Hanwha Power System Holdings U.S. Factory
Hanwha Power System Holdings is taking on the challenge of commercializing power generation technology that reduces carbon emissions to zero by running gas turbines only with hydrogen in 2027. Carbon emissions can be significantly reduced by simply solving problems such as flame control and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Currently, Hanwha possesses hydrogen co-firing technology that can mix up to 60% hydrogen with liquefied natural gas (LNG).
On the 10th (local time), we drove about 30 minutes north from Palm Beach, Florida, a famous resort area, and arrived at the headquarters of PSM, which was acquired by Hanwha in 2021. About 450 people, including research and development (R&D) personnel and engineers, work at PSM’s 14,800㎡ headquarters. The sound of cast iron clashing could be heard everywhere in the factory. Some employees were cutting out damaged parts from the blades (rotating blades) of an old gas turbine and processing them with a laser.
On the other hand, PSM’s self-developed gas turbine combustor ‘FlameSheet’ was packed and stacked in a wooden case for shipment. By replacing the gas turbine combustor of an existing power plant with a flame sheet, co-fired power generation by mixing hydrogen with LNG is possible. Any gas turbine manufacturer can use it.
Increasing the proportion of hydrogen instead of LNG reduces carbon emissions during the thermal power generation process. If 100% hydrogen is used as a raw material, no carbon is emitted. However, hydrogen ignites flames more than 8 times faster than LNG, making it difficult to control. If the combustor is not designed properly, the combustor will burn out or power generation will stop midway. There is also the task of maintaining NOx emissions instead of carbon below the standard (single digit ppm).
This year, Hanwha Power Systems succeeded in generating power by mixing up to 60% hydrogen by installing a flame sheet on an 80MW (megawatt) gas turbine. Carbon emissions were reduced by 22% compared to when LNG alone was used, and NOx emissions were below 6ppm. After the successful demonstration, collaboration proposals from global energy companies continued. Son Young-chang, CEO of Hanwha Power Systems, who met at PSM headquarters, explained, “We plan to demonstrate the application of 100% hydrogen at the Daesan plant in Korea within this year.”
PSM, established in 1999, holds more than 150 gas turbine-related patents. The company has been focusing on maintaining, repairing, and improving gas turbines for companies such as General Electric (GE), Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Power, and began a hydrogen co-firing power generation business in 2015. Hanwha Power System Holdings acquired Thomasen Energy of the Netherlands along with PSM to commercialize hydrogen power generation.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.