Investigating the Effects of Turbulence and Pre-mixed Air/Methane Fuel Combustion on the Performance of a Miniature Gas Turbine: Computer Numerical Simulation (OR-16-016)

Stationary gas turbines used in industrial applications can be run using pre-mixed air/fuel systems. Though pre-mixed air/fuel systems are widely established, research continues to further develop the efficiency of such engines. This paper uses computer numerical simulation in analyzing the effects of the pre-mixed air/fuel composition on the performance of a miniature gas turbine. The composition of the fuel-air pre-mixture was varied, results were recorded and compared. Effects on turbulence intensity in the combustion zone for various pre-mixed air/fuel compositions were monitored and compared. The analysis has shown that performance can be optimized with an optimal air/fuel pre-mixture, and that this optimal performance coincides with peak turbulence intensity at the combustion chamber downstream of the pre-mixed air/fuel injectors.