New system transforms micro-turbines to burn hydrogen and natural gas
In a world where green energy is becoming a priority, a major breakthrough could revolutionize the energy sector. Micro-turbines, often used in isolated areas or for specific needs such as hospitals or hotels, could now run on both hydrogen and natural gas thanks to a remarkable innovation developed by the German Center for Energy. Aeronautics and Astronautics (DLR) and Power Service Consulting (PSC).
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A step towards green hydrogen
Currently, green hydrogen is considered a promising alternative to natural gas to reduce carbon emissions. However, the complete shift to an economy based on green hydrogen is still far away. In this context, the DLR and the PSC explored a transitional solution: allowing existing micro-turbines to burn both hydrogen and natural gas.
Cost and duration of transformation
DLR's Peter Kutne emphasizes that building a new 15 megawatt power plant would cost around 30 million euros and take six years. In comparison, retrofitting an existing installation to use these mixed fuels would take only a year and a half and cost about 10% of that amount. This efficiency in terms of cost and time opens the door to faster and less expensive energy transition.
The Retrofit H2 project
The Retrofit H2 project adapted micro-turbines with a capacity of 100 kW, chosen for their best power-to-weight ratio and their widespread use in energy production in isolated locations. These turbines can also be used in various contexts such as breweries or wastewater treatment plants, using the methane produced as fuel.
Technical challenges and solutions
Converting a natural gas turbine to use hydrogen presents significant challenges because hydrogen burns at a much higher temperature. To overcome this, engineers developed a burner optimized for hydrogenusing a particular arrangement of air and fuel injectors to stabilize the flame and reduce temperatures.
An innovative combustion system
This new combustion system allows the turbines to burn hydrogennatural gas or a mixture of the two, thanks to an adjustable control system and advanced safety technologies. This sets the stage for wider adoption of green hydrogen as soon as it becomes more accessible.
Promising results in real conditions
The system was tested in a pilot plant in Lampoldshausen, operating exclusively on hydrogen for approximately 100 hours. Tests confirmed that the turbine could start with pure hydrogen and reach full operational capacity from partial to full load, delivering 100 kilowatts of electrical power for several hours.
Implications for the energy future
This innovation could significantly accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy sources. By enabling the flexible use of hydrogen and natural gas, it provides a practical and cost-effective solution for remote areas and critical applications, while paving the way for a future hydrogen economy.
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This article explores the transformation of micro-turbines to use hydrogen and natural gas, an advancement that could play a key role in the global energy transition. By combining flexibility, reduced cost and technological adaptation, this innovation opens new perspectives for the use of green energy in various industrial and residential sectors.
Source : DLR
