Boundary Layer Flashback Limits of Hydrogen-Methane-Air Flames in a Generic Swirl Burner at Gas Turbine Relevant Conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Ebi ◽  
Peter Jansohn
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Wall Temperature ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Preheat Temperature ◽  
Swirl Burner ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Operating stationary gas turbines on hydrogen-rich fuels offers a pathway to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the power generation sector. A key challenge in the design of lean-premixed burners, which are flexible in terms of the amount of hydrogen in the fuel across a wide range and still adhere to the required emissions levels, is to prevent flame flashback. However, systematic investigations on flashback at gas turbine relevant conditions to support combustor development are sparse. The current work addresses the need for an improved understanding with an experimental study on boundary layer flashback in a generic swirl burner up to 7.5 bar and 300° C preheat temperature. Methane-hydrogen-air flames with 50 to 85% hydrogen by volume were investigated. High-speed imaging was applied to reveal the flame propagation pathway during flashback events. Flashback limits are reported in terms of the equivalence ratio for a given pressure, preheat temperature, bulk flow velocity and hydrogen content. The wall temperature of the center body along which the flame propagated during flashback events has been controlled by an oil heating/cooling system. This way, the effect any of the control parameters, e.g. pressure, had on the flashback limit was de-coupled from the otherwise inherently associated change in heat load on the wall and thus change in wall temperature. The results show that the preheat temperature has a weaker effect on the flashback propensity than expected. Increasing the pressure from atmospheric conditions to 2.5 bar strongly increases the flashback risk, but hardly affects the flashback limit beyond 2.5 bar.

Boundary Layer Flashback Limits of Hydrogen-Methane-Air Flames in a Generic Swirl Burner at Gas Turbine Relevant Conditions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Ebi ◽  
Peter Jansohn
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Wall Temperature ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Preheat Temperature ◽  
Swirl Burner ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flame Flashback

Abstract Operating stationary gas turbines on hydrogen-rich fuels offers a pathway to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the power generation sector. A key challenge in the design of lean-premixed burners, which are flexible in terms of the amount of hydrogen in the fuel across a wide range and still adhere to the required emissions levels, is to prevent flame flashback. However, systematic investigations on flashback at gas turbine relevant conditions to support combustor development are sparse. The current work addresses the need for an improved understanding with an experimental study on boundary layer flashback in a generic swirl burner up to 7.5 bar and 300°C preheat temperature. Methane-hydrogen-air flames with 50 to 85% hydrogen by volume were investigated. Flashback limits are reported in terms of the equivalence ratio for a given pressure, preheat temperature, bulk flow velocity and hydrogen content. The wall temperature of the center body along which the flame propagated during flashback events has been controlled by an oil heating/cooling system. This way, the effect any of the control parameters, e.g. pressure, had on the flashback limit was de-coupled from the otherwise inherently associated change in heat load on the wall and thus change in wall temperature. The results show that the preheat temperature has a weaker effect on the flashback propensity than expected. Increasing the pressure from atmospheric conditions to 2.5 bar strongly increases the flashback risk, but hardly affects the flashback limit beyond 2.5 bar.

scholarly journals Wall Temperature Measurements in Gas Turbine Combustors With Thermographic Phosphors

2018 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Nau ◽  
Zhiyao Yin ◽  
Oliver Lammel ◽  
Wolfgang Meier
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Wall Temperature ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Bluff Body ◽  
Temperature Measurements ◽  
Transient Temperature ◽  
High Time Resolution ◽  
Ceramic Surface ◽  
Precessing Vortex Core

Phosphor thermometry has been developed for wall temperature measurements in gas turbines and gas turbine model combustors. An array of phosphors has been examined in detail for spatially and temporally resolved surface temperature measurements. Two examples are provided, one at high pressure (8 bar) and high temperature and one at atmospheric pressure with high time resolution. To study the feasibility of this technique for full-scale gas turbine applications, a high momentum confined jet combustor at 8 bar was used. Successful measurements up to 1700 K on a ceramic surface are shown with good accuracy. In the same combustor, temperatures on the combustor quartz walls were measured, which can be used as boundary conditions for numerical simulations. An atmospheric swirl-stabilized flame was used to study transient temperature changes on the bluff body. For this purpose, a high-speed setup (1 kHz) was used to measure the wall temperatures at an operating condition where the flame switches between being attached (M-flame) and being lifted (V-flame) (bistable). The influence of a precessing vortex core (PVC) present during M-flame periods is identified on the bluff body tip, but not at positions further inside the nozzle.

