Sequential Gas Turbine Combustor Burner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine systems with sequential combustion face limitations in their lower load range due to increased carbon monoxide emissions, necessitating a method to control firing temperatures and maintain operational limits during low part load operations.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine controller determines a limiting firing temperature or schedule for operative burners in the second combustor, based on parameters such as inlet guide vane position, air flow, and emissions, to keep the system within operational limits by switching off multiple burners and adjusting fuel flow, thereby maintaining efficient and environmentally compliant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gas turbine system operates at lower load range, then productivity is improved, but carbon monoxide emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor is divided into multiple individual burners that can be independently controlled. During low part load operation, the controller selectively switches off specific burners while keeping others active, allowing the system to maintain stable combustion with reduced total fuel input, thereby reducing CO emissions while operating at lower load
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active burners based on the operating load. The controller continuously monitors load conditions and switches burners on or off accordingly, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that maintains optimal combustion conditions across varying load ranges and prevents CO emission increases at low load
2Productivity
If multiple burners are switched off during low part load mode, then productivity is improved, but firing temperature control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring the firing temperature and adjusting the fuel flow to active burners accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with a reduced and variable number of active burners, the firing temperature remains within the desired operational range, maintaining combustion stability and preventing CO emission issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different combinations of active burners and adjusting fuel flow rates dynamically. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal firing temperature across varying load conditions, ensuring stable combustion and acceptable emissions performance during low part load operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower limit of the turbine system's load range is decreased, then adaptability is improved, but operational limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration by switching burners on and off based on load conditions, allowing it to operate reliably across an extended load range while maintaining compliance with operational limits such as emissions standards and temperature constraints
4Adaptability or versatility
If inlet guide vanes are closed to reduce air flow, then adaptability is improved, but firing temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from temperature sensors to continuously adjust fuel flow to the active burners, compensating for changes in air flow caused by IGV position. This ensures that firing temperature remains precisely controlled even as air flow varies with IGV closure, maintaining combustion stability across different operating 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
This approach enhances the precision of firing temperature control, allows for a broader operational range, reduces fuel consumption, and improves emissions management, increasing the efficiency and flexibility of the gas turbine system, especially during low part load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A gas turbine controller determines a limiting firing temperature for operative burners of a second combustor
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (90) for operating a gas turbine system (10) includes utilizing a gas turbine controller (46) to determine (94) a schedule (70) for a firing temperature for operative burners (28) of a second combustor (18) located downstream (8) of a first combustor (14) when the gas turbine system (10) is operating in a low part load mode. During the low part load mode, multiple burners (28) for the second combustor (18) are switched-off. Further, the schedule (70) is determined based on a position of inlet guide vanes (30) of a compressor (12) of the gas turbine system (10) located upstream (6) of both the first and second combustors (14, 18). The method (90) also includes controlling (96) the firing temperature of the operative burners (28) utilizing the schedule (70) during the low part load mode to keep the gas turbine system (10) within relevant operational limits of the gas turbine system (10).