U.S. patent application number 11/953556 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for method and system for controlling a flowrate of a recirculated exhaust gas.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Sam D. Draper, Joell R. Hibshman, II.
Application Number | 20090150056 11/953556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40636049 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090150056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hibshman, II; Joell R. ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A FLOWRATE OF A RECIRCULATED
EXHAUST GAS
Abstract
A method and system for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation
(EGR) system is provided. The EGR system recirculates a portion of
an exhaust through an inlet portion of the turbomachine. The EGR
system reduces the level of harmful constituents within the exhaust
before the recirculation occurs.
Inventors: |
Hibshman, II; Joell R.;
(Greer, SC) ; Draper; Sam D.; (Simpsonville,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GE ENERGY GENERAL ELECTRIC;C/O ERNEST G. CUSICK
ONE RIVER ROAD, BLD. 43, ROOM 225
SCHENECTADY
NY
12345
US
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
|
Family ID: |
40636049 |
Appl. No.: |
11/953556 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/108 ;
60/605.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02C 3/34 20130101; Y02E
20/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/108 ;
60/605.2 |
International
Class: |
F01N 9/00 20060101
F01N009/00; F02B 33/00 20060101 F02B033/00 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling an exhaust stream, wherein the exhaust
stream is generated by a turbomachine; the method comprising:
providing at least one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
comprising: at least one EGR flow conditioning device, a
constituent reduction system, at least one flow control device;
wherein the at least one EGR flow conditioning device increases the
flowrate of the exhaust stream and comprises a source of air;
wherein the source of air comprises a fan; wherein the EGR system
reduces constituents within the exhaust stream from a first
concentration to a second concentration and recirculates the
exhaust stream to an inlet section of the turbomachine; receiving a
target EGR fraction comprising the portion of the exhaust stream
within an inlet fluid, wherein the inlet fluid enters the inlet
section of the turbomachine; determining a target level of at least
one constituent from the target EGR fraction; determining a current
level of the at least one constituent; determining whether the
current level of the at least one constituent is within a
constituent range; and adjusting an EGR rate of the exhaust stream
if the at least one constituent is outside of the constituent
range.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one constituent
comprises at least one of: SOx, NOx, CO.sub.2, water, chloride
ions, acids, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the EGR
rate of the exhaust stream comprises at least one of: adjusting a
speed of the EGR flow conditioning device; adjusting a pitch of at
least one EGR fan blade; modulating at least one flow control
device; wherein the at least one flow control device comprises at
least one of: an inlet damper, a bypass damper, an exhaust damper,
or combinations thereof.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the EGR
rate of the exhaust stream further comprises providing at least one
notification when the EGR rate of the exhaust stream requires
adjustment.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the constituent reduction system
reduces up to about 99 percent of SOx constituents within the
exhaust stream.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the
current level of the at least one constituent comprises receiving
data on the at least one constituent from at least one constituent
feedback device; and wherein the data is used to adjust the EGR
rate.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent the inlet section.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent an exhaust section of the
turbomachine.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent an extraction port of the
turbomachine.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the
target level of the at least one constituent comprises: receiving
at least one fuel composition; receiving data on a compressor
airflow of the turbomachine; receiving data on a fuel flow of the
turbomachine; and determining the target level of the at least one
constituent.
