarbon outlet of the bypass circuit 8 and the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3.

[0059] Furthermore, a valve V 6 is positioned between the hydrogen outlet SH 2 of the bypass circuit 8 and the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3 .

[0060] Advantageously, a valve (not shown) can be positioned between the industrial, transport or distribution gas network providing the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen and the intake section 4 to control the intake of fuel into the fuel supply line 3.

[0061] Preferably, the bypass circuit 8 comprises on a second part 10 thereof a hydrocarbon tank RHC positioned downstream of the separation device DS1 for blending hydrocarbons and hydrogen. The hydrocarbon tank RHC allows storage of hydrocarbons previously separated from hydrogen according to a given efficiency in the separation device DS1.

[0062] The bypass circuit 8 can be envisaged to include multiple hydrocarbon tanks.

[0063] The capacity of the hydrocarbon tank RHC is advantageously greater than or equal to a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold.

[0064] Preferably, the bypass circuit 8 of the fuel supply system 1 also includes a hydrogen tank RH2 for storing hydrogen that has been previously separated from hydrocarbons with a predetermined efficiency by the DS1 separation device.

[0065] The bypass circuit 8 can be envisaged to include multiple hydrogen tanks.

[0066] Preferably, the bypass circuit 8 has an additional hydrocarbon outlet SHC2 to the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3.

[0067] The auxiliary hydrocarbon outlet SHC2 is located on a third portion 11 of the bypass circuit 8 connecting the DS1 separator to the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3.

[0068] The auxiliary hydrocarbon outlet SHC2 is positioned downstream of the separation device DS1 and upstream of the hydrocarbon tank RHC, allowing the hydrocarbons to be introduced into the fuel supply line 3 immediately after being separated from the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend.

[0069] Valves V7 and V8 can advantageously be arranged on the second and third parts of the bypass circuit 8, between the separation device DS1 and the hydrocarbon tank RHC, and between the separation device DS1 and the injection section 6, respectively.

[0070] Valves V7 and V8 are used to control the passage to the hydrocarbon injection section 6 either immediately after separation by the separation device DS1 via hydrocarbon outlet SHC2 or from previously stored hydrocarbons via hydrocarbon outlet SHC1.

[0071] The fuel supply system 1 may include a compressor positioned downstream of the valve V8 on the auxiliary hydrocarbon outlet SHC2 to achieve a gas pressure similar to or close to the gas pressure before separation.

[0072] Advantageously, the fuel supply system 1 can include at least one analyzer for the hydrogen content.

[0073] The analyzer A1, positioned downstream of the separation device DS1, is configured to measure the possible hydrogen content in the hydrocarbons obtained after separation by the separation device DS1.

[0074] In the example shown, analyzer A1 is positioned to measure the level of hydrogen content present in hydrocarbons stored in hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0075] In the example shown, the fuel supply system 1 comprises an additional analyzer A2 positioned in the intake section 4 of the fuel supply line 3 and another additional analyzer A3 positioned in the injection section 6 downstream of the hydrocarbon outlet SHC1 and the hydrogen outlet SH2 of the bypass circuit 8.

[0076] An additional analyzer A2 is advantageous for measuring the hydrogen content of hydrocarbon and hydrogen blends distributed by industrial or transport gas networks.

[0077] An additional analyzer A3 is advantageously used to measure the hydrogen content of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in the injection section 6, which is fed directly into the combustion chamber 2 via the valve V3.

[0078] Preferably, the bypass circuit 8 comprises an additional separation device DS2, advantageously arranged in the example shown downstream of the separation device DS1 and upstream of the hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0079] The additional separation device DS2 allows for the additional separation of hydrogen present in the hydrocarbons previously separated by the separation device DS1 depending on the hydrogen content measured by the analyzer A1 downstream of the separation device DS1, i.e. when an improvement in the separation efficiency is required.

[0080] A fourth portion 12 of the bypass circuit 8 connects the isolation device DS1 and the further isolation device DS2.

[0081] Valve V10 is conveniently located between isolation device DS1 and further isolation device DS2.

[0082] A fifth portion 13 of the bypass circuit 8 connects the additional separation device DS2 with the second portion 10 of the bypass circuit 8 upstream of the hydrocarbon tank RHC, preferably between valves V7 and V9.

[0083] The hydrogen separated by the separation device DS1 is transported through the sixth portion 14 of the bypass circuit 8 to the hydrogen tank RH2.

