Having Power Output Control Patents (Class 60/773)
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Publication number: 20130239579Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling engine performance that includes obtaining at least one optical wavelength-dependent measurement from at least one combustion event in at least one combustion chamber. The method further includes analyzing the optical wavelength-dependent measurement for determining adjustments to the at least one combustion event. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the at least one combustion event or at least a next combustion event by changing at least one physical parameter, at least one constituent parameter, or at least one physical parameter and at least one constituent parameter to control the engine performance, where the physical parameter includes adjusting a turbine blade angle using a vane-adjust actuator in response to a signal from a controller. The engine can include steady-flow engines or periodic flow engines, and the engine performance can be selected by an engine user.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventors: Raymond Girouard, Robert J. Moffat, Jacqueline R. Girouard
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Publication number: 20130227954Abstract: A gas turbine engine and method of controlling the gas turbine engine that may be utilized in a power grid having a plurality of additional power generation sources. The gas turbine engine is configured with a compressor having an enlarged mass flow volume. The gas turbine engine may be operated at a base load for supplying power to the power grid at a part load and optimum efficiency for the engine, and may be ramped up to a higher output to supply a peak load output to the power grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Bonnie D. Marini, Brian J. Bohinsky
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Publication number: 20130227944Abstract: A method of operating a generator arrangement comprises selecting an operating mode as a function of at least one of: a speed of an engine, a temperature of at least a portion of the engine, a property of an exhaust fluid of the engine, and whether an engine braking command signal is received by the controller; controlling the flow of fluid from a first engine outlet to a first turbine by setting, based on the selected operating mode, an operating condition of a first flow control mechanism, the first turbine being part of a turbocharger having a compressor in fluid flow communication with an engine inlet; and controlling the flow of fluid from a second engine outlet to a second turbine by setting, based on the selected operating mode, an operating condition of a second flow control mechanism, the second turbine being parallel to the first turbine and being part of an electrical generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: Cummins LtdInventors: Tim Denholm, Toshihiko Nishiyama, Owen Alistair Ryder
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Publication number: 20130219906Abstract: A system for tuning the operation of a gas turbine is provided based on measuring operational parameters of the turbine and directing adjustment of operational controls for various operational elements of the turbine. A controller is provided for communicating with sensors and controls within the system. The controller receiving operational data from the sensors and comparing the data to stored operational standards to determining if turbine operation conforms to the standards. The controller then communicates selected adjustment in an operational parameter of the turbine. The controller then receives additional operational data from the sensors to determine if an additional adjustment is desired or is adjustment is desired of a further selected operational parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Gas Turbine Efficiency Sweden ABInventor: Gas Turbine Efficiency Sweden AB
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Patent number: 8516825Abstract: In a method for reducing the NOx emissions from a burner arrangement comprising a plurality of burners (B1, . . . , Bn), in particular in a gas turbine, which burners (B1, . . . , Bn) are operated in parallel and each burner supplied fuel by means of combustion air to form a flame (F1, . . . , Fn), an effective drop is achieved in a simple way by virtue of the fact that at a predetermined time the flame temperatures of individual burners (B1, . . . , Bn) or burner groups or differences between the flame temperatures of individual burners (B1, . . . , Bn) or burner groups are measured directly or indirectly. The fuel supply to those burners or burner groups whose flame temperature exceeds a predetermined value for the flame temperature is selectively throttled in order to homogenize the flame temperatures of the burners (B1, . . . , Bn).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Alstom Technology LtdInventors: Ken-Yves Haffner, Douglas Pennell, Christian Steinbach
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Publication number: 20130213049Abstract: The present invention provides methods and system for power generation using a high efficiency combustor in combination with a CO2 circulating fluid. The methods and systems advantageously can make use of a low pressure ratio power turbine and an economizer heat exchanger in specific embodiments. Additional low grade heat from an external source can be used to provide part of an amount of heat needed for heating the recycle CO2 circulating fluid. Fuel derived CO2 can be captured and delivered at pipeline pressure. Other impurities can be captured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicants: 8 RIVERS CAPITAL, LLC, PALMER LABS, LLCInventors: Palmer Labs, LLC, 8 Rivers Capital, LLC
