Advanced, Real-Time, Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Natural Gas Blend Fuel Composition Sensor Topic 21a

Statement of the Problem or Situation that is Being Addressed
The introduction of hydrogen as a fuel into gas turbine power plants will reduce carbon emissions, yet real-time measurement of fuel composition to optimize the combustion process is required to target state-of-the-art performance efficiencies and pollutant emissions.
Statement of How This Problem or Situation is Being Addressed
In the proposed project, we will develop a sensor capable of measuring hydrogen concentrations in a high-pressure, high-temperature, blended natural gas-hydrogen gas fuel stream. The sensor will be developed to accommodate blends of hydrogen from a few percent and up to 100%. GE has offered their support in Phase I and will help to provide industry-level requirements for the sensor. We also have the support of NevadaNano, and they have expressed interest in a strong Phase I/II and commercial partnership.
What is to be done in Phase I?
In the Phase I project, we will investigate the performance of a commercially available sensor and assess key performance metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, and drift among others under simulated environmental conditions. Sensor modifications will be made to increase performance, and a development path will be outlined for Phase II to meet the application requirements. The results of these tests will drive the Phase II system specifications and the conceptual design, to be developed in Phase I and refined/completed in Phase II. Finally, in preparation for Phase II, we will continue to garner interest from GE and work with them to outline the path toward a full-scale demonstration in a gas turbine test bench near the end of Phase II.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits
The fundamental sensor technology developed herein may be applied to numerous commercial applications including chemical processes, refineries, fuel cell reformers, and fuel cell electric vehicles which either indirectly or directly benefit the public. Similarly, with some modifications this technology is applicable to existing natural gas pipeline networks which may be blended with hydrogen gas in the future. With safety as a primary concern, accurate and fieldable hydrogen monitoring sensors will be required to assist with integrity management of the pipeline infrastructure.