Publication: Numerical simulation of a pre-mixed flame inside a swirl combustor
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Date
2024-07-12
Authors
Lee, Ming Han
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Abstract
The global energy world is changing, and the transition from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy sources is increasingly emphasized to curb climate change. Hydrogen, with its potential as a clean energy vector, is at the forefront of that change. This thesis examines the optimization and evaluation of hydrogen combustion in partially premixed internal combustion (PPC) engines, focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with this emerging technology. With the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the research paper models a premixed methane-hydrogen swirl flame in the combustion chamber of a gas turbine model. The research examines the effects of various parameters such as swirl number, equivalence ratio, heat output and inlet temperature on flame dynamics, emissions and engine efficiency. CFD results are checked against experimental data of other published paper to ensure the accuracy of the simulations. The results show that mixing hydrogen with methane can significantly improve combustion efficiency and stability while reducing emissions. The study identifies the optimal operating conditions and control strategies for PPC engines using hydrogen or hydrogen mixtures. It also highlights the technical challenges associated with hydrogen combustion, such as combustion instability, NOx emissions and safety issues, and suggests solutions to address these issues. This thesis adds information on hydrogen combustion technology and provides practical guidance for its application in PPC engines. The study highlights the importance of further research into hydrogen production methods, material compatibility, safety protocols and policy frameworks to fully realize the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.