The current landscape of hydrogen investment for gas turbines
This is an excerpt from 'Hydrogen combustion in turbines: the role of flame sensors in fueling the future'
Leading energy companies, utilities, turbine manufacturers, and technology providers are making significant commitments and investments in hydrogen-related projects, pilot demonstrations, and research initiatives. Many OEMs have introduced gas turbines or upgrade programs that permit burning hydrogen/natural gas mixtures (known as hybrid fuels) today.
The combustion properties of hydrogen are quite different than those of natural gas.
Hydrogen has a high energy content per unit mass, making it an attractive option for fueling gas turbines. However, on a volume basis, hydrogen is one-third less energy-dense than methane (CH₄) so it takes three times the volume flow of hydrogen to provide the same energy input as natural gas.
Fuel flow into gas turbine is typically defined in terms of volumetric flow, and the emissions are mainly based on the reaction temperature.
The oxidation of hydrogen produces water vapor as a byproduct, resulting in zero carbon dioxide emissions. This characteristic of hydrogen combustion is desirable for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Gas turbines producing power from “green” hydrogen (created by electrolyzers powered by renewable electricity) have operations with zero carbon emissions. The dispatchable electricity produced by combined cycle plants burning green hydrogen complements the growth of carbon-free yet intermittent renewable generation.
Replacing natural gas with green hydrogen is feasible for generating carbon-neutral power. However, many technological challenges remain.
To read more about these challenges and the role flame sensors will play in hydrogen combustion, click here.
