Optimization of Natural Gas Turbines for Greater Resiliency and Quick Starts for Adaptive Islanding

摘要

The HEP/DG Power Protector (with "Blue Button" reset technology) is a system of controls and sensors for optimizing the operation of a hybrid turbine cycle, where the turbine is mechanically coupled to the compressor by a common shaft and where the turbine is propelled by thermal energy from a coupled system, such as thermal energy storage or cathode and anode exhaust from a fuel cell, and where the compressor provides a pressurized oxidant gas to the thermal energy storage or cathode. As long as the turbine cycle is a hybrid, the Power Protector can function and provide the operator protection from compressor stall. This Power Protector system maintains the mass flow balance by changing the compressor dynamics and thereby increasing the safety margin of the turbomachinery and it decreases the likelihood of stalls in the hybrid power generation plant. It would work in hybrid systems with and without fuel cell integration. The HEP/DG Power Protector controls compressed surge events by providing an oxidant gas to the compressor and withdrawing pressurized oxidant gas to the thermal component in the turbine cycle. In a fuel cell hybrid, for example, the pressurized oxidant gas is delivered to the fuel cell cathode and fuel is delivered to the fuel cell anode, and the cathode and anode exhaust is routed to the post combustor. The thermal exhaust from the coupled system is ported to the gas turbine, which is mechanically coupled to the compressor through a common shaft. (see Figure 1) During the power production operation, various indications of an up-power transient beyond the limitations where the hybrid cycle can transition to a new steady-state may occur, which can lead to system failure. When such an indication is received (by the operator through audible cues) or directly by the Power Protector through audio sensors and processors, through the "Blue Button" circuitry some portion of the oxidant gas is diverted from the compressor outlet to the turbine inlet, until the hybrid system achieves a condition from which sustainable, steady-state operation may be achieved through the mechanically controlled intervention.