GE Vernova Revolutionizes Combustion Technology for Hydrogen-powered Gas Turbines
Key Ideas
  • GE Vernova successfully completed the validation test campaign for its DLN hydrogen combustion technology for B- and E-class gas turbines, achieving dry emissions below 25ppm NOx.
  • The new DLN system is expected to be available for new and existing gas turbines by 2026, offering benefits such as increased efficiency, improved availability, longer maintenance intervals, and reduced NOx emissions.
  • The DLN technology allows for safe and reliable combustion of 100% hydrogen, overcoming challenges related to flame speed and flashback risk, with promising results in combustion dynamics and noise levels.
  • The development of micromixer-based fuel air pre-mixer technology played a crucial role in the success of the prototype combustor, with research dating back to 2005 and recent advancements focusing on hydrogen capability.
GE Vernova has announced the successful completion of the validation test campaign for its Dry Low NOx (DLN) hydrogen combustion technology designed for B- and E-class gas turbines. The tests, conducted in Greenville, South Carolina, showcased the capability of the technology to operate on natural gas and hydrogen blends as well as 100% hydrogen, while maintaining dry emissions below 25ppm NOx. This milestone paves the way for the new DLN system to be introduced to both new and existing gas turbines as early as 2026. Jeremee Wetherby, Carbon Solutions leader at GE Vernova, highlighted the engineering challenge of developing a combustion system that can safely burn 100% hydrogen due to its unique combustion properties. Despite the faster flame speed and risk of flashback associated with hydrogen, the test results demonstrated robust operation without flashback across various fuel loads. The prototype combustor also showcased promising performance in combustion dynamics and noise levels even when operating on pure hydrogen. The use of micromixer-based fuel air pre-mixer technology was crucial to the success of the prototype, with years of research culminating in the construction and testing of a full-size DLN combustor prototype. The new DLN technology is expected to bring several advantages over existing systems, including increased efficiency, improved availability, longer maintenance intervals, and reduced NOx emissions. With an installed base of approximately 2,800 units globally, GE Vernova's industrial gas turbines are set to benefit from the enhanced operability range on natural gas, hydrogen, or blends without the need for diluents like water for emissions control.
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