A review on computational studies on hydrogen combustion for gas turbine applications

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the computational progress in the development of hydrogen-fired gas turbines. This review aims to identify suitable combustion models, appropriate NOx chemistry mechanisms and NOx emission levels for effective utilization of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in gas turbines. Design/methodology/approach Hydrogen is recognized as a potential alternative fuel for achieving exceptionally low emissions in gas turbines. The developments in conventional, trapped vortex combustor and micromix combustors are discussed, along with various computational models aimed at accurately predicting combustion and emission characteristics. The results of numerical simulations were then discussed with emphasis on their role in optimizing the combustor geometry. Findings Computational studies that were used to optimize the combustor geometry to reduce NOx emissions and the flashback phenomenon are discussed. To retrofit existing gas turbines for hydrogen fuel, minor modifications that are required were discussed by analyzing extensive literature. The influence of key design and geometrical parameters on NOx emissions and the appropriate selection of combustion models for numerical simulations in optimizing various combustion systems are elaborated. Originality/value The review emphasizes the computational studies in the progress of hydrogen-fired gas turbine developments. The previous reviews were primarily focused on the combustion technologies for hydrogen-fired gas turbines. This comprehensive review focuses on the key design parameters, flame structure, selection of combustion models, combustion efficiency improvement and impact of parametric studies on NOx formation of various combustion systems, in particular hydrogen combustion for gas turbine applications.