Experimental Study of a 200 kW Partial Oxidation Gas Turbine (POGT) for Co-Production of Power and Hydrogen-Enriched Fuel Gas

Paper presents the results from development and successful testing of a 200 kW POGT prototype. There are two major design features that distinguish POGT from a conventional gas turbine: a POGT utilizes a partial oxidation reactor (POR) in place of a conventional combustor which leads to a much smaller compressor requirement versus comparably rated conventional gas turbine. From a thermodynamic perspective, the working fluid provided by the POR has higher specific heat than lean combustion products enabling the POGT expander to extract more energy per unit mass of fluid. The POGT exhaust is actually a secondary fuel gas that can be combusted in different bottoming cycles or used as synthesis gas for hydrogen or other chemicals production. Conversion steps for modifying a 200 kW radial turbine to POGT duty are described including: utilization of the existing (unmodified) expander; replacement of the combustor with a POR unit; introduction of steam for cooling of the internal turbine structure; and installation of a bypass air port for bleeding excess air from the compressor discharge because of 45% reduction in combustion air requirements. The engine controls that were re-configured for start-up and operation are reviewed including automation of POGT start-up and loading during light-off at lean condition, transition from lean to rich combustion during acceleration, speed control and stabilization under rich operation. Changes were implemented in microprocessor-based controllers. The fully-integrated POGT unit was installed and operated in a dedicated test cell at GTI equipped with extensive process instrumentation and data acquisition systems. Results from a parametric experimental study of POGT operation for co-production of power and H2-enriched synthesis gas are provided.

Advancements in Fast Epitaxial High-Temperature Brazing of Single-Crystalline Nickel-Base Superalloys

High temperature diffusion brazing is a very important technology for filling cracks in components from single-crystalline nickel-base superalloys as used in aircraft engines and stationary gas turbines: alloys, which are similar to the base material, are enhanced by a fast diffusing melting-point depressant (MPD) like boron or silicon, which causes solidification by diffusing into the base material. Generally, epitaxial solidification of single-crystalline materials can be achieved by use of conventional braze alloys, however, very long hold times are necessary to provide a complete diffusion of the MPD out of the braze gap. If the temperature is lowered before diffusion is completed, brittle secondary phases precipitate, which serve as nucleation sites for stray grains and, therefore, lead to deteriorating mechanical properties. It was demonstrated in earlier works that nickel-manganese-based braze alloys are appropriate systems for the braze repair of particularly wide gaps in the range of more than 200 μm, which allow a significant shortening of the required hold times. This is caused by the complete solubility of manganese in nickel: epitaxial solidification can be controlled by cooling in addition to diffusion. In this work, it will be shown that the nickel-manganese-based systems can be enhanced by chromium and aluminium, which is with regard to high-temperature applications a very important aspect. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that silicon, which could be identified as appropriate secondary MPD in recent works, can be replaced by titanium, as this element has additionally a γ′ stabilizing effect. Several braze alloys containing nickel, manganese, chromium, aluminium and titanium will be presented. Previously, the influence of the above mentioned elements on the nickel-manganese-based systems will be visualized by thermodynamic simulations. Afterwards, different compositions in combination with a heat treatment, which is typical for nickel-base superalloys, will be discussed: a microstructure, which is very similar to that within the base material can be presented.

Refinement of Water Droplets With Surfactants for Wet Compression of Gas Turbine

Concerned with the influence of the size of water droplets on the effect of wet compression, it is important to control the size of water droplets among 5–10 microns or smaller, for this purpose an experimental work is carried out by improve the surface behavior of water aiming to reduce its surface tension. Non-ionic surfactants and its combination were employed to reach such an aim. The surface tension of water was reduced from 72.9mN/m to 41.2mN/m or even lower depending on the cost. It offers a possible way to refine spray, and ready to use in wet compression process.

Prediction of Power Plant Exposure to Economic Losses Through a Property Risk Assessment Methodology

In this paper, a procedure for Risk Assessment, which makes use of two risk indices (PML - Probable Maximum Loss and MFL - Maximum Foreseeable Loss) is applied to power plants to evaluate potential economic losses due to risk exposure for two different loss scenarios (probable and worst-case). The paper is mainly focused on Property Insurance aspects, though Boiler and Machinery Insurance and business interruption are also addressed. First, the procedure is applied to provide a prediction of probable and maximum loss as a function of power output. The results allow an estimate of whether the adoption of risk assessment procedures and devices allows an actual payback for plant owners. Second, the economic loss predicted through the risk assessment procedure is compared against real power plant loss values, taken from published data.

