Fuel mixing system and method
阅读说明:本技术 燃料混合系统和方法 (Fuel mixing system and method ) 是由 J.德尔巴勒埃查瓦里 A.费尔南德斯德加马拉 J.阿尔巴雷斯 E.乌里阿特 于 2017-02-15 设计创作,主要内容包括:提供了用于将来自第一燃料源的第一燃料与来自第二燃料源的第二燃料混合的系统和方法。所述系统可包括:控制器,与多个传感器中的每个通信性地联接;第一多个阀,包括第一渐进阀;以及第二多个阀,包括第二渐进阀。第一和第二多个阀可被配置为选择性地实现第一和第二燃料源与发电单元之间的流体连通。控制器可被配置为从传感器接收所检测的操作参数,将所检测的操作参数与另一操作参数比较,并且基于所述比较,将指令传递到第一渐进阀和第二渐进阀中的至少一个,以使第一燃料在进入发电单元之前能够与第二燃料混合。(Systems and methods are provided for mixing a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source. The system may include: a controller communicatively coupled with each of the plurality of sensors; a first plurality of valves including a first progressive valve; and a second plurality of valves including a second progressive valve. The first and second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively enable fluid communication between the first and second fuel sources and the power generation unit. The controller may be configured to receive the detected operating parameter from the sensor, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, communicate a command to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable the first fuel to be mixed with the second fuel prior to entering the power generation unit.)
1. A fuel mixing system for a power generation unit fluidly coupled to a first fuel source and a second fuel source, comprising:
a plurality of sensors, each sensor configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the power generation unit;
a first plurality of valves configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit, the first plurality of valves fluidly coupled in series and including a first progressive valve configured to progressively open or close to at least one predetermined set point;
a second plurality of valves configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit, the second plurality of valves including a second progressive valve configured to be progressively opened or closed to at least one predetermined set point; and
a controller communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each of the first plurality of valves, and each of the second plurality of valves, the controller configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on a comparison result, communicate a command to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable mixing of a first fuel from the first fuel source with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
2. The fuel mixing system of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of valves further comprises a first shut-off valve configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the first fuel source and the first progressive valve, the first shut-off valve being closed during operation of the power generation unit using only the second fuel from the second fuel source.
3. The fuel mixing system of claim 2, wherein the second plurality of valves further comprises a second shutoff valve configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the second fuel source and the second progressive valve, the second shutoff valve being closed during operation of the power generation unit with only the first fuel from the first fuel source.
4. The fuel mixing system of claim 1, wherein:
the first plurality of valves further includes a first control valve configured to control a first amount of fuel mixed with air in the power generation unit, an
The second plurality of valves further includes a second control valve configured to control a second amount of fuel mixed with air in the power generation unit.
5. The fuel mixing system of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second control valves is a smart valve capable of sending information to the controller relating to an operating parameter of the smart valve.
6. A power generation system, comprising:
a system load;
a power generation unit configured to receive a first fuel from a first fuel source, a second fuel from a second fuel source, or a combination thereof, and to generate useful energy therefrom to power the system load; and
a fuel mixing system operatively coupled to at least one of the power generation unit and the system load, the fuel mixing system including
A plurality of sensors, each sensor configured to detect at least one operating parameter of at least one of the power generation unit and the system load;
a first plurality of valves configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit, the first plurality of valves fluidly coupled in series and including a first progressive valve configured to progressively open or close to at least one predetermined set point;
a second plurality of valves configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit, the second plurality of valves including a second progressive valve configured to be progressively opened or closed to at least one predetermined set point; and
a controller communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each of the first plurality of valves, and each of the second plurality of valves, the controller configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on a comparison result, communicate a command to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable mixing of a first fuel from the first fuel source with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
7. The power generation system of claim 6, further comprising an intake manifold fluidly coupling the first and second plurality of valves with the power generation unit, the intake manifold configured to mix the first and second fuels prior to entering the power generation unit.
8. The power generation system of claim 6, wherein the power generation unit comprises:
a mixer configured to mix at least one of the first fuel and the second fuel with air to produce a fuel mixture;
a compressor in fluid communication with the mixer and configured to compress the fuel mixture to form a compressed fuel mixture;
a cooler in fluid communication with the compressor and configured to cool the compressed fuel mixture into a cooled compressed fuel mixture;
an engine comprising an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, and a combustion chamber fluidly coupling the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold, the intake manifold configured to receive the cooled compressed fuel mixture and direct the cooled compressed fuel mixture to the combustion chamber, and the combustion chamber configured to combust the cooled compressed fuel mixture to form an exhaust emission; and
a throttle valve in fluid communication with the cooler and the engine and configured to regulate an amount of cooled compressed fuel mixture directed from the cooler to the intake manifold of the engine.
