Flame Detection in Gas Turbine No-Flame Region
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine systems face challenges in detecting flame holding in undesirable locations upstream of the combustion chamber, which can lead to unsafe operating conditions or catastrophic failure, as current detection methods rely on implied detection rather than direct detection within the combustion chamber.
Innovation Solution
A flame detection system is implemented in a gas turbine that includes a flame detector in photonic communication with a no-flame region upstream of the combustion chamber, emitting signals responsive to photons within a predefined wavelength range, and a controller to determine flame presence and initiate ameliorative actions, such as altering fuel delivery or shutting down the turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flame detection is performed in the combustion chamber using optical sensors, then flame holding can be detected, but the detection is indirect and implies flame presence rather than directly detecting it in the no-flame region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary optical system comprising a lens and fiber optic cable to transmit light from the no-flame region to the detector. The lens collects photons emitted in the no-flame region and focuses them onto the fiber optic cable, which transports the optical signal to the detector without requiring the detector to be physically positioned in the difficult-to-access no-flame region. This intermediary approach enables direct detection while simplifying device installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical field-based detection approach. Instead of mechanically positioning detectors directly in the no-flame region (which would be complex and difficult to maintain), the system uses optical fields to remotely sense flame presence. The optical sensor detects photons transmitted through the optical field from the no-flame region, substituting mechanical complexity with optical field utilization.
2Reliability
If flame detection systems are installed to detect flame holding in no-flame regions, then safety is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy or replica of the no-flame region conditions by detecting photons that originate from the no-flame region and transmitting them to a remote detection location. The detector receives an optical copy of the flame emission characteristics without being physically present in the hazardous no-flame region. This copying approach maintains safety while enabling accurate flame detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable acts as an intermediary that safely transmits optical signals from the hazardous no-flame region to a safe detection location. This intermediary isolates the detection electronics from the high-temperature, high-risk environment while maintaining detection capability, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Loss of time
If direct flame detection in no-flame region is implemented, then response time for flame holding is reduced, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system with lens and fiber optic cable serves as an intermediary that enables direct detection of flame emissions from the no-flame region while allowing the detector to be installed in a accessible, safe location. The lens collects photons from the no-flame region and the fiber optic cable transports the signal to the detector, maintaining fast response time while greatly simplifying installation and maintenance compared to direct placement of detectors in the no-flame region.
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 system effectively detects flame presence in no-flame regions, reducing the risk of flame holding and associated hazards by directly monitoring areas where flames are undesirable, enabling timely intervention to prevent damage or failure.
Implementation Method 1
a flame detector in photonic communication with the no-flame region and arranged to emit a signal responsive to a photon emitted in the no-flame region
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A flame detector (201) in photonic communication with a no-flame region of a combustor (120) of a gas turbine (100) may emit a signal when a photon is detected. A controller (210) may be arranged to receive a signal from the flame detector (201) and may determine whether a flame presence in the no-flame region is indicated responsive to the signal.