Multi-Fuel Combustor Fuel Pump Control for No-Shutdown Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine systems operating with multiple liquid fuels face increased cost and footprint due to separate fuel supply systems, and shutting down the system to change fuel sources is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply system with a single fuel pump and variable frequency drive motor controls fuel transitions between liquid fuels, maintaining discharge pressure and stability during transitions using a controller that adjusts fuel pump speed and valve positions based on fuel parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate fuel supply systems are used for different fuels, then the gas turbine system can operate with multiple fuels, but the cost and footprint of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fuel supply lines into a single fuel pump system. The fuel pump receives multiple liquid fuels through separate feeding valves and pumps them as a combined flow to the combustor, eliminating the need for separate pumps for each fuel type while maintaining the ability to switch between fuels
Solution Approach 2:
The single fuel pump is designed to handle multiple types of liquid fuels universally. The pump system can process different fuels (such as diesel, gasoline, or other liquid fuels) through the same pumping mechanism, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various fuel sources without requiring fuel-specific pump designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gas turbine system shuts down to change fuel source, then the fuel type can be changed, but operational availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for fuel switching in advance by having multiple fuel feeding valves ready to connect different fuel sources to the single fuel pump. The controller pre-configures the valve positions and pump parameters before the actual fuel transition, enabling seamless switching without shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel pump operates dynamically with variable speed control through a motor with variable frequency drive. During fuel transitions, the controller adjusts the pump speed in real-time to maintain proper discharge pressure and flow rates, ensuring stable operation throughout the fuel switching process without requiring system shutdown
3Stability of the object's composition
If fuel pump speed is adjusted during fuel transition, then discharge pressure stability is maintained, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the discharge pressure of the fuel pump and adjusting the motor speed accordingly. During fuel transitions, the controller receives pressure feedback and dynamically modifies the pump speed to maintain the discharge pressure within the desired range, ensuring stable fuel delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (motor frequency and pump speed) to adapt to different fuel types and transition conditions. The controller adjusts the electrical frequency supplied to the motor, which directly changes the pump speed and thereby controls the discharge pressure, allowing the system to maintain stability across varying fuel 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 flexible operation with varied liquid fuels, reducing system footprint and maintaining operational stability during fuel changes without shutdowns, enhancing efficiency and availability.
Implementation Method 1
The motor includes a variable frequency drive device configured to drive the motor.
Implementation Method 2
The fuel supply system includes a fuel pump having an inlet and an outlet... controlling a speed of a motor configured to drive the fuel pump to maintain a discharge pressure of a liquid fuel flow at the outlet
Implementation Method 3
The controller is configured to generate the first feeding valve control signals, the second feeding valve control signals, the pump speed control signals, and the main fuel control valve signals based at least in part on first fuel parameters of the first liquid fuel and second fuel parameters of the second liquid fuel.
Implementation Method 4
directing the first liquid fuel from an outlet of the fuel pump to a combustor of the gas turbine system... maintaining discharge pressure and stability during transitions
Implementation Method 5
combusting the first liquid fuel with an oxidant in the combustor to generate exhaust gas
Implementation Method 6
expanding the exhaust gas through a turbine of the gas turbine system to drive a shaft coupled to the turbine and to a load
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for transitioning from a first liquid fuel supplied to a combustor of a gas turbine system to a second liquid fuel supplied to the combustor utilizing a fuel pump configured to supply both fuels from the fuel pump during the transition without shutting down the gas turbine system. Through utilizing a fuel pump and adjusting the operation of the fuel pump during the transition, the additional costs, size, and operational complexity associated with multiple liquid fuel trains to facilitate operation of the gas turbine system with multiple liquid fuels may be avoided. The utilization of multiple liquid fuels during operation of a gas turbine system increase the operational flexibility of the gas turbine system by enabling the utilization of varied liquid fuel sources and/or local liquid fuel sources during a steady-state operation, yet utilizing standardized fuel sources for startup or shutdown procedures.