Comparison of Numerical Combustion Models for Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Rich Syngas Applied for Dry-Low-Nox-Micromix-Combustion

Author(s):  
Harald H. W. Funke ◽  
Nils Beckmann ◽  
Jan Keinz ◽  
Sylvester Abanteriba

The Dry-Low-NOx (DLN) Micromix combustion technology has been developed as low emission combustion principle for industrial gas turbines fueled with hydrogen or syngas. The combustion process is based on the phenomenon of jet-in-crossflow-mixing (JICF). Fuel is injected perpendicular into the air-cross-flow and burned in a multitude of miniaturized, diffusion-like flames. The miniaturization of the flames leads to a significant reduction of NOx emissions due to the very short residence time of reactants in the flame. In the Micromix research approach, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses are validated toward experimental results. The combination of numerical and experimental methods allows an efficient design and optimization of DLN Micromix combustors concerning combustion stability and low NOx emissions. The paper presents a comparison of several numerical combustion models for hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas. They differ in the complexity of the underlying reaction mechanism and the associated computational effort. The performance of a hybrid eddy-break-up (EBU) model with a one-step global reaction is compared to a complex chemistry model and a flamelet generated manifolds (FGM) model, both using detailed reaction schemes for hydrogen or syngas combustion. Validation of numerical results is based on exhaust gas compositions available from experimental investigation on DLN Micromix combustors. The conducted evaluation confirms that the applied detailed combustion mechanisms are able to predict the general physics of the DLN-Micromix combustion process accurately. The FGM method proved to be generally suitable to reduce the computational effort while maintaining the accuracy of detailed chemistry.

Author(s):  
H. H.-W. Funke ◽  
N. Beckmann ◽  
J. Keinz ◽  
S. Abanteriba

The Dry-Low-NOx (DLN) Micromix combustion technology has been developed as low emission combustion principle for industrial gas turbines fueled with hydrogen or syngas. The combustion process is based on the phenomenon of jet-in-crossflow-mixing. Fuel is injected perpendicular into the air-cross-flow and burned in a multitude of miniaturized, diffusion-like flames. The miniaturization of the flames leads to a significant reduction of NOx emissions due to the very short residence time of reactants in the flame. In the Micromix research approach, CFD analyses are validated towards experimental results. The combination of numerical and experimental methods allows an efficient design and optimization of DLN Micromix combustors concerning combustion stability and low NOx emissions. The paper presents a comparison of several numerical combustion models for hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas. They differ in the complexity of the underlying reaction mechanism and the associated computational effort. For pure hydrogen combustion a one-step global reaction is applied using a hybrid Eddy-Break-up model that incorporates finite rate kinetics. The model is evaluated and compared to a detailed hydrogen combustion mechanism derived by Li et al. including 9 species and 19 reversible elementary reactions. Based on this mechanism, reduction of the computational effort is achieved by applying the Flamelet Generated Manifolds (FGM) method while the accuracy of the detailed reaction scheme is maintained. For hydrogen-rich syngas combustion (H2-CO) numerical analyses based on a skeletal H2/CO reaction mechanism derived by Hawkes et al. and a detailed reaction mechanism provided by Ranzi et al. are performed. The comparison between combustion models and the validation of numerical results is based on exhaust gas compositions available from experimental investigation on DLN Micromix combustors. The conducted evaluation confirms that the applied detailed combustion mechanisms are able to predict the general physics of the DLN-Micromix combustion process accurately. The Flamelet Generated Manifolds method proved to be generally suitable to reduce the computational effort while maintaining the accuracy of detailed chemistry. Especially for reaction mechanisms with a high number of species accuracy and computational effort can be balanced using the FGM model.


