Catalytic combustion system for a 10 MW class power generation gas turbine

In early 2000, GE Energy launched a program to develop a catalytic combustion system for one of its small power generation gas turbines, the GE10-1 engine. The target was to release to the market a new combustor able to guarantee NOx emissions lower than 2.5 ppmvd (referred to 15 vol.% O2). Today, a full-scale engine test campaign has been completed, during which measured NOx emissions were as low as 1 ppmvd in the 90–100% load range. The article is aimed to illustrate the developed technology and the results obtained. The combustion systemʹs configuration is briefly described, focusing on the XONON® catalyst module installed. Reported data show combustion systemʹs performances, mainly in terms of pollutant emissions and operability. Perspectives for future development of such combustion system are outlined.