Low Single Digit NOx Emissions Catalytic Combustor for Advanced Hydrogen Turbines for Clean Coal Power Systems

Precision Combustion, Inc., (PCI) in close collaboration with Solar Turbines, Incorporated, has developed and demonstrated a catalytic combustion system for hydrogen fueled turbines that can reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions to low single digit levels while maintaining or improving current levels of efficiency and eliminating emissions of carbon dioxide.A full scale Rich Catalytic Hydrogen (RCH) injector was developed and successfully tested at Solar Turbines, Incorporated high pressure test facility, demonstrating low single digit NOx emissions for hydrogen fuel in the primary zone temperature range of 1200°C–1500°C (2200°F–2750°F). The testing also demonstrated low combustion noise with stable and robust operation.A primary benefit of the catalytic hydrogen combustor technology is the capability for significantly-reduced NOx without costly post-combustion controls. This translates into reduced dilution requirements for a target NOx level, substantially improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. In addition, quiet combustor operation increases gas turbine component life. These advantages advance Department of Energy (DOE’s) objectives for achievement of low NOx emissions, improvement in efficiency vs. post-combustion controls, fuel flexibility, a significant net reduction in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) system net capital and operating costs, and a route to commercialization across the power generation field from micro turbines to industrial and utility turbines.Copyright © 2012 by ASME