Controller for Combustion System Using Polynomial Temperature Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbines face challenges in accurately measuring the average temperature of a hot gas stream due to varying temperature distributions caused by different operating conditions and complex fuel supply methods, making it difficult to drive the turbine efficiently without a large number of expensive temperature sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method and combustion system that uses a minimal number of temperature sensors to measure local temperatures, correlating these measurements with operating parameters to calculate the average mixer exit temperature through a polynomial expression, allowing the controller to reliably determine the hot gas stream's average temperature and monitor specific areas like hot or cold spots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large number of temperature sensors are provided to measure temperature distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature distribution measurementVSAvoidnumber of temperature sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the combustion chamber into multiple measurement zones and places temperature sensors at specific segmented locations. By strategically segmenting the measurement domain and using polynomial interpolation between sensor locations, the system achieves comprehensive temperature distribution knowledge with fewer sensors than would be required for direct full-field measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces polynomial expressions as mathematical intermediaries that relate sensor measurements to the average temperature. These polynomial correlations act as mediators that transform limited point measurements into reliable average temperature calculations, eliminating the need for numerous direct measurement points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If temperature measurements are taken at fixed locations, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates under varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor configurationVSAvoidaverage temperature representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the measurement system dynamic by developing polynomial correlations that adapt to different operating conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the interpretation of fixed sensor readings based on current operational parameters, maintaining measurement precision across varying conditions without requiring physical sensor reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters used to interpret temperature measurements by incorporating operating condition parameters into polynomial correlations. This allows the same physical sensor readings to yield accurate average temperature values across different operating conditions by adjusting the correlation parameters accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reliable calculation of the average hot gas stream temperature independently of operating conditions, reducing the need for numerous sensors and simplifying the hardware and data handling, while ensuring accurate temperature representation for efficient gas turbine operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least two temperature sensors (13) for detecting a local temperature of the hot gas stream are provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the controller (17) is programmed with a polynomial expression, such that based on the measured local temperatures the controller (17) calculates the average mixer exit temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolynomial correlation calculation:

Data Source

PatentEP3945244B1Method for manufacturing a controller and combustion system
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 ANSALDO ENERGIA SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP3945244B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3945244B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3945244B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The method for manufacturing a controller (17) comprises providing a combustion system test rig (1), operating the combustion system test rig (1) with different operating parameter sets, measuring the local temperature of the hot gas stream with the at least two temperature sensors (13), obtaining local temperatures-operating parameter sets data, for each operating parameter set calculating, based on the supplied oxidizer and fuel mass flow, a theoretical mixer exit temperature (MET), providing a correlation between the local temperatures and the theoretical mixer exit temperature (MET), programming the controller (17) with the correlation.