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Patent number: 8511093Abstract: A power generation plant comprises a plant control device (600) including two switchable control modes, i.e., a gas-turbine load control mode (7a) and a steam-turbine load control mode (7b). When the control is performed with the gas-turbine load control mode (7a), a fuel valve (104a) is controlled based on a load of a whole generator set (100), and a steam regulating valve (203a) is controlled based on an exhaust pressure of a steam turbine (202a). When the control is performed with the steam-turbine load control mode (7b), the fuel valve (104a) is controlled such that a valve opening degree thereof is maintained constant, and the steam regulating valve (203a) is controlled based on a load of the whole generator set (100).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Haruo Oguchi, Toyohiro Akebi, Takeshi Koi, Takahiro Moribe
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Patent number: 8505303Abstract: The present invention discloses a combustor system and method of measuring impurities in the combustion system. The combustion system includes an up-stream fuel injection point; a down-stream turbine combustor; a flame zone in the turbine combustor comprising a plurality of axial sub-zones; an optical port assembly configured to obtain a non-axial, direct, optical view of at least one of the plurality of axial sub-zones, and an impurity detection system in optical communication with the optical port assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Peter Micah Sandvik, Richard Dale Slates, Alexey Vasily Vert, Samer Aljabari
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Publication number: 20130199196Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a gas turbine system for part load efficiency improvement is described. The system includes a gas turbine having a compressor which receives inlet-air. An evaporative cooler system using heated fluid heats the inlet-air before the inlet-air flows to the compressor. Heating the inlet-air reduces an output of the gas turbine and extends the turndown range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rahul Chillar, Vijay Nenmeni, Julio Enrique Mestroni, Jianmin Zhang, James Patrick Tomey
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Publication number: 20130199197Abstract: A regulator device (10) for reducing the risk of surging in a turbine engine (3) that includes a gas generator (4), air extraction means (8), and mechanical power take-off means (100). An engine computer (11) includes storage means (16) that store a plurality of acceleration regulation relationships, each acceleration regulation relationship corresponding to air extraction in a first range, and to mechanical power take-off in a second range, said regulator device (10) including first measurement means (20) for measuring current air extraction, and second measurement means (30) for measuring current mechanical power take-off, said engine computer (11) controlling acceleration of the engine (3) by implementing the acceleration regulation relationship corresponding to the current air extraction and to the current mechanical power take-off.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: EUROCOPTERInventor: EUROCOPTER
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Publication number: 20130199198Abstract: A method of automatically regulating a power plant (3?) of an aircraft (1), said power plant comprising at least one turbine engine (3), said aircraft (1) having at least one rotary wing (300) provided with a plurality of blades (301) having variable pitch and driven in rotation by said power plant (3?), it being possible for each engine (3) to operate in an idling mode of operation and in a flight mode of operation. During a selection step (STP0), a two-position selector (60) is operated either to stop each engine (3) or to set each engine (3) into operation. During a regulation step (STP1), each engine (3) is controlled automatically so as to implement the idling mode of operation if the collective pitch (CLP) of said blades is less than a threshold and if the aircraft (1) is standing on the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: EUROCOPTERInventor: EUROCOPTER
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Patent number: 8499541Abstract: A two-shaft gas turbine is capable of starting premixed combustion without extinguishing a flame. The two-shaft gas turbine includes a combustor and a gas generator controller. The combustor has a premix burner that includes combustion regions in which premixed combustion is to be carried out individually. The gas generator controller controls the combustor. In a method for starting the premixed combustion in the combustor, the gas generator controller selects at least one of the combustion regions in which the premixed combustion is to be carried out, on the basis of a fuel-air ratio, and starts premix combustion in the selected combustion region or separately in each of the selected combustion regions. Further, as the fuel-air ratio is increased, the controller increases the number of the selected region in which the premixed combustion is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ryo Kawai, Hidetaro Murata, Takeo Saito, Nobuaki Kizuka, Kenji Nanataki