9. The power generation system of claim 8, wherein:
the power generation unit further includes a turbocharger fluidly coupled to the exhaust manifold and configured to receive exhaust emissions generated in the combustion chamber and convert thermal energy of the exhaust emissions into mechanical energy, the turbocharger operatively coupled to the compressor and configured to drive the compressor via the mechanical energy; and
the system load includes a generator configured to supply energy to the power generation system or an electrical grid electrically coupled thereto.
10. The power generation system of claim 8, wherein the throttle valve is communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to adjust the amount of cooled compressed fuel mixture directed to the intake manifold of the engine based on one or more operating parameters detected by one or more of the plurality of sensors.
11. The power generation system of claim 6, wherein:
the first plurality of valves further includes a first shut-off valve configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the first fuel source and the first progressive valve;
the first shut-off valve is closed during operation of the power generation unit using only the second fuel from the second fuel source.
12. The power generation system of claim 11, wherein:
the second plurality of valves further includes a second shutoff valve configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the second fuel source and the second progressive valve;
the second shut-off valve is closed during operation of the power generation unit using only the first fuel from the first fuel source.
13. The power generation system of claim 6, wherein:
the first fuel comprises methane; and
the second fuel is natural gas or liquid petroleum.
14. The power generation system of claim 6, wherein:
the first plurality of valves further includes a first control valve configured to control a first amount of fuel mixed with air in the power generation unit, an
The second plurality of valves further includes a second control valve configured to control a second amount of fuel mixed with air in the power generation unit.
15. The power generation system of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second control valves is a smart valve capable of sending information to the controller relating to an operating parameter of the smart valve.
16. A method for mixing a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source, comprising:
flowing a second fuel from a second fuel source to a power generation unit through a second plurality of valves configured to selectively enable fluid communication of the second fuel source with the power generation unit;
opening a first shut-off valve of a first plurality of valves configured to selectively enable the first fuel source to be in fluid communication with the power generation unit;
opening a first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves to a first set point at a first rate, the first progressive valve configured to open gradually to the first set point at the first rate;
opening a first flow control valve of the first plurality of valves, the first flow control valve configured to adjust a first amount of fuel to be mixed with a second fuel; and
the first fuel is mixed with the second fuel to form a mixed fuel in an intake manifold before the mixed fuel enters the power generation unit.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
opening a first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves to a second setpoint at a second rate prior to opening the first flow control valve, the first progressive valve configured to open to the second setpoint progressively at the second rate, and the second rate being less than the first rate.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
detecting an operating parameter of the power generation unit via a sensor communicatively coupled to a controller; and
comparing, via the controller, the operating parameter detected by the sensor to another operating parameter; and
transmitting, via the controller, instructions to open at least one of the first shut-off valve, the first progressive valve, and the first flow control valve based on a comparison of the operating parameter detected by the sensor to another operating parameter.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein,
the first stop valve, the first progressive valve, and the first flow control valve are fluidly coupled in series between the first fuel source and the intake manifold; and
the second plurality of valves includes a second stop valve, a second progressive valve, and a second flow control valve fluidly coupled in series between the second fuel source and the intake manifold.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein,
the first flow control valve is a smart valve capable of sending information relating to an operating parameter of the first flow control valve to a controller; and
the first shut-off valve is configured to be in a fully open position or a fully closed position.
Background
During the course of operation of certain processing plants (e.g., landfills and sewage treatment plants), methane-rich waste fuels may be produced. In view of the environmental concerns related to greenhouse gases, and as a cost effective way, some operators of such processing plants have installed power generation equipment that is powered by methane-rich waste fuel and is capable of producing electrical, mechanical and/or thermal energy therefrom. Thus, the generated electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy may be used to power components of the process plant. However, because the supply and/or composition of methane-rich waste fuels may not be consistent over time, such power plants may be configured to operate on other fuel supplies (such as pipeline fuel) in order to maintain sufficient electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy for the components of the process plant.
