Operation Analysis of Selected Domestic Appliances Supplied with Mixture of Nitrogen-Rich Natural Gas with Hydrogen

Robert Wojtowicz,Jacek Jaworski

doi:10.3390/su132413577

Abstract

This article presents the results of the testing of the addition of a hydrogen-to-nitrogen-rich natural gas of the Lw group and its influence on the operation of selected gas-fired domestic appliances. The tests were performed on appliances used for the preparation of meals and hot water production for hygienic and heating purposes. The characteristics of the tested gas appliances are also presented. The burners and their controllers, with which the tested appliances were equipped, were adapted for the combustion of Lw natural gas. The tested appliances reflected the most popular designs for domestic gas appliances in their group, used both in Poland and in other European countries. The tested appliances were supplied with nitrogen-rich natural gas of the Lw group, and a mixture of this gas with hydrogen at 13.2% content. The article presents the approximate percentage compositions of the gases used during the tests and their energy parameters. The research was focused on checking the following operating parameters and the safety of the tested appliances: the rated heat input, thermal efficiency, combustion quality, ignition, flame stability, and transfer. The article contains an analysis of the test results, referring, in detail, to the issue of decreasing the heat input of the appliances by lowering the energy parameters of the nitrogen-rich natural gas of the Lw group mixture with a hydrogen addition, and how it influenced the thermal efficiency achieved by the appliances. The conclusions contain an explanation regarding, among other things, how the design of an appliance influences the thermal efficiency achieved by it in relation to the heat input decrease. In the conclusions, on the basis of the research results, answers have been provided to the following questions: (1) Whether the hydrogen addition to the nitrogen-rich natural gas of the Lw group will influence the safe and proper operation of domestic gas appliances; (2) What hydrogen percentage can be added to the nitrogen-rich natural gas of the Lw group in order for the appliances adapted for combusting it to operate safely and effectively, without the need for modifying them?

Highlights

It goes without saying that we should counteract the changes to our planet’s climate.Nowadays, in many countries in the world, including Poland, intensive work is being undertaken to decrease the percentage of fossil fuels in their energy balances
On the basis of the research results, answers have been provided to the following questions: (1) Whether the hydrogen addition to the nitrogen-rich natural gas of the Lw group will influence the safe and proper operation of domestic gas appliances; (2) What hydrogen percentage can be added to the nitrogen-rich natural gas of the Lw group in order for the appliances adapted for combusting it to operate safely and effectively, without the need for modifying them?
The abovementioned observations for the gas-fired instantaneous water heater with an open combustion chamber, with regard to the efficiency increase, are valid. It can be stated, when summarizing the results of testing the influence of a hydrogen addition to Lw nitrogen-rich natural gas on the operation of domestic gas-fired appliances used for the preparation of meals and hot water for heating and hygienic purposes, that adding approximately 13.2% hydrogen to the Lw nitrogen-rich natural gas does not result in a worsening of the safety of their operation, namely, an increase in the content of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons in the flue gas, or the instability of the operation of the burners

Summary

Introduction

In many countries in the world, including Poland, intensive work is being undertaken to decrease the percentage of fossil fuels in their energy balances. One such action is the continuous development of electric energy sources based on renewable energy media, such as wind and solar energy. The power energy system within a town, commune, district, or voivodeship demonstrates variability in the electric energy demand. There are hours, or days, when such demand is very high, but, in the evening or in the night hours, as well as during holidays, electric energy consumption decreases. Periodicity in the production of electrical energy occurs in the sources driven by wind power.

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion