Numerical and experimental study of combustion and emission characteristics of ammonia/methane fuel mixture in micro gas turbine combustor

Abstract

Due to the increasing demand for low carbon fuels, ammonia is considered a viable option. Considering the problems associated with the combustion of ammonia, such as its narrow flammability range, it has been suggested to use it together with other fuels, such as methane. Following previous studies, which mainly focus on the emission of this fuel mixture in burners and simplified chambers, this research attempts to conduct an experimental and numerical study with a greater emphasis on performance parameters and pollution in an actual microturbine combustion chamber. The study investigates the effect of a mixture of ammonia with methane and its fraction on the combustion performance of the combustor and its emissions (NOx, CO) in two different thermal powers. The results showed that flame temperature decreased as the fraction of ammonia in the fuel increased, and the flame moves away from the injector. It also appeared that adding ammonia to the fuel increased the amount of NOx produced in the combustor without reducing CO significantly. Also, the combustor outlet temperature remained almost unchanged, but the combustion efficiency of the combustor decreased as the ammonia fraction increased.