SGT5-4000F Hydrogen Capability – High Pressure Combustion Rig Tests Part II

Gas turbines are expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid as renewable energy sources continue to grow but remain volatile. The Siemens Energy SGT5-4000F heavy-duty gas turbine fleet, with over 360 units in operation and more than 23 million accumulated operating hours, is one of the largest in the world. Efforts are now focused on minimizing the carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint of both the existing fleet and new units with the goal of a carbon-neutral future. The transition from pure natural gas to mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas to reduce CO2 emissions is an initial step in this direction. High-pressure combustion rig tests were conducted at the Siemens Energy Clean Energy center to assess the feasibility of higher hydrogen content in the SGT5-4000F gas turbine. Forced flashback tests were performed to establish robust hydrogen combustion limits for real-world engine applications. A flashback stability map was derived based on the test data. Theoretical considerations led to the definition of potential operation regimes with different risks of flashback for the SGT5-4000F. Complementary ignition tests showed that reliable ignition at high H2 content is feasible if ignition conditions are carefully chosen to avoid flame stabilization in the pilot burner. This paper summarizes the rig test results and defines the theoretical maximum hydrogen limitations of the SGT5-4000F combustion system. With the ability to operate at elevated H2 content, the SGT5-4000F can play a significant role in reducing the CO2 footprint of the energy sector.