Staged Fuel Mixing With Interchangeability Index Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combustion systems face challenges in efficiently blending multiple fuels to optimize performance and efficiency, particularly in turbomachines like gas turbines, due to variations in fuel properties that affect combustion dynamics and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for blending multiple fuels using a helical static mixer or mixing chamber, combined with sensors and a controller, to determine and adjust fuel parameters based on measured interchangeability indices like Wobbe Index, ensuring a homogeneous fuel mixture is achieved for optimal combustion performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuels are blended without precise control, then fuel variety and adaptability are improved, but fuel mixture uniformity and combustion stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to measure the interchangeability index of the blended fuel mixture and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the flow rates of individual fuels through control valves to maintain the desired interchangeability index, ensuring consistent fuel mixture quality despite variations in fuel properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the flow rate parameters of individual fuels based on their measured properties (density, heating value, Wobbe index). By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system maintains optimal fuel mixture composition and interchangeability index despite using different fuel types
2Device complexity
If fuel blending is performed without real-time measurement and adjustment, then system complexity is reduced, but combustion efficiency and performance optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously measure the interchangeability index of the blended fuel and feed this data back to the controller. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time optimization of combustion efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual fuel blending operations with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, controllers, and actuators. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation improves combustion efficiency while keeping the system complexity manageable
3Ease of operation
If fuel parameters are not adjusted based on interchangeability index, then system operation is simpler, but combustion performance and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts fuel parameters based on measured interchangeability index without requiring manual intervention. The controller self-regulates the blending process by adjusting control valves based on sensor feedback, maintaining energy efficiency while keeping operation simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes fuel flow rate parameters based on measured interchangeability index to optimize combustion performance. This automated parameter adjustment improves energy efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through self-regulating control
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 enhances fuel mixture uniformity and improves combustion efficiency by adjusting fuel properties to match predetermined indices, leading to improved operation and efficiency of turbomachines.
Implementation Method 1
mixing, via a plurality of helical structures of the helical static mixer, the at least two fuels to form a fuel mixture
Implementation Method 2
determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, the interchangeability index being one of a measured Wobbe Index of the fuel mixture or a measured Modified Wobbe Index of the fuel mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of blending at least two fuels includes providing at least two fuels to a first mixing module via a fuel supply system, mixing, via the first mixing module, the at least two fuels to form an initial fuel mixture, providing the initial fuel mixture to a second mixing module, mixing, via the second mixing module, the initial fuel mixture to form a fuel mixture, determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index, adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuels based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index, and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.