[0084] The hydrogen separated by the additional separation device DS2 is conveyed to the hydrogen tank RH2 through a seventh part 15 of the bypass circuit 8. An eighth part 16 connects the hydrogen tank RH2 to the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3 for injecting hydrogen previously separated from hydrocarbons or a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen into the combustion chamber, the speed of which can be controlled depending on the operating supply mode required by the gas turbine.

[0085] Advantageously, check valves are positioned downstream in the sixth, seventh, eighth sections 14, 15 and 16 and in the second section 10 of the hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0086] Preferably, vents 17, 18 are located in the hydrocarbon RHC and hydrogen RH2 tanks, respectively.

[0087] Additionally, a vent 19 may be located in the eighth portion 16 of the bypass circuit 8 downstream of the valve V6.

[0088] Preferably, a vent 20 is also arranged in the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3 downstream of the bypass circuit 8. The opening and closing of the vent 20 is controlled by a valve V12 in order to purge the injection section 6.

[0089] The opening and closing of each vent 17, 18, 19 and 20 is advantageously controlled by a dedicated valve.

[0090] Preferably, the fuel supply system 1 further comprises a controller or management computer 21 configured to control the opening and closing of all valves in the fuel supply system 1 .

[0091] Preferably, when the amount of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank RHC falls below a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold, the management computer: Intake of a hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend into a fuel supply line 3; Separation of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend by a bypass circuit 8 for the production of hydrocarbons; and The method is configured to command storage of the obtained hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank RHC until a hydrocarbon quantity equal to or greater than a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold is obtained.

[0092] The present invention also relates to a method for supplying fuel to a gas turbine combustor.

[0093] Fuel can be supplied to multiple combustion chambers 2. The supply method comprises a first step of taking a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen into a fuel supply line 3 from an industrial, transport or distribution gas network.

[0094] In a second step, in a bypass circuit 8 connected to the fuel supply line 3, a separation of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend is implemented, obtaining hydrogen on the one hand and hydrocarbons on the other hand.

[0095] In the third step, the combustion chamber 2 is selectively supplied with either hydrogen or a mixture of hydrocarbons previously separated in the second stage and also hydrocarbons not separated by the bypass circuit 8 and hydrogen.

[0096] Selective delivery of hydrocarbons, hydrogen or controlled blends of hydrocarbons to the combustion chamber can be readily achieved depending on the needs of the gas turbine mode or transient mode of operation.

[0097] The fuel supply system 1 is a simple system that allows fuel to be supplied to at least one combustion chamber via a single fuel supply line 3 from a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen distributed through an industrial gas network, a transport gas network, or a general distribution gas network, regardless of the mode of operation of the gas turbine.

[0098] In particular, in this way it is possible to supply the combustion chamber with hydrocarbons at least partially separated from the hydrogen, preferably until a predetermined threshold value of hydrogen content in the separated hydrocarbons is reached, thereby allowing operation of the gas turbine without the risks associated with the presence of hydrogen, in particular during transient phases subject to flame loss, such as for example starting or stopping the gas turbine.

[0099] In this regard, the method preferably includes feeding hydrocarbons from the combustion chamber 2 to a supply line 3 of a pre-separated mixture of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in a bypass circuit 8 for operation of the gas turbine during a transient phase.

[0100] The content of hydrogen present in the hydrocarbons separated from the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend may be below a predetermined threshold at which risks such as explosions associated with hydrogen present in the internal cavities of the gas turbine are eliminated.

[0101] According to one example, the predetermined threshold for the amount of hydrogen in the hydrocarbons separated by the separation device DS1 may be 5%.

[0102] Advantageously, the supply method comprises determining, preferably before the transient phase, the amount of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0103] A comparison of the determined amount of hydrocarbons with a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold is then implemented.

[0104] If the amount of the specified hydrocarbon is below a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold, a blend of hydrocarbon and hydrogen is introduced into the fuel supply line 3 .

[0105] The blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen introduced into the fuel supply line 3 is then separated in a bypass circuit 8 to obtain the hydrocarbons.

[0106] The obtained hydrocarbons are then stored in the hydrocarbon tank RHC until a hydrocarbon amount equal to or greater than a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold is obtained.

[0107] In one embodiment, the separation of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend and storage of the resulting hydrocarbons occurs when the gas turbine is shut down, preferably before the transient phase. Separation and storage of the hydrocarbons before start-up of the gas turbine is particularly advantageous to ensure that the combustion chamber is supplied with a sufficient amount of hydrocarbons that are at least partially free of hydrogen.

[0108] In another embodiment, separation of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend and storage of the resulting hydrocarbons occurs while the gas turbine is in operation. Separation and storage during gas turbine operation is particularly advantageous for conditioning or replenishing the hydrocarbon tank RHC when it does not or no longer contains a sufficient amount of separated hydrocarbons.

