Review of the Impact of Hydrogen-Containing Fuels on Gas Turbine Hot-Section Materials

Abstract

In an effort to achieve worldwide decarbonization goals, a range of low-carbon fuels is being proposed for use in power-generation gas turbines. Two promising fuels are hydrogen and ammonia, which do not produce any CO2 upon combustion. While the use cases of these fuels differ, each has the potential to reduce the carbon intensity of power generation as compared to the current use of natural gas and fuel oil. Many studies have considered the impact that these fuels will have on combustion stability and emissions, as well as other practical considerations like balance of plant. However, potential challenges for the material systems in these engines, particularly high-temperature metal alloys and coatings, have not been sufficiently considered in preparation for the introduction of these fuels. The goal of this paper is to provide a review of the potential material issues associated with implementation of these hydrogen-containing fuels, with a focus on materials in the hot section of existing power-generation gas turbines. To date, relatively little research has considered these material issues at realistic gas turbine conditions, resulting in a need for new research. This paper provides a review of the literature, first-order analyses of the magnitude of potential issues, and avenues for research to facilitate the safe and reliable introduction of these fuels in power-generation gas turbines.