Characterization of ALM Swirl Burner Surface Roughness and its Effects on Flame Stability Using High-Speed Diagnostics

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Runyon ◽  
Anthony Giles ◽  
Richard Marsh ◽  
Daniel Pugh ◽  
Burak Goktepe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Flame Stabilization ◽  
Flame Stability ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Swirl Burner ◽  
Stability Limits ◽  
Near Wall

Abstract The use of metallic Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) is an active area of development for gas turbine components, particularly concerning novel combustor prototypes for micro gas turbines. However, further study is required to understand the influence of this manufacturing technique and subsequent post-processing on the resulting burner component surface roughness and its effect on flame stability. In this study, two Inconel 625 swirl nozzle inserts with identical bulk geometry (swirl number, Sg = 0.8) were constructed via ALM for use in a generic gas turbine swirl burner. Further post-processing by grit blasting of one swirl nozzle insert results in a quantifiable change to the surface roughness characteristics in the burner exit nozzle when compared with the unprocessed ALM swirl nozzle insert or a third nozzle insert which has been manufactured using traditional machining methods. An evaluation of the influence of variable surface roughness effects from these swirl nozzle inserts is therefore performed under preheated isothermal and combustion conditions for premixed methane-air flames at thermal power of 25 kW. High-speed velocimetry at the swirler exit under isothermal air flow conditions gives evidence of the change in near-wall boundary layer thickness and turbulent fluctuations resulting from the change in nozzle surface roughness. Under atmospheric combustion conditions, this influence is further quantified using a combination of dynamic pressure, high-speed OH* chemiluminescence, and exhaust gas emissions measurements to evaluate the flame stabilization mechanisms at the lean blowoff and rich stability limits. Notable differences in flame stabilization are evident as the surface roughness is varied, and changes in rich stability limit were investigated in relation to changes in the near-wall turbulence intensity. Results show the viability of using ALM swirl nozzles in lean premixed gas turbine combustion. Furthermore, precise control of in-process or post-process surface roughness of wetted surfaces can positively influence burner stability limits and must therefore be carefully considered in the ALM burner design process as well as CFD models.

scholarly journals Wall Temperature Measurements in Gas Turbine Combustors With Thermographic Phosphors

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Nau ◽  
Zhiyao Yin ◽  
Oliver Lammel ◽  
Wolfgang Meier
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Wall Temperature ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Bluff Body ◽  
Temperature Measurements ◽  
Transient Temperature ◽  
High Time Resolution ◽  
Ceramic Surface ◽  
Precessing Vortex Core

Phosphor thermometry has been developed for wall temperature measurements in gas turbines and gas turbine model combustors. An array of phosphors has been examined in detail for spatially and temporally resolved surface temperature measurements. Two examples are provided, one at high pressure (8 bar) and high temperature and one at atmospheric pressure with high time resolution. To study the feasibility of this technique for full scale gas turbine applications a high momentum confined jet combustor at 8 bar was used. Successful measurements up to 1700 K on a ceramic surface are shown with good accuracy. In the same combustor, temperatures on the combustor quartz walls were measured, which can be used as boundary conditions for numerical simulations. An atmospheric swirl-stabilized flame was used to study transient temperature changes on the bluff body. For this purpose, a high-speed setup (1 kHz) was used to measure the wall temperatures at an operating condition where the flame switches between being attached (M-flame) and being lifted (V-flame) (bistable). The influence of a precessing vortex core (PVC) present during M-flame periods is identified on the bluff body tip, but not at positions further inside the nozzle.

