Session: 04-17 Hydrogen Emissions II

Submission Number: 175916

High-Pressure Rig Testing and Characterization of a Low-Emissions F-Class Combustor for Hydrogen–Natural Gas Co-Firing 

Hydrogen utilization in gas turbines offers a promising pathway to reduce carbon emissions and support the low-carbon transition in power generation. In line with its commitment to sustainable development, Shanghai Electric has successfully demonstrated 7% hydrogen co-firing (by volume) in a 325 MW F-class commercial gas turbine. This study presents experimental investigations using a newly developed 3/24 circumferential annular full-pressure combustion test rig, an advancement over the earlier 1/24-scale facility. The upgraded rig accommodates three burners simultaneously, providing the central burner with boundary conditions that more closely replicate those in an actual engine. This configuration minimizes sidewall effects on combustion and heat transfer, thereby improving test accuracy. A newly designed hydrogen-capable burner was systematically evaluated with pure natural gas (NG) and NG–hydrogen blends containing 20%, 30%, and 40% hydrogen by volume under various load conditions. The combustor maintained stable operation across all fuel mixtures and loads. Key parameters—including pollutant emissions, axial temperature distribution, pressure loss, and dynamic pressure fluctuations—were analyzed under different operating conditions. Results show that increasing the hydrogen blending ratio markedly reduces CO emissions but increases NOx emissions and chamber metal temperature, while the axial temperature profile along the liner remains largely unchanged. Dynamic pressure amplitudes rise with load and vary significantly with sensor location. Without adjusting the pilot fuel ratio, hydrogen blending below 20% results in NOx emissions remaining under 25 ppm. Pilot fuel variation tests at constant load further reveal that reducing the pilot ratio effectively lowers NOx emissions, consistent with pure NG operation, though excessive reduction can lead to combustion instability. Finally, a test with 50% hydrogen blending was conducted to examine the impact of flashback on burner performance. During this experiment, a significant temperature rise was observed at the burner CBO location, ultimately resulting in destructive damage to the CBO.

Presenting Author: Xingyou Li Shanghai Electric Gas Turbine Co., LTD

Presenting Author Biography: Xingyou Li obtained a doctoral degree from Xiamen University and is currently engaged in the development of advanced burner technologies. His research focuses on low-emission combustion, hydrogen–natural gas co-firing, and high-pressure rig testing of gas turbine systems.

Authors:

Xingyou Li Shanghai Electric Gas Turbine Co., LTD
Mingmin Chen Shanghai Electric Gas Turbine Co., LTD
Wei Yan Shanghai Electric Gas Turbine Co., LTD
Jin Zhang Shanghai Electric Gas Turbine Co., LTD
Fucheng Zhang Shanghai Electric Gas Turbine Co., LTD
Yiwen Shen Shanghai Electric Gas Turbine Co., LTD