An illustration of a complete FlameSheet™ system from PSM 
A PSM FlameSheet™ system being installed on a Frame 7F turbine 
Automation system from ABB enables adaptation and optimization of the production cycle for the gas-hydrogen co-firing
Gas turbine power stations are a reliable and flexible guarantee of base load and peak load, while also helping to maintain grid stability where intermittent renewables have been and will be integrated in the power system.
Now a collaboration between ABB and PSM will utilize each company’s expertise to drive the evolution of gas turbine applications and combined cycle power plants. The collaboration highlights include:
- Retrofit technologies from PSM that enable industry leading capabilities in co-firing of natural gas and hydrogen in gas turbines and industrial plants, as well as options for greater operational flexibility, increased power output and improved efficiency;
- Upgrading existing control systems with automation from ABB that allows smooth adaptation and optimization of the production cycle of the entire plant for the gas-hydrogen co-firing.
“Over the years, large investments have been made in the existing gas turbine power stations and it’s therefore important for the power station operators to be able to extend the life of these assets and be part of the energy transition journey as a key player,” said Giorgio Tori, Global Segment Manager of Power Industries at ABB Energy Industries Service.
Enabling fuel-mix flexibility
“Our mission is to provide these existing power plants with operational upgrades today to provide higher peak outputs, faster starting and increased ramping capabilities needed to support the grid stability as more and more renewable generation sources continue to come on line. While doing that, we are also supporting them with alternative fuel capabilities as part of their decarbonization journey. This ensures that they are ready for the extended fuel flexibility challenges of tomorrow,” said Ian Summerside, Global Product Manager at PSM.
“Gas is expected to remain as one of the most important sources of energy in the energy transition. The solutions from PSM and ABB improve the performance of gas turbines and prepare them for reducing emissions and increasing fuel-mix flexibility. The solutions enable and help to control, for example, co-firing of natural gas and hydrogen, from a very small percentage up to 60 percent hydrogen mix today and even more in the future,” added Giorgio Tori.
Gradual transition
Currently there is not yet enough hydrogen available to add it to the fuel mix in full scale. According to Summerside there are, however, several power stations and industrial plants globally that have utilized PSM technology to enable the consumption of their available hydrogen without the need for additional exhaust gas treatments or additional water in the combustion cycle.
“The approach we offer allows operators to begin a gradual transition to hydrogen, while its availability and price are becoming economically viable to our customers. Together with ABB and their automation and control expertise, we can adapt and optimize the production cycle of the entire plant,” explained Summerside.
The collaboration was announced to the GTUsers 9FA/FB Gas Turbine community in September in Athens, Greece, in conjunction with their yearly user conference. The collaboration agreement was sealed in a witness signing ceremony at Gastech 2023 in Singapore.