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Patent number: 8504276Abstract: Embodiments for controlling a gas turbine engine to minimize combustion dynamics and emissions are disclosed. Methods and an apparatus are provided for controlling the gas turbine engine where a compressor inlet temperature is measured and a turbine reference temperature is calculated in real-time and utilized to determine the most-efficient fuel splits and operating conditions for each of the fuel circuits. The fuel flow for the fuel circuits are then adjusted according to the identified fuel split.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Power Systems Mfg., LLCInventors: Vincent C. Martling, Peter So, Zhenhua Xiao, Plazi Ricklin
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Patent number: 8490404Abstract: Sensor-based, performance-seeking control of gas turbine engines is disclosed. An example method of controlling a gas turbine engine may include varying an engine input parameter while operating the gas turbine engine to produce a desired output, including measuring a pre-adjustment value of an engine operating parameter with an engine input parameter at an initial value, adjusting the engine input parameter to a current adjusted value, and measuring a post-adjustment value of the engine operating parameter. The method may include determining a future adjusted value of the engine input parameter and iteratively repeating the varying the engine input parameter operation and the determining the future adjusted value of the engine input parameter operation. The method may be performed while operating the gas turbine engine to produce a desired output.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sridhar Adibhatla, Deepak Manohar Kamath, William Randolph Shinkle
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Publication number: 20130180259Abstract: A dual cycle system for generating shaft power using a supercritical fluid and a fossil fuel. The first cycle is an open, air breathing Brayton cycle. The second cycle is a closed, supercritical fluid Brayton cycle. After compression of air in the first cycle, the compressed air flows through a first cross cycle heat exchanger through which the supercritical fluid from the second cycle flows after it has been compressed and then expanded in a turbine. In the first cross cycle heat exchanger, the compressed air is heated and the expanded supercritical fluid is cooled. Prior to expansion in a turbine, the compressed supercritical fluid flows through a second cross cycle heat exchanger through which also flows combustion gas, produced by burning a fossil fuel in the compressed air in the first cycle. In the second cross cycle heat exchanger, the combustion gas is cooled and the compressed supercritical fluid is heated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventor: David S. Stapp
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Publication number: 20130174567Abstract: A method of reducing engine noise for an engine under little or low load conditions includes the steps of: establishing an engine idle speed for the engine when the engine has less than a predetermined minimum level of load; measuring the level of load on the engine; measuring the speed of the engine; and reducing the speed of the engine to the engine idle speed if the measured level of load on the engine is less than the predetermined minimum level of load and the measured speed of the engine is greater than the engine idle speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Stacey H. Light, James C. Napier
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Publication number: 20130167549Abstract: A method of controlling a turbine engine. The method may include adjusting a position of a plurality of guide vanes of a compressor. The adjusting the position of the plurality of guide vanes may be a function of a compressor temperature signal. The method may further include adjusting a quantity of fuel delivered to a combustor via a pilot assembly. The adjusting of the quantity of fuel may be a function of a temperature difference resulting from the adjusting a position of the plurality of guide vanes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Chad M. Holcomb, Jason W. Ritchie
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Patent number: 8474268Abstract: A method of managing transient events regularly seen during gas turbine operation that may cause undesirable operation and hardware damage. During certain transient operations, a lag may be seen between reference exhaust temperature and actual turbine exhaust temperature. This lag can result in an under-fired condition within the combustion system of variable magnitude and duration. Either fuel split schedules or a control algorithm can be positioned during these transients to prevent combustion dynamics or loss of flame. Combustion dynamics are known to cause damage that may require hardware replacement. Once the transient has completed, normal control operation is resumed.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jason D. Fuller, Derrick W. Simons, Douglas E. Dean, Christopher T. Meadows
