Rich-Catalytic Lean-Burn Combustion for Low-Single-Digit NOx Gas Turbines

Abstract

A new rich-catalytic lean-burn combustion concept (trademarked by PCI as RCL) was tested at industrial gas turbine conditions, in Solar Turbines’ high-pressure (17 atm) combustion rig and in a modified Solar Turbines engine, demonstrating ultralow emissions of NOx<2 ppm and CO<10 ppm for natural gas fuel. For the single-injector rig tests, an RCL catalytic reactor replaced a single swirler/injector. NOx<3 ppm and CO<10 ppm were achieved over a 110°C operating range in flame temperature, including NOx<1 ppm at about 1350°C flame temperature. Combustion noise was less than 0.15% peak to peak. Four RCL catalytic reactors were then installed in a modified (single can combustor) engine. NOx emissions averaged 2.1 ppm over the allowable operating range for this modified engine, with CO<10 ppm and without combustion noise (less than 0.15% peak to peak).