Combustion performance of hydrogen in a small gas turbine combustor

Abstract Combustion characteristics of gaseous hydrogen fuel in a can type gas turbine combustor are presented. These are the results of a research program sponsored by CDND/DSS/NRCC ∗ . Combustion performance of hydrogen is compared with that of other (liquid) fuels using the same combustion hardware. Hydrogen combustion is characterized by high combustion efficiency, ease of ignition, and good flame stability; however it can also result in relatively high metal temperatures which can impact on liner durability, and high NO x , emissions. Effects of two different hydrogen fuel injector designs on performance of the combustor are discussed. Impact of individual operating parameters on combustor performance with hydrogen is identified.