Impact of Ethane, Propane, and Diluent Content in Natural Gas on the Performance of a Commercial Microturbine Generator

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Hack ◽  
Vincent G. McDonell
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Designed Experiment ◽  
Methane Number ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lean Conditions

The impact of fuel composition on the performance of power generation devices is gaining interest as the desire to diversify fuel supplies increases. In the present study, measurements of combustion performance were conducted on a commercial natural gas-fired 60kW gas turbine as a function of fuel composition. A statistically designed experiment was carried out and exhaust emissions were obtained for significant amounts of ethane and propane. In addition, a limited study of the effect of inerts was conducted. The results show that emissions of NOx, CO, and NOx∕NO are not well correlated with common descriptions of the fuel, such as higher heating value or methane number. The results and trends indicate that the presence of higher hydrocarbons in the fuel leads to appreciably higher NOx emissions for both test devices operating under similar lean conditions, while having less impact on CO emissions.

Impact of Ethane, Propane, and Diluent Content in Natural Gas on the Performance of a Commercial Microturbine Generator

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Hack ◽  
Vincent G. McDonell
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Designed Experiment ◽  
Methane Number ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lean Conditions

The impact of fuel composition on performance of power generation devices is gaining interest as a desire to diversify fuel supplies increases. In the present study measurements of combustion performance were conducted on a commercial natural gas fired 60-kW gas turbine as a function of fuel composition. A statistically designed experiment was carried out and exhaust emissions were obtained for significant amounts of ethane and propane. In addition, a limited study of the effect of inerts was examined. The results show that emissions of NOx, CO, and NOx/NO are not well correlated with common descriptions of the fuel such as higher heating value or methane number. The results and trends indicate that the presence of higher hydrocarbons in the fuel leads to appreciably higher NOx emissions for both test devices operating under similar lean conditions, while having less impact on CO emissions.

Fuel Flexibility Influences on Premixed Combustor Blowout, Flashback, Autoignition and Instability

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Lieuwen ◽  
Vince McDonell ◽  
Eric Petersen ◽  
Domenic Santavicca
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Dynamic Stability ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Fuel Flexibility ◽  
Lean Premixed ◽  
Gas Fuel ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Underlying Processes

This paper addresses the impact of fuel composition on the operability of lean premixed gas turbine combustors. This is an issue of current importance due to variability in the composition of natural gas fuel supplies and interest in the use of syngas fuels. Of particular concern is the effect of fuel composition on combustor blowout, flashback, dynamic stability, and autoignition. This paper reviews available results and current understanding of the effects of fuel composition on the operability of lean premixed combustors. It summarizes the underlying processes that must be considered when evaluating how a given combustor’s operability will be affected as fuel composition is varied.

Experimental Investigation of the Performance of a Micro Gas Turbine Fueled With Mixtures of Natural Gas and Biogas

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Homam Nikpey ◽  
Mohsen Assadi ◽  
Peter Breuhaus
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Fuel Mixture ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Micro Gas Turbine ◽  
Fuel Mixtures ◽  
The Impact

Previously published studies have addressed modifications to the engines when operating with biogas, i.e. a low heating value (LHV) fuel. This study focuses on mapping out the possible biogas share in a fuel mixture of biogas and natural gas in micro combined heat and power (CHP) installations without any engine modifications. This contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions from existing CHP installations and makes it possible to avoid a costly upgrade of biogas to the natural gas quality as well as engine modifications. Moreover, this approach allows the use of natural gas as a “fallback” solution in the case of eventual variations of the biogas composition and or shortage of biogas, providing improved availability. In this study, the performance of a commercial 100kW micro gas turbine (MGT) is experimentally evaluated when fed by varying mixtures of natural gas and biogas. The MGT is equipped with additional instrumentation, and a gas mixing station is used to supply the demanded fuel mixtures from zero biogas to maximum possible level by diluting natural gas with CO2. A typical biogas composition with 0.6 CH4 and 0.4 CO2 (in mole fraction) was used as reference, and corresponding biogas content in the supplied mixtures was computed. The performance changes due to increased biogas share were studied and compared with the purely natural gas fired engine. This paper presents the test rig setup used for the experimental activities and reports results, demonstrating the impact of burning a mixture of biogas and natural gas on the performance of the MGT. Comparing with when only natural gas was fired in the engine, the electrical efficiency was almost unchanged and no significant changes in operating parameters were observed. It was also shown that burning a mixture of natural gas and biogas contributes to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions from the plant.

