To fulfil commitments to CO2-free power generation and to achieve EU independency from external energy resources (REPowerEU), significant advancement for both gas turbines combustion systems and gas turbine industrialisation are necessary that enable decarbonising power generated by gas turbines while increasing thermal and mechanical efficiency by adopting cogeneration systems
The HyPowerGT project aims at moving technological frontiers to enable gas turbines to operate on hydrogen without dilution. The core technology is a novel dry-low emission combustion technology (DLE H2) capable of handling mixtures of natural gas and hydrogen with
concentrations up to 100% H2. The combustion technology has been successfully validated at TRL5 (early 2021) retrofitted on the combustion system of a 13 MWe industrial gas turbine. Besides ensuring low emissions and high efficiency, the DLE H2 combustion technology offers fuel flexibility and response capability on a par with modern gas turbine engines fired with natural gas. The new technology will be fully retrofittable to existing gas turbines, thereby providing opportunities for refurbishing existing assets in industry (CHP) and offering new capacities in the power sector for load levelling the grid system (unregulated power) and for mechanical drives. The DLE H2 technology adheres to the strictest specifications for fuel flexibility, NOx emissions, ramp-up rate, and safety, stated in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda 2021-2027.
Three main objectives were stated for the project. Objective 1 aims at providing a safe and efficient low-emission H2 combustion system retrofittable to gasturbine engines in the 10-20 MWe class.
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, low NOx emissions, and operational flexibility at the level of typical values obtained under conditions similar to those of natural gas combustion, pursuant to the call. To achieve objective 1, results will include 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, a report on detailed simulations aimed at defining the expected performances of a cogeneration system including durability of the gas turbine and adequate retrofittability of the DLE H2 combustion system of existing gas turbines in the 10-20 MWe class properly demonstrated and justified
Objective 2 is related to demonstrating operating capabilities of a simple-cycle gas turbine at full operating conditions with fuel compositions admixed with hydrogen up to 100% H2. 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 the grant agreement. 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.
Objective 3 aims to present pathways for decarbonised power generation through retrofits and uptake of project's results. The project will present credible ways as to how the project's results can best be utilised - both commercially and economically. The work includes assessment of the methods used, transferability of the results to other gas turbine types and brands, as well as evaluation of the retrofit market.
The expected outcomes include significant response power for dispatchable on-demand electricity, reduced European dependency on fossil fuels from 2030 to 2050, and carbon-free balancing of the electricity system through responsive power. The impact extends to policy makers, industry, energy sectors, and the entire European community, contributing to the goals of the EU Green Deal. The project also addresses technological needs by demonstrating the DLE H2 combustion system at TRL7, ensuring safety standards for gas turbine operations with 100% H2, and fostering knowledge sharing. The final phase involves communicating project outcomes to policy makers, the hydrogen community, industrial players, and the public through a technology roadmap, communication planning, and scenario presentations, aiming to influence future markets, retrofit opportunities, and political decisions aligned with the EU Green Deal.