A New Experimental Facility to Investigate Combustor–Turbine Interactions in Gas Turbines With Multiple Can Combustors

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Luque ◽  
V. Kanjirakkad ◽  
I. Aslanidou ◽  
R. Lubbock ◽  
B. Rosic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Experimental Facility ◽  
Blow Down ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flow Interactions ◽  
Inlet Swirl ◽  
Nozzle Guide ◽  
Cooling Air

This paper describes a new modular experimental facility that was purpose-built to investigate flow interactions between the combustor and first stage nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) of heavy duty power generation gas turbines with multiple can combustors. The first stage turbine NGV is subjected to the highest thermal loads of all turbine components and therefore consumes a proportionally large amount of cooling air that contributes detrimentally to the stage and cycle efficiency. It has become necessary to devise novel cooling concepts that can substantially reduce the coolant air requirement but still allow the turbine to maintain its aerothermal performance. The present work aims to aid this objective by the design and commissioning of a high-speed linear cascade, which consists of two can combustor transition ducts and four first stage NGVs. This is a modular nonreactive air test platform with engine realistic geometries (gas path and near gas path), cooling system, and boundary conditions (inlet swirl, turbulence level, and boundary layer). The paper presents the various design aspects of the high pressure (HP) blow down type facility, and the initial results from a wide range of aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements under highly engine realistic conditions.

A New Experimental Facility to Investigate Combustor-Turbine Interactions in Gas Turbines With Multiple Can Combustors

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Luque ◽  
V. Kanjirakkad ◽  
I. Aslanidou ◽  
R. Lubbock ◽  
B. Rosic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Experimental Facility ◽  
Blow Down ◽  
Guide Vanes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Nozzle Guide ◽  
Nozzle Guide Vanes

This paper describes a new modular experimental facility that was purpose-built to investigate flow interactions between the combustor and first stage nozzle guide vanes of heavy duty power generation gas turbines with multiple can combustors. The first stage turbine nozzle guide vane is subjected to the highest thermal loads of all turbine components and therefore consumes a proportionally large amount of cooling air that contributes detrimentally to the stage and cycle efficiency. It has become necessary to devise novel cooling concepts that can substantially reduce the coolant air requirement but still allow the turbine to maintain its aerothermal performance. The present work aims to aid this objective by the design and commissioning of a high-speed linear cascade which consists of two can combustor transition ducts and four first stage nozzle guide vanes. This is a modular non-reactive air test platform with engine realistic geometries (gas path and near gas path), cooling system, and boundary conditions (inlet swirl, turbulence level and boundary layer). The paper presents the various design aspects of the high pressure blow down type facility, and the initial results from a wide range of aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements under highly engine realistic conditions.

Simplified Simulation Block Diagram of Twin-Shaft Gas Turbines

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Bozzi ◽  
Giampaolo Crosa ◽  
Angela Trucco
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Transfer Functions ◽  
Block Diagram ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Plant Design ◽  
Algebraic Equations ◽  
Wide Range

This paper provides a simplified mathematical model of twin shaft gas turbine suitable for use in dynamic studies of both electric power generation plants and variable speed mechanical drive applications. The main purpose was to define a simulation block diagram, constituted by algebraic equations and simplified transfer functions, which can be easily derived from the gas plant design data utilising the suitable equations and nomographs presented in the paper. The 3 to 30 MW power range of twin shaft gas turbines is covered. The set-up parameters and details applicable to the model are listed, in the paper, for the various machine sizes and model series. The dynamic model has been developed by simplifying a more detailed one, also here presented, with relatively little loss in dynamic accuracy but considerable advantages in terms of computational time. In the proposed test case, the results of both models have been compared simulating the transient response of a twin shaft gas turbine powering a water-jet propulsor for high-speed ships. The accurate performance prediction capability of both models is verified, for a wide range of operating conditions, by comparison with test results from actual field installations.

Design, Development and Application of Vehicle Gas Turbine Engines

1966 ◽  
Vol 181 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-172
Author(s):  
P. A. Phillips ◽  
Peter Spear
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Turbine Engines ◽  
Gas Turbine Engines ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cycle Temperature

After briefly summarizing worldwide automotive gas turbine activity, the paper analyses the power plant requirements of a wide range of vehicle applications in order to formulate the design criteria for acceptable vehicle gas turbines. Ample data are available on the thermodynamic merits of various gas turbine cycles; however, the low cost of its piston engine competitor tends to eliminate all but the simplest cycles from vehicle gas turbine considerations. In order to improve the part load fuel economy, some complexity is inevitable, but this is limited to the addition of a glass ceramic regenerator in the 150 b.h.p. engine which is described in some detail. The alternative further complications necessary to achieve satisfactory vehicle response at various power/weight ratios are examined. Further improvement in engine performance will come by increasing the maximum cycle temperature. This can be achieved at lower cost by the extension of the use of ceramics. The paper is intended to stimulate the design application of the gas turbine engine.