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Patent number: 8468835Abstract: A method of operating a drive system for a load is disclosed. The drive system may have an electric motor/generator and a gas turbine engine. The engine may have a combustor, and main and pilot flow paths via which fuel is supplied to the combustor. The engine may be operable in low and standard emissions modes. A proportion of the fuel that is supplied to the combustor via the pilot flow path may be greater in the standard emissions mode than in the low emissions mode. The method may include determining an engine power requirement of the load, and whether the engine power requirement of the load is sufficiently large to operate the engine in the low emissions mode. Additionally, the method may include operating the electric motor/generator if the engine power requirement of the load is not sufficiently large to operate the engine in the low emissions mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.Inventors: Steven Howard DeMoss, Robert Eleazar Mendoza, Roy Thomas Collins
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Publication number: 20130152597Abstract: A system and method for flame stabilization is provided that forestalls incipient lean blow out by improving flame stabilization. A combustor profile is selected that maintains desired levels of power output while minimizing or eliminating overboard air bleed and minimizing emissions. The selected combustor profile maintains average shaft power in a range of from approximately 50% up to full power while eliminating overboard air bleed in maintaining such power settings. Embodiments allow for a combustor to operate with acceptable emissions at lower flame temperature. Because the combustor can operate at lower bulk flame temperatures during part power operation, the usage of inefficient overboard bleed can be reduced or even eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mark David Durbin, Mark Anthony Mueller, Lance Kenneth Blakeman, David Albin Lind
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Patent number: 8459038Abstract: A load applied to a low pressure spool of a two-spool turboshaft engine is controlled responsive to inlet pressure and temperature so as to regulate a relationship between the rotational speeds of the low and high pressure spools of the two-spool turboshaft engine so as to provide for operating the low pressure compressor attached to the low pressure spool with sufficient surge margin.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130139518Abstract: Electric power from the low spool of a turboshaft engine is transferred to drive the compressor of an other turboshaft engine. This is used to assist in maintaining the other turboshaft idling while a single engine provides flight power or to increase acceleration for instance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: KEITH MORGAN
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Publication number: 20130139519Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a multi-spool gas turbine engine with a variable area turbine nozzle and a motor/alternator device on the highest pressure turbo-compressor spool for starting the gas turbine and power extraction during engine operation. During power down of the engine, the variable area turbine nozzle may be used in conjunction with power extraction to maintain a near constant combustor outlet temperature while controlling turbine inlet temperatures on the turbines downstream of the highest pressure turbine and controlling spool speed on the highest pressure turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: ICR TURBINE ENGINE CORPORATIONInventors: James Kesseli, James S. Nash, John D. Watson, Thomas Wolf
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Patent number: 8453461Abstract: A main air compressor delivers a compressed ambient gas flow with a compressed ambient gas flow rate to a turbine combustor. A fuel stream with a flow rate is delivered to the turbine combustor and mixed with the compressed ambient gas flow and an exhaust gas flow and burned with substantially stoichiometric combustion to form the exhaust gas flow and drive a turbine, thus operating the power plant at a first load. A portion of the exhaust gas flow is recirculated from the turbine to the turbine compressor and a portion is delivered to an exhaust path. The fuel stream flow rate and the compressed ambient gas flow rate are reduced, and substantially stoichiometric combustion is maintained and the power plant is operated at a second load. The fuel stream flow rate is further reduced and lean combustion is achieved and the power plant is operated at a third load.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Samuel David Draper
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Patent number: 8453462Abstract: At least one main air compressor makes a compressed ambient gas flow. The compressed ambient gas flow is delivered to a turbine combustor at a pressure that is greater than or substantially equal to an output pressure delivered to the turbine combustor from a turbine compressor as at least a first portion of a recirculated gas flow. A fuel stream is delivered to the turbine combustor, and a combustible mixture is formed and burned, forming the recirculated gas flow. A turbine power is produced that is substantially equal to at least a power required to rotate the turbine compressor. At least a portion of the recirculated gas flow is recirculated through a recirculation loop. An excess portion of the recirculated gas flow is vented or a portion of the recirculated gas flow bypasses the turbine combustor or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lisa Anne Wichmann, Daniel David Snook, Samuel David Draper, Noémie Dion Ouellet, Scott Allen Rittenhouse
