Apparatus for controlling combustion device dynamics

Abstract

A method for controlling a combustion dynamics level within a combustion device includes defining a high dynamics operating state at a first fuel split ratio. The first fuel split ratio is a ratio of an amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device through a first fuel line to a total amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device. A low dynamics operating state is defined at a second fuel split ratio different from the first fuel split ratio. The second fuel split ratio is a second ratio of an amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device through the first fuel line to a total amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device. The combustion dynamics level within the combustion device is controlled by periodically switching between the first fuel split ratio and the second fuel split ratio.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . A system for controlling combustion dynamics levels within a combustion device, said system comprising:
 a first fuel line in flow communication with a first region formed within a combustion casing of said combustion device;   a second fuel line in flow communication with a second region formed at least partially within said combustion casing; and   a fuel transfer circuit in independent operational control communication with each of said first fuel line and said second fuel line, said fuel transfer circuit for controlling a first amount of fuel flowing through said first fuel line into said first premix chamber and a second amount of fuel that is different from the first amount of fuel flowing through said second fuel line into said second chamber.   
   
   
       14 . A system in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said fuel transfer circuit comprises a fluidic oscillator selectively controlling fuel flow through at least one of said first fuel line and said second fuel line. 
   
   
       15 . A system in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said fuel transfer circuit comprises at least one of a mechanical valve assembly and a fluidic valve assembly for controlling fuel flow through at least one of said first fuel line and said second fuel line. 
   
   
       16 . A system in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said fuel transfer circuit adjusts at least one of said amount of fuel flowing through said first fuel line into said first premix chamber and said amount of fuel flowing through said second fuel line into said second chamber by not greater than about 10%. 
   
   
       17 . A system in accordance with  claim 13  wherein, in a first operating state having a first fuel split ratio, said fuel transfer circuit initiates said first fuel line to supply a first percentage of a total amount of fuel consumed by said combustion device and initiates said second fuel line to supply a second percentage of said total amount. 
   
   
       18 . A system in accordance with  claim 17  wherein said first operating state has a time duration of about 10 msec to about 100 msec. 
   
   
       19 . A system in accordance with  claim 17  wherein said fuel transfer circuit adjusts said first percentage and said second percentage by not greater than about 10%. 
   
   
       20 . A system in accordance with  claim 17  wherein, in a second operating state having a second fuel split ratio, said fuel transfer circuit initiates said first fuel line to supply said second percentage and initiates said second fuel line to supply said first percentage.