Combustion Optimization for the ALSTOM GT13E2 Gas Turbine

Abstract

The NOx emissions of low NOx premix combustors are not only determined by the burner design, but also by the multi burner interaction and the related distribution of air and fuel flows to the individual burners. Often the factors that have a positive impact on NOx emission have a negative impact on the flame stability, so the main challenge is to find an optimum point with the lowest achievable NOx while maintaining good flame stability. The hottest flame zones are where most of the NOx is formed. Avoiding such zones in the combustor (by homogenization of the flame temperature) reduces NOx emissions significantly. Improving the flame stability and the combustion control allows the combustor to operate at a lower average flame temperature and NOx emissions. ALSTOM developed a combustion optimization package for the GT13E2. The optimization package development focused on three major issues: • Flame stability; • Homogenization of flame temperature distribution in the combustor; • Combustion control logic. The solution introduced consists of: • The reduction of cooling air entrainment in the primary flame zone for improved flame stability; • The optical measurement of the individual burner flame temperatures and their homogenization by burner tuning valves; • Closed loop control logic to control the combustion dependent on the pulsation signal. This paper shows how fundamental combustion research methods were applied to derive effective optimization measures. The flame temperature measurement technique will be presented along with results of the measurement and their application in homogenization of the combustor temperature distribution in an engine equipped with measures to improve flame stabilization. The main results achieved are: • Widening of the main burner group operation range; • Improved use of the low NOx operation range; • NOx reduction at the combustor pulsation limit and hence, large margins to the European emission limit (50 mg/m3 @ 15%O2).