Grant: Alliance Grants

This project aims to address a critical challenge in the gas turbine (GT) industry, driven by the global push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming. Leading aviation OEMs have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and foresee a substantial portion of this effort reliant on new 100% hydrogen-powered GTs. However, despite strong demand from the aviation and energy sectors, the path to bringing 100% hydrogen-powered GTs to the market requires ongoing research and development efforts. This challenge primarily stems from the distinct properties of hydrogen, necessitating innovative fuel injector designs. Siemens Energy Canada Limited (SECL) seeks to develop a novel "micromix" fuel injector capable of burning 100% hydrogen. Micromix combustion technology is an innovative approach that focuses on achieving safe and clean hydrogen combustion by preventing flashbacks and minimizing NOx formation. A significant challenge lies in upscaling micromix injectors from atmospheric testing to the demanding high-pressure conditions of GT operations, as hydrogen flame characteristics and NOx formation are profoundly influenced by pressure and pre-heat temperature, and current models lack accuracy, mainly due to hydrogen's high diffusivity. The objective of this collaboration with SECL is to develop this technology further by crafting comprehensive design guidelines, underpinned by a multi-scale comprehension and modeling of the intricate interplay of chemistry-flow-acoustics interactions that dictate the performance of hydrogen flames in high-pressure GT operational environments. In pursuit of this goal, the project will empower a cohort of well-trained students (47) with access to exceptional high-pressure combustion facilities, state-of-the-art laser-based optical diagnostics, and high-performance computing resources. This initiative led by three of Canada's most prestigious academic institutions and a global leader in GT technology will serve as an unparalleled training ground for the next generation of engineers and scientists in Québec and Canada, specializing in hydrogen combustion for aerospace propulsion and power generation.