Jeffrey Goldmeer

Invited article on the use hydrogen as a power generation fuel.

Article describing next-generation combustion technology that is being developed to allow gas turbines to operate on high hydrogen fuels while targeting natural gas turbine performance.

A section of the use of hydrogen as a fuel in gas turbines, including information on the physical differences between natural and hydrogen, and combustion system technology available for operating on natural gas and hydrogen blends.

The desire to reduce carbon emissions from traditional power generation assets is driving an increase in power production from renewables. However, an issue with large increases in renewable power generation is the lack of dispatchability; without adding storage or firming capability increases in renewables can strain a power grid. Gas turbines can be used to fill this gap, but there are questions about the long-term use
of these assets in a carbon-free energy ecosystem.

An advantage… Show more

The desire to reduce carbon emissions from traditional power generation assets is driving an increase in power production from renewables. However, an issue with large increases in renewable power generation is the lack of dispatchability; without adding storage or firming capability increases in renewables can strain a power grid. Gas turbines can be used to fill this gap, but there are questions about the long-term use
of these assets in a carbon-free energy ecosystem.

An advantage for gas turbines is that they are able to operate on hydrogen, which does not provide any carbon emissions when combusted.This includes both new gas turbine and existing units which can be converted to operation on a high H2 fuel.

This paper provides an update on how gas turbines can support a low or reduced carbon electrical grid by operating on a wide varietyof lower carbon fuels, including current hydrogen capabilities of GE gas turbines, requirements for upgrading existing turbines for operation on hydrogen fuels, and potential future technology options Show less

The world is currently undergoing a shift in the power industry with an increase in the amount of electrical power being generated from natural gas. This is being driven, in part, by the increase in availability of natural gas derived from shale gas and the reduction in global natural gas prices. In parallel, there is a second trend; a shift of new gas turbines installations to higher efficiency F and HA-class gas turbine combined cycle platforms. Supporting these industry trends, GE’s… Show more

The world is currently undergoing a shift in the power industry with an increase in the amount of electrical power being generated from natural gas. This is being driven, in part, by the increase in availability of natural gas derived from shale gas and the reduction in global natural gas prices. In parallel, there is a second trend; a shift of new gas turbines installations to higher efficiency F and HA-class gas turbine combined cycle platforms. Supporting these industry trends, GE’s DLN 2.6+ combustion system, which is available for the 7F, 9F, 7HA, and 9HA gas turbines offers a high degree of operational and fuel flexibility. The latest evolution of this combustion technology for GE’s 7F gas turbines has been commissioned on 25 units, including new units and upgrades to existing turbines. The increased fuel and operational flexibility of this system is aided by GE’s advanced control systems that includes a high fidelity digital twin. This paper details recent developments of the DLN 2.6+ combustion system as well as validation examples for both the DLN 2.6+ and the digital twin controls system. Show less

Gas turbines are used extensively throughout the world as an efficient and relatively clean source of electricity for utility and industrial processes. Many utility companies take advantage of the multiple fuel capabilities of gas turbines and select an alternative fuel for power generation. This was the case of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Water and Power Authority (WAPA) in selecting the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for use in a set of existing gas turbines. Partnering with… Show more

Gas turbines are used extensively throughout the world as an efficient and relatively clean source of electricity for utility and industrial processes. Many utility companies take advantage of the multiple fuel capabilities of gas turbines and select an alternative fuel for power generation. This was the case of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Water and Power Authority (WAPA) in selecting the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for use in a set of existing gas turbines. Partnering with the Vitol Virgin Islands Corp (Vitol), a plan was developed to import LPG to the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas to use in existing GE gas turbines. In this paper, GE, Vitol and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority will provide details on this ground breaking power project. Show less

The functional objective of any power plant is to produce electricity at the lowest cost possible. This is primarily determined by the operational cost of the fuel consumed. Hence, it is paramount to end users that the energy infrastructure installed provides the greatest fuel flexibility with respect to the composition thresholds and rate of change limits. Drivers for this capability are the expertise, equipment, and experience provided by an OEM to advance the state of the art in gas… Show more

The functional objective of any power plant is to produce electricity at the lowest cost possible. This is primarily determined by the operational cost of the fuel consumed. Hence, it is paramount to end users that the energy infrastructure installed provides the greatest fuel flexibility with respect to the composition thresholds and rate of change limits. Drivers for this capability are the expertise, equipment, and experience provided by an OEM to advance the state of the art in gas turbine technologies.