Author(s):  
Lars O. Nord ◽  
David R. Schoemaker ◽  
Helmer G. Andersen

A study was initiated to investigate the possibility of significantly reducing the NOx emissions at a power plant utilizing, among other manufacturers, ALSTOM GT11 type gas turbines. This study is limited to one of the GT11 type gas turbines on the site. After the initial study phase, the project moved on to a mechanical implementation stage, followed by thorough testing and tuning. The NOx emissions were to be reduced at all ambient conditions, but particularly at cold conditions (below 0°C) where a NOx reduction of more than 70% was the goal. The geographical location of the power plant means cold ambient conditions for a large part of the year. The mechanical modifications included the addition of Helmholtz damper capacity with an approximately 30% increase in volume for passive thermo-acoustic instability control, significant piping changes to the fuel distribution system in order to change the burner configuration, and installation of manual valves for throttling of the fuel gas to individual burners. Subsequent to the mechanical modifications, significant time was spent on testing and tuning of the unit to achieve the wanted NOx emissions throughout a major part of the load range. The tuning was, in addition to the main focus of the NOx reduction, also focused on exhaust temperature spread, combustion stability, CO emissions, as well as other parameters. The measurement data was acquired through a combination of existing unit instrumentation and specific instrumentation added to aid in the tuning effort. The existing instrumentation readings were polled from the control system. The majority of the added instrumentation was acquired via the FieldPoint system from National Instruments. The ALSTOM AMODIS plant-monitoring system was used for acquisition and analysis of all the data from the various sources. The project was, in the end, a success with low NOx emissions at part load and full load. As a final stage of the project, the CO emissions were also optimized resulting in a nice compromise between the important parameters monitored, namely NOx emissions, CO emissions, combustion stability, and exhaust temperature distribution.


Author(s):  
R. J. Antos ◽  
W. C. Emmerling

One common method of reducing the NOx emissions from industrial gas turbines is to inject water into the combustion process. The amount of water injected depends on the emissions rules that apply to a particular unit. Westinghouse W501B industrial gas turbines have been operated at water injection levels required to meet EPA NOx emissions regulations. They also have been operated at higher injection levels required to meet stricter California regulations. Operation at the lower rates of water did not affect combustor inspection and/or repair intervals. Operation on liquid fuels with high rates of water also did not result in premature distress. However, operation on gas fuel at high rates of water did cause premature distress in the combustors. To evaluate this phenomenon, a comprehensive test program was conducted; it demonstrated that the distress is the result of the temperature patterns in the combustor caused by the high rates of water. The test also indicated that there is no significant change in dynamic response levels in the combustor. This paper presents the test results, and the design features selected to substantially improve combustor wall temperature when operating on gas fuels, with the high rates of water injection required to meet California applications. Mechanical design features that improve combustor resistance to water injection-induced thermal gradients also are presented.


Author(s):  
Yeshayahou Levy ◽  
Vladimir Erenburg ◽  
Valery Sherbaum ◽  
Vitali Ovcharenko ◽  
Leonid Rosentsvit ◽  
...  

Lean premixed combustion is one of the widely used methods for NOx reduction in gas turbines (GT). When this method is used combustion takes place under low Equivalence Ratio (ER) and at relatively low combustion temperature. While reducing temperature decreases NOx formation, lowering temperature reduces the reaction rate of the hydrocarbon–oxygen reactions and deteriorates combustion stability. The objective of the present work was to study the possibility to decrease the lower limit of the stable combustion regime by the injection of free radicals into the combustion zone. A lean premixed gaseous combustor was designed to include a circumferential concentric pilot flame. The pilot combustor operates under rich fuel to air ratio, therefore it generates a significant amount of reactive radicals. The experiments as well as CFD and CHEMKIN simulations showed that despite of the high temperatures obtained in the vicinity of the pilot ring, the radicals’ injection from the pilot combustor has the potential to lower the limit of the global ER (and temperatures) while maintaining stable combustion. Spectrometric measurements along the combustor showed that the fuel-rich pilot flame generates free radicals that augment combustion stability. In order to study the relevant mechanisms responsible for combustion stabilization, CHEMKIN simulations were performed. The developed chemical network model took into account some of the basic parameters of the combustion process: ER, residence time, and the distribution of the reactances along the combustor. The CHEMKIN simulations showed satisfactory agreement with experimental results.


Author(s):  
Belkacem Adouane ◽  
Guus Witteveen ◽  
Wiebren de Jong ◽  
Jos P. van Buijtenen

