Method and apparatus for detecting burner blowout

• Main Authors: LUCENKO; MICHAEL, VANDERLEEST; RUURD E, ST. ONGE; KENNETH J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 10.12.1996
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; BLASTING; COMBUSTION ENGINES; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; HEATING; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS; LIGHTING; MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAMTURBINES; STEAM ENGINES; WEAPONS

A gas turbine power plant for producing electricity includes a gas turbine engine having a burner receiving a fuel flow and compressed air. The burner provides ignition of said fuel flow to produce a jet exhaust for propelling a power turbine. The power turbine has a rotatable turbine shaft adapted to drive a generator. During operation of the power plant various conditions can cause the burner not to ignite the fuel flow, known as burner blowout. Burner blowout results in unburned fuel flowing downstream to the detriment of the power plant. The gas turbine power plant of the present invention incorporates a method and apparatus for detecting burner blowout and limiting the consequences of blowout for the power plant.