Sensor Module for Gas Turbine Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for gas turbine engines face limitations in effectively managing combustion emission parameters due to the reliance on costly and less effective sensors, which can lead to incomplete fuel combustion and excessive pollutant emissions when trying to optimize fuel/air mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop emission control system that uses a sensor module to obtain an aspirated exhaust sample and analyze multiple exhaust parameters, allowing for real-time control of combustion system parameters, such as fuel trim and air/fuel ratios, using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy to optimize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate and redundant sensors are used for determining each combustion parameter, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple combustion parameters (temperature, pressure, composition) into a single exhaust gas sample that is analyzed by one integrated sensor module, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each parameter while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - measuring temperature, pressure, and gas composition all through a single integrated device that handles the exhaust sample and provides multiple measurements
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used for combustion parameter measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases and measurement precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical sensors with a laser-based absorption spectroscopy system that uses tunable diode lasers to measure combustion parameters, providing superior precision while reducing the need for expensive redundant sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement approach by using laser wavelength absorption characteristics at different frequencies to detect various combustion parameters, transforming the measurement mechanism to achieve higher precision with a single sensor module
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 enables precise control of combustion parameters, reducing pollutants like nitrogen oxide while minimizing the costs associated with redundant sensors, thereby improving the overall efficiency and emission control of gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing, by a sensor module, the aspirated exhaust sample to determine a plurality of exhaust parameters
Implementation Method 2
using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy to optimize combustion efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and a sensor module for use in controlling operation of a gas turbine system are provided herein. The sensor module is coupled within a combustion system and is configured to obtain an aspirated exhaust sample of exhaust flowing through an exhaust duct. The exhaust is generated by the combustion system. The aspirated exhaust sample is analyzed to determine a plurality of exhaust parameters. The sensor module also controls at least one combustion system parameter in a closed loop emission control (CLEC) system based on at least one of the plurality of exhaust parameters.