H2POWRD seeks to harness hydrogen’s potential with rotating detonation combustion (RDC) integrated with a gas turbine (RDGT).
Rotating detonation is a paradigm breaking technology that revolutionizes the thermodynamic process to be significantly more efficient. This efficiency leap also introduces new challenges in the form of unsteady, transonic flow at the turbine inlet and higher heat transfer. Building on insights of a previous ITN (INSPIRE), which underscored the potential benefits of RDC, H2POWRD focuses on efficiently harnessing the unsteady outflow from the combustion of H2 in an RDGT.
This project revolves around three primary areas of investigation: (1) delving into the fundamental aspects of the combustion, encompassing reactant injection, mixing, detonation propagation, and heat transfer; (2) optimizing the transition region between the combustor and the turbine to tailor Mach number, pressure, and velocity fluctuations for turbine compatibility; and (3) refining the aerodynamics of rotors and stators to maximize
efficiency within relevant design philosophies and Mach number regimes.
The project’s outcomes are expected to deepen our understanding of critical scientific questions surrounding the unique features of RDC detonation waves, exhaust flow conditioning for targeted properties, and the design of turbines adept at handling heightened levels of unsteadiness. Beyond scientific inquiry, H2POWRD will showcase the technology’s potential and delineate pathways toward realizing higher efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
TPG role
As part of the H2PWRD project, TPG is hosting a Doctorate Candidate (DC), who is focusing on the overall performance of the pressure-gain combustion gas turbine system. The DC will collect input from all partners to assess the cycle performance and evaluate the potential of Pressure Gain Combustion (PGC) in both open and combined cycles. The goal is to identify the most promising layout options by considering off-design performance and hybridization with energy-storage fuels (H₂, NH₃, biomethane), including power-to-gas solutions. At the system level:
- For Combined and Mixed Gas/Steam Cycles, the investigation of closed/open-loop steam blade cooling will aim to enhance efficiency for continuous operation. Off-design analysis will evaluate load-following capability.
- For Open Cycles, the adoption of RDC-based layouts may simplify compressor design, reduce capital cost for peak-load systems, and minimize size/weight for propulsion applications. Overall, the project seeks to establish optimal thermo-economic configurations