Sessions at ASME Turbo Expo 2012 to Examine Alternative Fuels in Gas Turbines

NEW YORK, March 6, 2012 – Speakers at the upcoming ASME Turbo Expo 2012 will explore ways in which engineers are coming together to find solutions to some of the most critical issues facing our planet, including efforts to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants in gas turbines.

Presentations at the conference to open June 11 in Copenhagen, Denmark, will explore the use of alternative fuels – chiefly biofuels – in gas turbines ranging from stationary power systems to aviation engines. Other presentations at ASME Turbo Expo will cover wind power, as engineers and research scientists step to the forefront in the global push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In one paper at the conference, a group of researchers at National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece, will assess the performance of algae and other biomass fuels in a helicopter. Using advanced computer models, the researchers have been able to simulate the effect of the biomass on fuel flow, rotor speed, vertical climb and descent, landing, and other engine parameters.

"Worldwide air traffic is predicted to grow at a rate of 4-5 percent per year, and carbon dioxide emissions from aviation will be nearly six times the current level by 2050," say the researchers in explaining the significance of their studies.

On the ground, engineers are experimenting with the use of vegetable oils, wood, methanol, and other alternative fuels in micro-turbines and also large-scale stationary power systems. A research team at the Institute of Combustion Technology in Stuttgart, Germany is scheduled to report at Turbo Expo on the performance of biomass fuel in a micro-turbine, presenting analysis on ignition, flame speeds, burning velocities, and other variables.

In addition, Swedish researchers will present "Efficient Operation of a Gas Turbine on Methanol Using Chemical Recuperation," examining a micro-turbine retrofitted with a methanol decomposer.

"Environmental and political concerns are pushing for a fuel shift in the power industry," notes the three-person research team in the Department of Energy Sciences of Lund University, Lund, Sweden. The researchers believe methanol, which is easily stored and requires only moderate modifications to the gas turbine, represents a good candidate as an alternative fuel.

ASME Turbo Expo – Turbine Technical Conference and Exposition will combine a technical program, equipment exhibit, keynote session, facility tours, continuing education workshops, and other activities. In addition to alternative fuels, ASME Turbo Expo 2012 will cover engine design, materials, fans and blowers, cogeneration, and combustion diagnostics, among other topics. Presentations will focus on the latest advances in research, experimentation, and system applications. The conference will be held June 11-15, at the Bella Center.

For more information on ASME Turbo Expo 2012, visit the Web site at www.turboexpo.org or contact the ASME International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI) at 404-847-0072.

IGTI, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., supports the exchange of information focused on improving the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance, and environmental impact of gas turbines, turbo-machinery, and related equipment.

About ASME ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. For more information visit www.asme.org