Natural Gas–Hydrogen Blends to Power: Equipment Adaptation and Experimental Study

An experimental study was devised to assess the technical, environmental, and economic impact of incorporating hydrogen into natural gas. The experimental tests were conducted on a GUNT ET 792 demonstration unit, characterized by operating on a gas cycle in a twin-shaft configuration. The equipment was adapted to accommodate natural gas and mixtures of natural gas with hydrogen in volumetric fractions of 5%, 10%, and 20%. The tests carried out ensured the viability of using these mixtures from a safety perspective. On the other hand, it was possible to evaluate the main differences in the use of these fuel gases in terms of the temperatures and pressures that characterize the main points of the gas cycle, fuel injection pressures, air/fuel ratios, excess air, power output, overall cycle efficiencies, NOX and CO2 emissions, and operational cost.