Application of the Geared Turbofan With Constant Volume Combustor on Short-Range Aircraft: A Feasibility Study

Recently a considerable effort was made to understand the gas- and thermodynamics of wave rotor combustion technology. Pressure-gain combustors potentially have superior performance over conventional combustors due to their unsteady flow behaviour. Wave rotor combustion provides semi-constant volume combustion and could be integrated in the steady-flow gas turbine. However, a feasibility study to assess the economical and environmental aspects of this concept has not been conducted for short-range missions. Preliminary Multidisciplinary Design Framework was developed to assess novel and radical engine cycles. The tool comprises modules to evaluate noise, emissions and environmental impact. Uncertainty can be accounted for with Monte Carlo simulation. The geared turbofan with constant volume combustor is simulated and benchmarked against a baseline geared turbofan engine. Results indicate that the former complies with CAEP/6 and FAR Part 36 regulations for noise and emissions. Furthermore, acquisition cost of the engine is higher, but engine direct operating cost decreases by 25.2%. The technology requires further development to meet future noise and emissions requirements.

Compensation of Intake Induced Flow Non-Uniformities With Compressor Blade Lean Angle Changes

The compression system has traditionally drawn most of the attention concerning the gas turbine engine performance assessment and design procedure. It is the most vulnerable component to flow fluctuations within a gas turbine engine. In particular this study focuses on performance deviations, between an installed and an uninstalled compressor. Test results acquired from a test bed installation will differ from these recorded when the compressor operates as an integral part of the engine. The upstream duct, whether an intake or an interstage duct, will affect the flow field pattern ingested into the compressor. The case studies presented into this work aim to mostly qualify the effect of boundary layer growth along the upstream duct walls, upon compressor performance. Additionally, compressor performance response on blade lean angle variation is being addressed, with the aim of acquiring an understanding as to how compressor blade lean angle changes interact with intake induced flow non uniformities. Such studies are usually conducted during the preliminary design stage, before the compressor is built. Consequently, experimental performance investigation is excluded at this stage of development. Computer aided simulation techniques are between the few if not the only option for compressor performance prediction. Given the fact that many such design parameters need to be assessed under the time pressure exerted by the tight compressor development program, the compressor flow simulation technique used needs to provide reliable results while consuming the least possible computational time. Such a low computational time compressor flow simulation method, among others, is the two dimensional (2D) streamline curvature (SLC) method, being applied within the frame of reference of the current study. The paper is introduced by a brief discussion on SLC method that was proposed more than 50 years ago. Then a reference is made to the Radial Equilibrium Equation (REE) which is the mathematical basis of the code, commenting on the assumptions that were undertaken. Subsequently the influence of the intake presence on the compressor inlet radial flow distribution is being addressed, with the aim of adjusting compressor blade inlet lean angle, in order to minimize compressor performance deterioration. Finally the paper is concluded with a discussion of the results.

A Thermoeconomic Comparison Between SOFC Hybrid Systems and the Most Worldwide Used Technologies Towards Competitive Innovative Plants

This paper investigates options for highly efficient SOFC hybrid systems of different sizes. For this purpose different models of pressurised SOFC hybrids systems have been developed in the framework of the European Project “LARGE SOFC - Towards a Large SOFC Power Plant”. This project, coordinated by VTT Finland, counts numerous industrial partners such as Wartsila, Topsoe and Rolls-Royce FCS ltd. Starting from the RRFCS Hybrid System [1], considered as the reference case, several plant modifications have been investigated in order to improve the thermodynamic efficiency. The main options considered are (i) the integration of a recuperated micro gas turbine and (ii) the replacement of the cathodic ejector with a blower. The plant layouts are analysed in order to define the optimum solution in terms of operating parameters and thermodynamic performances. The study of a large size power plant (around 110 MWe) fed by coal and incorporated with SOFC hybrid systems is also conducted. The aim of this study is to analyse the sustainability of an Integrated Gasification Hybrid System from the thermodynamic and economic point of view in the frame of future large sized power generation. A complete thermoeconomic analysis of the most promising plants is carried out, taking into account variable and capital costs of the systems. The designed systems are compared from the thermodynamic and the thermoeconomic point of view with some of the common technologies used for distributed generation (gas turbines and reciprocating engines) and large size power generation (combined cycles and IGCC). The tool used for this analysis is WTEMP software, developed by the University of Genoa (DIMSET-TPG) [2], able to carry out a detailed thermodynamic and thermoeconomic analysis of the whole plants.

