Investigations on Thermal Radiative Characteristics of LPG Combustion: Effect of Alumina Nanoparticles Addition

Abstract

Use of nanoparticles in thermal applications has attained large interest in recent years because of their improved heat transfer characteristics. The effect of nanoparticle addition on radiative heat transfer characteristics in gaseous fuel combustion has been studied in this research. Radiative heat fluxes (RHFs) are considered to play a very important role in improving the thermal efficiency in furnaces by controlling the heat transfer from the flame to the furnace wall. The current research work is focused on investigating the effect of addition of noncombustible metal oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles on radiative heat transfer capabilities in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) combustion. Concentration of nanoparticles in water suspensions was varied up to 3.40 wt% to avoid choking of the feeding capillary. Temperature data inside the furnace was obtained and significantly lower peak temperatures were observed with lower concentration of nanoparticles, and with an increase in concentration, peak temperature also increases. Heat flux data was recorded at the furnace wall, and heat fluxes were significantly influenced by varying the nanoparticle concentration. An overall increase in RHF was observed, with increased contribution of RHF to total heat flux (THF). A higher contribution of RHF led to a substantial increase in the THF.