MODELING OF CATALYTIC COMBUSTORS FOR GAS-TURBINE APPLICATIONS

In this work a lumped parameter model is applied to analyse relevant aspects in operation and design of monolith catalytic combustors for gas turbine applications. The effects of operating variables (i.e. fuel inlet concentration, gas flow rate and pressure) on catalytic combustor behaviour are addressed. Guide-lines are established for the catalyst activity required for good performances of the catalytic combustor, With particular emphasis on the hybrid configuration. Finally the advantages of a graded cell monolith configuration are rationalized by analyzing the individual and combined effects of cell opening and geometry and monolith segmentation.