Combustor Flashback Detection via Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbines with low NOx combustion systems face challenges in preventing flashback/flame holding in the premix section, which can cause catastrophic damage to components, limiting fuel flexibility and requiring restrictive fuel types.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising temperature sensors and a controller that detect temperature anomalies in the combustion zones to identify flashback or flame holding conditions, allowing for quick remedial action and enabling the use of higher-order hydrocarbon fuels by strategically monitoring thermal emissions and implementing appropriate fuel flow modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flashback prevention is implemented by limiting fuel types and maintaining flame holding margin, then component damage is avoided, but fuel flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor detects temperature anomalies in the premix section before they lead to catastrophic flashback damage. By performing preliminary detection and triggering early remedial action (fuel flow modification), the system prevents component damage while allowing broader fuel flexibility, as the detection system compensates for the reduced safety margin needed when burning diverse fuel types
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature in the premix section and provides feedback to the control system. When abnormal temperature indicating flashback or flame holding is detected, the control system modifies fuel flow in real-time to eliminate the condition. This closed-loop feedback enables safe operation with diverse fuel types that would otherwise be restricted
2Reliability
If flame holding margin is maintained to prevent flashback, then component safety is ensured, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection system identifies flashback conditions at an early stage before they cause damage, allowing remedial action to be taken while the combustor is still operating efficiently. This eliminates the need to maintain excessive flame holding margins that would restrict operational efficiency, as the preliminary detection provides safety without sacrificing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The rapid detection and response system allows the combustor to quickly transition from normal operation to remedial action when flashback is detected, minimizing the time spent in unsafe conditions. This enables the system to operate at optimal efficiency most of the time, only taking corrective action when absolutely necessary
3Measurement precision
If temperature detection system is implemented, then flashback detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the critical temperature monitoring function needed for flashback detection, placing temperature sensors specifically in the premix section where flashback begins. This focused approach provides effective flashback detection without the complexity of comprehensive system monitoring, as only the essential temperature measurement function is added to the combustor
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
Effectively detects and mitigates flashback events within gas turbines, preventing damage and enhancing fuel flexibility by enabling the use of diverse fuel types without risking component damage.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of temperature detectors are disposed in communication with the combustion chamber. The plurality of temperature detectors detect a temperature in the plurality of combustion zones.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of temperature detectors are disposed in an orientation that monitors temperature upstream from the premixing device.
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor includes a combustor housing defining a combustion chamber having a plurality of combustion zones. A plurality of temperature detectors are disposed in communication with the combustion chamber. The plurality of temperature detectors detect a temperature in the plurality of combustion zones. A controller communicating with the plurality of temperature detectors is programmed to determine an occurrence of a flame holding condition or a flashback condition in the plurality of combustion zones based on signals from the plurality of temperature detectors.