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Patent number: 8456634Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing optical interrogation sensors for combustion control. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling combustion parameters associated with a gas turbine combustor is provided. The method can include providing an optical path through the gas turbine combustor, propagating light along the optical path, measuring absorption of the light within the gas turbine combustor, and controlling at least one of the combustion parameters based at least in part on the measured absorption.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Keith Robert McManus, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130133332Abstract: Systems and methods for changing a speed ratio between a compressor boost stage (12) and at least one power turbine (16) of a gas turbine engine (10) are described. Such a system may comprise a coupling device (20) configured to selectively transmit energy from the at least one power turbine (16) to the boost stage (12) according to at least a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio. The system may also comprise an auxiliary power device (22, 26) configured to cause a rotational speed of the boost stage (12) to change from a first speed corresponding substantially to the first speed ratio to a second speed corresponding substantially to the second speed ratio when the boost stage (12) is decoupled from the at least one power turbine (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Ian A. MACFARLANE
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Publication number: 20130125557Abstract: A gas turbine system includes a compressor protection subsystem; a hibernation mode subsystem; and a control subsystem that controls the compressor subsystem and the hibernation subsystem. At partial loads on the turbine system, the compressor protection subsystem maintains an air flow through a compressor at an airflow coefficient for the partial load above a minimum flow rate coefficient where aeromechanical stresses occur in the compressor. The air fuel ratio in a combustor is maintained where exhaust gas emission components from the turbine are maintained below a predetermined component emission level while operating at partial loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Alston I. Scipio, Thomas John Freeman, Ryan Eric Obenhoff, Sanji Ekanayake, Michael Anthony Cocca, Mike Yarnold, Douglas Corbin Warwick, Joseph Klosinski
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Publication number: 20130125556Abstract: A method of noise control from a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes selectively forming a plurality of local circumferential zones with different fuel-air ratios within the combustor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: James B. Hoke, William Proscia
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Publication number: 20130111915Abstract: An aircraft jet engine system includes at least one gas turbine engine having a fan including a rotor and a plurality of fan blades. A sensor system in the fan section senses information about the operation of the blades and provides feedback on the condition of each blade to a control. The control is programmed to take in the sensed information and identify a safe operating range for the gas turbine engine based upon damage information developed from the sensed information with regard to each of the blades. An aircraft jet engine system incorporating a plurality of gas turbine engines wherein safe operating ranges are developed for each of the gas turbine engines is also disclosed as is a method of operating an aircraft jet engine system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Coy Bruce Wood
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Publication number: 20130111917Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying electrical power and cooling for an aircraft. The apparatus includes a cooling turbine coupled to a shaft, a compressor coupled to the shaft, and including an input for receiving engine bleed air or ambient air, and an output for discharging compressed air, a flywheel coupled to the shaft, a power turbine coupled to the shaft, and a starter generator coupled to the shaft between the compressor and the power turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
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Publication number: 20130111916Abstract: A system for operating a power plant is provided and includes a grid configured to generate a normal load and an abnormal load, a turbomachine configured to provide power to the grid in accordance with the normal load by firing at normal temperatures and in accordance with the abnormal load by firing at higher-than-normal temperatures, a cooling system disposed to cool components of the turbomachine with fluid supplied by an external reservoir and a controller configured to identify when the grid generates the abnormal load and to responsively operate the cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jason Edward Beard, Randy Scott Rosson
