Control gas turbines

When controlling SOFC systems, the main control parameter is the electrical power output of the system. This AC output is determined by the inverter connected to the SOFC stack. The fuel supply to the stack must follow the DC power demand by the inverter, which is needed to deliver the required AC power. This is more complicated than controlling gas turbines, whose power output is related directly to the fuel flow. In the case of a SOFC/GT hybrid system, power control is even more complicated since both the gas turbine generator and the SOFC stack deliver power. A major concern in load following is the risk of retaining residual unburned hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the stack, due to a sudden load drop [3 5], which can be difficult to handle. 

The hot gases from the combustor, temperature controlled to 980°C by excess air, are expanded through the gas turbine, driving the air compressor and generating electricity. Sensible heat in the gas turbine exhaust is recovered in a waste heat boiler by generating steam for additional electrical power production. 

Demands for improved efficiency in aircraft gas turbines led to the use of a family of age hardenable, controlled expansion superaHoys for engine seals and casings. INCOLOY aHoys 903 [61107-16-2] (UNS N19903), 907 [107652-23-3] (UNS N19907), and 909 evolved from a continuing effort to improve the environmental resistance of this Cr-free, Fe—Ni—Co based system. 

PGM catalyst technology can also be appHed to the control of emissions from stationary internal combustion engines and gas turbines. Catalysts have been designed to treat carbon monoxide, unbumed hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, which arise as a result of incomplete combustion. To reduce or prevent the formation of NO in the first place, catalytic combustion technology based on platinum or palladium has been developed, which is particularly suitable for appHcation in gas turbines. Environmental legislation enacted in many parts of the world has promoted, and is expected to continue to promote, the use of PGMs in these appHcations. 

New units can be ordered having dry, low NO burners that can reduce NO emissions below 25 ppm on gaseous fuels in many cases, without back-end flue-gas cleanup or front-end controls, such as steam or water injection which can reduce efficiency. Similar in concept to low NO burners used in boilers, dry low NO gas turbine burners aim to reduce peak combustion temperatures through staged combustion and/or improved fuel—air mixing. 

Specifications for gas turbine fuels prescribe test limits that must be met by the refiner who manufactures fuel however, it is customary for fuel users to define quality control limits for fuel at the point of delivery or of custody transfer. These limits must be met by third parties who distribute and handle fuels on or near the airport. Tests on receipt at airport depots include appearance, distfllation, flash point (or vapor pressure), density, freezing point, smoke point, corrosion, existing gum, water reaction, and water separation. Tests on delivery to the aircraft include appearance, particulates, membrane color, free water, and electrical conductivity. 

Both friction and wear measurements have been used to study boundary lubrication of fuel because sticking fuel controls and pump failures are primary field problems in gas turbine operation. An extensive research program of the Coordinating Research Council has produced a baH-on-cylinder lubricity test (BOCLE), standardized as ASTM D5001, which is used to qualify additives, to investigate fuels, and to assist pump manufacturers (21). 

Compressors driven by steam mrbines, gas turbines, hot gas expanders, or variable speed electric motors usually employ variable rotation speed for capacity control. Generally, the surge limit slope varies witli rotation... 

The modified Brayton cycle is used for both gas turbines and jet engines. The turbine is designed to produce a usable torque at the output shaft, while the jet engine allows most of the hot gases to expand into the atmosphere, producing usable thrust. Emissions from both turbines and jets are similar, as are their control methods. The emissions are primarily unbumed hydrocarbons, unbumed carbon which results in the visible exhaust, and oxides of nitrogen. Control of the unbumed hydrocarbons and the unburned... 

Figure 1-33. Control of gas turbine NOx emissions over the years.

The use of pyrometers in control of the advanced gas turbines is being investigated. Presently, all turbines are controlled based on gassifier turbine exit temperatures, or power turbine exit temperatures. By using the blade metal temperatures of the first section of the turbine the gas turbine is being controlled at its most important parameter, the temperature of the first stage nozzles and blades. In this manner, the turbine is being operated at its real maximum capability. 

Injection of Steam in the Combustor of the Gas Turbines Utilizing Present Dual Fuel Nozzles. Steam injection in the combustor has been commonly used for NO control as seen in Figure 2-43. The amount of steam, which can be added, is limited due to combustion concerns. This is limited to about 2-3% of the airflow. This would provide an additional 3-5% of the rated power. The dual fuel nozzles on many of the industrial turbines could easily be retrofitted to achieve the goal of steam injection. The steam would be produced using an HRSG. Multiple turbines could also be tied into one HRSG. 

The object of the code is to detail the test to determine the power output and thermal efficiency of the gas turbine when operating at the test conditions, and correcting these test results to standard or specified operating and control conditions. Procedures for conducting the test, calculating the results, and making the corrections are defined. 

The code provides for the testing of gas turbines supplied with gaseous or liquid fuels (or solid fuels converted to liquid or gas prior to entrance to the gas turbine). Test of gas turbines with water or steam injection for emission control and/or power augmentation are included. The tests can be applied to gas turbines in combined-cycle power plants or with other heat recovery systems. 

ASME Gas Turbine Control and Protection Systems B133.4 Published 1978 (Reaffirmed Year 1997)... 

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