Fuel NOx is one of the main issues related to the combustion of biomass derived Low Calorific Value (LCV) Gas. The high NOx emissions accompanying the combustion of that fuel in gas turbines or gas engines are compromising the CO2 neutral character of biomass and are a barrier towards the introduction of this green energy source in the market. The reduction of NOx emissions has been one of the main preoccupations of researchers in the LCV gas combustion field. Although, much has been achieved for thermal NOx which is caused mainly by the conversion of the nitrogen of the air in high temperature regions, less work has been devoted to the reduction of fuel NOx, which has as a main source the fuel bound nitrogen FBN, namely ammonia in case of biomass. Reducing the conversion of the FBN to NOx has been the main issue in recent research work. However, fuel NOx could be reduced significantly applying methods; like washing the gas in a scrubber prior its entrance to the combustor, and SNCR or SCR methods applied at the exhaust. But those solutions stay very expensive in terms of polluted waste water and catalyst cost. In this paper, the approach is to reduce the conversion of FBN to NOx inside a newly designed combustor. The idea is to optimize the combustion process ending up with the lowest possible conversion of FBN to NOx. The LCV gas used in the experiments described in this paper is made by mixing CO, CO2, H2, natural gas and N2 with proportions comparable to those of the real LCV gas. This gas is then doped with NH3 to simulate the FBN. In this paper the conversion ratio of FBN to NOx versus the FBN concentration is presented. Furthermore, the system is investigated in terms of the effect of CH4 concentration on the conversion of FBN to NOx. And measurements along the combustor axis were performed with a traversing probe where temperature and important emissions along the axis were measured. In all the experiments described in the paper, The LCV gas has an HHV (High Calorific Value) ranging from 4 to 7Mj/nm3. The newly designed combustor contains an embedded inner cylinder. In these experiments presented are without that embedded cylinder. The purpose of the current experiments is to be compared to the later experiments with the insert in order to define clearly the effect of the inner cylinder. Furthermore, this arrangement, i.e. without the insert, gave us the opportunity to traverse the combustor by a probe and to measure temperature and species profiles, which is of a great importance in defining the key parameter controlling the conversion of NH3 to NOx.


2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengming Yi ◽  
Zheng Zhou ◽  
Qian Tao ◽  
Zhiwei Jiang

The combustion stability has a significant influence on safety and reliability of a gas-fired boiler. In this study, a numerical model was first established and validated to investigate the effect of combustion stabilizing device on flow and combustion characteristics of 75 t/h blast furnace gas (BFG) and coke oven gas (COG) mixed-fired boiler. The results indicated that the device coupled with four corner burners enables the flame to spin upward around its side surface, which facilitates heat exchange between BFG and the device. Under stable combustion condition, the combustion stabilizing device can be used as a stable heat source and enhance heat exchange in the furnace. Then, to obtain optimal COG ratio, combustion process of different blending ratios were experimentally investigated. The experimental results revealed that the energy loss due to high exhaust gas temperature is relatively high. COG ratio should be set up taking into account both boiler efficiency and NOX emissions. When COG blending ratio is maintained about 20%, the thermal efficiency of the boiler is 88.84% and the NOX concentration is 152 mg/m3 at 6% O2, meeting NOX emissions standard for the gas boiler.


Author(s):  
Oliver Krüger ◽  
Steffen Terhaar ◽  
Christian Oliver Paschereit ◽  
Christophe Duwig

Humidified gas turbines (HGT) offer the attractive possibility of increasing plant efficiency without the cost of an additional steam turbine as is the case for a combined gas-steam cycle. In addition to efficiency gains, adding steam into the combustion process reduces NOx emissions. It increases the specific heat capacity (hence, lowering possible temperature peaks) and reduces the oxygen concentration. Despite the thermophysical effects, steam alters the kinetics and, thus, reduces NOx formation significantly. In addition, it allows operation using a variety of fuels, including hydrogen and hydrogen-rich fuels. Therefore, ultra-wet gas turbine operation is an attractive solution for industrial applications. The major modification compared to current gas turbines lies in the design of the combustion chamber, which should accommodate a large amount of steam without losing in stability. In the current study, the premixed combustion of pure hydrogen diluted with different steam levels is investigated. The effect of steam on the combustion process is addressed using detailed chemistry. In order to identify an adequate oxidation mechanism, several candidates are identified and compared. The respective performances are assessed based on laminar premixed flame calculations under dry and wet conditions, for which experimentally determined flame speeds are available. Further insight is gained by observing the effect of steam on the flame structure, in particular HO2 and OH* profiles. Moreover, the mechanism is used for the simulation of a turbulent flame in a generic swirl burner fed with hydrogen and humidified air. Large eddy simulations (LES) are employed. It is shown that by adding steam, the heat release peak spreads. At high steam content, the flame front is thicker and the flame extends further downstream. The dynamics of the oxidation layer under dry and wet conditions is captured; thus, an accurate prediction of the velocity field, flame shape, and position is achieved. The latter is compared with experimental data (PIV and OH* chemiluminescence). The reacting simulations were conducted under atmospheric conditions. The steam-air ratio was varied from 0% to 50%.


