Independently Actuated IGV and VSV Control for Compressor Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern gas turbine compression systems are limited by a single degree of freedom, restricting the ability to balance competing objectives like efficiency and operability, which hinders performance across varying conditions and operations.

Innovation Solution

A two-degree of freedom compression system with independently adjustable inlet guide vanes (IGVs) and stator vanes (VSVs) is controlled using a system comprising a controller with IGV and VSV control units, communicating with sensors to adjust positions based on compressor property values such as exhaust temperature, enhancing control and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional one degree of freedom compression system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to balance competing objectives such as efficiency and operability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to balance competing objectivesVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression system is segmented into two independently controllable degrees of freedom: inlet guide vane (IGV) angle and stator vane (SV) angle. Each degree of freedom can be adjusted independently to address different operational requirements, allowing the system to balance competing objectives such as efficiency and operability under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a two degree of freedom compression system is used, then turndown capability and operating efficiency are improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturndown capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic control of two degrees of freedom (IGV angle and SV angle) that can be adjusted in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables improved turndown ratio and operating efficiency while maintaining system stability through coordinated control of both vanes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If independent IGV and VSV adjustment is implemented, then compressor stability over wide range of operations is improved, but the control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor stabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor compressor operating conditions and automatically adjust the IGV and SV angles to maintain optimal stability margins. This feedback control enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions including startup, shutdown, and transient operations while maintaining compressor stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2508762B1Control of compression system with independently actuated inlet guide and/or stator vanes

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

A compression system (10) includes a compressor (300) with independently adjustable inlet guide vanes (IGV (312)) and variable stator vanes (VSV (314)). IGV and VSV control units (152, 162) produce respective IGV/VSV reference commands (130, 140) responsive to respective first and second inputs (170, 172) that may be responsive to properties of the system (10). The second input (172) may be provided by a model of the compressor (300) or of the compression system (10) responsive to measured properties. The second input (172) may be an estimate of a property not directly observable, such as stall margin or efficiency.