Based on the foregoing, control systems utilizing multiple valves have been implemented to regulate the type of fuel supplied to the power plant based at least in part on the operating conditions of the power plant and the supply and/or composition of the methane-rich spent fuel and pipeline fuel. Typically, in the case of the fuel being supplied to the power plant being converted from a methane-rich spent fuel to pipeline fuel or vice versa, the power plant may not be operated at maximum power due to undesirable exhaust emissions and the occurrence of knock or misfires (based on the leakage of the valve or valves used). In turn, the energy output of the power plant is reduced, resulting in less electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy being supplied to the components of the process plant.
What is needed, therefore, is a system and method for converting the fuel supplied to a power plant from a methane-rich spent fuel to pipeline fuel or vice versa when the power plant is operated at maximum power, without excessive exhaust emissions and the occurrence of knock or misfires.
Disclosure of Invention
Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a fuel mixing system for a power generation unit fluidly coupled to a first fuel source and a second fuel source. The fuel mixing system may include a plurality of sensors, a first plurality of valves, a second plurality of valves, and a controller. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the power generation unit. The first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit. The first plurality of valves may be fluidly coupled in series and include a first progressive valve configured to be progressively opened or closed to at least one predetermined set point. The second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit. The second plurality of valves may include a second progressive valve configured to be progressively opened or closed to at least one predetermined set point. A controller is communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each of the first plurality of valves, and each of the second plurality of valves. The controller may be configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, communicate a command to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable mixing of a first fuel from the first fuel source with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may further provide a power generation system. The power generation system may include a system load, a power generation unit, and a fuel-mixing system. The power generation unit may be configured to receive a first fuel from a first fuel source, a second fuel from a second fuel source, or a combination thereof, and to generate useful energy therefrom to power a system load. The fuel-mixing system may be operatively coupled to at least one of the power generation unit and the system load. The fuel mixing system may include a plurality of sensors, a first plurality of valves, a second plurality of valves, and a controller. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect at least one operating parameter of at least one of the power generation unit and the system load. The first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit. The first plurality of valves may be fluidly coupled in series and include a first progressive valve configured to be progressively opened or closed to at least one predetermined set point. The second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit. The second plurality of valves may include a second progressive valve configured to be progressively opened or closed to at least one predetermined set point. A controller is communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each of the first plurality of valves, and each of the second plurality of valves. The controller may be configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, communicate a command to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable mixing of a first fuel from the first fuel source with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may further provide methods for mixing a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source. The method may include flowing a second fuel from a second fuel source to the power generation unit through a second plurality of valves. The second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively enable the second fuel source to be in fluid communication with the power generation unit. The method may also include opening a first shut-off valve of the first plurality of valves. The first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively enable the first fuel source to be in fluid communication with the power generation unit. The method may also include opening a first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves to a first setpoint at a first rate. The first progressive valve may be configured to open gradually at a first rate to a first set point. The method may also include opening a first flow control valve of the first plurality of valves. The first flow control valve may be configured to adjust a first amount of fuel to be mixed with a second fuel. The method may further include mixing the first fuel with the second fuel to form a mixed fuel in the intake manifold prior to the mixed fuel entering the power generation unit.
Drawings
The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary power generation unit in accordance with one or more embodiments.
Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram depicting a method for blending a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed.
Detailed Description
It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments, which can be used to implement various features, structures, or functions of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, in various exemplary embodiments and throughout the figures provided herein, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various figures. Moreover, in the description that follows, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various individuals may refer to the same components by different names, and therefore, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless specifically defined herein. Furthermore, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "include" and "comprise" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to. All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as used in the claims or the specification, the term "or" is intended to cover both exclusive and inclusive, i.e., "a or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of a and B," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary
As noted above, the
Each of the plurality of
Each of the
In one or more embodiments, each of the
A plurality of
As shown in fig. 1,
In the
Based on the foregoing disclosure, exemplary operation of the
The transition may be initiated by one or more of the
In the event that a comparison of the received information with the desired operating parameter(s) of the
Before opening the
Accordingly, the
Turning now to fig. 2 with continued reference to fig. 1, fig. 2 shows a flow diagram depicting a
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The first stop valve, the first progressive valve, and the first flow control valve may be fluidly coupled in series between the first fuel source and the intake manifold, and the second plurality of valves may include a second stop valve, a second progressive valve, and a second flow control valve fluidly coupled in series between the second fuel source and the intake manifold, as provided in
The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
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