The main goal of Work Package 1 (WP1) is to investigate and enhance the performance of a coupled powertrain consisting of hydrogen-powered fuel cells and gas turbine combustors. To achieve this, PEM fuel cells will be studied with high-fidelity simulations and 1D modelling at both cell and system level. In parallel, large-eddy simulations are being used to analyse the impact of fuel temperature and water injection on the combustor’s performance/emissions.
Ergon Research has completed a literature review on fuel cells, addressing both the current state-of-the-art and emerging trends, with a focus on cell technology, system design, and thermal management strategies. This was followed by the initiation of a validation phase using established literature data.
Delft University of Technology, meanwhile, has conducted a literature review to identify a suitable reaction mechanism for hydrogen-air combustion at moderate to very low-temperature conditions. Preliminary 1D calculations have been performed, along with large-eddy simulations of a model trapped-vortex combustor.
Looking ahead, the next phase of WP1 will involve critical activities aimed at advancing the project. Ergon Research will complete the validation phase at cell and system levels. This will pave the way for the characterisation and optimisation of the fuel cell’s channels and system with various geometries, layouts, and conditions. TU Delft will focus on performing high fidelity simulation on a scaled-up combustion system with trapped vortex, where the fuel injection temperature and strain will be changed with the objective to evaluate their effectiveness in altering the ratio between turbulence and combustion time scales. This in turns will allow to have better control of the rich-premixed combustion within the cavity.
More updates will follow in the upcoming weeks as we continue to make progress on the other work packages. Stay tuned for further developments and insights into our ongoing efforts.
[Figure: “Large-eddy simulation of the trapped-vortex combustor.” Credits: Dr. B. Kruljevic]
