Parametric study of inserting internal spiral fins on the micro combustor performance for thermophotovoltaic systems

Abstract

With the rapid development of MEMS devices, the power system based on micro scale combustion has drawn great attention. The thermal performance of micro combustion plays a significant role on the energy output of MTPV system. Three-dimensional models with detailed hydrogen/air reaction mechanisms, consisting of thirteen species and nineteen reactions, are employed. A systematic investigation of the effects of length, angle, and location of the spiral fins on the thermal performance and flame characteristics is utilized. Distances between the combustor inlet and spiral fins of 7 mm and 9 mm demonstrate higher and more uniform outer wall temperature. Internal spiral fins of higher angle and length can increase the average outer wall temperature, but at the expense of a higher pressure drop and a less uniform temperature distribution. The spiral fins introducing into the combustor can be an effective means of improving the low power output of combustion based micro thermophotovoltaic systems from an engineering standpoint.