Gas Turbine Combustion Control via Real-Time Fuel Composition Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbines face operational instability and reduced reliability due to varying fuel gas compositions resulting from mixed natural gas sources, which affect combustion processes and emissions, necessitating a more adaptive control method to maintain optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving real-time fuel gas composition measurement using fast infrared gas analyzers, combining closed-loop pulsation control with open-loop composition-based control, and optimizing fuel distribution between different burner groups to maintain stable operation across changing fuel qualities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas turbines operate with natural gas from different sources mixed together, then supply optimization and price optimization are achieved, but fuel gas composition variability increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts burner group distribution based on real-time fuel composition measurements. The system transitions from static operation to dynamic adaptation, continuously modifying the ratio of fuel supplied to different burner groups according to measured C2+ content and other compositional parameters, enabling the gas turbine to maintain stable operation despite varying fuel sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where fuel composition is continuously measured by analyzers and this measurement information is fed back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust the fuel distribution among burner groups, creating a self-regulating mechanism that maintains optimal combustion conditions despite external fuel variability
2Reliability
If the distribution of fuel mass flows between combustion chambers is adjusted based on C2+ alkane content, then flame stability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to continuous measurement and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically performs composition-based fuel distribution adjustments without requiring manual intervention. The system measures fuel composition, processes this information, and autonomously modifies burner group distribution, enabling self-regulating operation that reduces operational complexity while maintaining improved flame stability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: it performs real-time fuel composition analysis, processes measurement data, determines optimal fuel distribution strategies, and executes control actions across multiple burner groups. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If fast changing fuel gas compositions occur, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but operational stability and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of fuel composition before combustion occurs and pre-calculates the appropriate fuel distribution strategy. By measuring composition upstream and preparing control actions in advance, the system can rapidly respond to composition changes without destabilizing the combustion process, maintaining both flexibility and stability during transient 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
Enables rapid and reliable gas turbine operation across a wide range of fuel compositions, ensuring optimal emissions, pulsation behavior, and operational reliability, enhancing flexibility and adaptability to fluctuating fuel sources.
Implementation Method 1
Continuously measuring in real time the composition of the fuel gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a gas turbine (11), comprising a compressor (12), a turbine (14) and a combustor (13) with a pilot burner group (15a), a rich premix burner group (15b) and a lean premix burner group (15c), under changing composition of the incoming fuel gas (16), said method comprising the steps of: ● Continuously measuring in real time the composition of the fuel gas (16); and ● controlling the operation of said gas turbine (11) and the combustion of said burners (15a-c) by using said real time fuel gas composition measurements.