Fuel Blending With Wobbe Index Control for Turbine Combustion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combustion systems face challenges in efficiently blending multiple fuels to achieve optimal combustion performance and efficiency, particularly in turbomachines like gas turbines, due to variations in fuel properties that affect interchangeability.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for blending multiple fuels using a helical static mixer, mixing chamber, eductor, or cyclonic mixer, which includes sensors to measure the Wobbe or Modified Wobbe Index, adjusting fuel parameters based on predetermined indices to ensure compatibility and optimize fuel mixture for combustion systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fuels with different properties are blended without precise control, then fuel supply flexibility is improved, but combustion performance and efficiency deteriorate due to variations in fuel interchangeability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel supply flexibilityVSAvoidcombustion performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the Wobbe Index of the blended fuel in real-time and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the fuel blend composition, ensuring combustion performance remains within acceptable ranges despite using multiple fuel types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the Wobbe Index parameter of the blended fuel by adjusting the proportions of different fuel sources, allowing flexible fuel selection while maintaining reliable combustion performance through parameter management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fuel blending is performed without real-time measurement and adjustment, then system complexity is reduced, but fuel mixture compatibility and combustion efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblending system complexityVSAvoidfuel mixture compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical blending control with automated measurement and control, using Wobbe Index sensors and electronic adjustment mechanisms to achieve precise fuel compatibility control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring the Wobbe Index and modifying the fuel blend composition without external intervention, maintaining precision while simplifying operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If fuel parameters are not adjusted based on interchangeability index, then operation simplicity is improved, but combustion efficiency and turbomachine performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel blending operationVSAvoidcombustion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts fuel parameters based on Wobbe Index measurements without requiring operator intervention, maintaining ease of operation while optimizing combustion efficiency through self-regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes fuel composition parameters based on measured interchangeability index to maintain optimal combustion efficiency, automatically adapting to different fuel sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fuel mixture compatibility, improving combustion efficiency and performance by adjusting fuel properties to match predetermined interchangeability indices, thereby optimizing operation of turbomachines.

Implementation Method 1

mixing, via a plurality of helical structures of the helical static mixer, the at least two fuels to form a fuel mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical mixing: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe Index of the fuel mixture or a measured Modified Wobbe Index of the fuel mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWobbe Index measurement:

Implementation Method 3

adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuels based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS12379109B1System and method for blending multiple fuels

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 GE VERNOVA INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A method of blending at least two fuels includes providing at least two fuels to an eductor via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each fuel of the at least two fuels, mixing, via a diffuser of the eductor, the at least two fuels to form a fuel mixture, determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index, adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuels based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index, and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.