Static Fuel Mixer Control for Wobbe Index Stable Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combustion systems face challenges in efficiently blending multiple fuels to optimize combustion efficiency and performance, particularly in turbomachines like gas turbines, due to variations in fuel properties that affect interchangeability.
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 system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuels are blended without precise control, then fuel flexibility is improved, but combustion efficiency deteriorates due to improper mixing ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the Wobbe Index of the blended fuel and uses this measurement to feedback control the mixing ratios of individual fuels through adjustable flow controllers, ensuring the blended fuel maintains optimal combustion characteristics while allowing flexibility in fuel selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rates and mixing ratios of multiple fuels based on measured Wobbe Index values, changing the parameters of fuel blending to optimize combustion efficiency while maintaining adaptability to different fuel types
2Reliability
If complex mixing systems are used to achieve homogeneous fuel mixture, then combustion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fuel blending process into separate controllable streams for each fuel type, with individual flow controllers and mixing stages, allowing precise control of each component while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical mixing mechanisms with a control-based approach using electronic flow controllers and sensors that regulate fuel mixing through automated control algorithms, reducing mechanical complexity while improving mixing precision
3Reliability
If real-time measurement and adjustment of fuel parameters is implemented, then combustion performance is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time measurement of the Wobbe Index using sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust fuel mixing ratios through electronic controllers, improving combustion performance while managing system complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the measured Wobbe Index information to self-adjust the fuel blending parameters automatically, reducing the need for external intervention and simplifying operation while maintaining optimal combustion performance
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 combustion efficiency by ensuring a homogeneous fuel mixture, improving the performance and efficiency of turbomachines by adjusting fuel properties to match predetermined interchangeability indices, thereby optimizing operational parameters.
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 mixing chamber via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each fuel of the at least two fuels, mixing, via baffles of the mixing chamber, the at least two fuels 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.