Experimental Characterization of a Micro Gas Turbine Fueled by Ammonia-Natural Gas Blends

Abstract Given the need to decarbonize the current energy production sector, to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, innovative fuels are gaining increasing attention. In this context, ammonia represents a promising carbon-free energy carrier that can be used in energy storage, agriculture, transportation, and power conversion. This study focuses on an experimental analysis of a micro gas turbine (mGT) powered by various blends of natural gas and ammonia. The plant was developed within the framework of the FLEXnCONFU (FLEXiblize Combined Cycle Power Plants through Power-to-X Solutions using Non-CONventional Fuels) European project and is located at the Innovative Energy Systems laboratory of the University of Genoa. In this paper, the test rig, including the mGT retrofitting, fuel mixing system, and injection lines, is fully described, along with all the instrumentation required for control, measurement, and safety. The experimental campaign was conducted using different ammonia contents in the fuel blend at different mGT loads. The main operating mGT data (e.g., rotational speed, mass flow rate, injection pressure, turbine inlet, and outlet temperatures) that were acquired during the tests are presented and discussed. The measured results were used to develop an mGT performance map, which demonstrates the benefits of using ammonia in terms of total power production and CO2 reduction.