11. A method of controlling an exhaust stream, wherein the exhaust
stream is generated by a turbomachine; the method comprising:
providing at least one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
comprising: at least one EGR flow conditioning device, a
constituent reduction system, at least one flow control device;
wherein the at least one EGR flow conditioning device comprises a
fan; wherein the EGR system reduces constituents within the exhaust
stream from a first concentration to a second concentration and
recirculates the exhaust stream to an inlet section of the
turbomachine; wherein the constituent reduction system removes up
to about 99 percent of SOx constituents within the exhaust stream;
receiving a target EGR fraction comprising the portion of the
exhaust stream within an inlet fluid, wherein the inlet fluid
enters the inlet section of the turbomachine; determining a target
level of at least one constituent from the target EGR fraction and
integrating data received on the at least one constituent from at
least one constituent feedback device; determining a current level
of the at least one constituent; determining whether the current
level of the at least one constituent is within a constituent
range; and adjusting an EGR rate of the exhaust stream if the at
least one constituent is outside of the constituent range; wherein
the step of adjusting the EGR rate comprises providing at least one
notification when the EGR rate of the exhaust stream requires
adjustment; wherein the at least one constituent comprises at least
one of: SOx, NOx, CO.sub.2, water, chloride ions, acids, aldehydes,
hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of determining the
target level of the at least one constituent comprises: receiving
at least one fuel composition; receiving data on a compressor
airflow of the turbomachine; receiving data on a fuel flow of the
turbomachine; and determining the target level of the at least one
constituent.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent the inlet section.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent an exhaust section of the
turbomachine.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent an extraction port of the
turbomachine.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of adjusting the EGR
rate of the exhaust stream comprises at least one of: adjusting a
speed of the at least one EGR flow conditioning device; adjusting a
pitch of at least one EGR fan blade; modulating at least one flow
control device; wherein the at least one flow control device
comprises at least one of: an inlet damper, a bypass damper, an
exhaust damper, or combinations thereof.
17. A system for controlling an exhaust stream, wherein the exhaust
stream is generated by a turbomachine; the system comprising: at
least one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising: at
least one EGR flow conditioning device, a constituent reduction
system, at least one flow control device; wherein the EGR system
reduces constituents within the exhaust stream from a first
concentration to a second concentration and recirculates the
exhaust stream to an inlet section of the turbomachine; means for
receiving a target EGR fraction; means for determining a target
level of at least one constituent from the target EGR fraction;
means for determining a current level of the at least one
constituent; means for determining whether the current level of the
at least one constituent is within a constituent range; means for
adjusting an EGR rate of the exhaust stream if the at least one
constituent is outside of the constituent range; and means for
providing at least one notification when the EGR rate of the
exhaust stream requires adjustment.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a control system
integrated with the at least one EGR system, wherein the control
system comprises at least one processor, wherein the at least one
processor: receives at least one fuel composition data; receives
compressor airflow data; receives fuel flow data; and determines a
constituent target level.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent the inlet section.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one constituent
feedback device is located adjacent an exhaust section of the
turbomachine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application is related to commonly-assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/928,038 [GE Docket 227348], filed Oct. 30,
2007 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/953,524 [GE Docket
228179], filed Dec. 10, 2007.
[0002] The present invention relates to an exhaust gas
recirculation system, and more particularly to a method and system
for controlling the quantity of exhaust reentering a turbomachine
after processing by a recirculation system system.
[0003] There is a growing concern over the long-term effects of
Nitrogen Oxides (hereinafter NOx) and Carbon Dioxide (hereinafter
"CO.sub.2") and Sulfur Oxides (SOx) emissions on the environment.
The allowable levels of emissions that may be emitted by a
turbomachine, such as a gas turbine, are heavily regulated.
Operators of turbomachines desire methods of reducing the levels of
NOx, CO.sub.2, and SOx emitted.
[0004] Significant amounts of condensable vapors exist in the
exhaust gas stream. These vapors usually contain a variety of
constituents such as water, acids, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, sulfur
oxides, and chlorine compounds. Left untreated, these constituents
will accelerate corrosion and fouling of the internal components if
allowed to enter the gas turbine.
[0005] Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) generally involves
recirculating a portion of the emitted exhaust through an inlet
portion of the turbomachine. The exhaust is then mixed with the
incoming airflow prior to combustion. The EGR process facilitates
the removal and sequestration of concentrated CO.sub.2, and may
also reduce the NOx and SOx emission levels.
[0006] There are a few concerns with the currently known EGR
systems. The quantity and rate of the recirculated exhaust impacts
the turbomachine operability, combustor stability, emissions,
compressor stability, and component life.
