Advanced hybrid neural network techniques for minimizing gas turbine emissions

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Purpose Emissions have significant environmental impacts. Hence, minimizing emissions is essential. This study aims to use a hybrid neural network model to predict carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from gas turbines (GTs) to enhance emission prediction for GTs in predictive emissions monitoring systems (PEMS). Design/methodology/approach The hybrid model architecture combines convolutional neural networks (CNN) and bidirectional long-short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) networks called CNN-BiLSTM with modified extrinsic attention regression. Over five years, data from a GT power plant was uploaded to Google Colab, split into training and testing sets (80:20), and evaluated using test matrices. The model’s performance was benchmarked against state-of-the-art emissions prediction methodologies. Findings The model showed promising results for GT CO and NOx emissions. CO predictions had a slight underestimation bias of −0.01, with root mean-squared error (RMSE) of 0.064, mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.04 and R2 of 0.82. NOx predictions had an RMSE of 0.051, MAE of 0.036, R2 of 0.887 and a slight overestimation bias of +0.01. Research limitations/implications While the model demonstrates relative accuracy in CO emission predictions, there is potential for further improvement in future research. Practical implications Implementing the model in real-time PEMS and establishing a continuous feedback loop will ensure accuracy in real-world applications, enhance GT functioning and reduce emissions, fuel consumption and running costs. Social implications Accurate GT emissions predictions support stricter emission standards, promote sustainable development goals and ensure a healthier societal environment. Originality/value This paper presents a novel approach that integrates CNN and Bi-LSTM networks. It considers both spatial and temporal data to mitigate previous prediction shortcomings.