Auto-ignition system for premixed gas turbine combustors
In a gas turbine power plant having at least one combustor, the combustor is described comprising a pilot section and a main burn section, the pilot section, having a recirculation zone and comprising inlet air vents for providing inlet air into the recirculation zone, the main burn section being downstream and adjacent to the pilot section, a method for establishing a diffusion flame in the pilot section, comprising the steps of: injecting a flow of natural gas fuel into the pilot section; providing inlet air into the recirculation zone through the inlet air vents; operating the pilot section in a premix mode where the natural gas fuel mixes with the inlet air without combustion in the pilot section; and injecting a flow of liquid fuel into the recirculation zone of the pilot section just prior to the end of operation of the pilot section in the premix mode, the liquid fuel having an auto-ignition temperature less than the temperature of the inlet air, whereby the liquid fuel is auto-ignited in the recirculation zone and the natural gas fuel bursts into flame to establish the diffusion flame in the pilot section.
- Assignee:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5237812; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-957123
- OSTI ID:
- 6221743
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 7 Oct 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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