In-flame measurements of soot particulate using conventional extractive and nonintrusive optical probes are compared for a swirl-stabilized combustor. Except for large (∼5μm) particulate present in the extracted samples, the soot particle size compares favorably with optically measured values, and the soot particle morphology reflects that formed in gas turbine combustors. Two, nonflame sources for the large particulate are suggested by the optical data: particles formed or elongated during transport subsequent to extraction, and particles attrited from upstream carbon deposits on a solid surface. The extractive probe produces a change in the local particle number density which varies from little change to a 70-fold suppression in reacting flow and a 200-fold increase in cold seeded flow depending on the location within the combustor of the optical sampling volume, the location of the extractive probe relative to the optical sampling volume, and the combustor operating conditions.
The impact of fuel composition on the performance of power generation devices is gaining interest as the desire to diversify fuel supplies increases. In the present study, measurements of combustion performance were conducted on a commercial natural gas-fired 60kW gas turbine as a function of fuel composition. A statistically designed experiment was carried out and exhaust emissions were obtained for significant amounts of ethane and propane. In addition, a limited study of the effect of inerts was conducted. The results show that emissions of NOx, CO, and NOx∕NO are not well correlated with common descriptions of the fuel, such as higher heating value or methane number. The results and trends indicate that the presence of higher hydrocarbons in the fuel leads to appreciably higher NOx emissions for both test devices operating under similar lean conditions, while having less impact on CO emissions.
A comprehensive field data collection campaign is reported on in which operational data are being obtained from microturbine generators located in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The data obtained are archived in a SQL database, which provides the ability to look at various performance aspects as a function of many parameters interactively on the Internet. An overview of the program is provided along with details regarding the data collection and archiving strategies. To provide a framework relative to optimal operation of these systems in the region, economics associated with various operational schedules as a function of various rate structures in Southern California are provided. In addition to quantitative operational characteristics and performance results, some general end-user impressions of the technology and of the overall installation process are also documented.Details from three representative sites are presented.
BACKGROUNDMicroturbine generators (MTGs) are being deployed worldwide for a number of applications. MTGs enable end users to generate their own power during times when power is in short supply, thus alleviating peak stress on the grid, reducing the likelihood of rolling blackouts that utilities may have to impose, and displacing emissions from the highest-emitting and least energy-efficient peaking units.MTGs are available from a number of manufacturers including Bowman, Capstone, Elliott, Ingersol Rand, and Turbec, and represent an option for on-site power generation technology (known generically as "distributed generation"). MTGs can, in principle, be installed relatively quickly and require little maintenance. In addition to providing electricity, a
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