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Patent number: 8434311Abstract: A system for controlling NOx emissions and combustion pulsation levels of a gas turbine having a gas turbine combustion system, having a single combustion chamber and multiple burners, includes a cascade structure having a first and second control level (1, 2), the first level (1) having a device to control NOx emissions and generate combustion pulsation target levels based on the difference between measured and target NOx emission levels, and the second level (2) having a device to control pulsation levels and generate a ratio (?) of fuel flow to different types of burners or to different stages of each burner. The fuel flow ratio (?) is based on the difference between the measured and generated target pulsation levels. The control system enables the operation of a gas turbine to meet NOx emission requirements, while maintaining combustion pulsation levels within limits that ensure improved lifetime of the combustion system.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.Inventors: Xiao-Yi Zhang, Tobias Spitzmueller, Stefano Bernero
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Publication number: 20130104561Abstract: A method, system and generator for controlling a flow of fuel during a shut down of a gas turbine generator is disclosed. A first fuel flow rate to a combustion flame of the gas turbine generator is set at a beginning of a shut-down sequence. A sensor is configured to measure a rotation rate of a turbine rotor of the generator. A processor determines a deceleration of the turbine rotor from the measured rotation rates corresponding to the first fuel flow rate and compares the determined deceleration to a selected criterion. When the deceleration matches the selected criterion, the processor adjusts the fuel flow rate from the first fuel flow rate to a second fuel flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Gerardo Fidel Varillas, Bradley Steven Carey, Kevin Michael Elward, John Edward Pritchard
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Publication number: 20130104563Abstract: Methods and systems for low emission power generation in combined cycle power plants are provided. One system includes a gas turbine system that stoichiometrically combusts a fuel and an oxidant in the presence of a compressed recycle stream to provide mechanical power and a gaseous exhaust. The compressed recycle stream acts as a diluent to moderate the temperature of the combustion process. A boost compressor can boost the pressure of the gaseous exhaust before being compressed into the compressed recycle stream. A purge stream is tapped off from the compressed recycle stream and directed to a C02 separator which discharges C02 and a nitrogen-rich gas which can be expanded in a gas expander to generate additional mechanical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Russell H. Oelfke, Moses Minta
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Publication number: 20130104562Abstract: Methods and systems for low emission power generation in hydrocarbon recovery processes are provided. One system includes a gas turbine system adapted to combust a fuel and an oxidant in the presence of a compressed recycle stream to provide mechanical power and a gaseous exhaust. The compressed recycle stream acts to moderate the temperature of the combustion process. A boost compressor can boost the pressure of the gaseous exhaust before being compressed into the compressed recycle stream. A purge stream may be tapped off from the compressed recycle stream and directed to a C02 separator which discharges C02 and a nitrogen-rich gas, which may be expanded in a gas expander to generate additional mechanical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Russell H. Oelfke, Moses Minta
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Publication number: 20130098053Abstract: A control system for use with a turbine engine that is configured to operate at a rated power output is provided. The control system includes a computing device that includes a processor that is programmed to calculate an amount of fluid to be supplied for combustion in the turbine engine. The processor is also programmed to designate at least one nozzle of a plurality of nozzles to receive the fluid. Moreover, the control system includes at least one control valve coupled to the computing device. The control valve is configured to receive at least one control parameter from the computing device for use in modulating the amount of the fluid to be channeled to the nozzle such that the rated power output is generated while emission levels are maintained below a predefined emissions threshold level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Michael John Hughes, Bryan Wesley Romig, Abdul Rafey Khan