The Effect of Transient Fuel Staging on Self-Excited Instabilities in a Multi-Nozzle Model Gas Turbine Combustor

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyatt Culler ◽  
Janith Samarasinghe ◽  
Bryan D. Quay ◽  
Domenic A. Santavicca ◽  
Jacqueline O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Equivalence Ratio ◽  
Growth Time ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Time Constants ◽  
Decay Times ◽  
Fuel Staging ◽  
Passive Techniques

Combustion instability in gas turbines can be mitigated using active techniques or passive techniques, but passive techniques are almost exclusively used in industrial settings. While fuel staging, a common passive technique, is effective in reducing the amplitude of self-excited instabilities in gas turbine combustors at steady-state conditions, the effect of transients in fuel staging on self-excited instabilities is not well understood. This paper examines the effect of fuel staging transients on a laboratory-scale five-nozzle can combustor undergoing self-excited instabilities. The five nozzles are arranged in a four-around-one configuration and fuel staging is accomplished by increasing the center nozzle equivalence ratio. When the global equivalence ratio is φ = 0.70 and all nozzles are fueled equally, the combustor undergoes self-excited oscillations. These oscillations are suppressed when the center nozzle equivalence ratio is increased to φ = 0.80 or φ = 0.85. Two transient staging schedules are used, resulting in transitions from unstable to stable operation, and vice-versa. It is found that the characteristic instability decay times are dependent on the amount of fuel staging in the center nozzle. It is also found that the decay time constants differ from the growth time constants, indicating hysteresis in stability transition points. High speed CH* chemiluminescence images in combination with dynamic pressure measurements are used to determine the instantaneous phase difference between the heat release rate fluctuation and the combustor pressure fluctuation throughout the combustor. This analysis shows that the instability onset process is different from the instability decay process.

GT36 Turbine Aero-Thermal Development and Validation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Naik ◽  
J. Krueckels ◽  
M. Henze ◽  
W. Hofmann ◽  
M. Schnieder
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Thermal Design ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Turbine Vanes ◽  
Thermal Development ◽  
Development And Validation

This paper describes the aero-thermal development and validation of the GT36 heavy duty gas turbine. The turbine which has evolved from the existing and proven GT26 design, consists of an optimised annulus flow path, higher lift aerofoil profiles, optimised aerodynamic matching between the turbine stages and new and improved cooling systems of the turbine vanes and blades. A major design feature of the turbine has been to control and reduce the aerodynamic losses, associated with the aerofoil profiles, trailing edges, blade tips, endwalls and coolant ejection. The advantages of these design changes to the overall gas turbine efficiency have been verified via extensive experimental testing in high-speed cascade test rigs and via the utilisation of high fidelity multi-row computational fluid dynamics design systems. The thermal design and cooling systems of the turbine vanes, blades have also been improved and optimised. For the first stage vane and blade aerofoils and platforms, multi-row film cooling with new and optimised diffuser cooling holes have been implemented and validated in high speed linear cascades. Additionally, the internal cooling design features of all the blades and vanes were also improved and optimised, which allowed for more homogenous metal temperatures distributions on the aerofoils. The verification and validation of the internal thermal designs of all the turbine components has been confirmed via extensive testing in dedicated Perspex models, where measurements were conducted for local pressure losses, overall flow distributions and local heat transfer coefficients. The turbine is currently being tested and undergoing validation in the GT36 Test Power Plant in Birr, Switzerland. The gas turbine is heavily instrumented with a wide range of validation instrumentation including thermocouples, pressure sensors, strain gauges and five-hole probes. In addition to performance mapping and operational validation, a dedicated thermal paint validation test will also be performed.

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