Modelling of Combustion Dynamics in a Gas Turbine

Project Description

The significance is in the performing of combustion dynamics modeling that has not previously accomplished and the importance of gas turbine technology for US electrical power generation.Advances in modeling and computing capability has opened up new, previously unachievable, opportunities to model combustion dynamics. Historically, while extensive combustion lab testing was performed on new combustion systems, some vital system dynamics could not be predicted and only manifested when the complete gas turbine system was tested for the first time. When system dynamic issues manifest, they cause product delays as mitigation options are developed and tested in the engine. With this research, GE looks to validate the modeling approach against measured data and then start to predict and assess system dynamics on a gas turbine that will be tested for the first time later this year. If successful, it will be worthy of publication and demonstrate the impact that Titan can have on a problem existing in US industry. Gas turbine based combined cycle power plants fueled by natural gas form an important piece of the United States’ electrical power generation capacity. At 216 GW* of capacity they provide 21%* of the total US electricity with minimal environmental impact. They uniquely address power producer’s concerns for cost effective power generation, integration with renewable power, energy security, long-term flexibility, and meeting imperatives for the “decarbonization” of power generation. If the US Energy Information Administration’s “Annual Energy Outlook 2014” is correct, over the next 20 years the US has the potential to realize the benefits of greater electrical power generation from natural gas fueled combined cycle power plants to the point that, by 2035, they could exceed power generation from coal. Therefore this research ties directly to an industry of importance to the US.