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UTSR Program History

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Laboratory (NETL) initiated the Advanced Turbine Systems (ATS) program in 1992. The South Carolina Institute for Energy Studies (SCIES) managed/coordinated this program for NETL since inception. The program was conceived by Clemson University under the leadership of Dr. Lawrence P. Golan. Though they have been updated, the original program supported the development of utility scale combined cycle power systems (>400 MW) and industrial scale turbines (<20 MW) with the following goals:

• High efficiency: greater than 60 percent for utility scale systems and 15 percent improvement in efficiency for
  industrial systems
• Ultra clean: nitrogen oxide emissions at less than 9 ppm, CO and UHC less than 20 ppm
• Economical: 10 percent decreased cost of electricity
• Fuel flexibility: primary focus on natural gas initially with clean gas from coal and biomass in the future

Development of these high efficiency, ultra clean turbine systems required significant advances in high temperature materials science, understanding of combustion phenomena, and innovative cooling techniques to maintain integrity of turbine components. Such necessary technology advancements are basic to the needs of the entire gas turbine industry. In 1992 the Advanced Gas Turbine Systems Research (AGTSR) consortium was encouraged by the DOE to use university research to accelerate basic turbine technology development, to provide non-proprietary research to support the ATS program, and to provide training in gas turbine technologies for U.S. students. Though the program name has changed in recent times (University Turbine Systems Research, UTSR), the central purpose of the program continues, but the technology emphasis has shifted to turbines operating with coal syngas and hydrogen (SGH) fuels.

UTSR Program Organization

UTSR activities have grown to encompass research, education, and technology transfer. Still true to its founding purpose the program has significantly matured from its inception in 1992. As funding agency for the program, the DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) operates in an advisory capacity to SCIES to provide overall review and program guidance. (for a listing of DOE/SCIES individuals who have contributed to the UTSR Program, click here) UTSR research is defined by an Industrial Review Board (IRB) and is conducted by Performing Member Universities. The membership of the IRB consists of:

BP
Clean Energy Systems
Duke Energy
EPRI
ExxonMobil
General Electric Company
Ingersoll Rand Energy Systems
Parker Hannifin Corporation
Pratt & Whitney/UTRC
Precision Combustion, Inc.
Siemens Power Generation
Solar Turbines, Inc.
Southern Company Services
Woodward FST

with GTI acting in an advisory role. Where mutual interest exists, UTSR coordinates activities with the national labs and other federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and NASA.

Gas turbine research needs defined by the IRB and the DOE are used for an annual Request for Proposal (RFP) that is released to the 111 member Performing Member Universities located in 42 of the 50 states. Proposals from the universities are reviewed by the IRB and awards made to the highest ranked proposals. Definition of research topics and selection of awards by the IRB keeps the research program relevant. Coordination with industry and review of the university project reports by the IRB companies also accelerates the technology transfer.

The UTSR uses workshops to further facilitate early discussion and release of research progress, promote interaction and teaming among research groups, and to assist in defining industry research needs. Personnel from industry, universities, and government attend these workshops. Numerous workshops and specialty meetings have been conducted by the UTSR in the areas of combustion, aerodynamics/heat transfer, and materials. When appropriate, the UTSR has also led specialty meetings.

The educational aspects of the UTSR included Faculty Fellowships and Industrial Fellowships. Nine Faculty Fellowships involved interactions with visits of faculty from UTSR Performing Member Universities to IRB companies. Short reports describing the faculty fellowship activities and results are available from the UTSR. One hundred sixty (187) Industrial Internships have involved work placement of students from UTSR Performing Member Universities at IRB companies for periods from 10 to 12 weeks. After graduation, most of the Interns have taken permanent positions in the gas turbine industry. The IRB companies consider the Industrial Fellowship program to be highly beneficial to their organizations.