Plant value can be enhanced when gas turbines are capable of operating on alternative fuels that can have elevated levels of inert, heavier hydrocarbon content, or exhibit high variation in composition over a short duration. This is also true when gas turbines are capable of operating on a variety of lower cost liquid fuels.

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the current technology landscape and recent developments of GE’s Gas Power Systems gas turbine product portfolio, which includes both aeroderivative and heavy-duty gas turbines. It is through these recent developments that gas turbines present an opportunity to redefine the vertical integration into end user applications for power generation and mechanical drive. Fuel capability enables new applications of turbines in plant designs and access of new opportunities previously unobtainable. Show less

Gas turbines are used extensively throughout the world as an
efficient and relatively clean source of electricity and power for
utility, industrial and refinery processes. Natural gas is typically the
fuel of choice for most installations because of its availability, low
cost, combustibility and low emissions. However, outside of the
United States many countries have limited natural gas reserves
requiring them to use alternative fuels for power generation.
A common natural… Show more

Gas turbines are used extensively throughout the world as an
efficient and relatively clean source of electricity and power for
utility, industrial and refinery processes. Natural gas is typically the
fuel of choice for most installations because of its availability, low
cost, combustibility and low emissions. However, outside of the
United States many countries have limited natural gas reserves
requiring them to use alternative fuels for power generation.
A common natural gas alternative in many parts of the world
is liquefied natural gas (LNG), which has carried a price many
times higher than natural gas in the USA. The search for suitable
alternatives has led to projects that may operate on a variety of
fuels, including lean methane, non-methane hydrocarbons, crude
oil, and syngas. The category of non-methane hydrocarbons now
includes ethane and propane, which are becoming available in
suitable quantities due to shale gas production in the USA. Both
ethane and propane can be used for power generation, and with
the recent announcements of ethane export terminals in the USA,
there is now an option for exporting ethane as an LNG alternative
for power generation. GE’s combustion technology allows our
gas turbines to operate on fuels with varying levels of ethane and
propane, which could have significant impact on plant economics. Show less

2014 Power-Gen International Paper of the Year

Abstract: Heavy liquid fuels, such as crude oil or heavy fuel oil can be used for power generation, but these ash-bearing fuels are traditionally only used on E-class turbines, in part because of the high levels of metal contaminants. However, some crude oils have the potential to be used in F-class turbines. One particular crude oil, Arabian Super Light (ASL), has the potential to be used as a fuel on a heavy-duty gas turbine as ASL has… Show more

2014 Power-Gen International Paper of the Year

Abstract: Heavy liquid fuels, such as crude oil or heavy fuel oil can be used for power generation, but these ash-bearing fuels are traditionally only used on E-class turbines, in part because of the high levels of metal contaminants. However, some crude oils have the potential to be used in F-class turbines. One particular crude oil, Arabian Super Light (ASL), has the potential to be used as a fuel on a heavy-duty gas turbine as ASL has unique properties relative to other crude oils, including low levels of vanadium. This paper presents a case study in GE’s fuel evaluation process using the ASL as an example of the steps required to validate a new fuel for use in a gas turbine. Show less

Global trends in natural gas and distillate oil prices and availability continue to influence decisions on power generation fuel choice. In some regions, heavy liquids are being selected as gas turbine fuels. One particular crude oil, Arabian Super Light (ASL), has the potential to be used as a primary or back-up fuel in F-class heavy duty gas turbines. This paper presents the results of a set of tests performed on ASL to determine the potential of using it in a Dry Low NOx (DLN) combustion… Show more

Global trends in natural gas and distillate oil prices and availability continue to influence decisions on power generation fuel choice. In some regions, heavy liquids are being selected as gas turbine fuels. One particular crude oil, Arabian Super Light (ASL), has the potential to be used as a primary or back-up fuel in F-class heavy duty gas turbines. This paper presents the results of a set of tests performed on ASL to determine the potential of using it in a Dry Low NOx (DLN) combustion system for operation in an F-class gas turbine. Show less

GE believes that thorough combustion testing is the key to confident validation of a gas turbine offering about to enter the field. The jewel in its crown is the Greenville laboratory complex where combustion components are subjected to a rigorous real world testing regime that performs a vital performance development function as well as flagging up potential weaknesses in the design.