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Publication number: 20130098054Abstract: In a method for operating a gas turbine (10), a CO2-containing gas is compressed in a compressor (13), the compressed gas is used to burn a fuel in at least one subsequent combustion chamber (14, 18), and the hot combustion gases are used to drive at least one turbine (17, 21). Improved control and performance can be achieved by measuring the species concentration of the gas mixture flowing through the gas turbine (10) at several points within the gas turbine (10) by a distributed plurality of species concentration sensors (22; 22a-1; 23), and utilizing the measured concentration values to control the gas turbine (10) and/or optimize the combustion performance of the gas turbine (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventor: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130091855Abstract: A control system is provided. The control system includes at least one sensor that is positioned within a turbine engine and is configured to detect at least one first operating parameter therein. A controller is coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to receive at least one second operating parameter of the turbine engine. Moreover, the controller is configured to control a flow of a fluid to a rotor assembly within the turbine engine such that at least one of the first operating parameter and the second operating parameter is less than at least one threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Nathan Stafford Race
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Publication number: 20130091856Abstract: A control system is provided. The control system includes at least one sensor positioned within a turbine engine, wherein the sensor is configured to detect at least one first operating parameter within the turbine engine. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the controller is configured to receive at least one second operating parameter of the turbine engine. The controller is also configured to control a flow of a fluid to a rotor assembly within the turbine engine such that the fluid is distributed substantially uniformly within the rotor assembly and at least one of the first operating parameter and the second operating parameter is less than at least one threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Nathan Stafford Race
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Publication number: 20130086917Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of carbon monoxide and oxygen emissions in a hydrocarbon combustor in a gas turbine engine by feeding hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidizer component into the head end of the combustor while also injecting substantially inert gas into the combustor with the fuel and oxidizer; forming a combustor exhaust stream that mixes with the recycle; cooling the combustor exhaust; detecting the amount of carbon monoxide and oxygen in the exhaust and adjusting the amount of fuel, oxidizer and inert gas feeds based on the detected amounts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventors: Ilya Aleksandrovich Slobodyanskiy, Gilbert Otto Kraemer, Leonid Yul'evich Ginesin, Dmitry Vladlenovich Tretyakov, Andrey Pavlovich Subbota
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Patent number: 8417433Abstract: Tuning processes implemented by an auto-tune controller are provided for measuring and adjusting the combustion dynamics and the emission composition of a gas turbine (GT) engine via a tuning process. Initially, the tuning process includes monitoring parameters, such as combustion dynamics and emission composition. Upon determining that one or more of the monitored parameters exceed a critical value, these “out-of-tune” parameters are compared to a scanning order table. Upon comparison, the first out-of-tune parameter that is matched within the scanning order table is addressed. The first out-of-tune parameter is then plotted as overlaid slopes on respective graphs, where the graph represents a fuel-flow split. Typically, the slopes are plotted as a particular out-of-tune parameter against a particular fuel-flow split. The slopes for each graph are considered together by taking into account the combined impact on each out-of-tune parameter when a fuel-flow split is selected for adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventors: Donald Gauthier, Nicolas Demougeot, Peter Stuttaford, Hany Rizkalla
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Patent number: 8408007Abstract: An integrated gasification combined cycle that can adjust the balance of pressure/temperature in an overall plant and can stabilize the output of a gas turbine at an early stage during load variation, and an operation control method of the integrated gasification combined cycle are provided. When a calorific abnormality of fuel gas is detected during load variation of a gas turbine (5b), a load change command value of the gas turbine (5b) is set to zero or is decreased, and based on this load change command value, a power generation output command of the gas turbine (5b) is generated.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Kamohara, Takashi Sonoda, Yasuhiro Takashima, Yuichiro Kitagawa
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Patent number: 8408006Abstract: A method is provided for operating a combined cycle power plant including a CO2 capture system and flue gas recirculation system. The method includes controlling a flue gas recirculation rate and a re-cooling temperature of the recirculated flue gases, depending on load, to optimize the overall plant efficiency including the CO2 capture system. Also provided is a combined cycle power plant including a CO2 capture system and flue gas recirculation system. The plant being configured to carry out a method in which a flue gas recirculation rate and a re-cooling temperature of recirculated flue gases is controlled depending on load to optimize the overall plant efficiency including the CO2 capture system.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Hongtao Li, Jurgen Hoffmann, Holger Nagel, Francois Droux, Celine Mahieux, Christoph Ruchti, Manfred Wirsum
