Objectives

OBJECTIVE 1: To provide a safe and efficient low-emission H2 combustion system retrofittable to gas-turbine engines in the 10-20 MWe class

SCOPE: The project shall provide a novel dry-low emission hydrogen combustion system (DLE H2) retrofittable to gas turbines in the 10-20 MWe class, aimed at offering response power to stabilise and increase the reliability of the electrical energy system. Emphasis is placed on the ability to retrofit the existing heat and power generation systems with gas turbines capable of operating with up to 100% hydrogen, while guaranteeing high efficiency, ensuring compliance with NOx regulations, and operational flexibility at the level presently obtained under conditions of natural gas combustion, pursuant to the call.

  • Dedicated studies on concepts concerning safety issues and plant integration enabling operations of the retrofit gas-turbine unit with up to 100% hydrogen
  • Documented availability of a gas-turbine prototype equipped with the DLE H2 system and availability of required amounts of hydrogen to conduct the engine test campaign with the respective feed lines, including hydrogen storage
  • Report on detailed simulations aimed at defining the expected performances of a cogeneration system including durability of the gas turbine (mean time between overhauls in terms of number of start-stop cycles and fired hours)
  • Adequate retrofittability of the DLE H2 combustion system of existing gas turbines in the 10-20 MWe class properly demonstrated and justified

OBJECTIVE 2: To demonstrate operating capabilities of a simple-cycle gas turbine at full operating conditions with fuel compositions admixed with hydrogen up to 100% H2

SCOPE: The key-enabling technology will first be refined and demonstrated in relevant environment at TRL6. Then a system demonstrator will be planned, developed, and built into an operational environment, and subsequently demonstrated at TRL7. This endeavour will require at least 60 aggregated fired hours, and the following characteristics of the system will be concluded and documented, with firm reference to specific targets of the key-performance indicators stated in Table 1-2. Emphasis is placed on (a) gas turbine flexibility, (b) content of hydrogen fuel during the start-up phase, (c) ability to operate at varying hydrogen content, (d) minimum ramp speed, and (e) proper safety level with regard to related systems and applications.

  • One full-scale DLE H2 combustor prototype equipped with 39 burner cups provided for testing at TRL6
  • System prototype demonstration at TRL7 accomplished at full- and part-load operating conditions in a 16.9 MWe gas turbine fired with NG/H2 mixtures in the range of 0-100 % H2
  • Testing results aggregated from at least 60 fired hours
  • The stated targets of all key-performance indicators successfully achieved
  • Engine flexibility suitable for commercial operations with hydrogen, justified by test campaigns
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OBJECTIVE 3: To present pathways for decarbonised power generation through retrofits and uptake of project’s results

SCOPE: The project will propose viable strategies for optimizing the utilization of its outcomes, prioritizing commercial viability and economic feasibility. This involves assessing method efficacy, exploring transferability to diverse gas turbine models, and conducting an extensive analysis of the retrofit market.

  • A technology roadmap will be developed to identify and evaluate technology gaps, technical risks, and necessary subsequent actions for the commercialization of project results within the timeframe spanning from 2030 to 2050
  • A comprehensive study will be conducted to examine potential normative barriers related to the utilization of cogeneration systems, particularly gas turbines retrofitted with combustion systems capable of operating with fuel compositions containing up to 100% hydrogen
  • An assessment report will be produced to analyse the availability of hydrogen concerning gas turbine size, encompassing both the fulfilment of required quantities and the logistics of storage and feed demands, with the aim of substantiating and facilitating market uptake
  • The development of a hydrogen safety plan and implementation of management procedures will be prioritized to ensure safe handling and utilization of hydrogen