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Gas Turbines: Thermodynamic Cycles and Combustion Systems
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:24
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, hydrogen combustion, catalytic combustion, flameless combustion, wet combustion.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Online booklet of slides (Moodle).
Literature
Suggestions/recommendations for additional literature studies given in the script (for each individual chapter/topic).
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Gas Turbines: Thermodynamic Cycles and Combustion Systems |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Gas Turbines: Thermodynamic Cycles and Combustion Systems |
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Wahlfächer (Diese Kurse sind besonders empfohlen, andere ETH-Kurse aus dem Feld Energy Science and Technology im weiteren Sinne können in Absprache mit dem Tutor gewählt werden.)
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Fachspezifische Vertiefung (Es müssen mindestens 20 KP aus den Deep Track Lerneinheiten absolviert werden. Überzählige KP können für Wahlfächer angerechnet werden.)
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Vertiefungsfächer Aerospace Engineering (Diese LE's können sowohl als Vertiefungsfach als auch als Wahlfach angerechnet werden.)
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