Scientific insights into H2 combustion under elevated pressure conditions

InsigH2t aims to advance the current scientific understanding regarding the effect of pressure on the turbulent burning rate, thermoacoustic response, and emissions performance of premixed hydrogen flames under relevant gas-turbines operating conditions. Hydrogen, with its high diffusivity and reactivity, poses significant challenges to its clean and efficient utilisation as a fuel in gas-turbines, due to the lack of understanding of its pressure-dependent turbulent burning rate, crucial for combustion stability in gas-turbines operation. InsigH2t leverages high-pressure experimental measurements, featuring advanced optical diagnostics, coupled to cutting-edge direct numerical simulations, focusing on a selection of simple canonical flames that are paradigms of more complex industrial burner geometries and configurations. The fundamental insights gained will facilitate the development of advanced models and enhanced design tools, empowering industrial OEMs to reduce the significant development time and costs of hydrogen combustion technologies. By leveraging science-based predictive capabilities, InsigH2t aims to accelerate the deployment of clean, reliable, and efficient hydrogen-fired gas turbines. The project's impact extends beyond scientific understanding, addressing directly relevant industry challenges. Crucially, the involvement of two gas turbine OEMs ensures full alignment with the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda of the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, facilitating the swift transfer of improved combustion methodologies and understanding towards application in operational power plants. Ultimately, InsigH2t's contributions align fully with the objectives of the EU Green Deal, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and offering a tangible pathway towards a more sustainable energy future.