Targeting Full-Hydrogen Operation on Industrial-Scale Gas Turbines: Impact of Unconventional Fuels on Turbine Module Performance and Aeromechanics

TitleTargeting Full-Hydrogen Operation on Industrial-Scale Gas Turbines: Impact of Unconventional Fuels on Turbine Module Performance and Aeromechanics
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsBandini A, Bettini C, Peruzzi L, Caretta M, Canelli C, Marconcini M, Pinelli L, Arnone A
Conference NameASME Turbo Expo 2024 Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition
VolumeVolume 12B: Turbomachinery
PaginationV12BT30A043
Date Published08/2024
PublisherASME
Conference LocationLondon, UK, June 24 – 28, 2024
ISBN Number978-0-7918-8806-3
Other NumbersScopus 2-s2.0-85204478286
KeywordsAerodynamics, Gas turbine, hydrogen
Abstract
With the trend to full decarbonization, a full hydrogen economy development is a key industrial objective. Gas turbines, currently one of the cleanest fossil fuel-based power generation solutions, provide reliable and on-demand power. The introduction of hydrogen into the fuel mix of existing gas turbines represents a solution with great potential to provide low-carbon or even carbon-free energy. High-hydrogen content fuels, however, challenge the efficient operation of the gas turbine expander, as crucial aspects such as increased flow rate, different gas properties and temperature operating range may affect performance and structural integrity. To evaluate the impact of this conversion, a numerical investigation of five cases with increasing percentages of hydrogen in the fuel was carried out for an industrial four stages gas turbine module. The variation of turbine inlet temperature distribution from combustion chamber was considered, to assess the impact of the unconventional fuel on the well-known aeromechanical behaviour of the last stage blades. Variations in capacity, efficiency, power and flutter limits were evaluated, identifying the most relevant differences with respect to the full methane case. All these analyses confirm the possibility to employ high-hydrogen fuel operation in a current gas turbine without the need of a further redesign, while maintaining acceptable performance levels.
Notes

GT2024-128743 (accepted for publication on ASME Journal of Turbomachinery)

URLhttps://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/GT/proceedings-abstract/GT2024/88063/V12BT30A043/1204690
DOI10.1115/GT2024-128743
Refereed DesignationRefereed