Hanwha Achieves 100% Hydrogen-Powered Gas Turbine Operation Success
In a groundbreaking development, Hanwha Power Systems, in collaboration with Power Systems Mfg. (PSM) and Thomassen Energy, has successfully operated a medium-to-large-scale gas turbine solely on 100% hydrogen fuel. This milestone marks a significant step towards carbon-free power generation, as hydrogen combustion produces only water vapour, eliminating CO2 emissions.
The successful operation of the gas turbine at 100% hydrogen load, without derate (i.e., without reducing power output), demonstrates stable combustion and high turbine performance using hydrogen fuel alone. Advanced combustion technology, such as the FlameSheet™ combustion system, which ensures fuel flexibility and low NOx emissions, and a fuel blending system that precisely manages hydrogen flow for safe, consistent turbine operation, were instrumental in achieving this feat.
The application of Hanwha's hydrogen turbine technology has the potential to contribute significantly to environmental improvements. By enabling turbines to operate on 100% hydrogen, Hanwha supports global decarbonization goals and accelerates the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Moreover, Hanwha’s hydrogen turbine technology can repurpose existing fossil fuel power infrastructure, helping communities bridge energy gaps while reducing environmental impact.
The life extension technology developed by Hanwha could potentially double the operational life of LNG gas turbines facing obsolescence. This technology, when applied, can help prolong the operational life of power facilities. In April 2023, Hanwha Impact and Hanwha Power Systems, in collaboration with Korea Western Power, had successfully demonstrated 60% hydrogen blending in the same 80 MW class gas turbine. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were confirmed to be below 6 ppm during this test.
Hydrogen blending power generation involves modifying existing gas turbines to burn a mix of LNG and hydrogen. During the 60% hydrogen turbine power generation test in April, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were reduced by 22% compared to LNG power generation. The potential economic benefits of applying Hanwha's hydrogen turbine technology to LNG gas turbines are significant, as it could potentially double the economic benefits when applied to LNG gas turbines facing obsolescence.
The potential environmental benefits of the life extension technology developed by Hanwha are significant. By extending the operational life of power facilities, Hanwha's technology can help reduce the carbon footprint of the power sector. The CO2 concentration in the emissions during the turbine operation was 0.04%, with the combustion process producing virtually zero carbon dioxide.
In conclusion, Hanwha's operation of 100% hydrogen gas turbines directly contributes to carbon-free power generation by replacing carbon-based fuels with clean hydrogen, achieving stable, efficient turbine performance with drastically reduced greenhouse gases and pollutants, thus advancing low-emission energy solutions. The potential economic and environmental benefits of Hanwha's hydrogen turbine technology make it a promising solution for the future of power generation.
[1] Hanwha Press Release, "Hanwha Group Successfully Operates 100% Hydrogen Gas Turbine," 16 March 2023, www.hanwha.com/news
[4] Hanwha White Paper, "Hydrogen Turbine Technology for a Carbon-Free Future," 2022, www.hanwha.com/whitepapers
- The advancements in combining hydrogen fuel with traditional energy sources, demonstrated by Hanwha Power Systems, has the potential to significantly reshape the technology sector, as its hydrogen turbine technology is poised to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels in the finance and energy industry.
- The development of life extension technology for LNG gas turbines, such as that offered by Hanwha, can contribute towards both environmental improvements and financial benefits across various sectors, as it enables the repurposing of existing energy infrastructure while reducing carbon emissions and extending the operational life of power facilities.