[0109] Preferably, the predetermined threshold is related to the amount of hydrocarbons required for operation of the gas turbine during at least one transient stage. By separating the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend and storing the resulting hydrocarbons, the gas turbine can have a sufficient amount of separated hydrocarbons for operation during the transient stage.

[0110] Advantageously, the transient stage may be one of ignition, startup, shutdown or change of combustion mode of the gas turbine.

[0111] Preferably, the feeding method includes measuring the hydrogen content in hydrocarbons previously separated from the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in the bypass circuit 8 .

[0112] In the example shown, the measurements are performed by a gas analyzer A1 in the hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0113] In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold for hydrogen content in hydrocarbons after simple separation by a DS1 separation device may be 5%.

[0114] Additionally, the delivery method may include an additional separation step if the measured hydrogen content exceeds a predetermined hydrogen threshold.

[0115] The implementation of the dual isolation can be controlled manually or automatically by the management computer 21.

[0116] According to one example, if the hydrogen content in the hydrocarbons after one separation by the separation device DS1 is 5% or more, the separation device DS1 and an additional separation device DS2 can be used together to implement double separation.

[0117] Preferably, the hydrogen content is measured by the gas analyzer A1 at the start of the separation step by the separation device DS1 and the storage step in the hydrocarbon tank RHC in order to quickly adjust the hydrogen level in the hydrocarbons stored in the RHC hydrocarbon tank.

[0118] According to another embodiment, the second separation by separation device DS2 can be carried out after complete storage of the hydrocarbons separated by separation device DS1.

[0119] In the illustrated example, the hydrocarbon tank RHC is filled when the gas turbine is shut down and before it is started up.

[0120] For simple separation, valves V1, V4, V9 and V7 are opened, preferably controlled by management computer 21. The blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen is introduced into intake section 4 of fuel supply line 3, then into separation section 5, and continues to first portion 9 of bypass circuit 8 where it is separated by separation device DS1.

[0121] After separation, the separated hydrocarbons are conveyed through the second section 10 to the hydrocarbon tank RHC in order to fill the hydrocarbon tank RHC to a predetermined threshold required for operation of the gas turbine during one or more transient stages.

[0122] In the case of double separation, valve V9 is closed and valves V1, V4, V10, V7 and V11 are open, preferably commanded by controller 21. The blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen is introduced into intake section 4 of fuel supply line 3, then into separation section 5, proceeds to first portion 9 of bypass circuit 8, is separated by separation device DS1 and then successively separated by additional separation devices DS2, and the hydrocarbons separated by separation device DS1 reach fourth portion 12 of bypass circuit 8.

[0123] After double separation, the separated hydrocarbons are conveyed to the hydrocarbon tank RHC through the fifth section 13 and the second section 10 to fill the hydrocarbon tank RHC up to a predetermined threshold.

[0124] The hydrogen separated by the separation device DS1 is transported through the sixth portion 14 of the bypass circuit 8 to the hydrogen tank RH2.

[0125] The hydrogen separated by the additional separation device DS2 is conveyed through the seventh portion 15 of the bypass circuit 8 to the hydrogen tank RH2.

[0126] In one embodiment, the fuel supply system 1 may include an auxiliary boiler or other steam device connected to the hydrogen tank RH2. In this way, the auxiliary boiler may use hydrogen H2 stored in the hydrogen tank RH2 for its operation.

[0127] An auxiliary boiler or other steam device may be positioned downstream from the gas turbine.

[0128] In one embodiment, the fuel supply system 1 can include a methane pyrolysis device for producing hydrogen and carbon from a methane source. The pyrolysis device can be provided to be connected to either the fuel supply line 3, the intake section 4, or the hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0129] Thus, in this embodiment, the hydrocarbon stored in the hydrocarbon tank RHC is methane. If the blend introduced into the intake section 4 of the fuel supply line 3 consists solely of methane hydrocarbons, it is particularly advantageous to connect a pyrolysis device to the fuel supply line 3 in order to be able to separate hydrogen from the mixture via a bypass circuit 8 before pyrolysis.

[0130] Additionally, the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blends fed to the fuel supply system may contain mercaptans, molecules designed to odorize the fuel.

[0131] Mercaptans may be filtered out and retained by the DS1 separation device, so it may be necessary to add the mercaptans back to the hydrocarbon after separation of the hydrogen.

[0132] In this respect, a feeding method may be provided which comprises the step of adding mercaptans to the previously separated hydrocarbons downstream of the separation device DS1 or the further separation device DS2.

