Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Assessment of the Internal Flue Gases Recirculation (IFGR) Applied to Gas Microturbine in the Context of More Hydrogen-Enriched Fuel Use

Abstract

Renewable energy is a promising substitute for fossil fuels when corelated with P2G technology. To optimise P2G efficiency, there is a need to increase hydrogen fraction in the fuel stream. Simultaneously gas microturbines are widely applied in many industry sectors. These devices are often equipped with diffusion combustors. This situation was investigated in this paper. The P2G and gas microturbines may be integrated together in the future leading to the application of hydrogen-enriched fuel. Hydrogen-enriched fuel causes increase in combustion temperature and velocity. In a nonadapted combustor, these phenomena could result in an increase of NOx emissions and risk of material overheating and failure. In order to adapt the combustors for hydrogen-enriched fuel, the concept of autonomous internal flue gases recirculation (IFGR) system was applied to this issue. In this paper, the IFGR system applied to gas microturbine was studied in terms of hydrogen-enriched fuel application. The obtained exhaust gases recirculation ratios were too low to affect the combustion process as it was expected. The observed combustion modifications in the combustor were hardly linked to the air flow modification in the liner, due to IFGR system implementation. After CFD studies, the proposed IFGR system does not seem to provide the expected effects.