A turbine fuel system ensures the efficient operation of gas turbines by delivering and controlling fuel flow for optimal performance. These systems are crucial in maintaining the operational integrity of turbines, hence, ensuring the long-term reliability of engines. This article reviews the key components of a turbine engine fuel system, particularly focusing on metering, ignition, and fuel regulation aspects.

Turbine Engine Fuel System Components

A turbine fuel system consists of several subsystems that enable it to perform its function. The following sections highlight some of them.  

Fuel Metering System

The fuel metering system is responsible for delivering a precise amount of fuel to the engine. This system takes into account various operational parameters like load demand and also environmental conditions to ensure efficient fuel use. Generally, modern fuel metering systems, like those from Petrotech, utilize advanced control algorithms to calculate the exact fuel requirements. Hence, adjusting outputs in real-time to match the operating conditions of the turbine. The design of our systems allow them to cater to various gas turbine models, offering flexibility as well as scalability​.

Turbine Engine Ignition System

The ignition system in a gas turbine ensures that the fuel-air mixture ignites properly, starting the combustion process. This is critical in both startup and operational phases of turbine activity. Petrotech systems integrate sophisticated ignition controls that ensure smooth transitions between idle and full-load operations. Thus, minimizing the risk of misfires or incomplete combustion events.

Fuel Flow Control Valves

Fuel control valves regulate the flow of fuel into the turbine’s combustion chamber. These valves are critical in maintaining the appropriate fuel-to-air ratio, thereby ensuring efficient combustion. The fuel regulating control valve is adjusted by the Control systems governor algorithm software   adjusting the valve position for the correct fuel flow for every model & type of Gas Turbine parameters. As a result, the fuel flow control valve reacts dynamically to changes in turbine load and environmental conditions. 

Turbine Fuel Filtration System

Filtration systems in turbine engines are crucial for removing contaminants from the fuel. Contaminants such as dirt, water, and other impurities can cause significant damage to the engine components and reduce overall efficiency. Proper filtration ensures the longevity and reliability of the fuel system.

Turbine Fuel Regulation with Petrotech

At Petrotech, we offer state-of-the-art Turbine Fuel Regulation (TFR) systems that maintain stable operation in varying load conditions. The following sections highlight key features of our offerings.

Modular Design

Petrotech’s TFR system is built on a modular architecture that allows it to be easily adapted to different turbine models and operational requirements.

Scalability

The design of our TFR software allows it to accommodate a wide range of gas turbines, from small aero-derivative models to large industrial turbines.

Advanced Control Algorithms

Our system includes a library of mature control algorithms, proven in thousands of hours of operational use across various turbine models​.

Precision Fuel Control

The TFR regulates fuel supply based on real-time operational data. Hence, ensuring that the turbine runs efficiently and responds appropriately to changes in load demand.

Safety and Protection

In addition to controlling fuel delivery, the TFR includes safety features such as overspeed and stall protection. Also, the system includes ramp scheduling for safe startup and shutdown, further enhancing turbine longevity and reliability​.

Primary Control Elements

These elements form the backbone of the TFR system. They include proportional-integral (PI) control loops to manage high-pressure rotor speeds, discharge pressure, and discharge temperature.

Secondary Control Elements

These components manage fuel override limits and startup sequences. The logic flow ensures that the turbine operates within its designed fuel limits without exceeding operational thresholds.

Variable Geometry Control

The TFR manages the positioning of variable geometry components such as inlet guide vanes (IGV), bleed valves (VBV), and stator vanes (VSV). These components regulate airflow within the turbine, balancing the fuel-air ratio for optimal combustion and turbine performance​.

Fuel Flow Control

The TFR system uses a combination of primary control elements to ensure that fuel flow is always within the required parameters. This includes managing ramping during startup, load adjustments, and deceleration phases. The system also includes provisions for minimum and maximum fuel limits to avoid over-fueling or under-fueling scenarios.

Speed Control

The system provides both isochronous and droop modes, allowing for flexible operations. Isochronous mode is crucial during black start operations when the turbine is not connected to the grid and needs to regulate its own frequency. Meanwhile, droop mode is used when the turbine is synchronized with the grid, allowing for smooth transitions between load changes.

Fuel Valve Scheduling

Another key feature of the TFR system is its fuel valve scheduling logic. This ensures that fuel is delivered at the correct rate during different operational phases, minimizing waste and improving overall efficiency.

Turbine Fuel Regulation System in Action

Petrotech’s expertise in turbine fuel regulation is evident in our approach to the LM6000-PC gas turbine, a GE-manufactured aero-derivative model. The Petrotech TFR for the LM6000-PC monitors a comprehensive set of on-engine sensors, including pressure, temperature, and speed measurements, to calculate the appropriate position demand signals for the fuel control valve and the variable geometry devices.

Petrotech’s TFR system is a testament to the company’s deep understanding of gas turbine control systems and its commitment to providing tailored, reliable, and efficient solutions. Backed by decades of experience and millions of operational hours, our TFR system has proven to be a trusted solution for power system operators worldwide. Whether managing power in isochronous mode during a blackout or handling load demands in droop mode, Petrotech’s TFR system delivers unmatched performance and reliability.