Developing advanced turbine and heat engine technology for integrated gasification combined cycles (IGCC), natural gas combined cycles (NGCC), sCO2-based power cycles, modular heat engines (syngas, natural gas & hydrogen), and steam turbines in pursuit of higher efficiency, lower costs, and lower emissions.
The NETL Advanced Turbines Program manages a research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) portfolio designed to enable a carbon-free electricity sector and promote environmental justice by developing revolutionary, near-zero-emission advanced turbines technologies. In response to the Nation’s increasing power supply challenges, NETL is researching next-generation turbine technology with the goal of producing reliable, affordable, diverse, and environmentally friendly energy supplies.NET L is also committed to enabling the use of hydrogen in gas turbines to facilitate a future carbon-free electric power industry. Program and project emphasis is on understanding the underlying factors affecting combustion, aerodynamics/heat transfer, and materials for advanced turbines and turbine-based power cycles.
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Research addresses component development for turbine systems fueled with various fuels, including hydrogen, syngas and natural gas in both simple and combined cycle applications. Topic areas include improved combustor designs to reduce NOx emissions, novel cooling schemes and thermal barrier coatings to protect first-stage turbine blades from higher turbine inlet temperatures, sensor development, and aerothermal studies to enhance overall thermal efficiency.
Research is focused on developing turbine technology for sCO2-based power cycles that are applicable to various applications, including gasification-based plants. Topic areas include fundamental design studies to improve performance, systems analysis studies and technoeconomic analyses, and live experimental tests to accelerate commercialization.
Current research assesses the potential benefit of PGC systems when used with gas turbines in both simple and combined cycles. Researchers are focused on combustion control strategies and fundamental understanding of pressure wave-flame interaction and lab-scale testing/component prototyping for integration with gas turbine engines.
Steam Turbines
Research and development focus on improving plant performance and adding load-following capabilities by improving turbines in steam-based power cycles. Topic areas include advanced manufacturing techniques that reduce cost, advanced maintenance techniques, and overall efficiency improvements.
Research focuses on developing novel modular hybrid heat engines, based on gas turbine technology , that have the potential to offer cleaner, more efficient, and better load-following capabilities than existing competing technologies.
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NETL implements this effort as part of DOE’s Advanced Energy Systems Program.
Advanced Combustion Turbines 
Turbomachinery for Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles
Pressure Gain Combustion 
Modular Hybrid Heat Engines
