Gas Turbine SCR Control for NOx and Slip Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine systems face challenges in effectively reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions due to over-injection of reductants in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) processes, which leads to reductant 'slip' and increased combustion dynamics, necessitating a coordinated approach to regulate emissions control measures.

Innovation Solution

A turbine system control system that coordinates fuel/air ratio, steam/water injection, and SCR operation to optimize NOx reduction, utilizing available SCR capacity to maintain emissions below regulatory thresholds while reducing mechanical and thermal fatigue, and improving power output and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If reductant injection is increased to reduce NOx emissions, then NOx reduction is improved, but reductant slip increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx emissionsVSAvoidreductant slip
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors actual NOx emissions and compares them with predicted values, then adjusts reductant injection rates dynamically. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents both over-injection (causing slip) and under-injection (insufficient NOx reduction) by real-time optimization of the injection rate based on measured versus predicted emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a predictor model to estimate upcoming NOx emissions based on current operating conditions before they actually occur. This preliminary prediction allows the control system to pre-adjust reductant injection rates, ensuring optimal injection timing and quantity before emissions peaks occur, thereby preventing both slip and insufficient reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-generated harmful factors

If reductant injection is increased to reduce NOx emissions, then NOx reduction is improved, but combustion dynamics increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx emissionsVSAvoidcombustion dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

By continuously monitoring actual NOx emissions and comparing with predictions, the system adjusts reductant injection to the minimum effective rate needed for compliance. This prevents excessive injection that would amplify combustion dynamics while still achieving sufficient NOx reduction through precise, demand-based dosing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the reductant injection rate parameter based on real-time operating conditions and predicted emissions. By adjusting this parameter precisely to match actual needs rather than using fixed high rates, the system achieves NOx reduction while minimizing disturbances to combustion stability and dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If SCR capacity is optimized to reduce reductant slip, then reductant utilization is improved, but NOx reduction capacity may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereductant slipVSAvoidNOx emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The predictor model forecasts upcoming NOx emissions based on current operating parameters before they manifest. This allows the control system to pre-position the appropriate reductant injection rate, ensuring that sufficient reductant is available when needed for NOx reduction while avoiding excessive injection that would cause slip. The prediction enables precise timing and dosing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-loop control continuously compares predicted NOx emissions with actual measurements and adjusts reductant injection accordingly. This feedback ensures that the SCR system operates at optimal utilization points, matching reductant injection precisely to actual emissions needs, thereby preventing both slip and insufficient NOx reduction capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively reduces NOx emissions by adjusting operating parameters, minimizing reductant slip, and reducing combustion dynamics, thereby extending hardware life and improving overall performance and efficiency of the gas turbine system.

Implementation Method 1

a selective catalytic reduction system having a catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

a selective catalytic reduction system having a catalyst... a reducing agent, such as ammonia, is supplied to an injector... to react injected ammonia with NOx from the combustor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective catalytic reduction: Chemical Transport Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP2826979B1Gas turbine emissions control system and method
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2826979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2826979B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a system 10 including a gas turbine engine 12, a selective catalytic reduction system 30, and a control system 46 configured to regulate operation of the selective catalytic reduction system 30 based at least partially on preset variations in an emissions compound of exhaust gases produced by the gas turbine engine 12.