Numerical Simulation of Hydrogen-Blended Combustion in a Gas Turbine Can-Type Combustor

A study was conducted on the combustion and emission characteristics of a gas turbine fueled by natural gas at a high hydrogen-blending ratio. Based on the Reynolds stress model (RSM) and non-premixed combustion model, the impact of different hydrogen-blending ratios (volume fraction α_H2 =0—0.8, five groups in total) on the performance of a can-type combustor was analyzed under constant fuel mass flow. The results show that when the hydrogen-blending ratio increases to 0.8, the internal flow velocity of the combustor rises, but the area of the central recirculation zone is compressed. The maximum internal temperature, wall temperature, and outlet temperature of the combustor all increase, with the flame width in the central region expanding and the outlet temperature uniformity improving (outlet temperature distribution factor decreases by approximately 24%). CO₂ emissions are reduced by 36.95%, while H₂O and NO_x emissions increased significantly. This study can serve as a reference for the design and operation of hydrogen-blended gas turbines.