General Electric Company
COMBUSTOR IGNITION TIMING

Abstract:

Turbomachines and methods of operating turbomachines are provided. The turbomachine may include a compressor, a turbine, and a plurality of combustors downstream from the compressor and upstream from the turbine. The turbomachine may also include a plurality of igniters. Methods of operating a turbomachine may include rotating a shaft of the turbomachine at a first speed and rotating the shaft of the turbomachine at a second speed different from the first speed after rotating the shaft of the turbomachine at the first speed. The methods may also include firing at least one igniter of the plurality of igniters repeatedly throughout the period of time at a regular interval and/or when the rotational speed reaches at least one predetermined speed threshold during the period of time.