FRETSGATE will develop a novel optical temperature and pressure sensor with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from UK power generation by >1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) through efficiency gains. Gas Turbines (GTs) for power generation produce >40% of UK electricity and 81mtpa of CO2. Combustion control is key to radically improving GT efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions, yet little high performance instrumentation is available for the harsh conditions. This is currently addressed by running engines with wide safety margins leading to combustion conditions not optimised for efficiency. FRETSGATE leverages the consortiums knowledge, skills and technology base to develop high speed sensors for real time combustion monitoring. The project will develop an optical sensor head and matching interrogator. The system will be developed through proof of concept to a technology demonstrator suitable for testing in realistic environments (e.g. engine test beds).
