Combustor ignition timing

A method of operating a turbomachine, the turbomachine comprising a plurality of combustors and a plurality of igniters, each igniter in the plurality of igniters mounted on and in operative communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of combustors, wherein each combustor of the plurality of combustors has a corresponding igniter mounted thereon, the method comprising:

• rotating a shaft of the turbomachine at a first speed;
• 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, wherein rotational speed of the shaft changes from the first speed to the second speed over a period of time;
• and
• firing at least one igniter of the plurality of igniters when the rotational speed reaches at least one predetermined speed threshold during the period of time.

A turbomachine, comprising:

• a compressor;
• a turbine;
• a plurality of combustors disposed downstream from the compressor and upstream from the turbine;
• and
• a plurality of igniters, each igniter of the plurality of igniters mounted on and in operative communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of combustors, wherein each combustor of the plurality of combustors has a corresponding igniter mounted thereon.