U.S. patent application number 13/034384 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-30 for pulse detonation device for a coal burning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to Peter Martin Maly, David Kelly Moyeda, Robert Warren Taylor, Tian Xuan Zhang.
Application Number | 20120216728 13/034384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45940021 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120216728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zhang; Tian Xuan ; et
al. |
August 30, 2012 |
PULSE DETONATION DEVICE FOR A COAL BURNING SYSTEM
Abstract
A pulse detonation coal burner includes a burner body having an
inlet and an outlet, and a fuel introduction system coupled to the
inlet of the burner body. The fuel introduction system is
configured and disposed to introduce at least one fuel into the
burner body. A pulse detonation device is operatively coupled to
the burner body. The pulse detonation device is configured and
disposed to introduce a pulse detonation wave into the burner body
to ignite the at least one fuel.
Inventors: |
Zhang; Tian Xuan; (Overland
Park, KS) ; Maly; Peter Martin; (Lake Forest, CA)
; Moyeda; David Kelly; (Laguna Hills, CA) ;
Taylor; Robert Warren; (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) |
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
45940021 |
Appl. No.: |
13/034384 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
110/342 ;
110/101R; 110/263; 110/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23C 15/00 20130101;
F22B 1/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
110/342 ;
110/101.R; 110/267; 110/263 |
International
Class: |
F23D 1/00 20060101
F23D001/00; F23K 3/00 20060101 F23K003/00 |
Claims
1. A pulse detonation coal burner system comprising: a burner body
having an inlet and an outlet; a fuel introduction system coupled
to the inlet of the burner body, the fuel introduction system being
configured and disposed to introduce at least one fuel into the
burner body; and a pulse detonation device operatively coupled to
the burner body, the pulse detonation device being configured and
disposed to introduce a pulse detonation wave into the burner body
to ignite the at least one fuel.
2. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 1,
wherein the fuel introduction system is configured to guide coal
into the burner body.
3. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 2,
wherein the fuel introduction system is configured to guide
pulverized coal and air into the burner body.
4. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 1,
wherein the fuel introduction system includes a fuel supply conduit
having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion
through a fuel passage, the first end portion defining a fuel inlet
and the second end portion defining a fuel outlet, the fuel outlet
being arranged within the burner body.
5. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 4,
wherein the pulse detonation device includes a body member having
first end section that extends to a second end section through an
intermediate section, the first end section defining an inlet
section and the second end section defining an outlet section.
6. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 5,
wherein the pulse detonation device includes an outlet tube fluidly
connected to the body member, the outlet tube being arranged within
the fuel supply conduit.
7. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 6,
further comprising: a pulse detonation fuel system fluidly
connected to the inlet section of the body member, the pulse
detonation fuel system including a fuel supply and an air
supply.
8. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 7,
wherein each of the fuel supply and air supply are operatively
connected to a controller that regulates delivery of air and fuel
into the body member.
9. The pulse detonation coal burner system according to claim 1,
further comprising: a plurality of spin vanes arranged radially
about the fuel introduction system.
10. A coal burning furnace system comprising: a coal burning
furnace including a furnace body including a heat exchange system;
a pulse detonation coal burner system fluidly connected to the coal
burning furnace, the pulse detonation coal burner system including
a burner body having an inlet and an outlet, a fuel introduction
system coupled to the inlet of the burner body, the fuel
introduction system being configured and disposed to introduce at
least one fuel into the burner body, and a pulse detonation device
operatively coupled to the burner body, the pulse detonation device
being configured and disposed to introduce a pulse detonation wave
into the burner body to ignite the at least one fuel.
11. The coal burning furnace system according to claim 10, wherein
the fuel introduction system is configured to guide coal into the
burner body.
12. The coal burning furnace system according to claim 11, wherein
the fuel introduction system is configured to guide pulverized coal
and air into the burner body.
13. The coal burning furnace system according to claim 10, wherein
the fuel introduction system includes a fuel supply conduit having
a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through a
fuel passage, the first end portion defining a fuel inlet and the
second end portion defining a fuel outlet, the fuel outlet being
arranged within the burner body.
14. The coal burning furnace system according to claim 10, wherein
the pulse detonation device includes a body member having first end
section that extends to a second end section through an
intermediate section, the first end section defining a an inlet
section and the second end section defining an outlet section.
15. The coal burning furnace system according to claim 14, wherein
the pulse detonation device includes an outlet tube fluidly
connected to the body member, the outlet tube being arranged within
the fuel supply conduit.