[0133] Advantageously, the addition of the mercaptans can be carried out in the hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0134] Furthermore, the fuel supply system 1 may be capable of including a device for separating the heavy fraction of the hydrocarbons previously separated from the hydrogen.

[0135] For example, the hydrocarbons may include a blend of methane, ethane, and propane. The fuel supply system 1 may include a separation device for separating heavier fractions, such as ethane and propane, from the methane.

[0136] Advantageously, a device for separating the heavy fraction of the pre-separated hydrocarbons from the hydrogen can be positioned downstream of the separation device DS1 or downstream of the additional separation device DS2 and upstream of the hydrocarbon tank RHC.

[0137] Preferably, during the first stage of pre-ignition of the gas turbine, venting of the injection section 6 is performed using a vent 20 located downstream of the bypass circuit 8. Valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V7, V8, V10 are closed and valve V12 is open.

[0138] Preferably, during the second stage of ignition of the gas turbine, the vent valve V12 is closed, the valves V3 and V5 are opened, and hydrocarbons stored in the tank RHC are introduced into the injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3 to feed the combustion chamber 2 during an attempt to ignite a mixture of air and hydrocarbons previously separated from the hydrogen and coming from the hydrocarbon tank RHC as shown in the example. This feeding continues until the fuel mixture is actually ignited in the combustion chamber 2. The ignition attempt can be made via a spark plug. The ignition can be confirmed by a flame detector.

[0139] Thus, once the gas turbine's ignition transient phase is complete, the combustion chamber 2 is ignited. Then, the feed transfer of the injection section 6 is performed. The fuel gas feed through the bypass circuit 8 via valve V5 is transferred to the feed through the hydrocarbon mixture and hydrogen from the industrial, transport or distribution gas network, without prior separation of the hydrogen. To feed the injection section 6, valve V5 is gradually closed and valves V1 and V2 are gradually opened.

[0140] This is followed by the gas turbine acceleration phase.

[0141] In one embodiment, during one or two separations, the combustion chamber 2 can be supplied from hydrogen previously stored in the hydrogen tank RH2.

[0142] Valves V3 and V6, as well as the valve downstream of valve V6 in the direction of injection section 6, open to allow hydrogen to be taken into injection section 6 of the fuel supply line 3, which is routed through the eighth portion 16, and supplied to the combustion chamber 2.

[0143] The hydrogen content of the fuel gas composition introduced into the combustion chamber 2 may be variable, preferably between 0 and 20% or between 5 and 20% hydrogen, with a theoretical hydrogen variation estimated, for example, from 0 to 30% per minute.

[0144] In this case, the proportions of hydrocarbons, e.g., methane, and hydrogen delivered by the injection section 6 of the fuel supply system 1 can be adjusted to ensure a constant composition for the transient phase, e.g., to ensure a response to the grid network with a 10% increase in its nominal load in 30 seconds.

[0145] Therefore, to maintain a controlled ratio of hydrocarbons and hydrogen, e.g., methane, and constant hydrogen during transient operation, the fuel supply system 1 Adjusting the hydrogen rate upward by injecting more hydrogen from hydrogen tank RH2, or Adjustment to reduce the hydrogen rate by adding hydrocarbons such as methane from the hydrocarbon tank RHC or by injecting hydrocarbons such as methane directly downstream of the bypass circuit 8 without passing through the hydrocarbon tank RHC. can be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 Fuel supply system 2 Gas turbine combustor, combustion chamber 3 fuel supply lines 4. Import section 5 Separation Section 6 Hydrocarbon Injection Section 7. Supply Section 8 Bypass Circuit 9. First Part 10 Second Part 11 Third Part 12 Fourth Part 13 Fifth Part 14 Sixth Part 15 Seventh Part 16 Part 8 17, 18, 19, 20 Vents 21 Management computer, controller A1 Gas Analyzer A2, A3 analyzer E1 Blend inlet, inlet DS1, DS2 separation device SHC1 Hydrocarbon Outlet SHC2 Auxiliary Hydrocarbon Outlet SH2 Hydrogen Outlet RHC Hydrocarbon Tank RH2 hydrogen tank H2 Hydrogen V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11 valve V12 Vent Valve

Claims

1. 1. A method for supplying fuel to at least one gas turbine combustion chamber, comprising: Intake of a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen into a supply line (3) connected to at least one combustion chamber (2); Separating said blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen into a bypass circuit (8) connected to said feed line (3) to obtain hydrogen and hydrocarbons; selectively supplying hydrogen, hydrocarbons, or a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen to the combustion chamber (2) depending on the mode of operation of the gas turbine; A method comprising:

