System and method for operating a combustor

Abstract

A system for operating a combustor includes a sensor that measures an operating parameter associated with the combustor and generates a signal reflective of the operating parameter. The operating parameter is reflective of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup. A controller receives the signal, compares the signal to a predetermined limit, and generates a control signal. A method for operating a combustor includes operating the combustor at a first power level that produces a first temperature that is less than or equal to a first predetermined temperature and creating a layer of ash. The method further includes measuring an operating parameter reflective of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup, comparing the operating parameter to a limit, and operating the combustor at a second power level that produces a second temperature that is greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature.

1 . A system for operating a combustor, comprising:
 a. a sensor that measures an operating parameter associated with the combustor and generates a signal reflective of the operating parameter, wherein the operating parameter is reflective of at least one of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup in a hot gas path;   b. a controller in communication with said sensor to receive said signal reflective of the operating parameter, wherein said controller compares said signal reflective of the operating parameter to a predetermined limit and generates a control signal for operating the combustor; and   c. wherein said control signal comprises at least one of a signal that permits the combustor to operate at an increased temperature or a signal that permits the combustor to operate using fuel containing vanadium.   
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the operating parameter comprises at least one of a fuel content, a fuel flow rate, a temperature, a time, or an efficiency associated with the combustor. 
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the operating parameter is reflective of at least one of a deposition rate or an accumulated buildup of a soluble ash in the hot gas path. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the operating parameter is reflective of at least one of a deposition rate or an accumulated buildup of an insoluble ash in the hot gas path. 
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein said control signal includes at least one of maintenance scheduling information, permitted fuel content, or permitted operating levels associated with the combustor. 
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising an input device in communication with said controller, wherein said input device generates an input signal to said controller. 
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 6 , wherein said controller adjusts said control signal based on said input signal. 
     
     
         8 . The system as in  claim 6 , wherein said input device comprises a database of parameter information associated with comparable combustors. 
     
     
         9 . A system for operating a combustor in a gas turbine, comprising:
 a. a compressor;   b. a combustor downstream from said compressor;   c. a fuel supply in fluid communication with said combustor;   d. a turbine downstream from said combustor;   e. a signal reflective of at least one of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup in said turbine;   f. a controller that receives said signal, compares said signal to a predetermined limit, and generates a control signal for operating the gas turbine; and   g. wherein said control signal comprises at least one of a signal that permits the combustor to operate at an increased temperature or a signal that permits the combustor to operate using fuel containing vanadium.   
     
     
         10 . The system as in  claim 9 , wherein said signal is reflective of at least one of a deposition rate or an accumulated buildup of a soluble ash in said turbine. 
     
     
         11 . The system as in  claim 9 , wherein said signal is reflective of at least one of a deposition rate or an accumulated buildup of an insoluble ash in said turbine. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 9 , wherein said control signal includes at least one of maintenance scheduling information, permitted fuel content, or permitted operating levels for the gas turbine. 
     
     
         13 . The system as in  claim 9 , further comprising an input device in communication with said controller, wherein said input device generates an input signal to said controller. 
     
     
         14 . The system as in  claim 13 , wherein said controller adjusts said control signal based on said input signal. 
     
     
         15 . The system as in  claim 13 , wherein said input device comprises a database of parameter information from comparable gas turbines. 
     
     
         16 . A method for operating a combustor, comprising:
 a. operating the combustor at a first power level that produces a first temperature in a hot gas path that is less than or equal to a first predetermined temperature;   b. creating a layer of ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path;   c. measuring an operating parameter associated with the combustor, wherein the operating parameter is reflective of at least one of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup in the hot gas path;   d. comparing the operating parameter to a first predetermined limit; and   e. when the operating parameter exceeds the first predetermined limit, permitting the combustor to operate at a second power level that produces a second temperature in the hot gas path that is greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature.   
     
     
         17 . The method as in  claim 16 , further comprising comparing the operating parameter to a second predetermined limit. 
     
     
         18 . The method as in  claim 16 , wherein creating the layer of ash comprises creating a layer of soluble ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path. 
     
     
         19 . The method as in  claim 16 , wherein creating the layer of ash comprises creating a layer of insoluble ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path. 
     
     
         20 . The method as in  claim 16 , further comprising removing the layer of ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path. 
     
     
         21 . The method as in  claim 16 , further comprising generating a control signal containing at least one of maintenance scheduling information, permitted fuel content, or permitted operating levels for the combustor. 
     
     
         22 . A method for operating a combustor, comprising:
 a. operating the combustor using a vanadium-free fuel;   b. creating a layer of ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path;   c. measuring an operating parameter associated with the combustor, wherein the operating parameter is reflective of at least one of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup in the hot gas path;   d. comparing the operating parameter to a first predetermined limit; and   e. when the operating parameter exceeds the first predetermined limit, permitting the combustor to operate using fuel containing vanadium.   
     
     
         23 . The method as in  claim 22 , further comprising comparing the operating parameter to a second predetermined limit. 
     
     
         24 . The method as in  claim 22 , wherein creating the layer of ash comprises creating a layer of soluble ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path. 
     
     
         25 . The method as in  claim 22 , wherein creating the layer of ash comprises creating a layer of insoluble ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path. 
     
     
         26 . The method as in  claim 22 , further comprising removing the layer of ash over at least a portion of the hot gas path. 
     
     
         27 . The method as in  claim 22 , further comprising generating a control signal containing at least one of maintenance scheduling information, permitted fuel content, or permitted operating levels for the combustor.