Compressorless German hydrogen turbine sets 303-second runtime record

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany have developed a compressorless hydrogen gas turbine that set a new runtime record of 303 seconds, surpassing NASA’s previous record of 250 seconds. Unlike conventional gas turbines that rely on mechanical compressors to pressurize air—consuming about 50% of the generated power—this turbine uses pressure gain combustion, which employs detonation waves to generate high pressure without compressors. This design reduces moving parts and improves efficiency, enabling more electrical output from the same fuel input. The KIT team successfully generated electricity directly from the turbine during the record run, marking a significant milestone given the challenges of stable energy transfer amid rapid combustion processes. The turbine primarily uses hydrogen fuel due to its fast reaction times and potential for sustainable production via renewable energy, aligning with global efforts to replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. The researchers plan to showcase their compressorless turbine at the Hannover Messe in April 2026, highlighting its potential for highly efficient, flexible, and