Moisture Condensation Control in EGR Gas Turbine Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine systems with exhaust gas recirculation face challenges in managing moisture condensation within the compressor section, leading to potential airfoil degradation and reduced operational life due to mechanical and environmental stresses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a detection system for non-intrusive measurement of moisture in exhaust gases, a controller for evaluating condensation parameters, and a control scheme to modulate cooling and heating of the exhaust gas within the recirculation path, ensuring condensation occurs within predetermined ranges to mitigate moisture-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If exhaust gas is recirculated through the compressor section, then system efficiency is improved, but moisture condensation occurs causing airfoil degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas by applying heating (such as electric heating elements or thermal exchange) to maintain the gas temperature above the dew point, preventing moisture condensation on compressor airfoils while allowing exhaust gas recirculation to continue for system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful moisture condensation into a beneficial controlled process by using the presence of moisture as a measurable parameter (via dew point measurement) to trigger heating actions, thereby preventing actual condensation damage while utilizing the recirculation for efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling is applied to exhaust gas in recirculation path, then condensation is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a feedback control mechanism where a dew point sensor continuously measures the moisture content and temperature of the exhaust gas, and this measurement feeds back to a controller that adjusts heating or cooling actions to maintain temperature within a range that prevents condensation while preserving control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature control strategy based on real-time conditions, switching between heating and cooling modes as needed, and adjusting the aggressiveness of control actions based on how close the system is to the condensation threshold, thereby maintaining precision across varying operating conditions
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 effectively suppresses moisture condensation, extending the operational life of compressor components and maintaining efficiency by actively controlling condensation conditions within the gas turbine system.
Implementation Method 1
a detection system comprising at least one non-intrusive measurement device coupled to the inlet section, wherein the at least one non-intrusive measurement device is configured to generate a first feedback relating to moisture contained within an exhaust gas flowing through the inlet section
Implementation Method 2
evaluating the first feedback for one or more indications of condensation of the moisture within the exhaust gas as the exhaust gas flows through the exhaust gas compressor
Implementation Method 3
modulating cooling of the exhaust gas within the exhaust recirculation path, heating of the exhaust gas within the inlet section of the exhaust gas compressor, or both, based on the evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method includes flowing an exhaust gas from a turbine of a gas turbine system to an exhaust gas compressor of the gas turbine system via an exhaust recirculation path; evaluating moist flow parameters of the exhaust gas within an inlet section of the exhaust gas compressor using a controller comprising non-transitory media programmed with instructions and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions; and modulating cooling of the exhaust gas within the exhaust recirculation path, heating of the exhaust gas within the inlet section of the exhaust gas compressor, or both, based on the evaluation.