2. The bypass circuit (8) comprises at least one hydrocarbon tank (RHC), and the method comprises: Determining the amount of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank (RHC); comparing the determined amount of hydrocarbons with a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold; said taking up of a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in said supply line (3) when said determined amount of hydrocarbons is less than said predetermined hydrocarbon threshold; separating said blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in said bypass circuit (8) during said operation of said gas turbine or at said shutdown of said gas turbine to obtain hydrocarbons; storing the obtained hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank (RHC) until a hydrocarbon amount equal to or greater than the predetermined hydrocarbon threshold is obtained; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the predetermined threshold is related to an amount of hydrocarbons required for the operation of the gas turbine during at least one transient stage.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the transient stage is one of ignition, startup, shutdown, and changing the mode of combustion of the gas turbine.

5. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising supplying hydrocarbons previously separated from the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in the bypass circuit (8) to at least one combustion chamber (2) through the supply line (3) for the operation of the turbine.

6. 6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising measuring the hydrogen content in the hydrocarbons previously separated from the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen by the bypass circuit (8).

7. The method of claim 6 , including an additional separation step if the measured hydrogen content is greater than a predetermined hydrogen threshold.

8. The bypass circuit (8) is connected to at least one hydrogen tank (RH ２ ) and the method comprises: ２ 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the hydrogen obtained after separation of the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in a process for producing a hydrocarbon-hydrogen mixture.

9. The bypass circuit (8) comprises at least one hydrocarbon tank (RHC), and the process comprises: storing the hydrocarbons obtained after separation of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in the hydrocarbon tank (RHC); The hydrocarbons stored in the hydrocarbon tank (RHC) and the hydrogen tank (RH ２ obtaining a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen from hydrogen stored in a storage tank, the blend having a controlled ratio of said hydrocarbons and hydrogen; supplying a controlled ratio blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen to said combustion chamber; The method of claim 8, comprising:

10. A fuel supply system (1) for at least one gas turbine combustion chamber (2), comprising: A fuel supply line (3) for supplying a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen to at least one combustion chamber (2), an intake section (4) intended to be connected to an industrial, transport or distribution gas network supplying a blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen; a separation section (5) adjacent to the intake section (4) and connected to an inlet (E1) of the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in a bypass circuit (8) having at least one separation device (DS1) for the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend; an injection section (6) adjacent to the separation section (5) connected to a hydrocarbon outlet (SHC1) and a hydrogen outlet (SH2) in the bypass circuit (8); a fuel supply line (3) including a supply section (7) adjacent to the injection section (6) and connected to at least one combustion chamber (2) of the gas turbine; a plurality of valves (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6) positioned respectively between the intake section (4) and the separation section (5), between the separation section (5) and the injection section (6), between the injection section (6) and the feed section (7), between the separation section (5) of the feed line (3) and the inlet (E1) for the hydrocarbon and hydrogen blend in the bypass circuit (8), between a hydrocarbon outlet (SHC1) of the bypass circuit (8) and the injection section (6) of the feed line (3), and between a hydrogen outlet (SH2) of the bypass circuit (8) and the injection section (6) of the feed line (3); A fuel supply system (1) comprising:

11. 11. The system (1) of claim 10, wherein the bypass circuit (8) is positioned downstream of a separation device (DS1) for the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen and includes a hydrocarbon tank (RHC) having a volume equal to or greater than a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold.

12. When the amount of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank (RHC) is less than a predetermined hydrocarbon threshold, Taking a blend of hydrocarbon and hydrogen into said feed line (3); Separation of said blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in said bypass circuit (8) for the production of hydrocarbons; storing the obtained hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon tank (RHC) until a hydrocarbon amount equal to or greater than the predetermined hydrocarbon threshold is obtained; 12. The system (1) according to claim 11, comprising a management computer (21) configured to command:

13. 13. The system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising at least one gas analyzer (A1) positioned downstream of the separation device (DS1) for the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen and configured to measure the hydrogen content in the hydrocarbons obtained after separation of the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen by the separation device (DS1).

14. 14. The system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the bypass circuit (8) comprises an additional separation device (DS2) for the blend of hydrocarbons and hydrogen, positioned downstream of the separation device (DS1).

15. The bypass circuit (8) is connected to at least one hydrogen tank (RH) for the storage of hydrogen previously separated from the hydrocarbons by the separation device (DS1) or the additional separation device (DS2). ２ 15. The system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, comprising:

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