16. The coal burning furnace system according to claim 14, further
comprising: a pulse detonation fuel system fluidly connected to the
inlet section of the body member, the pulse detonation fuel system
including a fuel supply and an air supply.
17. The coal burning furnace system according to claim 16, wherein
each of the fuel supply and air supply are operatively connected to
a controller that regulates delivery of air and fuel into the body
member.
18. A method of burning pulverized coal for a coal burning system,
the method comprising: introducing an amount of coal into a burner
body; guiding an amount of air into the burner body; mixing the
amount of coal and the amount of air to form a combustible fuel
mixture; and igniting the combustible fuel mixture with a pulse
detonation wave generated by a pulse detonation device to form a
flame front.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: inducing a swirl to
the combustible fuel mixture.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: directing the flame
front into a coal burning furnace.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to coal burning
systems and, more particularly, to a pulse detonation device for a
coal burning system.
[0002] Many electric power generating systems employ pulverized
coal as a fuel. A pulverized coal fired boiler generates thermal
energy by burning pulverized coal (powdered coal, coal dust). The
thermal energy is used to heat a fluid and create steam that is
employed to drive a turbine. Conventional coal burning systems
introduce pulverized coal into one or more burners. The coal
combusts releasing thermal energy. Pulverized coal is typically
introduced into the burner by a mechanical feed system that sends
raw coal to a pulverizer and then to the burner(s). In such
systems, the pulverized coal is fed/distributed into coal pipes
located within the burner(s). A typical system employs a number of
feeders and pulverizers to establish an even distribution of
pulverized coal to the burners. Feeder system efficiency, i.e., the
ability to control coal distribution and maintain proper particle
size of the pulverized coal is a factor in emission levels and
combustion efficiency for a particular coal burning system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a pulse
detonation coal burner includes a burner body having an inlet and
an outlet, and a fuel introduction system coupled to the inlet of
the burner body. The fuel introduction system is configured and
disposed to introduce at least one fuel into the burner body. A
pulse detonation device is operatively coupled to the burner body.
The pulse detonation device is configured and disposed to introduce
a pulse detonation wave into the burner body to ignite the at least
one fuel.
[0004] According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a
coal burning furnace system includes a coal burning furnace
including a furnace body including a heat exchange system, and an
energy conversion system operatively connected to the heat exchange
system. The energy conversion system is configured and disposed to
transform thermal energy from the heat exchange system to
mechanical energy. A pulse detonation coal burner is fluidly
connected to the coal burning furnace. The pulse detonation coal
burner includes a burner body having an inlet and an outlet, and a
fuel introduction system coupled to the inlet of the burner body.
The fuel introduction system is configured and disposed to
introduce at least one fuel into the burner body. A pulse
detonation device is operatively coupled to the burner body. The
pulse detonation device is configured and disposed to introduce a
pulse detonation wave into the burner body to ignite the at least
one fuel.
[0005] According to yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiment,
a method of burning pulverized coal for a coal burning system
includes introducing an amount of coal into a burner body, guiding
an amount of air into the burner body, mixing the amount of coal
and the amount of air to form a combustible fuel mixture, and
igniting the combustible fuel mixture with a pulse detonation wave
generated by a pulse detonation device.
[0006] These and other advantages and features will become more
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0007] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coal burning system
including a coal burning furnace fired by a pulse detonation coal
burner system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pulse detonation coal
burner system coupled to a coal burning furnace in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment; and
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pulse
detonation coal burner system of FIG. 2.
[0011] The detailed description explains embodiments of the
invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example
with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a coal burning system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment is indicated generally at
2. Coal burning system 2 includes a coal burning furnace/boiler 4
having a heat exchange system or burner 8. Burner 8 transfers heat
into a working fluid that is passed to an energy conversion system
(not shown). The energy conversion system is typically coupled to a
powered member such as a generator, a pump, or the like. The energy
conversion system converts thermal energy from a working fluid
produced in boiler 4 into mechanical, rotational, energy used to
operate the powered member. Products of combustion from burner 8
pass to an air heater 10, flow to an emissions control device 12
and are directed to a stack 14 by a fan 16.
[0013] Thermal energy is input into the working fluid by a heat
directed toward burner 8 developed by burning powdered or
pulverized coal. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment,
boiler 4 is coupled to a pulse detonation coal burner system 40.
