Gas Turbines: Thermodynamic Cycles and Combustion Systems

Abstract

Gas turbines are used in various applications such as power generation, mechanical drive, jet engines and ship propulsion because they offer high efficiency and low emissions. For all operating conditions and fuels (in future: low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen or ammonia) the combustion concepts (e.g. lean premix) have to maintain stable heat release and low pollutant (NOx, CO) formation.

Objective

Getting familiar with the basics of combustion systems in various gas turbine types; acquiring knowledge about gas turbine applications and gas turbine based thermodynamic cycles. Learning about gas turbine combustor geometries and design rules; understanding combustion characteristics for specific conditions relevant to gas turbines; emission characteristics (NOx, CO, soot) of gas turbine combustors; flame stability and thermoacoustics; combustion properties of a range of gas turbine fuels (liquid/gas; fossil/renewable).

Content

Gas turbine types and applications: - aero engines, stationary gas turbines, mechanical drive, industrial gas turbines, mobile applications. Gas turbine cycles (thermodynamics): - cycle characteristics, efficiency, specific power, process parameters (temp., pressure). Energy balance & mass flows: - compression work, expansion work, heat release, secondary air system, exhaust gas losses. Gas turbine components (introduction, basics): - compressor, combustor, turbine, heat exchanger, ... Burner/combustor systems: - fuel/air mixing, fuels, combustor geometries, burner configurations, flame stabilization, heat exchange/cooling schemes, emission characteristics. Flame stabilization and thermoacoustics. Combustion technologies: - lean premix combustion, staged combustion, piloting, swirl flames, operating concepts. New technologies/current research topics - Zero Emission Concepts (incl. CO2 separation), hydrogen combustion, catalytic combustion, flameless combustion, wet combustion.

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