[0007] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a method and
system for controlling the composition of the inlet fluid exiting
the EGR system. The method and system should control the quantity
and rate of exhaust reentering the turbomachine. The method and
system should use the composition of the inlet fluid as a control
parameter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
method of controlling an exhaust stream, wherein the exhaust stream
is generated by a turbomachine; the method comprising: providing at
least one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising: at
least one EGR flow conditioning device, a constituent reduction
system, at least one flow control device; wherein the at least one
EGR flow conditioning device increases the flowrate of the exhaust
stream and comprises a source of air; wherein the source of air
comprises a fan, wherein the EGR system reduces constituents within
the exhaust stream from a first concentration to a second
concentration and recirculates the exhaust stream to an inlet
section of the turbomachine; receiving a target EGR fraction
comprising the portion of the exhaust stream within an inlet fluid,
wherein the inlet fluid enters the inlet section of the
turbomachine; determining a target level of at least one
constituent from the target EGR fraction; determining a current
level of the at least one constituent; determining whether the
current level of the at least one constituent is within a
constituent range; and adjusting a recirculation rate of the
exhaust stream if the at least one constituent is outside of the
constituent range.
[0009] In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, a method of controlling an exhaust stream, wherein the
exhaust stream is generated by a turbomachine; the method
comprising: providing at least one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system comprising: at least one EGR flow conditioning device, a
constituent reduction system, at least one flow control device;
wherein the at least one EGR flow conditioning device comprises a
fan; wherein the EGR system reduces constituents within the exhaust
stream from a first concentration to a second concentration and
recirculates the exhaust stream to an inlet section of the
turbomachine; wherein the constituent reduction system removes up
to about 99 percent of SOx constituents within the exhaust stream;
receiving a target EGR fraction comprising the portion of the
exhaust stream within an inlet fluid, wherein the inlet fluid
enters the inlet section of the turbomachine; determining a target
level of at least one constituent from the target EGR fraction
comprising receiving data on the at least one constituent from at
least one constituent feedback device; determining a current level
of the at least one constituent; determining whether the current
level of the at least one constituent is within a constituent
range; and adjusting a EGR rate of the exhaust stream if the at
least one constituent is outside of the constituent range; wherein
the step of adjusting the EGR rate comprises providing at least one
notification when the EGR rate of the exhaust stream requires
adjustment; wherein the at least one constituent comprises at least
one of: SOx, NOx, CO.sub.2, water, chloride ions, acids, aldehydes,
hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof.
[0010] In accordance with another alternate embodiment of the
present invention, a system for controlling an exhaust stream,
wherein the exhaust stream is generated by a turbomachine; the
system comprising: at least one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system comprising: at least one EGR flow conditioning device, a
constituent reduction system, at least one flow control device;
wherein the EGR system reduces constituents within the exhaust
stream from a first concentration to a second concentration and
recirculates the exhaust stream to an inlet section of the
turbomachine; means for receiving a target EGR fraction; means for
determining a target level of at least one constituent from the
target EGR fraction; means for determining a current level of the
at least one constituent; means for determining whether the current
level of the at least one constituent is within a constituent
range; means for adjusting a EGR rate of the exhaust stream if the
at least one constituent is outside of the constituent range; and
means for providing at least one notification when the EGR rate of
the exhaust stream requires adjustment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating the environment in which
an embodiment of the present invention operates.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of
controlling the composition of an inlet fluid in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for
adjusting an EGR rate in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments
refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific
embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments having different
structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the
present invention.
[0015] Certain terminology is used herein for the convenience of
the reader only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the scope
of the invention. For example, words such as "upper," "lower,"
"left," "right," "front", "rear" "top", "bottom", "horizontal,"
"vertical," "upstream," "downstream," "fore", "aft", and the like;
merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the
element or elements of an embodiment of the present invention may
be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should
be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified
otherwise.
[0016] The present invention has the technical effect of
controlling the composition of an inlet fluid exiting an EGR system
and entering the inlet portion of a turbomachine.
[0017] An EGR rate may be considered the rate and quantity of
exhaust stream that enters the inlet section of the turbomachine.
The composition of the inlet fluid includes, but is not limiting
of, the exhaust stream, the inlet air, and at least one of the
aforementioned constituents, and combinations thereof.