Pulse detonation coal burner system 40 includes a burner body 44
having an inlet 46 that is fluidly coupled to an outlet 47. Outlet
47 is fluidly connected to coal burning furnace 4. Fuel, in the
form of pulverized coal and air, is introduced into inlet 46
through a fuel introduction system 54. Fuel introduction system 54
includes a fuel supply conduit 56 having a first end or inlet
portion 58 that extends to a second end or outlet portion 59
through an intermediate portion 60 that defines a fuel passage 62.
Fuel supply conduit 56 delivers pulverized coal from a coal
pulverizing device 70 that is coupled to a coal silo 72. Pulverized
coal and air are introduced into inlet portion 58 and passed along
fuel passage 62 toward outlet portion 59. Combustion air is
introduced to inlet 46 outside of fuel passage 62. To improve
combustion of the pulverized fuel and air mixture, a plurality of
spin vanes, two of which are indicated at 65 and 66 are typically
arranged within burner body 44. Spin vanes 65 and 66 impart a swirl
to the pulverized fuel and air mixture entering boiler 4. The
pulverized coal mixes with the air to form a combustible mixture
that is ignited by a pulse detonation device 80 to form a flame
front that is directed through outlet 47 of burner body 44 into
coal burning furnace 4
[0014] Pulse detonation device 80 includes a body member 83 having
a first end or inlet section 86 that extends to a second end or
outlet section 87 through an intermediate section 89. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, pulse detonation device 80 includes an
outlet tube 91 operatively coupled body member 83 at outlet section
87. In accordance with one aspect of the exemplary embodiment,
outlet tube 91 extends into fuel supply conduit 56 and terminates
at an outlet 92. With this arrangement, outlet is selectively
positioned relative to outlet portion 59 in order to achieve a
desired combustion of the pulverized coal and air. At this point it
should be understood that although shown positioned within fuel
supply conduit 56, outlet tube 91 could extend directly into burner
body 44. Also, while shown with a single pulse detonation device
coupled to burner body 44, it should be understood the particular
location and number of pulse detonation devices can vary. That is,
multiple pulse detonation devices could be arrayed inside or about
burner body 44 in order to achieve desired combustion
characteristics. Also, it should be understood that a diameter of
outlet tube 91 could vary depending upon desired combustion
characteristics.
[0015] In further accordance with the exemplary embodiment, pulse
denotation device 80 is fluidly coupled to a pulse detonation fuel
system 94. Pulse detonation fuel system 94 includes a pulse
detonation fuel supply 96 that is fluidly coupled to inlet section
86 through a pulse detonation fuel supply pipe 97. Pulse detonation
fuel supply 96 is shown to include a pressure regulator 98 that
regulates pulse detonation fuel pressure delivered to pulse
detonation device 80. Pulse detonation fuel system 94 is also shown
to include an air supply system 100 that received pressurized air
from a compressor or fan 102. Air supply system 100 is fluidly
connected to inlet section 86 through an air supply pipe 104. Air
supply pipe 104 is shown to include an air drier 107, a pressure
regulator or control valve 109 as well as a pair of service valves
111 and 112. Air supply pipe 104 is also shown to include an
electronic control valve 114 that is operatively coupled to a
controller 117. Controller 117 is also operatively coupled to a
fuel control valve 120 arranged at inlet section 86.
[0016] With this arrangement, controller 117 establishes a desired
fuel/air mixture that is passed to pulse detonation device 80. The
fuel air mixture is ignited to form a pulse detonation wave that is
directed at the pulverized coal and air flowing though fuel supply
conduit 56 to establish a stable flame front exiting the burner
body 44. Controller 117 is also configured to set a desired
frequency of the pulse detonation wave emanating from pulse
detonation device 80. Controller 117 can set a desired frequency
for the pulse detonation wave. The frequency of the pulse
detonation wave can be controlled to aid in mixing of the
pulverized coal and air. Pulse detonation wave can reach
temperatures up to about 2500.degree. F. (1371.1.degree. C.)
degrees or better. The high temperatures achievable by the use of a
pulse detonation device, as well as the additional mixing of the
coal and air provided by the pulse detonation wave can enable
operation of the burner at conditions that lower emissions which
occur during the operation of the coal burning system. That is, the
use of the pulse detonation device will lower CO emissions as well
as other products of incomplete combustion such as carbon in ash.
The additional mixing provided by the pulse detonation wave could
also lead to lower combustion stoichiometry that would result in
reduced NOx emissions.
[0017] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be
readily understood that the invention is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may
include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *