Hydrogen: the fuel of the future. New Future-proof Gas Turbine Power Supply.

The industry’s demand for electricity and heat increases every year. Companies seek to maximise economic benefits while respecting the environment by reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Caterpillar’s hydrogen solutions are a prime example of the company’s commitment to power solutions that will help customers use more sustainable energy sources.

Solar Turbines experience

Solar Turbines is a company with nearly 40 years of experience in implementing hydrogen technology. As a leading manufacturer of gas turbines and a leader in the energy transition, it boasts the highest total number of hours earned by its engines running on hydrogen-rich fuel. To date, 55 generation modules have been put into operation, working a total of more than 2 million hours.

Caterpillar Solar Turbines Hydrogen Solutions

Caterpillar Solar Turbines are a reliable power source enabling entry into hydrogen technologies.

Solar continues to invest and grow by offering clean, safe and reliable power sources.

The manufacturer has developed mixing natural gas with hydrogen at a ratio of 4:1 in mains gas. Therefore, all of our turbines are designed to burn up to 20% hydrogen in the mixture, regardless of their design.

Caterpillar Gas Turbines can therefore run on hydrogen regardless of the type of combustion chamber. H₂ co-combustion units are equipped with both traditional combustion chambers and low-emission, proprietary SoLoNO_x™ chambers.   Adaptation of SoLoNO_x™  to operate only on H₂ will be completed by 2030. The hydrogen content of the fuel affects emission levels. For traditional combustion chambers, we estimate emissions based on fuel composition, for turbines operating with a SoLoNO chamber_x™  we guarantee emissions of 15 ppm NO_x for concentrations of up to 20% H₂.

Appropriate management of waste gases with a high concentration of hydrogen is a potential source of fuel for heat and power generation and reduction of the carbon footprint during the product manufacturing process. That’s why Solar Turbines offers a range of high-efficiency cogeneration solutions, doing everything possible to meet the requirements of its customers.

Example applications of H₂

 SoLoNO_x^{TM –} Do20%H₂ Traditional combustion chamber – up to 100% H₂

Refineries in the U.S., up to 20% H₂, Steelworks in China powered by COG waste gas, 65% H₂,

Chemical plants in Europe up to 20% H₂  propane dehydration plant in Belgium, 83% H2,

Refineries in the U.S., 37% H₂.

mail: jbigoszewski@eneria.pl

Written by: Jakub BIGOSZEWSKI

Gas Turbines Department Manager, Gas Turbines Expert