An Experimentally Verified NOx Emission Model for Gas Turbine Combustors

Abstract

An analytical model has been developed to simulate the thermal NOx emission processes in various gas turbine combustors for a variety of fuels. The NOx emissions predicted by the model are in excellent agreement with available laboratory and field data. Its capability to simulate the water injection process accurately has been demonstrated previously. Comprehensive understanding of the NOx emission processes in gas turbine combustors has been gained through the current analytical studies. NOx emissions as influenced by ambient humidity, changes in combustor geometry, type of fuel used and changes in operating parameters can now be evaluated quantitatively through a priori prediction and have been verified by available laboratory and field data. The analytical model has also been demonstrated to be a powerful guidance tool in directing the experimental testing program in an effort to reduce NOx emissions from gas turbine combustors.