Asian Congress on Gas Turbines 2022: Pioneering the Path to Net Zero

Introduction

The Asian Congress on Gas Turbines 2022 (ACGT2022) convened from August 24 to 26, 2022, at Gangneung-Wonju National University in Gangneung, South Korea. This biennial event, organized collaboratively by the Korean Society for Fluid Machinery (KSFM), the Gas Turbine Society of Japan (GTSJ), the Chinese Society of Engineering Thermophysics (CSET), and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), serves as a pivotal platform for professionals and researchers across Asia to exchange knowledge and advancements in gas turbine technology.

Theme and Objectives

Under the theme “The Role of Gas Turbines toward Net Zero,” ACGT2022 aimed to explore the contributions of gas turbine technology in achieving carbon neutrality. The congress provided a forum for discussing innovative solutions, recent research findings, and the future trajectory of gas turbines in the context of global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Keynote Speakers

The congress featured distinguished keynote speakers who shared insights on various aspects of gas turbine technology and its role in sustainable energy:

  • Dr. Seung Joo Choe: Director of the R&D Center for Future Green Technology at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Dr. Choe presented on “Carbon-Free Electricity for Net-Zero Korea,” discussing strategies for achieving carbon neutrality in Korea’s power sector.
  • Dr. Katsuya Morimoto: Manager of the Technology Group in the Hydrogen Strategy Division at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japan, Dr. Morimoto’s talk on “International Liquefied Hydrogen Supply Chain” highlighted advancements in hydrogen technology and its integration with gas turbines.
  • Dr. Ravikanth Avancha: Technology Manager of Aerothermal Sciences at GE Research, India, Dr. Avancha discussed the “Role of Gas Turbines towards Net-Zero Emissions,” emphasizing technological innovations aimed at reducing emissions in gas turbine operations.
  • Prof. Xiaoyi Zhang: Professor at the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI), China, Prof. Zhang’s presentation on “Improving the Operational Flexibility of Heavy-duty Gas Turbines” focused on enhancing the adaptability of gas turbines to support renewable energy integration.

Technical Sessions and Topics

ACGT2022 encompassed a comprehensive program with 103 professional papers presented across 23 sessions, including 8 organized sessions, 12 technical sessions, and 1 poster session. The congress covered a wide array of topics pertinent to gas turbine technology:

  • Aerodynamics: Exploration of airflow dynamics within gas turbines to improve efficiency and performance.
  • Combustion, Fuel, and Emissions: Studies on combustion processes, alternative fuels, and strategies to minimize emissions.
  • Control, Diagnostics, and Instrumentation: Advances in monitoring and controlling gas turbine operations for enhanced reliability.
  • Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics: Research on thermal management and energy conversion processes in gas turbines.
  • Innovative Clean/Renewable Energy: Integration of gas turbines with renewable energy sources and development of clean energy solutions.
  • Structure and Dynamics: Analysis of mechanical structures and dynamic behaviors to ensure the integrity and longevity of gas turbines.
  • Materials and Metallurgy: Development of advanced materials to withstand extreme conditions within gas turbines.
  • Applications and Maintenance: Practical applications of gas turbines and strategies for effective maintenance and operation.

Networking and Collaboration

Beyond the technical sessions, ACGT2022 facilitated networking opportunities among over 200 professionals and researchers from industry, academia, and government sectors. Events such as the Welcome Reception provided a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and discuss future directions in gas turbine technology.

Sponsors and Supporters

The success of ACGT2022 was bolstered by the generous support of various sponsors:

  • Platinum Sponsors: Doosan Enerbility, Hanwha Impact
  • Silver Sponsors: Hanwha Aerospace, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Sung-Il Turbine
  • Bronze Sponsors: Anflux, Mitsubishi Power

Additionally, the congress received support from Gangneung City, the Gangneung Tourism Development Corporation, and Gangneung-Wonju National University.

Conclusion

ACGT2022 underscored the critical role of gas turbine technology in the global pursuit of net-zero emissions. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the congress facilitated the exchange of knowledge and innovations essential for advancing gas turbine technology in alignment with environmental sustainability goals. As the industry continues to evolve, the insights and collaborations fostered at ACGT2022 will undoubtedly contribute to the development of cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.