Tomographic Combustion Monitoring via Spectral Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring combustion in power plant combustion chambers, such as absorption spectroscopy and CAT technology, can only measure mean values, limiting the ability to derive comprehensive variables for optimizing the combustion process, and lack real-time, situation-specific data for optimizing combustion.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the concentration distribution of a second substance by combining the known concentration distribution of a first substance with physical laws, using 2D measurements and temperature distribution data, allowing for a more accurate and complete representation of combustion processes, including previously unmeasurable substances like NOx, through a combination of absorption spectroscopy and CAT technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absorption spectroscopy or acoustic pyrometry is used to measure combustion parameters, then measurement can be performed non-invasively, but only average values along a line can be obtained, not spatial distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms line-integrated measurements into two-dimensional concentration distributions by combining measurements from multiple viewing angles and applying tomographic reconstruction algorithms. This dimensional transformation enables spatial resolution without requiring direct physical probes into the combustion chamber, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mathematical reconstruction algorithms as an intermediary between the raw line-integrated measurements and the desired spatial concentration distributions. This intermediary processing layer extracts spatial information from the limited measurement data without requiring complex physical measurement systems, thereby achieving high measurement precision with relatively simple sensing hardware.
2Loss of information
If sensors are inserted into the combustion chamber to measure state variables at multiple locations, then spatial distribution data can be obtained, but the measurement system becomes more complex and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional spectral measurement systems that can simultaneously measure concentrations of multiple substances (CO, CO2, H2O, NO, NO2, N2O) and temperature distributions using the same optical path and detector system. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive combustion state information without requiring separate sensor systems for each parameter, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor insertion systems with optical measurement systems that traverse the combustion chamber externally. Instead of physically inserting probes into the harsh combustion environment, the system uses optical paths that can be positioned outside the chamber, eliminating the need for complex sensor protection mechanisms and simplifying the measurement system while maintaining information completeness through tomographic reconstruction.
3Productivity
If only average concentration values are measured, then the measurement system remains simple, but optimization of combustion process cannot be effectively performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary tomographic reconstruction to obtain spatial concentration distributions before combustion optimization decisions are made. By having the spatial distribution data readily available through pre-processing, operators can immediately identify local combustion issues and implement targeted optimization measures, improving combustion process efficiency without requiring complex real-time control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where spatial concentration distributions are continuously measured, analyzed, and used to adjust combustion parameters. The reconstructed 2D concentration maps provide detailed feedback on combustion efficiency and pollutant formation locations, enabling precise optimization of air-fuel ratios, mixing conditions, and temperature control to maximize productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables a detailed, real-time understanding of combustion processes, allowing for better regulation and optimization, particularly reducing NOx emissions by using oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide concentrations to inform physical models for optimizing combustion conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Absorption spectroscopy is one known method
Implementation Method 2
Computer Aided Tomography (CAT) is a well-known measurement technique for calculating the temperature and concentration distribution in a plane of a combustion chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for monitoring the combustion in a combustion chamber of a power plant and to an associated device, wherein a real concentration distribution of a first substance in the combustion chamber is determined and the concentration distribution of a second substance is determined based on the real concentration distribution of the first substance and at least one physical model equation.