Limitations of using hydrogen as a sustainable fuel in gas turbines
Abstract
Hydrogen is increasingly regarded as a potential low-carbon fuel for gas turbine applications due to its ability to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions at the point of combustion. Despite this advantage, the large-scale implementation of hydrogen in gas turbines faces several significant technical and economic limitations. This study examines the limitations of hydrogen applicability in gas turbines by reviewing the relevant literature. One of the primary challenges arises from hydrogen’s combustion characteristics, including its high flame speed and wide flammability range, which increase the risk of flame flashback and combustion instability. These issues necessitate substantial modifications to conventional gas turbine combustor designs and advanced control systems. In addition, hydrogen combustion typically results in higher flame temperatures compared to conventional hydrocarbon fuels, leading to increased formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Meeting strict emission regulations requires complex mitigation strategies, such as lean premixed combustion or diluent injection, which can reduce efficiency and raise system complexity. Material compatibility is another critical concern, as hydrogen can cause embrittlement in metallic components, potentially compromising the structural integrity and long-term reliability of turbine systems. Furthermore, hydrogen’s low volumetric energy density poses challenges for fuel storage and delivery, requiring high-pressure or large-volume storage solutions that are not easily compatible with existing gas turbine infrastructure. Finally, the economic feasibility of hydrogen-fueled gas turbines is constrained by the high cost of low-carbon hydrogen production and the limited availability of hydrogen transport and distribution infrastructure.
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