Partial Flame Failure Detection in Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine systems face challenges in reliably detecting partial flame failures, leading to inefficient engine performance, increased emissions, and potential explosions due to unburned fuel, as current detection methods are prone to errors and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple temperature sensors placed downstream of combustors in the gas duct and within burners to measure temperature changes over time, calculating detection parameters from standard deviations and rate of change, which helps in accurately identifying partial flame failures by monitoring thermal field uniformity and burner temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) sensors are deployed to detect flame presence, then flame detection capability is provided, but the system becomes expensive to supply and maintain and is prone to false identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems (IR/UV sensors) with a simpler thermal-based detection system using temperature sensors and computational algorithms. The flame detection function is achieved through measuring temperature variations in the exhaust gas and analyzing thermal field uniformity, substituting expensive optical sensors with more reliable and cost-effective thermal measurement approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly detecting flame presence using complex sensors, the system creates a thermal field model by measuring temperatures at multiple probing points and comparing the uniformity pattern against expected combustion characteristics. This indirect detection method through thermal field analysis provides more reliable flame detection without requiring expensive direct flame sensors.
2Reliability
If temperature sensors are placed in the combustion section to detect flame failure, then detection capability is provided, but the sensors are exposed to harsh conditions causing oil or smoke fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature measurement function from the harsh combustion zone by placing temperature sensors downstream in the exhaust gas path where conditions are more benign. The system measures temperature at multiple probing points in the exhaust stream, which provides sufficient information about combustion status without exposing sensors to the fouling conditions of the combustion chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust gas acts as an intermediary medium that carries thermal information from the combustion zone to the measurement location. By measuring temperature in the exhaust stream rather than directly in the combustion chamber, the system obtains combustion status information without direct sensor exposure to harmful combustion byproducts.
3Productivity
If fuel continues to be introduced during partial flameout to meet demand, then power demand is met, but emissions increase and explosion risk arises from unburnt fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature uniformity across multiple probing points and provides real-time feedback about combustion status. When partial flameout is detected through temperature variation analysis, the control system can immediately adjust fuel injection and air supply to restore proper combustion, preventing both excessive emissions and dangerous fuel accumulation that could lead to explosions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of combustion anomalies by analyzing temperature field patterns before unburnt fuel accumulates to dangerous levels. By detecting partial flameout conditions early through thermal field uniformity analysis, the system can take corrective action on fuel and air supply before emissions become excessive or explosive conditions develop.
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 enhances the reliability of partial flame failure detection, reducing unnecessary engine shutdowns, extending engine life, and improving performance by minimizing false alarms and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first temperature over time at each of at least two probing points located downstream from the combustors in the gas duct
Implementation Method 2
measuring a second temperature over time in each of at least two of the burners
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of detecting a partial flame failure in a gas turbine (10) having a gas duct (34) for guiding propulsion gas (18) and several combustors (24), each of which combustors (24) leads into the gas duct (34) and comprises a burner (36) is provided. The method comprises the steps of : measuring a first temperature over time at each of at least two probing points (32a; 32b) located downstream from the combustors (24) in the gas duct (34), measuring a second temperature over time in each of at least two of the burners (36), and detecting a partial flame failure from the first temperature measurements and said second temperature measurements, wherein said detecting of a partial flame failure includes the step of determining a first detection parameter, said first detection parameter being determined from a rate of change of a variation between said first temperature measurements at different probing points (32a; 32b).