SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTENDED EMISSIONS COMPLIANT OPERATION OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE

A method (200) of operating a rotary machine (100) below a minimum emissions compliance load (302) in a response mode (306) includes reducing (206) a fuel split to zero. The fuel split apportions a total flow of fuel to the combustor (106) between a first combustion zone (115) and a second combustion zone (117). The method (200) also includes determining a current operating temperature of the first combustion zone (115) using a digital simulation of the rotary machine (100). The method (200) further includes determining a target operating temperature of the first combustion zone (115). The target operating temperature enables the rotary machine (100) to operate below a traditional Minimum emissions compliance load (MECL) (302) while still in compliance with emissions standards. The method (200) also includes channeling a first flow of fuel to the first combustion zone (115). The first flow of fuel decreases the temperature of the first combustion zone (115) to the target operating temperature.