Assessment of UV Sensors for Flameout Detection

Abstract

UV sensors were tested to evaluate the response and reliability as a flameout detection system to reduce system level risks. In this study, UV sensors from two manufacturers were tested on high pressure experimental rigs and on a 15MW gas turbine engine with annular diffusion flame combustion system. Tests were run to investigate the effect of fuel composition, engine load, and sensor circumferential position. The effect of each variable on sensor signal strength and response time is presented in this paper. The response time of the sensor is evaluated against the rate of change of combustor pressure and the time for fuel-air mixture to reach lean extinction limit in the primary zone. Results show that the UV sensor response is not affected by engine load, circumferential location of the sensors, or fuel composition down to Wobbe index of 18.7 MJ/Sm3. At lower Wobbe indices, the signal strength decreased significantly. This result has been attributed to the movement of flame location away from the line of sight of the sensor. Furthermore, it was found that the UV sensor responded before the bulk average reactant mixture reached lean blow out fuel-air ratios. When compared to the baseline detection system the UV sensor performs faster at low load conditions (800 milliseconds) but slower at full load conditions (400 milliseconds). Experimental rig testing led to similar conclusions for sensor response time and signal strength. Future testing of UV sensors on hydrogen blends is planned.