[0018] The present invention may be applied to the variety of
turbomachines that produce a gaseous fluid, such as, but not
limiting of, a heavy duty gas turbine; an aero-derivative gas
turbine; or the like (hereinafter referred to as "gas turbine"). An
embodiment of the present invention may be applied to either a
single gas turbine or a plurality of gas turbines. An embodiment of
the present invention may be applied to a gas turbine operating in
a simple cycle or a combined cycle configuration.
[0019] Referring now to the Figures, where the various numbers
represent like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a
schematic illustrating the environment in which an embodiment of
the present invention operates. FIG. 1 illustrates a site 100, such
as but not limiting of a powerplant site, having a turbomachine
105, an EGR system 107, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) 155,
and an exhaust stack 165. Alternatively, the present invention may
be integrated with a site 100 not having the HRSG 155.
[0020] The EGR system 107 comprises multiple elements. The
configuration and sequence of these elements may be dictated by the
composition of the exhaust stream 170 and the type of cooling fluid
used by the components of the EGR system 107. Furthermore,
alternate embodiments of the EGR system 107 may include additional
or fewer components than the components described below. Therefore,
various arrangements, and/or configurations, which differ from FIG.
1, may be integrated with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the EGR system 107 comprises: a
mixing station 115, an inlet modulation device 120, a bypass
modulation device 125, a bypass stack 130, at least one EGR flow
conditioning device 135, a downstream temperature conditioning
device 140, a constituent reduction system 145, a upstream
temperature conditioning device 150, at least one exhaust
modulation device 160, and constituent feedback devices 175,
177.
[0022] Generally, the process used by the EGR system 107 may
include: cooling of the exhaust stream 170; reduction and removal
of the aforementioned constituents within the exhaust stream 170;
and then mixing the exhaust stream 170 with the inlet air, forming
an inlet fluid; which flows from the inlet section 110 through to
the exhaust stack 165. The EGR system 107 may reduce the
temperature of the exhaust stream 170 to a saturation temperature
where the aforementioned constituents may condense and then be
removed. Alternatively, the EGR system 107 may also reduce the
temperature of, and use a scrubbing process (or the like) on, the
exhaust stream 170 to remove the aforementioned constituents.
[0023] While EGR system 107 operates, constituent feedback devices
175, 177 may determine the level of at least one constituent within
the inlet fluid. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a constituent feedback
device 175 may be located adjacent the exhaust stack 165 and
another constituent feedback device 177 may be located adjacent the
inlet section 110 of the turbomachine 105. In an alternate
embodiment of the present invention at least one constituent
feedback device 175, 177 may be located adjacent at least one
extraction port located on the turbomachine. Generally, the
placement of the constituent feedback devices 175, 177 allows for
determining the concentration of at least one constituent within
the inlet fluid.
[0024] As will be appreciated, the present invention may be
embodied as a method, system, or computer program product.
Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely
hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including
firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment
combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to
herein as a "circuit", "module," or "system". Furthermore, the
present invention may take the form of a computer program product
on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program
code embodied in the medium.
[0025] Any suitable computer readable medium may be utilized. The
computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but
not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,
infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or
propagation medium. More specific examples (a non exhaustive list)
of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an
electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer
diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only
memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or
Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media
such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic
storage device. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable
medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which
the program is printed, as the program can be electronically
captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other
medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a
suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer
memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or
computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,
communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in
connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or
device.
[0026] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the
present invention may be written in an object oriented programming
language such as Java7, Smalltalk or C++, or the like. However, the
computer program code for carrying out operations of the present
invention may also be written in conventional procedural
programming languages, such as the "C" programming language, or a
similar language. The program code may execute entirely on the
user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone
software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a
remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter
scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's
computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network
(WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for
example, through the Internet using an Internet Service
Provider).
[0027] The present invention is described below with reference to
flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,
apparatuses (systems) and computer program products according to
embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block
of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and
combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions.
These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor
of a public purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other
programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such
that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the
computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create
means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the
flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0028] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction
means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart
and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program
instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational steps to be performed on the computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process
such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other
programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the
functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram
block
[0029] The present invention may include a control system, or the
like, that has the technical effect of controlling the composition
of an inlet fluid exiting an EGR system and entering the inlet
portion of a turbomachine. The present invention may be configured
to automatically or continuously monitor the inlet fluid of the
turbomachine 105 to determine the quantity of the exhaust stream
170 that should enter the inlet section 110. Alternatively, the
control system may be configured to require a user action to the
initiate operation. An embodiment of the control system of the
present invention may function as a stand-alone system.
Alternatively, the control system may be integrated as a module, or
the like, within a broader system, such as a turbine control or a
plant control system. For example, but not limiting of, the control
system of the present invention may be integrated with the control
system operating the EGR system 107.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart illustrating
an example of a method 200 of controlling the composition of an
inlet fluid in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. In an embodiment of the present invention the EGR system
107 may be integrated with a graphical user interface (GUI), or the
like. The GUI may allow the operator to navigate through the method
200 described below. The GUI may also provide at least one
notification of the status of the EGR system 107.
[0031] In step 210, of the method 200, the EGR system 107 may be
processing an exhaust stream 170, as described. Depending on either
the type and/or operation of the turbomachine 105, the generated
exhaust may have a flowrate of about 10,000 Lb/hr to about
50,000,000 Lb/hr and a temperature of about 100 Degrees Fahrenheit
to about 1,100 Degrees Fahrenheit.
[0032] In step 220, the method 200 may receive a target EGR
fraction. The EGR fraction may be considered the amount, such as,
but not limiting of, a percentage of the exhaust stream 170 within
the inlet fluid. EGR fraction may be determined by dividing the
mass flowrate of the exhaust stream 170 by the mass flowrate of the
inlet air. In an embodiment of the present invention, the method
200 may automatically receive the EGR fraction from the control
system operating the EGR system 107. In an alternate of the present
invention, a user may enter the EGR fraction.
[0033] In step 230, the method 200 may determine the target level
of at least one constituent. The method 200 may utilize a species
conservation engine, or the like, to determine the target level.
The species conservation engine may incorporate a plurality of
turbomachine operating data along with the target EGR fraction to
calculate the target level. The plurality of turbomachine operating
data may include: at least one fuel composition; the compressor
airflow of the turbomachine 105; and the fuel flow of the
turbomachine 105. The at least one fuel composition may include,
but are not limited to: the composition of the fuel entering a
combustion system of the turbomachine 105; and the composition of
the fuel used in an auxiliary firing system integrated with the
turbomachine 105, wherein the auxiliary firing system may include
an auxiliary boiler, or combinations thereof.
[0034] The species conservation engine may incorporate a physical
equation, or the like, to calculate the target level of at least
one constituent. As discussed, the at least one constituent
includes at least one of: SOx, NOx, CO.sub.2, water, chloride ions,
acids, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof.
[0035] The species conservation engine may incorporate a physical
equation, or the like, to calculate the target level of at least
one constituent. For example, but not limiting of, the species
conservation engine may calculate a target exhaust CO.sub.2 mole
fraction as a function of: a target EGR mass fraction, fuel flow,
fuel composition, and turbomachine 105 inlet flow. The target
exhaust CO.sub.2 mole fraction value may be compared to a CO.sub.2
mole fraction measured by the constituent feedback device 175. The
comparison process may yield an error signal, which the method 200
may use for feedback control of the EGR flow rate.
[0036] Additionally, the combustion reaction for the turbomachine
105 that burns a hydrocarbon fuel in standard air may be described
by Equation 1, using molar coefficients, as illustrated below:
C.sub..alpha.H.sub..gamma.+(a+e)(O2+3.76N2)=>bCO2+cH2o+eO2+(a+e)
(3.76)N2 [Equation 1]
Here, "fuel composition" is defined by the carbon and hydrogen
subscripts, .alpha. and .gamma.. The excess oxygen molar
coefficient, e, may be calculated as a function of EGR mass
fraction (X.sub.EGR), compressor inlet mass flow (W.sub.C) and fuel
mass flow (W.sub.F) as illustrated by Equation 2.
e = 1 4.76 W C ( 1 - X EGR ) W F MW fuel MW air - ( .alpha. +
.gamma. / 4 ) Equation 2 ##EQU00001##
The target exhaust CO.sub.2 mole fraction
(y.sub.CO2.sub.--.sub.target), on a dry basis, may be calculated
from the reaction in Equation 1 according to Equation 3.
y CO 2 _target = .alpha. .alpha. + e + ( .alpha. + .gamma. / 4 + e
) ( 3.76 ) Equation 3 ##EQU00002##
[0037] Equations 1 through 3 may be adapted to perform similar
species conservation calculations for constituents other than
CO.sub.2 or for a turbomachine 105 operating with different working
fluids or fuel types. As discussed, the constituent includes at
least one of: SOx, NOx, CO.sub.2, water, chloride ions, acids,
aldehydes, hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof.