Design Improvement Survey for NOx Emissions Reduction of a Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine Partially Premixed Fuel Nozzle Operating With Natural Gas: Experimental Campaign

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Cerutti ◽  
Roberto Modi ◽  
Danielle Kalitan ◽  
Kapil K. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Heavy Duty ◽  
Fuel Nozzle ◽  
Partially Premixed ◽  
Heavy Duty Gas Turbine ◽  
The Impact

As government regulations become increasingly strict with regards to combustion pollutant emissions, new gas turbine combustor designs must produce lower NOx while also maintaining acceptable combustor operability. The design and implementation of an efficient fuel/air premixer is paramount to achieving low emissions. Options for improving the design of a natural gas fired heavy-duty gas turbine partially premixed fuel nozzle have been considered in the current study. In particular, the study focused on fuel injection and pilot/main interaction at high pressure and high inlet temperature. NOx emissions results have been reported and analyzed for a baseline nozzle first. Available experience is shared in this paper in the form of a NOx correlative model, giving evidence of the consistency of current results with past campaigns. Subsequently, new fuel nozzle premixer designs have been investigated and compared, mainly in terms of NOx emissions performance. The operating range of investigation has been preliminarily checked by means of a flame stability assessment. Adequate margin to lean blow out and thermo-acoustic instabilities onset has been found while also maintaining acceptable CO emissions. NOx emission data were collected over a variety of fuel/air ratios and pilot/main splits for all the fuel nozzle configurations. Results clearly indicated the most effective design option in reducing NOx. In addition, the impact of each design modification has been quantified and the baseline correlative NOx emissions model calibrated to describe the new fuel nozzles behavior. Effect of inlet air pressure has been evaluated and included in the models, allowing the extensive use of less costly reduced pressure test campaigns hereafter. Although the observed effect of combustor pressure drop on NOx is not dominant for this particular fuel nozzle, sensitivity has been performed to consolidate gathered experience and to make the model able to evaluate even small design changes affecting pressure drop.

Effect of Variation of Fuel Composition on Gas Turbine Off-Design Performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 666 ◽  
pp. 194-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye Suel Park ◽  
Saemi Park ◽  
Joong Seong Lee ◽  
Gyung Min Choi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Metal Temperature ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Control Scheme ◽  
Control Schemes ◽  
Gas Fuel

The effects of fuel composition is investigated in a gas turbine for natural gas. Fuel composition is divided H/C ratio and heating value. There are three control schemes for gas turbine. In this study, TIT control and TET control is adopted. A full off-design analysis of the gas turbine was performed. Performance characteristics and maximum turbine blade temperature are the main interests. The power output is decreased while heating value of fuel is increased and H/C ratio of fuel is decreased both control scheme. As heating value of natural gas decreased and H/C ratio of fuel increased, turbine blade temperature is increased in TIT control. Otherwise, Blade metal temperature is little influenced by H/C ratio of fuel in TET control scheme.

Fuel Composition Effects on Emissions From a Spark-Ignited Engine Operated on Simulated Biogases

1999 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Midkiff ◽  
S. R. Bell ◽  
S. Rathnam ◽  
S. Bhargava
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Specific Energy Consumption ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Si Engine ◽  
Composition Effects ◽  
Brake Power ◽  
Spark Timing ◽  
Unburned Hydrocarbons ◽  
Lean Conditions

Measurements are reported for a spark-ignited (SI) engine burning natural gas and three simulated biogas fuels (natural gas, CO2, and N2 mixtures). Exhaust concentrations of CO, CO2,O2,NOx, and unburned hydrocarbons, as well as brake power and brake specific energy consumption, were measured. Leaner mixtures, retarded spark timing and diluent addition CO2,N2 yielded reduced NOx emissions. NOx reductions up to 50 percent were achieved at MBT timing through diluent addition. Reduced peak temperatures caused by diluent addition, lean conditions, and retarded spark timing reduced combustion quality slightly, as evidenced by small increases in CO and unburned hydrocarbons emissions.

Effect of Natural Gas Composition on Low NOx Burners Operation in Heavy Duty Gas Turbine

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Romano ◽  
Matteo Cerutti ◽  
Giovanni Riccio ◽  
Antonio Andreini ◽  
Christian Romano
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Gas Composition ◽  
Heavy Duty ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Annular Combustor ◽  
Heavy Duty Gas Turbine ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Development of lean-premixed combustion technology with low emissions and stable operation in an increasingly wide range of operating conditions requires a deep understanding of the mechanisms that affect the combustion performance or even the operability of the entire gas turbine. Due to the relative wide range of natural gas composition supplies and the increased demand from Oil&Gas customers to burn unprocessed gas as well as LNG with notable higher hydrocarbons (C2+) content; the impact on gas turbine operability and combustion related aspects has been matter of several studies. In this paper, results of experimental test campaign of an annular combustor for heavy-duty gas turbine are presented with focus on the effect of fuel composition on both emissions and flame stability. Test campaign involved two different facilities, a full annular combustor rig and a full-scale prototype engine fed with different fuel mixtures of natural gas with small to moderate C2H6 content. Emissions trends and blowout for several operating conditions and burner configurations have been analyzed. Modifications to the burner geometry and fuel injection optimization have shown to be able to reach a good trade-off while keeping low NOx emissions in stable operating conditions for varying fuel composition.