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Publication number: 20130074512Abstract: A compressor of a gas turbine system comprises a fluid flow control device and an impingement angle control device downstream of the fluid flow control device. The fluid flow control device controls a fluid flow rate of fluid entering an inlet of the compressor, and the impingement angle control device controls an impingement angle of the fluid flowing to rotor blades in the compressor. The fluid flow control device and the impingement angle control device are independently operable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: Steven William TILLERY
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Publication number: 20130074513Abstract: An estimation unit can estimate, on a real-time basis, a maximum power generation capacity of a single cycle or combined cycle gas turbine power plant. For example, the actual power output and the maximum power generation capacity can be calculated relying on a mathematical process model. Subsequently, the calculated actual power output can be compared with the measured power output yielding a model-estimation error. Based on the model-estimation error, a correction signal can be deduced, to correct the calculated maximum power generation capacity. A controller can maintain a specified power reserve. The controller can use an estimate of the maximum power generation capacity as a reference, subtract a load offset, and apply the resulting signal as upper limit of the load set-point.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventor: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
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Publication number: 20130067927Abstract: A gas turbine system and a method for controlling combustion instability in a combustion section of a gas turbine system are disclosed. The gas turbine system includes a compressor section, a turbine section connected to the compressor section, and a combustor section connected to the compressor section and the turbine section. The combustor section includes a plurality of combustors. The combustor section further includes at least one igniter for igniting a fuel-air mixture within each of the plurality of combustors into a hot gas. The gas turbine system further includes a control system for controlling a velocity of the hot gas in at least one of the plurality of combustors by controlling an operating parameter of the fuel-air mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Joseph Kirzhner, Roy Marshall Washam
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Publication number: 20130061596Abstract: A method is provided for modifying a fuel control system for a gas turbine having a standard unloading sequence and a pre-defined minimum inlet pressure requirement associated with the standard unloading sequence to allow the gas turbine to operate over an increased range of fuel supply pressure. The method includes modifying the fuel control system by inputting a modified unloading sequence onto a computing system operatively associated with the fuel control system, the modified unloading sequence comprising a series of operating modes, mode transfers, or a combination thereof that is different than the standard unloading sequence; and modifying the fuel control system by inputting a new defined minimum inlet pressure requirement for the modified unloading sequence onto the computing system, the new defined minimum inlet pressure requirement being less than the pre-defined minimum inlet pressure requirement thereby reducing a fuel supply pressure trip point for the gas turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Pradeep Rentala
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Patent number: 8382470Abstract: A fluidized bed boiler plant and a method of combusting sulfurous fuel in the fluidized bed boiler plant, a furnace of which plant is provided with a fluidized bed of particles. Sulfurous fuel, CaCO3-containing sulphur-binding agent and combusting air are introduced to the bed of particles, whereby fuel burns and generates flue gases and the sulphur-binding agent calcinates to CaO and binds SO2 generated in the combustion. Energy is recovered to a heat exchange medium circulating in heat exchange tubes of a condensing heat exchanger arranged in a flue gas channel, and a water solution of acid condensing on outer surfaces is neutralized by mixing it in a mixing vessel to a CaO-containing ash from a plant, preferably, fly ash collected by a dust separator.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energia OyInventor: Pertti Kinnunen
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Patent number: 8381507Abstract: A gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may include a compressor for compressing a flow of air, a combustor for combusting the flow of air and a flow of fuel to create a flow of combustion gases, a turbine driven by the flow of combustion gases, a rotor driven by the turbine and driving the compressor, a rotor speed sensor, and a gas turbine shut down controller. The gas turbine shut down controller varies the flow of fuel to the combustor based upon a rotational speed of the rotor as determined by a dynamic target trajectory schedule.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Scott Victor Hannula