Emission characteristics of aviation kerosene combustion in aero-engine annular combustor with low temperature plasma assistance

Abstract

A plasma-assisted combustion test platform for annular combustor was developed to validate the feasibility of using plasma-assisted combustion actuation to reduce emission levels. Combustor outlet temperature and emission levels of O2, CO2, H2, CO, and NOx were measured by using a thermocouple and a Testo 350-Pro Flue Gas Analyzer, respectively. Combustor combustion efficiency was also calculated. The effects of duty ratio, feedstock air-flow rate, and actuator position on combustion efficiency and emission performance have been analyzed. The results show that the target of CO and NOx emissions reduction in plasma-assisted combustion could not be fully achieved for kerosene/air mixture with different combustor excessive air coefficients. It is also shown that plasma-assisted combustion with dilution air hole actuation is superior to that of secondary air hole actuation for the combustion of liquid-kerosene fuel. Besides, plasma-assisted combustion effect is more obvious with an increase of duty ratio or feedstock air-flow rate. These results are valuable for the future optimization of kerosene-fueled aero-engine when using plasma-assisted combustion devices to improve emission performance of annular combustor.