Numerical simulation on hydrogen combustion and flow characteristics of a jet-stabilized combustor

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of equivalent ratios on the combustion and flow characteristics of hydrogen/air in a jet-stabilized combustor using numerical methods. The realizable k−ε model is used to describe turbulence flow whereas the FR/ED model is used for chemical reactions. The results show that the vortex structure changes from a single vortex pair to double vortex pairs with a decrease in the equivalent ratio, and the right-side vortexes gradually extrude the left-side vortexes. When the equivalent ratio Φ is 1 and 0.554, the high temperature area is mainly distributed downstream of the air jet hole. As the equivalent ratio further decreases, the high temperature region shrinks sharply and moves up to the vortex area in the range of x<0.06m. The outlet temperature distribution factor (OTDF) initially increases and then decreases with a decrease in the equivalent ratio, however the OTDF is lower than 0.033 at all operating conditions. Similarly, at a small equivalent ratio (0.3693, 0.2216, 0.1583), the mixing and combustion of hydrogen and air mainly occur in range of x<0.06m, thus achieving flame stabilization in the air backflow region. Complete combustion can be achieved except for the case of Φ=1 with a combustion efficiency lower than 65%.