Experimental Investigation of Ammonia as a Gas Turbine Engine Fuel

Two types of ammonia combustion systems were developed and engine tested. One system was similar to a conventional hydrocarbon can combustor, except that a much larger combustor volume was necessary to increase residence time and compensate for the reduced fuel flammability. The other system incorporated an oxidizing catalyst bed, integral with the combustor, as a means of increasing fuel reaction rate and reducing combustor volume. A control system was developed to maintain constant catalyst bed temperature by regulating combustion air/fuel ratio. Combustor efficiencies obtained were comparable with equivalent hydrocarbon combustors.