Laser powder bed fusion technique of hydrogen–fueled gas turbine: Role of advanced materials and its challenges

Abstract

Aviation accounts for 1.9% of greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization is not straightforward as electrification is not feasible, and biofuels only partially address the issue. Therefore, aero-engine manufacturers are looking towards hydrogen as a clean fuel source as the emissions would majorly be water with no lasting greenhouse gasses. The major challenge with hydrogen-firing engines would be high firing temperatures, corrosive exhaust gasses and adverse reactions with structural components. The design flexibility of additive manufacturing (AM) and advanced materials development, such as high entropy alloys (HEAs) can be combined to produce gas turbines with higher turbine inlet temperatures and power output. This paper discusses the advantages and issues with hydrogen as fuel, the role of AM and advanced materials suitable for hydrogen-firing engines.