ACGT 2022: Advancing Gas Turbine Technology for a Net-Zero Future

The Asian Congress on Gas Turbines (ACGT) 2022, held from August 24 to 26 at Gangneung-Wonju National University in Gangneung, Korea, was a pivotal event in the field of gas turbine technology. Operating under the theme "The Role of Gas Turbines toward Net Zero," the congress served as a hybrid conference, accommodating both in-person and virtual attendees to foster a comprehensive exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Keynote Speakers and Their Contributions

The congress featured a lineup of distinguished keynote speakers who provided deep insights into various aspects of gas turbine technology and its role in achieving net-zero emissions:

Dr. Seung Joo Choe: As the Director of the R&D Center for Future Green Technology at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Dr. Choe delivered a keynote on "Carbon-Free Electricity for Net-Zero Korea." His presentation highlighted innovative strategies and technological advancements aimed at decarbonizing Korea's electricity sector, emphasizing the integration of gas turbines with renewable energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality.

Dr. Katsuya Morimoto: Serving as the Technology Group Manager in the Hydrogen Strategy Division at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Japan, Dr. Morimoto discussed the "International Liquefied Hydrogen Supply Chain." He elaborated on the development of a global supply chain for liquefied hydrogen, focusing on its implications for gas turbine operations and the broader energy landscape.

Dr. Ravikanth Avancha: As the Technology Manager of Aerothermal Sciences at GE Research in India, Dr. Avancha's keynote titled "Role of GT towards net-zero emissions" explored the advancements in gas turbine technology aimed at reducing emissions. He emphasized the importance of aerothermal research in enhancing turbine efficiency and contributing to global net-zero goals.

Prof. Xiaoyi Zhang: A professor at the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) in China, Prof. Zhang presented on "Improving the Operational Flexibility of Heavy-duty Gas Turbines." His talk focused on strategies to enhance the adaptability of heavy-duty gas turbines to varying energy demands, which is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid.

Diverse Topics and Technical Sessions

ACGT 2022 encompassed a broad spectrum of topics pertinent to gas turbine technology. The technical sessions were meticulously organized to cover areas including:

Aerodynamics: Discussions centered on the latest research in turbine blade design, airflow optimization, and computational fluid dynamics to improve turbine performance.rnCombustion, Fuel, and Emissions: Sessions addressed advancements in combustion technologies, alternative fuels, and strategies to minimize emissions, aligning with global environmental standards.

Control, Diagnostics, and Instrumentation: Presentations highlighted innovations in monitoring and control systems that enhance turbine reliability and efficiency through advanced diagnostics and instrumentation.

Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics: Researchers shared findings on thermal management, heat transfer enhancement, and thermodynamic cycles aimed at improving overall turbine efficiency.

Innovative Clean/Renewable Energy: Explorations into the integration of gas turbines with renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, and the role of turbines in a sustainable energy future were key focal points.

Structure and Dynamics: Studies on the structural integrity, vibration analysis, and dynamic behavior of turbine components were presented to ensure longevity and safe operation.

Materials and Metallurgy: Advancements in high-temperature materials, coatings, and additive manufacturing techniques were discussed to enhance turbine durability and performance.

Applications and Maintenance: Case studies and best practices in turbine applications across various industries, along with maintenance strategies to optimize operational efficiency, were shared among participants.

Hybrid Conference Format and Accessibility

In response to the global circumstances of 2022, ACGT adopted a hybrid format, allowing participants to engage both onsite and online. This approach ensured inclusivity, enabling a wider audience to access the wealth of knowledge shared during the congress. The virtual platform and web proceedings were made available to registered participants, providing access to recorded sessions and presentation materials.

Sponsorship and Support

The success of ACGT 2022 was bolstered by the generous support of various sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors: Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. and Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd.

Silver Sponsors: Hanwha Power Systems Co., Ltd., Siemens Energy, and GE Gas Power.

Bronze Sponsors: Mitsubishi Power and Durr Korea, Inc.

Their contributions were instrumental in facilitating the event and advancing the discourse on gas turbine technology.

Organizing and Supporting Societies

ACGT 2022 was organized by the Korean Society for Fluid Machinery (KSFM), with support from the Gas Turbine Society of Japan (GTSJ), the Chinese Society of Engineering Thermophysics (CSET), and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). This collaboration among leading institutions underscored the congress's commitment to fostering international cooperation in gas turbine research and development.

Conclusion

The Asian Congress on Gas Turbines 2022 marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. By bringing together experts from across Asia and beyond, the congress facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and advancements in gas turbine technology. The insights and collaborations fostered during this event are poised to play a crucial role in steering the industry toward a net-zero future.