Autotuning Combustion Dynamics via Fuel Split Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional combustion systems lack active control mechanisms for unexpected high combustion dynamics, leading to potential damage and shutdowns due to unmonitored ambient conditions and fuel variations during commissioning.

Innovation Solution

A system with sensors and an equipment controller that detects changes in acoustic pressure amplitude and adjusts fuel split ratios between fuel circuits to maintain combustion dynamics within safe limits, eliminating the need for manual retuning and ensuring compliance with emission standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional monitoring and shutdown solutions are used, then combustion dynamics protection is provided, but system complexity and operational limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion dynamics protectionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects combustion dynamics amplitude and adjusts fuel split ratios without requiring external intervention or complex manual tuning procedures. The combustor self-regulates by using real-time amplitude data to modify fuel distribution, eliminating the need for operators to manually retune controls under varying ambient conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors combustion dynamics amplitude and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust fuel split ratios. The controller receives real-time amplitude data and automatically modifies fuel distribution to maintain amplitude within acceptable limits, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If manual control tuning is performed during commissioning, then initial combustion dynamics are optimized, but adaptability to varying ambient conditions and fuel variations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion dynamics optimizationVSAvoidadaptability to ambient conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static manual tuning to dynamic automatic adjustment. The fuel split ratios are no longer fixed but continuously adapt based on real-time combustion dynamics amplitude measurements, allowing the system to respond to varying ambient conditions, fuel compositions, and operational parameters throughout its lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The combustor performs its own tuning by automatically detecting amplitude changes and adjusting fuel split ratios without requiring external retuning. This self-service capability ensures continuous optimization across diverse operating conditions that cannot be anticipated during initial commissioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If fuel split ratios are adjusted to reduce combustion dynamics amplitude, then combustion stability improves, but emissions control may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion stabilityVSAvoidemissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial adjustments to fuel split ratios rather than extreme changes, making incremental modifications that reduce combustion dynamics amplitude while minimizing impact on emissions. The controller applies just enough fuel redistribution to achieve amplitude control, avoiding excessive adjustments that would compromise emissions performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This solution provides automatic combustion dynamics protection, reduces unplanned shutdowns, and improves part-load operations and emission control, minimizing the need for worst-case scenario extrapolations and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor to detect and provide combustion dynamics amplitude data associated with the combustor... analyze the combustion dynamics amplitude data to detect at least one change in acoustic pressure amplitude

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic pressure detection: Acoustics

Data Source

PatentUS10830443B2Model-less combustion dynamics autotune

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for tuning combustion dynamics in a combustor. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a method includes providing, via at least one sensor, combustion dynamics amplitude data associated with a combustor. Method may allow monitoring, by an equipment controller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, the combustion dynamics amplitude data. The method may allow detecting at least one change in acoustic pressure amplitude associated with combustion in the combustor. In response to detecting the change in the acoustic pressure amplitude, the method proceeds with determining a fuel split change to at least two fuel circuits configured to supply fuel to the combustor, and applying the fuel split change to the combustor.