Method and apparatus for detecting combustion instability in continuous combustion systems
An apparatus and method to sense the onset of combustion stability is presented. An electrode is positioned in a turbine combustion chamber such that the electrode is exposed to gases in the combustion chamber. A control module applies a voltage potential to the electrode and detects a combustion ionization signal and determines if there is an oscillation in the combustion ionization signal indicative of the occurrence of combustion stability or the onset of combustion instability. A second electrode held in a coplanar but spaced apart manner by an insulating member from the electrode provides a combustion ionization signal to the control module when the first electrode fails. The control module broadcasts a notice if the parameters indicate the combustion process is at the onset of combustion instability or broadcasts an alarm signal if the parameters indicate the combustion process is unstable.
- Research Organization:
- Woodward Governor Company, Fort Collins, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Assignee:
- Woodward Governor Company
- Patent Number(s):
- 7,096,722
- Application Number:
- 10/329,664
- OSTI ID:
- 1175890
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Effect of Hydrogen on Steady-State and Transient Combustion Instability Characteristics
Electrical control of the thermodiffusive instability in premixed propane-air flames