2021 ◽  
pp. 178-178
Author(s):  
Chengfei Tao ◽  
Hao Zhou

Combustion instability and nitrogen oxides emission are crucial factors for modern gas turbine combustors, which seriously hampers the research and development of advanced combustors. To eliminate combustion instability and NOx emissions simultaneously, effects of the ?Oxy? (CO2/O2, N2/O2, Ar/O2and He/O2) jet in cross flow(JICF)on combustion instability and NOx emissions are experimentally studied. In this research, the flow rate and oxygen ratio of the combustor are varied to evaluate the control effectiveness. Results denotes that all the four oxy fuel gas: CO2/O2, N2/O2, Ar/O2and He/O2, could suppress combustion instability and NOx emissions. The CO2/O2dilution can achieve a better damping results than the other three cases. There are peak values or lowest points of sound pressure amplitude as the parameter of ?Oxy? JICF changes. Mode transition appears in both acoustic signal and CH* chemiluminescence of the flame. But the turning point of mode transition is different. Under the CO2/O2cases, the NOx emission decreases from 22.3ppm to 15.2ppm, the damping ratio of NOxis 40.39%. The flame shape and length were changed under different JICF dilutions. This research could promote the application of jet in cross flow methods on combustion instability or pollutant emissions in gas turbines.


Author(s):  
Sebastian Go¨ke ◽  
Steffen Terhaar ◽  
Sebastian Schimek ◽  
Katharina Go¨ckeler ◽  
Christian O. Paschereit

Humidified Gas Turbines promise a significant increase in efficiency compared to the dry gas turbine cycle. In single cycle applications, efficiencies up to 60% seem possible with humidified turbines. Additionally, the steam effectively inhibits the formation of NOx emissions and also allows for operating the gas turbine on hydrogen-rich fuels. The current study is conducted within the European Advanced Grant Research Project GREENEST. The premixed combustion at ultra wet conditions is investigated for natural gas, hydrogen, and mixtures of both fuels, covering lower heating values between 27 MJ/kg and 120 MJ/kg. In addition to the experiments, the combustion process is also examined numerically. The flow field and the fuel-air mixing of the burner were investigated in a water tunnel using Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser Induced Fluorescence. Gas-fired tests were conducted at atmospheric pressure, inlet temperatures between 200°C and 370°C, and degrees of humidity from 0% to 50%. Steam efficiently inhibits the formation of NOx emissions. For all tested fuels, both NOx and CO emissions of below 10 ppm were measured up to near-stoichiometric gas composition at wet conditions. Operation on pure hydrogen is possible up to very high degrees of humidity, but even a relatively low steam content prevents flame flashback. Increasing hydrogen content leads to a more compact flame, which is anchored closer to the burner outlet, while increasing steam content moves the flame downstream and increases the flame volume. In addition to the experiments, the combustion process was modeled using a reactor network. The predicted NOx and CO emission levels agree well with the experimental results over a wide range of temperatures, steam content, and fuel composition.


Author(s):  
Federica Farisco ◽  
Philipp Notsch ◽  
Rene Prieler ◽  
Felix Greiffenhagen ◽  
Jakob Woisetschlaeger ◽  
...  

Abstract In modern gas turbines for power generation and future aircraft engines, the necessity to reduce NOx emissions led to the implementation of a premixed combustion technology under fuel-lean conditions. In the combustion chamber of these systems, extreme pressure amplitudes can occur due to the unsteady heat release, reducing component life time or causing unexpected shutdown events. In order to understand and predict these instabilities, an accurate knowledge of the combustion process is inevitable. This study, which was provided by numerical methods, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is based on a three-dimensional (3D) geometry representing a premixed swirl-stabilized methane-fired burner configuration with a known flow field in the vicinity of the burner and well defined operating conditions. Numerical simulations of the swirl-stabilized methane-fired burner have been carried out using the commercial code ANSYS Fluent. The main objective is to validate the performance of various combustion models with different complexity by comparing against experimental data. Experiments have been performed for the swirl-stabilized methane-fired burner applying different technologies. Velocity fluctuation measurements have been carried out and validated through several techniques, such as Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Laser Interferometric Vibrometry (LIV) provided information on heat release fluctuations and OH*-chemiluminescence measurements have been done to identify the position of the main reaction zone. During the first part of the CFD investigation, the cold flow has been simulated applying different turbulence models and the velocity flow field obtained in the experiments has been compared with the numerical results. As next, the study focuses on the numerical analysis of the thermo-chemical processes in the main reaction zone. Few combustion models have been investigated beginning from Eddy Dissipation Model (EDM) and proceeding with increased complexity investigating the Steady Flamelet Model (SLF) and Flamelet Generated Manifold (FGM). An evaluation of the velocity field and temperature profile has been performed for all models used in order to test the validity of the numerical approach for the chosen geometry. The best option for future investigations of gas turbines has been identified.


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