Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger, Ltd. (MHIET) has unveiled new hydrogen co-firing specifications for its KU Series gas engines, which are widely used in cogeneration systems across various industries. The engines, with an output range of 3.65 to 5.75 megawatts, can now operate with up to 50% hydrogen by volume, leveraging computational fluid dynamics and combustion reaction models to ensure stable combustion and address challenges such as knocking and pre-ignition.
The new specifications allow for flexible operation, enabling users to switch between natural gas and hydrogen co-firing modes based on fuel availability. This flexibility supports the gradual expansion of hydrogen use while maintaining performance equivalent to natural gas-only operations. New installations can begin with natural gas and later transition to hydrogen co-firing, aligning with the development of hydrogen infrastructure and contributing to CO2 emissions reduction.
Existing KU Series gas engines can be retrofitted for hydrogen co-firing with minimal modifications, enhancing their value and extending their operational life. The KU Diesel Engine (KU30A) can also be converted to support hydrogen co-firing, promoting the effective use of existing diesel equipment.
Gas engines are increasingly used for on-site power generation and grid stability support, with rising global electricity demand. By incorporating hydrogen co-firing, hydrogen-only firing, and e-methane utilization, these engines contribute to a low-carbon or decarbonized society. MHIET's initiatives, including previous hydrogen co-firing specifications for the GS6R2 engine, aim to expand hydrogen-capable models in their gas engine lineup, enhancing the value of distributed power generation systems.
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