Combustion Chamber Flame Stability at Reduced Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fossil fuel-based power plants face inefficiencies due to flame stability issues when operating at reduced loads, leading to excess fuel generation during off-peak hours, which is economically and environmentally costly, as they can only reduce loads to 50% of their maximum capacity and renewable energy sources often meet baseline demands, making operations unprofitable during these times.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for operating a combustion chamber that uses multiple nozzles to introduce fuel, with sensors measuring stoichiometry to adjust the fuel and air ratios in real-time, maintaining flame stability by adjusting the stoichiometry based on spectral line fluctuations, allowing for reduced load operations without compromising stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the combustion chamber operates at reduced load to match renewable energy supply, then fuel consumption and operational costs are reduced, but flame stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing real-time monitoring and adjustment of combustion parameters. Sensors continuously measure flame characteristics and stoichiometry, and the control system dynamically adjusts fuel and air flows to maintain stable combustion at reduced loads, transforming the static combustion chamber into an adaptive system that responds to changing operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through sensors that monitor flame stability and stoichiometry in real-time. The measured data is fed back to the control system, which adjusts fuel and air flows to maintain optimal combustion conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the combustion chamber to automatically compensate for disturbances and maintain stability at reduced loads
2Productivity
If the combustion chamber operates at 50% reduced load to match renewable energy supply, then excess load generation is reduced, but the grid price becomes too low to be profitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying combustion parameters (stoichiometry, fuel-air ratio, flow rates) to enable efficient operation at reduced loads. By optimizing these parameters in real-time, the system can operate at lower productivity levels while maintaining efficiency and profitability, allowing the power plant to adapt to varying grid prices and renewable energy availability
3Reliability
If the stoichiometry of nozzles is adjusted to maintain flame stability at reduced load, then combustion predictability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated control systems that autonomously monitor and adjust combustion parameters. The system uses sensors to detect flame stability and stoichiometry, automatically calculates required adjustments, and actuates control valves without human intervention. This self-service capability maintains combustion predictability while managing system complexity through automation rather than manual control
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 reduced loads below 50% of its maximum capacity while maintaining flame stability, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs, and improving efficiency by adjusting stoichiometry in real-time to ensure predictable combustion.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the stoichiometry of each nozzle via one or more sensors to obtain stoichiometric data, and determining that at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of spectral line fluctuations derived from the stoichiometric data has exceeded a threshold
Implementation Method 2
introducing a fuel into the combustion chamber via a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle having an associated stoichiometry for an output end of the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a combustion chamber is provided. The method includes introducing a fuel into the combustion chamber via a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle having an associated stoichiometry for an output end of the nozzle. The method further includes measuring the stoichiometry of each nozzle via one or more sensors to obtain stoichiometric data, and determining that at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of spectral line fluctuations derived from the stoichiometric data has exceeded a threshold. The method further includes adjusting the stoichiometry of at least one of the nozzles based at least in part on the stoichiometric data so as to maintain a flame stability of the combustion chamber.