Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Gas Turbine Engine Performance Monitor for Reduced Emissions
EPA Contract Number: 68D99029Title: Gas Turbine Engine Performance Monitor for Reduced Emissions
Investigators: Markham, James R.
Small Business: Advanced Fuel Research Inc.
EPA Contact:
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through March 1, 2000
Project Amount: $69,721
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , SBIR - Monitoring , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Tens of thousands of gas turbine engines are used in the utility electric power market (utility companies) and the non-utility electric power market (industries of aluminum, chemicals, steel, wood & paper, agriculture, and others), and thousands of new gas turbine engines are to be installed to accommodate the world-wide increase in power needs over the next few years. Numerous pollutants are released into the atmosphere each year in the exhaust of these engines.The purpose of this Phase I SBIR project was to demonstrate the feasibility of an improved sensor for control of gas turbine engines. The optical sensor proposed would measure multiple species that can be found in engine exhaust streams in near-real time for on-line engine tuning and control. If successfully demonstrated and then developed to the commercial product stage in Phase II, the sensor will ensure high performance operation of gas turbine engines to reduce emissions and prevent pollution.
The infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum can be used to characterize and quantify species that result from combustion processes. Phase I research combined new flexible fiber optics for infrared energy transport with a new fast-scanning, rugged, portable Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) emission/transmission spectrometer for species analysis by the infrared signatures. In-situ FT-IR Emission/Transmission was implemented to provide near-real time species temperatures and concentrations. Phase I research took an aggressive approach where within the 6 month allotted time frame, the R&D resulted in a Phase I prototype sensor that was installed in a turbine engine test cell of a major engine manufacturer. Measurements through the exhaust plume of the operating gas turbine engine were achieved to demonstrate the proof-of-concept and feasibility.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Phase I objectives were successfully accomplished and technical feasibility proven. In particular, the new flexible fiber optics exhibited the needed energy transfer, mechanical strength, and flexibility. Also, feasibility was further demonstrated by optically coupling the assembled sensor to the exhaust plume of an operating gas turbine engine at an engine test stand. The sensor performed well in the harsh environment of the engine test cell (high acoustical noise and vibration, and considerable temperature changes in the ambient with engine operation), providing quantitative gas phase information. Measurements were made through the diameter of the engine's exhaust plume, about 28 inches downstream of the engine's exit plane. The sensor performed both IR transmission measurements and IR emission measurements through the centerline of the plume. Automated analysis of the emission/transmission spectra provides the temperature and concentration information needed for engine tuning and control that will ensure optimal engine operation and reduced emissions. In Phase I, a novel methodology was developed to perform a quantitative species concentration analysis in spite of significant variations in the exhaust gas temperature. As a demonstration of the techniques ability to accurately account for these temperature changes, carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were measured over a range of engine operating conditions. At some conditions, unburned fuel, particulates (soot/fuel droplets), methane, ethylene and aldehyde were identified, but, at this point in the project, not yet quantified.Phase II will result in a permanently installed engine control sensor that will be easily adaptable to commercial applications in turbine based power generation facilities.
Conclusions:
The Phase I project demonstrated technical feasibility and proof-of-concept. The optical technique proven by field testing of a Phase I prototype sensor demonstrated the measurement features necessary (sensitivity to multiple species, fast time response, ruggedness to the industrial environment) for the application to industrial gas turbine engine performance monitoring and control. Phase II is called for, and the aggressive "on-engine" field test of Phase I reduces the risk and indicates a high probability for Phase II success.
Also, a "Commercialization Assessment Report" generated by an independent company concluded that:
- Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. has correctly identified the land based turbine market as an early entry target.
- The technology should meet end-user needs to a very great extent.
- This technology could have a lead position in meeting the needs for monitoring advanced turbines.
Supplemental Keywords:
Gas Turbine Engine, Sensor, Control, Reduced Emissions, Energy Savings., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Sustainable Industry/Business, particulate matter, Chemical Engineering, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Monitoring/Modeling, Technology for Sustainable Environment, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, monitoring, real time measurement, gas detector, air pollutants, real time, gas turbines, electric utilities, power plants, detect, air pollution control, air pollution, gas flow rates, gas sensing system, measurement, innovative technology, particulate loading, power generation , real time monitoring, emissions contol engineering, innovative technologies, sensor, air emissions, pollution prevention, measure, sensor technology, real-time monitoring, sensorsSBIR Phase II:
Gas Turbine Engine Performance Monitor for Reduced Emissions | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.