[0038] In step 240, the method 200 may determine the current level
of at least one constituent. As discussed, the EGR system 107 may
include constituent feedback devices 175, 177. The constituent
feedback devices 175, 177 may include sensors, transmitters, and
similar devices that may provide data on the current level of the
at least one constituent. The positions of the constituent feedback
devices 175, 177 may provide feedback on the composition of the
inlet fluid. The constituent feedback devices 175, 177 are
generally located upstream and downstream of the combustion system
of the turbomachine 105, increasing the accuracy of the feedback.
The constituent feedback devices 175, 177 may be integrated with
the control system used to operate the method 200. The data
provided by the constituent feedback devices 175, 177 may be used
to directly or indirectly determine the current level of at least
one constituent.
[0039] In step 250, the method 200 may determine whether the
current level of the at least one constituent is within a
constituent range. Here, the method 200 compares the target level
determined in step 230, and the current level determined in step
240, of the at least one constituent. In an embodiment of the
present invention an operator may determine the range. In an
alternate embodiment of the present invention the range may be
automatically determined. For example, but not limiting of, if the
target level is 1 and the current level is from about 0.95 to about
1.05, then the method 200 may determine that the current level of
the at least one constituent is within range.
[0040] Additionally, for example, but not limiting of, the
turbomachine 105 may be operated with a target EGR mass fraction of
30%, a fuel/compressor inlet flow ratio near 0.019 and a fuel
composition of 97% methane (CH4), 2% ethane (C2H6) and 1% propane
(C3H8) which yields a target exhaust CO.sub.2 mole fraction (dry)
of 0.051. The method 200 may adjust the EGR flow rate to maintain
the measured exhaust CO.sub.2 mole fraction (dry) within +/-0.001
of the target, over a range of measured CO.sub.2 mole fractions
from 0.005 to 0.25.
[0041] If the level of at least one constituent is outside of the
range then the method 200 may proceed to step 260; otherwise the
method 200 may revert to step 210 where the steps 210-250 may
repeat until the at least one constituent is outside of the
range.
[0042] In step 260, the method 200 may adjust an EGR rate. As
discussed, the EGR rate may be considered the rate and quantity of
exhaust stream 170 entering the mixing station 115 where the inlet
fluid is created.
[0043] An embodiment of the present invention may utilize the
components of the EGR system 107 to adjust the EGR rate. For
example, but not limiting of, the method 200 may incorporate at
least one of the following functions: adjusting a speed of an EGR
flow conditioning device 135, such as but not limiting of a source
of air; wherein the source of air comprises a fan, a blower, or
combinations thereof; adjusting a pitch of at least one EGR fan
blade; modulating at least one flow control device. The flow
control device may include at least one of: an inlet damper, a
bypass damper, an exhaust damper, or combinations thereof.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the GUI may
provide a notification to the user if the EGR rate should be
adjusted.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 300 for
adjusting an EGR rate in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The elements of the method 200 may be embodied
in and performed by the system 300. The system 300 may include one
or more user or client communication devices 302 or similar systems
or devices (two are illustrated in FIG. 3). Each communication
device 302 may be for example, but not limited to, a computer
system, a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone, or similar
device capable of sending and receiving an electronic message.
[0046] The communication device 302 may include a system memory 304
or local file system. The system memory 304 may include for
example, but is not limited to, a read only memory (ROM) and a
random access memory (RAM). The ROM may include a basic
input/output system (BIOS). The BIOS may contain basic routines
that help to transfer information between elements or components of
the communication device 302. The system memory 304 may contain an
operating system 306 to control overall operation of the
communication device 302. The system memory 304 may also include a
browser 308 or web browser. The system memory 304 may also include
data structures 310 or computer-executable code for adjusting an
EGR rate that may be similar or include elements of the method 200
in FIG. 2.
