Gas Turbine Wobbe Index Control via Flow Meter Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the Wobbe Index of fuel mixtures, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies in power generation, as existing methods require significant changes to the fuel system when variations in the Wobbe Index occur.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine system that includes a compressor, mixer, combustor, flow meters, and a control unit to adjust air and fuel flow, maintaining the Wobbe Index within a predetermined range by measuring and controlling temperature, pressure, and mixing ratios, thereby optimizing fuel mixture composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Wobbe Index varies significantly, then the fuel system must be redesigned or re-manufactured, but this increases device complexity and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the fuel injection system by adjusting the injection quantity based on real-time Wobbe Index measurements. The control unit modifies injection parameters (quantity, timing, duration) to adapt to varying fuel compositions without requiring physical system changes, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (injection quantity, injection timing, air-fuel ratio) rather than physical system configuration to accommodate Wobbe Index variations. By controlling these parameters dynamically, the system maintains versatility while avoiding the complexity of redesigning the fuel system infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are added to control air and fuel amounts, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flow meters and sensors that serve multiple functions: measuring flow rates for control purposes, detecting Wobbe Index characteristics, and providing feedback for optimization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement devices, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where flow meters measure actual air and fuel flow rates, the Wobbe Index is calculated from these measurements, and the control unit adjusts injection parameters based on this feedback. This closed-loop approach improves measurement utility and control precision while justifying the added sensor complexity through systematic optimization
3Ease of operation
If the Wobbe Index is not controlled within a predetermined range, then operational simplicity is maintained, but contamination ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the control unit automatically monitors Wobbe Index and adjusts fuel injection parameters to maintain optimal combustion conditions. This automatic self-adjustment reduces contamination ejection while requiring minimal operator intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while eliminating harmful emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes combustion parameters (fuel injection quantity, air-fuel ratio, injection timing) based on real-time Wobbe Index measurements to maintain combustion within optimal ranges. This parameter control prevents contamination ejection while keeping the system easy to operate through automated adjustment rather than manual intervention
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 allows for precise control of the Wobbe Index, reducing contamination and enhancing operational efficiency by utilizing existing fuel systems without the need for extensive redesign or re-manufacturing, ensuring stable power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor (120) which compresses air
Implementation Method 2
a mixer (130) which adds the compressed air from the first compressor (120) to fuel and generates a fuel mixture
Implementation Method 3
a combustor (113) which combusts the generated fuel mixture from the mixer (130)
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of flow meters which adjust an amount of the air or the fuel injected into the mixer
Implementation Method 5
a heat exchanger which heats at least one of the air ejected from the first compressor and the fuel supplied to the mixer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a gas turbine including: a first compressor which compresses air; a mixer which adds the compressed air from the first compressor to fuel and generates a fuel mixture; a combustor which combusts the generated fuel mixture from the mixer; a plurality of flow meters which adjusts an amount of the air or the fuel injected into the mixer; and a control unit which maintains the Wobbe Index of the fuel mixture within a predetermined Wobbe Index range.