Siemens Energy, Inc. was awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Energy for the first two phases of the Advanced Hydrogen Turbine Development Program. The 3-Phase, multi-year program goals are to develop an advanced syngas, hydrogen and natural gas fired gas turbine fully integrated into coal-based Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plants.
The program goals include demonstrating:
• A 3–5% point improvement in combined cycle efficiency above the baseline,
• 20–30% reduction in combined cycle capital cost
• Emissions of 2 ppm NOx @ 15% O2 by 2015.
Siemens is currently well into Phase 2 of the program and has made significant progress in several areas. This includes the ability to attain the 2015 Turbine Program performance goals by developing component and systems level technologies, developing and implementing validation test plans for these systems and components, performing validation testing of component technologies, and performance demonstration through system studies.
Siemens and the Advanced Hydrogen Turbine Program received additional funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2010. The additional funding serves to supplement budget shortfalls in the originally planned spend rate.
The development effort has focused on engine cycles, combustion technology development and testing, turbine aerodynamics/cooling, modular component technology, materials/coatings technologies and engine system integration/flexibility considerations. High pressure combustion testing continues with syngas and hydrogen fuels on a modified premixed combustor. Advanced turbine airfoil concept testing continues. Novel manufacturing techniques were developed that allow for advanced castings and faster time to market capabilities. Materials testing continues and significant improvements were made in lifing for Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC’s) at increased temperatures over the baseline. Studies were conducted on gas turbine/IGCC plant integration, fuel dilution effects, varying air integration, plant performance and plant emissions. The results of these studies and developments provide a firm platform for completing the advanced Hydrogen Turbine technologies development in Phase 2.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2010
