Session: 20-03 Gas turbine package and expanders

Paper Number: 103613

103613 - Gt Package Feasibility Study for 100% H2 Fuel 

In the frame of CO₂ footprint reduction towards energy transition, it is paramount developing solutions to safely convert existing GT units to burn Hydrogen fuel blend potentially up to 100% H2. Equinor and Baker Hughes have collaborated to identify possible solutions for hydrogen fuel conversion of existing aeroderivative gas turbines. A feasibility study on an existing offshore package was carried out to understand the impact of the conversion of GT and its auxiliary systems from a dual fuel (NG/Liquid Fuel) configuration into a dual gas (NG/100%H2) with water injection.

In-situ three-dimensional geometry scanning for the entire package, 3D model piping layout reconstruction and detailed CFD evaluation was needed for a for a thorough evaluation of dispersion phenomena and ignition consequence due to H2 leakages. A sudden rupture of a fuel gas system tubing connection was considered the most severe failure that could occur inside a turbine enclosure during the gas turbine operation.

To shade additional light on the potential consequences of such events, several simulations of hydrogen leak dispersion were carried out using advanced computational methods as CFX and FLACS for ignition. Leakages were considered with different location, orientation and rate, and simulations results for dispersions and ignition on flammable clouds were compared including potential transition from deflagration to detonation. Potential development areas were identified to reduce the probability of such scenarios, including innovative technical solution both for installed fleet and for the next generation GT.

Presenting Author: Stefano Minotti Baker Hughes

Presenting Author Biography: MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Energy Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome.
From 2011 to 2017 Design Engineer for gas turbine auxiliary systems in Baker Hughes (former Ge Oil&Gas).
From 2017 to 2020 Design Engineer for CFD analyses of ventilation systems in Baker Hughes.
From 2020 Senior Engineer and from 2022 Principal Engineer for CFD and ventilation systems in Baker Hughes.

Authors:

Stefano Minotti Baker Hughes
Andrea Nenciolini Baker Hughes
Eugenio Quartieri Baker Hughes
Stefano Rossin Baker Hughes
Federico Sorgonà Baker Hughes
Olaf Brekke Equinor ASA
Jens Kristian Holen Equinor ASA
Bente Johannessen Equinor ASA