GE has developed a system that allows a hydrogen and natural gas fuel blend to be burned in a 7FA Gas Turbine. This article provides a summary of the development and operational experience for this system.

A brief review of the capability of GE gas turbines to operate on high hydrogen fuels, which is an enabling technology for a cleaner coal power solution.

With options to suit a range of applications and decades invested in their development, General Electric’s range of 9F turbines have evolved to become an effective, adaptable heavy-duty unit for gas fired applications. This article provides a summary of the evolution of this turbine platform.

The global energy landscape is experiencing major changes as
current economic issues evolve. There is worldwide pressure to
secure and make more gas and oil available to support global
power needs. With constrained fuel sources and increasing
environmental focus, the quest for higher efficiency and lower
emissions targets in the context of security over fuel supplies
seems straightforward. As Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC)
plants provide very high efficiency, there will… Show more

The global energy landscape is experiencing major changes as
current economic issues evolve. There is worldwide pressure to
secure and make more gas and oil available to support global
power needs. With constrained fuel sources and increasing
environmental focus, the quest for higher efficiency and lower
emissions targets in the context of security over fuel supplies
seems straightforward. As Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC)
plants provide very high efficiency, there will be increasing demand
for natural gas, which will continue the push for increased
availability of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). At the same time,
countries will continue to look at available natural resources,
such as liquid fuels and coal, as ways to increase energy stability
and security.

Solutions for reducing CO2 emissions can be as simple as
leveraging increasing energy conversion efficiency or switching
to more carbon neutral fuels. Finally, these pressures are drivers
for many industries and refiners to examine the potential inherent
value within process off-gases or process waste streams as a way
to maintain or reduce energy operating expenses for themselves
and regional power generators.

This paper focuses on the role that gas turbines play in this
changing environment that requires greater flexibility to burn
a wider range of fuels, which is a crucial factor to the next
generation of gas turbine power plants. Leveraging more
than 50 years of fuel experience, GE has developed gas turbine
technology that is proven and a more efficient alternative to other
technologies, while burning the widest range of alternative gas and
liquid fuel. Show less

Gas turbine fuel flexibility is becoming an increasingly important global issue. The global power sector is being driven by a complex assembly of customer economics, environmental concerns and global political uncertainties to look at cost-effective gas and liquid fuel alternatives without sacrificing plant efficiency and emissions characteristics. In this climate, fuel flexibility includes natural gas, but also expands to non-traditional fuels. GE's extensive experience with natural gas… Show more

Gas turbine fuel flexibility is becoming an increasingly important global issue. The global power sector is being driven by a complex assembly of customer economics, environmental concerns and global political uncertainties to look at cost-effective gas and liquid fuel alternatives without sacrificing plant efficiency and emissions characteristics. In this climate, fuel flexibility includes natural gas, but also expands to non-traditional fuels. GE's extensive experience with natural gas, industrial and syngas fuels, as well as biofuels segments are surveyed. Show less

Power generation plants have to be increasingly flexible in the range of fuel that they burn, which means that gas turbines have an important role to play.

A key application for a Pulse detonation engine concept is envisioned as a hybrid engine, which replaces the combustor in a conventional gas turbine with a pulse detonation combustor (PDC). A limit-cycle model, based on quasi-unsteady computational fluid dynamics simulations, was developed to estimate the performance of a pressure-rise PDC in a hybrid engine to power a subsonic engine core. The parametric space considered for simulations of the PDC operation includes the mechanical compression… Show more

A key application for a Pulse detonation engine concept is envisioned as a hybrid engine, which replaces the combustor in a conventional gas turbine with a pulse detonation combustor (PDC). A limit-cycle model, based on quasi-unsteady computational fluid dynamics simulations, was developed to estimate the performance of a pressure-rise PDC in a hybrid engine to power a subsonic engine core. The parametric space considered for simulations of the PDC operation includes the mechanical compression or the flight conditions that determine the inlet pressure and the inlet temperature conditions, fill fraction, and purge fraction. The PDC cycle process time scales, including the overall operating frequency, were determined via limit-cycle simulations. The methodology for the estimation of the performance of the PDC considers the unsteady effects of PDC operation. These metrics include a ratio of time-averaged exit total pressure to inlet total pressure and a ratio of mass-averaged exit total enthalpy to inlet total enthalpy. This information can be presented as a performance map for the PDC, which was then integrated into a system-level cycle analysis model, using GATECYCLE, to estimate the propulsive performance of the hybrid engine. Three different analyses were performed. The first was a validation of the model against published data for a specific impulse. The second examined the performance of a PDC versus a traditional Brayton cycle for a fixed combustor exit temperature; the results show an increased efficiency of the PDC relative to the Brayton cycle. The third analysis performed was a detailed parametric study of varying engine conditions to examine the performance of the hybrid engine. The analysis has shown that increasing the purge fraction, which can reduce the overall PDC exit temperature, can simultaneously provide small increases in the overall system efficiency. Show less

Experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of a point-diffraction interferometry (PDI) system to measure gas-phase temperatures in flames. PDI is an interferometric technique that creates the reference beam after the laser beam passes through the test section and directly provides the index of refraction in two dimensions. PDI-based temperature measurements were compared with thermocouple measurements of two-dimensional and axisymmetric thermal boundary layers, as well as… Show more

Experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of a point-diffraction interferometry (PDI) system to measure gas-phase temperatures in flames. PDI is an interferometric technique that creates the reference beam after the laser beam passes through the test section and directly provides the index of refraction in two dimensions. PDI-based temperature measurements were compared with thermocouple measurements of two-dimensional and axisymmetric thermal boundary layers, as well as two-dimensional and axisymmetric diffusion flames. The PDI system provided excellent agreement in the measurement of thermal profiles in the boundary layers and was within the uncertainties that are due to the radiation corrections for the thermocouple-based flame temperature measurements.

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Combustion and extinction behavior of a diffusion flame over polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylinders during depressurization in low gravity are examined experimentally and via numerical simulations. Low-gravity conditions were obtained using the NASA Lewis Research Center’s reduced-gravity aircraft. Effects of reduced pressure and transient depressurization on the visible flame are examined. The flammability of the burning solid is determined as a function of pressure and solid phase center… Show more

Combustion and extinction behavior of a diffusion flame over polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylinders during depressurization in low gravity are examined experimentally and via numerical simulations. Low-gravity conditions were obtained using the NASA Lewis Research Center’s reduced-gravity aircraft. Effects of reduced pressure and transient depressurization on the visible flame are examined. The flammability of the burning solid is determined as a function of pressure and solid phase center temperature at constant velocity; as the solid-phase temperature increases, the extinction pressure decreases. The numerical model assumes a two-dimensional model with a quasi-steady gas phase and an unsteady solid phase. A parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of forced flow, heating of the solid phase, and depressurization rates on the extinction boundary. One case with conditions similar to the low-gravity aircraft experiments is presented in detail. The predicted extinction boundaries from the parametric study are quasi-steady in nature and could be relevant to the International Space Station’s fire fighting scenario.

Show less

Combustion and extinction behavior of a diffusion flame over polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylinders during depressurization in low gravity are examined experimentally and via numerical simulations. Low-gravity conditions were obtained using the NASA Lewis Research Center's reduced-gravity aircraft. Effects of reduced pressure and transient depressurization on the visible flame are examined. The flammability of the burning solid is determined as a function of pressure and solid phase center… Show more

Combustion and extinction behavior of a diffusion flame over polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylinders during depressurization in low gravity are examined experimentally and via numerical simulations. Low-gravity conditions were obtained using the NASA Lewis Research Center's reduced-gravity aircraft. Effects of reduced pressure and transient depressurization on the visible flame are examined. The flammability of the burning solid is determined as a function of pressure and solid phase center temperature at constant velocity; as the solid-phase temperature increases, the extinction pressure decreases. The numerical model assumes a two-dimensional model with a quasi-steady gas phase and an unsteady solid phase. A parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of forced flow, heating of the solid phase, and depressurization rates on the extinction boundary. One case with conditions similar to the low-gravity aircraft experiments is presented in detail. The predicted extinction boundaries from the parametric study are quasi-steady in nature and could be relevant to the International Space Station's fire-fighting scenario. Show less

A section on the use of hydrogen as a gas turbine fuel as part of a broader chapter on hydrogen storage. This was published in a book on energy storage systems.

I co-authored a section on the use of hydrogen as a gas turbine fuel.