Innovative Retrofit for Micro-turbines to Burn Hydrogen and Natural Gas
Key Ideas
  • DLR and PSC have successfully retrofitted micro-turbines to burn hydrogen, natural gas, or a mixture, in anticipation of a green hydrogen economy.
  • Retrofitting existing plants is cost-effective compared to building new ones, providing a viable solution for decarbonizing energy production.
  • The innovative jet-stabilized burner design enables safe combustion of hydrogen in micro-turbines by lowering temperatures, reducing emissions, and stabilizing flames.
  • Successful pilot tests have demonstrated the ability of the retrofitted micro-turbines to operate on pure hydrogen, showcasing promising results for future applications.
The Deutsche Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt (DLR) and Power Service Consulting (PSC) have collaborated to retrofit micro-turbines, allowing them to burn hydrogen, natural gas, or a combination of both. This initiative aims to prepare small natural gas power plants for a future green hydrogen economy, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel combustion. Retrofitting existing plants is highlighted as a cost-effective strategy compared to constructing new power facilities. The innovative jet-stabilized burner design developed by DLR addresses the challenges of burning hydrogen, ensuring safe combustion by regulating temperatures, emissions, and flame stability. The successful demonstration of this retrofit in a pilot plant has shown promising results, with the system achieving its full electrical output on pure hydrogen for several hours. This advancement is a significant step towards decarbonizing energy production and transitioning to a sustainable energy future.
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