Combustion of biomass derived fuels often results in high emissions levels of pollutants such as NOx, CO and unburned hydrocarbons. In gas turbines, catalytic combustion of biofuels has the potential to reduce emissions of these undesired species. The ULECAT project (Ultra Low Emissions CATalytic combustor), European project led by IFP, initiated the development of an ultra-low emission gas turbine in the range of 1 to 5 MWe, able to run with both biomass derived gases and liquid fuels.
The first part of the project has been devoted to the definition of the system and the development of catalysts capable of burning both biomass derived fuels and Diesel fuel. It was mainly focused on high temperature catalyst durability and the reduction of NOx formation. This last point is of primary importance in biofuels combustion and certain catalysts have shown an important potential in reducing ammonia conversion into NOx in some operating conditions.
The pilot scale tests have proven the dual fuel operability. Numerical tools were developed and have been validated by pilot tests. They provided useful help in designing the catalytic section of the combustor.
An economical analysis of the system have shown the great potential of catalytic combustion in reducing the operating costs and investment compared to SCR or ammonia scrubbing.
Catalytic combustion of coal-derived liquid fuels. Final report