Combustion efficiency of fuel-water emulsion in a small gas turbine

摘要

Current trends in the distributed power generation-towards more stringent pollutant emission standards call for more efficient solutions. With miniature gas turbines being popular, distributed generation technology, pollutant emission and specific fuel consumption reduction are main challenges limiting the development of this attractive solution. The article presents results of the use of a Fuel-Water Emulsion (FWE) as an alternative fuel for the miniature gas turbine. Experimental research into combustion of the FWE with 3% ÷ 12% of water addition inside miniature gas turbine is carried out. Results of fuel consumption and NOx emissions are compared with default, Jet A-1 fuel. Numerical Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the Fuel-Water Emulsion combustion is developed. Results of the CFD modeling of default fuel and 3% FWE are compared with experimental data. Applicability of modeling techniques is evaluated. Impact of FWE combustion on combustion efficiency and NO_x pollutant emission reduction with use of the FWE are discussed.