Flexible Fuel Combustor Control for Multi-Fuel Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power production systems are limited in their ability to efficiently operate with different types of fuels without requiring significant modifications to the combustor and associated equipment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that adjusts parameters related to the fuel, oxidant, and diluent to maintain combustion characteristics within defined operation parameters, allowing for the use of different fuel compositions in the same combustor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a combustor is designed as a fixed chamber customized to specific fuel properties to optimize performance, then combustion efficiency is improved, but the ability to operate with different fuel types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of combustor parameters including fuel flow rate, oxidant flow rate, and diluent flow rate through a control system that continuously adjusts these parameters based on the specific fuel composition being used. This allows the fixed combustor chamber to adapt its operating conditions dynamically, maintaining optimal combustion efficiency across different fuel types without requiring physical modifications to the combustor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system modifies operational parameters such as fuel-to-oxidant ratio, diluent injection rate, and combustion chamber pressure to match the characteristics of different fuels. By changing these parameters rather than the physical structure, the system maintains optimized combustion performance whether using natural gas, syngas, or other fuel types.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a combustor is designed for a narrow range of fuel mixtures to maintain stable combustion, then combustion stability is improved, but fuel switching capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor combustion stability parameters and automatically adjust fuel flow rate, oxidant flow rate, and diluent flow rate to maintain stable combustion. When a fuel type change is detected or anticipated, the system uses feedback from temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and composition analyzers to fine-tune operational parameters, ensuring combustion stability is maintained across different fuel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diluent as an intermediary substance that mediates between different fuel types and the combustion process. The diluent flow rate is controlled to buffer the effects of varying fuel compositions, providing a stabilizing influence that allows the combustor to maintain stable operation when switching between fuels with different combustion characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If significant modifications are made to the combustor to accommodate different fuels, then fuel versatility is improved, but device complexity and modification requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor is designed with universal operational capabilities through a control system that can handle multiple fuel types using the same physical infrastructure. Rather than designing separate combustors or making significant structural modifications for each fuel type, the single combustor chamber is equipped with a multi-functional control system that adjusts operational parameters to accommodate natural gas, syngas, and other fuels, eliminating the need for physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adapts to different fuel types through self-adjustment of operational parameters without requiring manual intervention or physical reconfiguration. The system monitors fuel composition and autonomously modifies fuel flow rate, oxidant flow rate, and diluent flow rate, making the combustor inherently versatile while maintaining simple fixed infrastructure.
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 approach enables power production plants to efficiently switch between different fuels without the need for extensive equipment changes, maintaining stable combustion properties and optimizing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a combustor configured to receive a fuel, an oxidant, and a diluent... adapted to combust different fuel compositions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are useful for controlling one or more aspects of a power production plant. More particularly, the disclosure relates to power production plants and methods of carrying out a power production method utilizing different fuel chemistries. Combustion of the different fuel mixtures can be controlled so that a defined set of combustion characteristics remains substantially constant across a range of different fuel chemistries.