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Modeling the Thermodynamics of Oxygen-Enriched Combustion in a GE LM6000 Gas Turbine Using CH 4 / NH 3 and CH 4 / H 2

Author

Listed:
  • Laith Mustafa

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA)

  • Rafał Ślefarski

    (Institute of Thermal Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Radosław Jankowski

    (Institute of Thermal Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Mohammad Alnajideen

    (College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK)

  • Sven Eckart

    (Institute of Thermal Engineering, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany)

Abstract

Gas turbines are widely used in power generation due to their reliability, flexibility, and high efficiency. As the energy sector transitions towards low-carbon alternatives, hydrogen and ammonia are emerging as promising fuels. This study investigates the thermodynamic and combustion performance of a GE LM6000 gas turbine fueled by methane/hydrogen and methane/ammonia fuel blends under varying levels of oxygen enrichment (21%, 30%, and 40% O 2 by volume). Steady-state thermodynamic simulations were conducted using Aspen HYSYS, and combustion modeling was performed using ANSYS Chemkin-Pro, assuming a constant thermal input of 102 MW. Results show that increasing hydrogen content significantly raises flame temperature and burning velocity, whereas ammonia reduces both due to its lower reactivity. Net power output and thermal efficiency improved with higher fuel substitution, peaking at 43.46 MW and 42.7% for 100% N H 3 . However, N O x emissions increased with higher hydrogen content and oxygen enrichment, while N H 3 blends exhibit more complex emission trends. The findings highlight the trade-offs between efficiency and emissions in future low-carbon gas turbine systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Laith Mustafa & Rafał Ślefarski & Radosław Jankowski & Mohammad Alnajideen & Sven Eckart, 2025. "Modeling the Thermodynamics of Oxygen-Enriched Combustion in a GE LM6000 Gas Turbine Using CH 4 / NH 3 and CH 4 / H 2," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-29, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:12:p:3221-:d:1682867
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Laith Mustafa & Rafał Ślefarski & Radosław Jankowski, 2024. "Thermodynamic Analysis of Gas Turbine Systems Fueled by a CH 4 /H 2 Mixture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-15, January.
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