Gas Turbine Thermal Stability Detection with Sensor Lag Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine systems inaccurately determine thermal stability based on operational parameters, leading to premature transition to steady-state operation, which can decrease efficiency and increase the risk of component damage due to undesirable operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computing device and sensors that calculate a lag output for operational characteristics, using a time constant specific to each characteristic, and determine thermal stability by comparing these outputs to predetermined thresholds based on build parameters, ensuring accurate detection of thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators assume thermal stability based on constant operational parameters, then operational efficiency may be improved by transitioning to steady-state operation, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to false conclusions about thermal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional operational parameter monitoring with acoustic emission monitoring to detect thermal stability. Acoustic sensors detect subtle acoustic signals from thermal expansion and material stress changes, providing more precise measurement of actual thermal state rather than relying on inferred operational parameters. This substitution enables accurate thermal stability detection without delaying the transition to steady-state operation.
2Power
If operators transition to steady-state operation based on conventional monitoring, then power output may be increased, but component reliability deteriorates due to exposure to undesirable operational parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time acoustic emission monitoring that continuously feeds back thermal stability information to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect actual thermal conditions and confirm readiness for steady-state operation, ensuring components are truly thermally stable before increased power output is applied, thereby preventing damage from premature operation.
3Device complexity
If conventional operational parameter monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates in determining thermal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic emissions as an intermediary measurement that bridges operational parameters and actual thermal state. Acoustic sensors detect physical phenomena (thermal expansion, material stress) that directly reflect thermal conditions, serving as a mediator between conventional sensors and the true thermal stability state. This intermediary provides precise thermal detection without requiring complex direct temperature measurement systems throughout the turbine.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, program products, and methods for detecting thermal stability within gas turbine systems are disclosed. The systems may include a computing device(s) in communication with a gas turbine system, and a plurality of sensors positioned within or adjacent the gas turbine system. The sensor(s) may measure operational characteristics of the gas turbine system. The computing device(s) may be configured to detect thermal stability within the gas turbine system by performing processes including calculating a lag output for each of the plurality of measured operational characteristics. The calculated lag output may be based on a difference between a calculated lag for the measured operational characteristics and the measured operational characteristic itself. The calculated lag output may be also be based on a time constant for the measured operational characteristics. The computing device(s) may also determine when each of the calculated lag outputs are below a predetermined threshold.