The design strategy and testing of an efficient microgas turbine combustor for biogas fuel

Abstract

Nowadays, the design and application of free-carbon emission renewable fuels in micropower generators seem to be interesting to provide decentralized clean, affordable, and resilient energy in developing countries, thereby reaching the 2050 net-zero carbon emission objectives. The operation of micro-scale Closed Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) system with these fuels such as biogas without negatively impacting the combustion and micro-turbine performance, should be managed and controlled in the successful design of a micro gas turbine combustor. The application of biogas as a potential fuel due to its low calorific value and impurities, should be made possible in an efficient micro gas turbine combustor design for maintaining NOx emissions, the combustor's ability to light and to tolerate sudden changes in engine load, efficient combustion throughout the engine cycle, and the achievement of the required life. In this work, the efficient design techniques and operation of the 12 [kW] biogas micro-turbine combustor are analyzed and investigated. The designed combustor was manufactured, tested and modeled. Afterward, the emission potential of the designed combustor is discussed and how properly a design scenario for a new fuel should be responded.