Assessment of Hydrogen and Natural Gas Mixtures in a Large Bore Gas Engine for Power Generation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Fercher ◽  
Andreas Wimmer ◽  
Jan Zelenka ◽  
Gernot Kammel ◽  
Zita Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Substitution Rates ◽  
Fuel Gas ◽  
High Hydrogen ◽  
Gas Engine ◽  
Hydrogen Substitution ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Now more than ever there is a growing global interest to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from internal combustion engines. One approach consists in the use of hydrogen instead of fossil fuels. Large bore gas engines for power generation are often fueled by gases with high methane content. Relative to natural gas-fueled engines, the power densities of premixed or port-fuel-injected hydrogen engines are limited due to low volumetric efficiencies and moreover by occurring irregular combustion events (knocking, backfire). The paper presents results from experimental investigations of the impact of different hydrogen substitution rates in natural gas on performance, emissions and operating limits on a single cylinder research engine. The engine is representative for a large bore gas engine for power generation and operates using an open chamber combustion concept with lean mixtures. Essentially, THC, CO2 and CO emissions decrease with rising hydrogen content of the fuel gas. Even with low concentrations of hydrogen in the fuel gas, significant reductions in THC emissions could be demonstrated. Usually NOX emissions will rise with unchanged operating parameters. However, if excess-air ratio and spark timing are adjusted, a net reduction of NOX emissions can be achieved while the impact on brake thermal efficiency is small. Furthermore, the paper outlines potential mitigation strategies to expand the operational limits with respect to power density with high hydrogen substitution rates.

scholarly journals Impact of Ethane and Propane Variation in Natural Gas on the Performance of a Model Gas Turbine Combustor

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (3) ◽  
pp. 701-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Flores ◽  
V. G. McDonell ◽  
G. S. Samuelsen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Statistical Approach ◽  
Present System ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Gas Turbine Combustor ◽  
Air Mixing ◽  
Gas Fuel ◽  
Model Gas Turbine Combustor ◽  
The Impact

In the area of stationary power generation, there exists a growing interest in understanding the role that gaseous fuel composition plays on the performance of natural gas-fired gas turbine systems. In this study, an atmospherically fired model gas turbine combustor with a fuel flexible fuel/air premixer is employed to investigate the impact of significant amounts of ethane and propane addition into a baseline natural gas fuel supply. The impacts of these various fuel compositions, in terms of the emissions of NOx and CO, and the coupled impact of the degree of fuel/air mixing, are captured explicitly for the present system by means of a statistically oriented testing methodology. These explicit expressions are also compared to emissions maps that encompass and expand beyond the statistically based test matrix to verify the validity of the employed statistical approach.

Effect of Natural Gas Composition on Low Nox Burners Operation in Heavy Duty Gas Turbine

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Romano ◽  
Matteo Cerutti ◽  
Giovanni Riccio ◽  
Antonio Andreini ◽  
Christian Romano
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Gas Composition ◽  
Heavy Duty ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Annular Combustor ◽  
Heavy Duty Gas Turbine ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Development of lean-premixed combustion technology with low emissions and stable operation in an increasingly wide range of operating conditions requires a deep understanding of the mechanisms that affect the combustion performance or even the operability of the entire gas turbine. Due to the relative wide range of natural gas composition supplies and the increased demand from Oil&Gas customers to burn unprocessed gas as well as liquified natural gas (LNG) with notable higher hydrocarbons (C2+) content, the impact on gas turbine operability and combustion related aspects has been matter of several studies. In this paper, results of experimental test campaign of an annular combustor for heavy-duty gas turbine are presented with focus on the effect of fuel composition on both emissions and flame stability. Test campaign involved two different facilities, a full annular combustor rig and a full-scale prototype engine fed with different fuel mixtures of natural gas with small to moderate C2H6 content. Emission trends and blowout for several operating conditions and burner configurations have been analyzed. Modifications to the burner geometry and fuel injection optimization have shown to be able to reach a good tradeoff while keeping low NOx emissions in stable operating conditions for varying fuel composition.

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