Innovative Hydrogen Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction
Key Ideas
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Power Service Consulting (PSC) collaborated to test micro-turbines capable of burning both hydrogen and natural gas, showcasing a step towards a green hydrogen economy.
- Retrofitting existing gas turbines for hydrogen use is highlighted as a cost-effective and efficient approach compared to building new plants, potentially accelerating the transition to greener energy sources.
- The innovative jet-stabilized burner design with backflow circulation in the combustion chamber reduces emissions, stabilizes flames, and enables safe operation with hydrogen, offering scalability for various turbine types and sizes.
- Successful pilot tests running a micro-turbine on pure hydrogen for 100 hours demonstrate the feasibility of using hydrogen as a fuel source and the system's capability to operate efficiently with the new combustion chamber design.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Power Service Consulting (PSC) have collaborated to experiment with micro-turbines capable of burning hydrogen, natural gas, or a mix of both. This move is part of preparations for a potential green hydrogen economy that could also accommodate existing natural gas power plants. Retrofitting gas turbines for hydrogen use has been emphasized as a more cost-effective and timely solution compared to constructing new facilities. The process of retrofitting an existing plant is significantly quicker and cheaper, making it a viable option to reduce emissions and transition towards cleaner energy sources. The innovative jet-stabilized burner design developed by engineers addresses the challenges of hydrogen combustion in gas turbines by reducing emissions, stabilizing flames, and improving safety with scalable applicability to various turbine types and sizes. Pilot tests conducted using a micro-turbine running on pure hydrogen for 100 hours have displayed promising results, showcasing the system's ability to function effectively with the new combustion chamber setup. This advancement marks a positive step towards enhancing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies.