Gas Turbine Combustor Diagnostics Using Sensor Response Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine combustors face variability in operational parameters due to fuel composition, oxidant composition, and other materials, leading to inefficiencies and potential emissions issues, necessitating a diagnostic system to monitor and adjust combustion processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system for gas turbine combustors that includes sensors to monitor combustion products, a control system to adjust operational parameters, and a routine to diagnose conditions based on sensor responses, ensuring stoichiometric combustion and reducing emissions by correlating sensor data with specific combustor operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If combustor operations are monitored without diagnostic adjustments, then operational simplicity is maintained, but combustion efficiency and emissions control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic routines by adjusting operational parameters and identifying sensor responses before actual combustion variations occur. This proactive approach allows the system to establish baseline correlations between sensor responses and combustor conditions, enabling efficient real-time monitoring without requiring complex continuous adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system implements feedback mechanisms where sensor responses are correlated with specific combustor adjustments. The system continuously monitors combustion products, compares readings against expected values, and provides feedback for operational parameter adjustments, thereby maintaining combustion efficiency through a closed-loop control approach
2Measurement precision
If sensor monitoring is implemented without correlation analysis, then detection capability is provided, but diagnostic precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring task by dividing sensor responses into distinct categories correlated with specific combustor conditions. Each sensor type (temperature, pressure, composition) is analyzed separately and then integrated, allowing precise diagnostic information to be extracted from complex sensor data without requiring overly complex analysis systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces correlation analysis as an intermediary process between raw sensor data and diagnostic conclusions. By establishing predetermined relationships between sensor responses and combustor conditions, the system translates complex sensor readings into precise diagnostic information without requiring direct complex analysis of all sensor data simultaneously
3Productivity
If operational parameters are adjusted frequently, then combustion efficiency is improved, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic diagnostic routines rather than continuous parameter adjustments. Operational parameters are adjusted at scheduled intervals based on accumulated sensor data analysis, allowing the combustion system to maintain stability between adjustments while still achieving efficiency improvements through regular optimization cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of sensor data trends before making operational parameter adjustments. By identifying gradual deviations from optimal combustion conditions and preparing adjustment recommendations in advance, the system can implement changes more frequently without causing instability, as each adjustment is based on thorough preliminary assessment
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
The system enhances operational efficiency, reduces emissions, and maintains desired combustion parameters by identifying and addressing variations in combustor performance, thereby improving the reliability and environmental impact of gas turbine operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors positioned downstream of the turbine combustion system and configured to monitor one or more parameters of the combustion products
Implementation Method 2
a first turbine combustor of a plurality of turbine combustors each configured to combust a fuel/oxidant mixture to produce combustion products
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method includes performing a turbine combustor diagnostic routine including operating a first turbine combustor of a plurality of turbine combustors at a substantially steady state of combustion; adjusting an operational parameter of the first turbine combustor to cause a change in combustion products produced by the first turbine combustor; identifying a first sensor response of a first subset of a plurality of sensors disposed within or downstream from a turbine fluidly coupled to the turbine combustor, the first sensor response being indicative of the change in the combustion products, and wherein the first subset comprises one or more first sensors; correlating the first subset of sensors with the first turbine combustor; and diagnosing a condition of the first subset of the plurality of sensors, the first turbine combustor, or a combination thereof, based on the first sensor response.