[0047] The system memory 304 may further include a template cache
memory 312, which may be used in conjunction with the method 200 in
FIG. 2 for adjusting an EGR rate.
[0048] The communication device 302 may also include a processor or
processing unit 314 to control operations of the other components
of the communication device 302. The operating system 306, browser
308, and data structures 310 may be operable on the processing unit
314. The processing unit 314 may be coupled to the memory system
304 and other components of the communication device 302 by a
system bus 316.
[0049] The communication device 302 may also include multiple input
devices (I/O), output devices or combination input/output devices
318. Each input/output device 318 may be coupled to the system bus
316 by an input/output interface (not shown in FIG. 3). The input
and output devices or combination I/O devices 318 permit a user to
operate and interface with the communication device 302 and to
control operation of the browser 308 and data structures 310 to
access, operate and control the software to adjust an EGR rate. The
I/O devices 318 may include a keyboard and computer pointing device
or the like to perform the operations discussed herein.
[0050] The I/O devices 318 may also include for example, but are
not limited to, disk drives, optical, mechanical, magnetic, or
infrared input/output devices, modems or the like. The I/O devices
318 may be used to access a storage medium 320. The medium 320 may
contain, store, communicate, or transport computer-readable or
computer-executable instructions or other information for use by or
in connection with a system, such as the communication devices
302.
[0051] The communication device 302 may also include or be
connected to other devices, such as a display or monitor 322. The
monitor 322 may permit the user to interface with the communication
device 302.
[0052] The communication device 302 may also include a hard drive
324. The hard drive 324 may be coupled to the system bus 316 by a
hard drive interface (not shown in FIG. 3). The hard drive 324 may
also form part of the local file system or system memory 304.
Programs, software, and data may be transferred and exchanged
between the system memory 304 and the hard drive 324 for operation
of the communication device 302.
[0053] The communication device 302 may communicate with a at least
one unit controller 326 and may access other servers or other
communication devices similar to communication device 302 via a
network 328. The system bus 316 may be coupled to the network 328
by a network interface 330. The network interface 330 may be a
modem, Ethernet card, router, gateway, or the like for coupling to
the network 328. The coupling may be a wired or wireless
connection. The network 328 may be the Internet, private network,
an intranet, or the like.
[0054] The at least one unit controller 326 may also include a
system memory 332 that may include a file system, ROM, RAM, and the
like. The system memory 332 may include an operating system 334
similar to operating system 306 in communication devices 302. The
system memory 332 may also include data structures 336 for
adjusting an EGR rate. The data structures 336 may include
operations similar to those described with respect to the method
200 for adjusting an EGR rate. The server system memory 332 may
also include other files 338, applications, modules, and the
like.
[0055] The at least one unit controller 326 may also include a
processor 342 or a processing unit to control operation of other
devices in the at least one unit controller 326. The at least one
unit controller 326 may also include I/O device 344. The I/O
devices 344 may be similar to 110 devices 318 of communication
devices 302. The at least one unit controller 326 may further
include other devices 346, such as a monitor or the like to provide
an interface along with the I/O devices 344 to the at least one
unit controller 326. The at least one unit controller 326 may also
include a hard disk drive 348. A system bus 350 may connect the
different components of the at least one unit controller 326. A
network interface 352 may couple the at least one unit controller
326 to the network 328 via the system bus 350.
[0056] The flowcharts and step diagrams in the figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each step in the flowchart or step diagrams may represent a
module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more
executable instructions for implementing the specified logical
functions. It should also be noted that, in some alternative
implementations, the functions noted in the step may occur out of
the order noted in the figures. For example, two steps shown in
succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or
the steps may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending
upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each
step of the step diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and
combinations of steps in the step diagrams and/or flowchart
illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based
systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or
combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0058] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement,
which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted
for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other
applications in other environments. This application is intended to
cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The
following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the specific embodiments described herein.
* * * * *