General Electric Company
System and method for igniting liquid fuel in a gas turbine combustor

Abstract:

A system and method for igniting liquid fuel in a gas turbine combustor is provided. A liquid fuel cartridge, which is located within the head end, is in flow communication with a liquid fuel supply. A gaseous fuel nozzle is located proximate the liquid fuel cartridge and in flow communication with an auxiliary gaseous fuel supply. A controller is in communication with the liquid fuel supply, the auxiliary gaseous fuel supply, and an igniter located proximate or within the head end. The controller is configured to sequentially: initiate a gaseous fuel flow from the auxiliary gaseous fuel supply to the gaseous fuel nozzle; initiate the igniter to combust the gaseous fuel flow; initiate a liquid fuel flow from the liquid fuel supply to the liquid fuel cartridge; and terminate the gaseous fuel flow from the auxiliary gaseous fuel supply.