Assessment of Current Capabilities and Near-Term Availability of Hydrogen-Fired Gas Turbines Considering a Low-Carbon Future

Abstract

A confluence of technology development, policy support, and industry investment trends is accelerating the pace of Hydrogen (H2) technology demonstrations, increasing the likelihood of power sector impacts. In preparation for a large scale power sector shift toward decarbonization for a low carbon future, several major power equipment manufacturers are developing gas turbines that can operate on a high H2 volume fuel. Many have H2 capable systems now that range from 5% to 100% H2. Units with 100% H2 capabilities are either using a diffusion burner or some version of a wet low emissions (WLE) burner. Most dry low emission/dry low NOx (DLE/DLN) technologies are currently limited to approximately 60% H2 or less. Therefore, research is currently underway to develop low NOx gas turbine combustion systems with improved Hydrogen capability. This paper provides an overview of the technical challenges of Hydrogen combustion and the probable technologies with which the manufacturers will respond.