Combustion Chamber Control via CO and O2 Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fossil fuel-based power plants face inefficiencies due to limitations in operating at reduced loads, flame stability issues, and reliance on manual controls for regulating CO and NOx emissions, leading to environmental and economic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for operating a combustion chamber that includes improved control feedback loops to adjust O2 exit set points based on CO and flame stability, accounts for stoichiometric changes between firing nozzles, and uses automated metrics to calculate a fireball stability index for adjusting stoichiometry conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional fossil fuel-based power plants operate at reduced loads to meet baseline demand during off peak hours, then economic efficiency improves, but flame stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback control systems that continuously monitor combustion parameters and adjust operating conditions to maintain flame stability at reduced loads. This resolves the contradiction by enabling economic efficiency through reduced load operation while using real-time feedback to prevent flame instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key combustion parameters such as air-to-fuel ratio, temperature, and pressure to optimize combustion conditions at reduced loads. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains flame stability while operating at lower, more economically efficient load levels.
2Ease of operation
If manual controls are used to regulate CO and NOx emissions, then operational simplicity is maintained, but emission control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual controls with automated feedback systems that continuously measure CO and NOx emissions and adjust combustion parameters accordingly. This maintains ease of operation through automation while dramatically improving emission control precision through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical control systems with automated electronic control systems. This replacement maintains operational simplicity through automation while achieving superior emission control precision through sophisticated sensing and control algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If combustion chambers operate at loads below 40% of maximum load, then adaptability to renewable energy sources improves, but flame stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced parameter changes including optimized air-to-fuel ratios, adjusted pressure, and controlled temperature profiles to enable stable combustion at loads below 40% of maximum. This allows the combustion chamber to adapt to variable renewable energy input while maintaining flame stability through careful parameter management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses real-time feedback control to monitor and maintain flame stability at very low load operations. By continuously adjusting combustion parameters based on actual combustion conditions, the system enables operation below 40% load while preventing flame instability.
4Productivity
If pulverizers are taken out of service during reduced load operations, then fuel processing capacity matches reduced demand, but stoichiometric conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of pulverizer operation and stoichiometric conditions based on real-time load requirements. Rather than taking pulverizers offline, the system dynamically adjusts their operation to match reduced demand while maintaining proper stoichiometric conditions through coordinated control of air supply and fuel delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of remaining pulverizers and combustion chamber conditions to maintain stoichiometric balance during reduced load operation. By adjusting air-to-fuel ratios, combustion chamber pressure, and temperature, the system maintains proper stoichiometry even when fewer pulverizers are operating.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the combustion chamber to operate at lower loads with improved flame stability and reduced emissions, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact by minimizing excess air and NOx emissions.
Implementation Method 1
combustion chamber (12) operative to receive and to facilitate combustion of the fuel (18)
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a CO reading corresponding to/at and/or near an exit (36) of the combustion chamber (12) via a CO sensor (84)
Implementation Method 3
The controller (22) may further adjust the stoichiometry of the nozzles (42, 44, 46, 52, and/or 54) based on measured O2
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (96) for operating a combustion chamber (12) is provided. The method (96) includes obtaining (98) a carbon monoxide reading at an exit (36) of the combustion chamber (12) via a carbon monoxide sensor (84), and deriving (100) an oxygen set point trim based at least in part on the carbon monoxide reading and a carbon monoxide set point (102) via a controller (22). The method (96) further includes determining (104) a stability status of the combustion chamber (12) via a combustion stability sensor (82), and adjusting (106) an oxygen set point (108) of the combustion chamber (12) with the oxygen set point trim based at least in part on the stability status via the controller (22). The oxygen set point (18) defines a desired oxygen level at the exit (36) of the combustion chamber (12).