U.S. Navy Experiences Coking of Lube Oil Purifier Heaters

Normally U.S. Navy ships operate their lubricating oil systems with oil that is clear to light amber in color. Recently, many ships have reported the presence of dark oil and, in some cases, burgundy colored oil. Laboratory analysis of the affected oil has shown that the lube oil has been stressed due to heat. In at least three cases, the flashpoint and the viscosity of the oil were significantly reduced as compared to the samples analyzed from ship’s storage tanks. In one particular case volatile aromatics were discovered possibly indicating that pyrolysis is taking place. In an effort to determine the cause of the heat stress a hand-over-hand tracing of the system was accomplished. Subsequently, the lube oil purifier heater was inspected and coking of the heating elements was discovered. Approximately 65% of the ships inspected have reported fouling of the heating elements ranging from a tar-like substance to severe coking. A land-based lube oil purifier heater was configured to operate in the same manner as a shipboard unit. This unit was instrumented to collect oil and sheath temperature data to aid in determining the temperature within the heater that may cause the lubricating oil to form coke. In addition, laboratory testing is also being conducted to determine the oil’s tendency to coke and at what temperatures the pyrolysis will begin to take place. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the ongoing investigation, results of data collected, the laboratory testing and engineering solutions to minimize or eliminate lube oil coking.

Electricity and Hydrogen Co-Production From Coal and Biomass

This paper presents and discusses the results of a complete thermoeconomic analysis of an integrated power plant for co-production of electricity and hydrogen via pyrolysis and gasification processes, applied to an existing large steam power plant (ENEL Brindisi power plant-660 MWe). The two considered technologies produce syngas with different characteristics in terms of temperature, pressure and composition, and this has a significant effect on the layouts of the complete systems proposed in the paper. Moreover, the proximity of a hydrogen production and purification plants to an existing steam power plant favour the inter-exchange of energy streams, mainly in the form of hot water and steam, which reduces the costs of auxiliary equipment. Various coals (Ashland, South African and Sardinian Sulcis coal) and mixtures of South African coal and biomass (Poplar) are considered in this study, in order to explore the real potential of mixed fuels in terms of impact on plant economics and reducing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the high quality of the hydrogen, produced through a Pressure Swing Adsorption unit or a dense Membrane unit, allows it to be used for distributed generation (e.g. by microturbine, Stirling engine, etc.) as well as public transport (using PEM fuel cells). The results were obtained using WTEMP thermoeconomic software [9], developed by the TPG (Thermochemical Power Group) of the University of Genoa, and this project has been carried out within the framework of the FISR National project “Integrated systems for hydrogen production and utilization in distributed power generation” [10]. The complete systems proposed here can represent an attractive approach to flexible hydrogen-electricity co-production.

Development of Condition Monitoring Test Cell Using Micro Gas Turbine Engine

This study is aim to be programmed the simulation which is available for real-time performance analysis so that is to be developed gas turbine engine’s condition monitoring system with analyzing difference between performance analysis results and measuring data from test cell. In addition, test cell created by this study have been developed to use following applications: to use for learning principals and mechanism of gas turbine engine in school, and to use performance test and its further research for variable operating conditions in associated institutes. The maximum thrust of the micro turbojet engine is 137 N (14 kgf) at 126,000 rpm of rotor rotational speed if the Jet A1 kerosene fuel is used. The air flow rate is measured by the inflow air speed of duct, and the fuel flow is measured by a volumetric fuel flowmeter. Temperatures and pressures are measured at the atmosphere, the compressor inlet and outlet and the turbine outlet. The thrust stand was designed and manufactured to measure accurately the thrust by the load cell. All measuring sensors are connected to a DAQ (Data Acquisition) device, and the logging data are used as function parameters of the program, LabVIEW. The LabVIEW is used to develop the engine condition monitoring program. The proposed program can perform both the reference engine model performance analysis at an input condition and the real-time performance analysis with real-time variables. By comparing two analysis results the engine condition can be monitored. Both engine performance analysis data and monitoring results are displayed by the GUI (Graphic User Interface) platform.