If you are a turbine manufacturer dealing with the need to phase out carbon-based natural gas — this project developed combustion models and experimental data that enable the transition to carbon-free fuel blends. This allows for the design of burners that maintain stability and ultra-low NOx emissions.
Zero-Carbon Gas Turbine Technology Using Hydrogen and Ammonia Fuel Blends
Imagine replacing the natural gas in a giant power plant with a mix of hydrogen and ammonia to stop carbon emissions. It's like trying to switch a car from gasoline to a tricky new fuel that can be unstable or cause pollution if not handled right. This work creates the digital maps and physical tests to make sure these new fuels burn steadily and cleanly without damaging the equipment.
What needed solving
Gas turbine power plants rely on carbon-based natural gas, which causes greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to hydrogen or ammonia often leads to unstable combustion, high NOx emissions, and equipment failure.
What was built
The project is developing numerical combustion models and experimental burner rigs to test H2 and NH3 blends at intermediate pressures.
Who needs this
Who can put this to work
If you are a plant operator dealing with strict greenhouse gas regulations — this project developed the fundamental knowledge for using H2 and NH3 blends. This helps in achieving zero carbon emissions while ensuring the turbine does not suffer from flame instability.
If you are a burner producer dealing with the instability of unconventional fuels — this project developed predictive capabilities and real-time monitoring for combustion systems. This reduces the risk of flashback and lean blow-off in practical combustors.
Quick answers
What is the estimated cost or price of the developed technology?
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost-per-unit information for the technology is not provided.
Is this technology ready for industrial scale deployment?
The project aims to advance the technology readiness level up to 4, meaning it is focused on laboratory and intermediate pressure tests rather than full industrial scale.
How is the intellectual property or licensing handled?
Based on available project data, there are no specific details regarding IP or licensing agreements provided in the summary.
What is the timeline for the development phase?
The project period runs from 2024-01-01 to 2027-06-30.
How will this integrate with existing gas turbine hardware?
The project involves system level engagement with OEMs to ensure the results can be leveraged for the transition to carbon-free fuels in practical combustion systems.
Who built it
The project is backed by a strong mix of 12 partners across 9 countries, showing a high level of international cooperation. With a 42% industry ratio (5 industrial partners, including 2 SMEs), there is a significant commercial interest in the outcomes, ensuring that the research remains aligned with the needs of turbine OEMs and end users.
Contact Universita Degli Studi Roma La Sapienza
Talk to the team behind this work.
Contact us to connect with the ACHIEVE consortium for TRL 4 combustion data.