Cycle optimization and combustion analysis in a low-NOx micro-gas turbine

The authors discuss in this paper the potential of a method for NOx suppression from power plants based on microgas turbines. The method is based on the mild combustion concept but needs to be adapted to the actual operating parameters of the microturbine, thus resulting in an effective employment of the flue gas recirculation for diluting the oxygen in the inlet air. The results are first presented on a thermodynamic basis, and some cases are then analyzed with a computational fluid dynamics simulation. Both approaches suggest good perspectives for the nitric oxide control but also highlight some disadvantages in terms of increase in carbon species. Copyright © 2007 by ASME.