Abstract
The propagation of a flame front in a homogeneous and initially quiescent hydrogen-air mixture in a channel with exit contraction is numerically analyzed by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics. For the given configuration, the compressibility effects are important, the average pressure increases in time due to the exit contraction, and pressure waves occur, which affect the flame propagation. Flowturbulence is modelled by the Realizable k-e model. In modelling combustion, turbulence-chemistry interactions are neglected. Predictions are compared with the measurements for evolution of the flame shape, propagation speed and pressure. It is observed that the flame propagation speed, and, thus, the rate of pressure increase are over-predicted by the present approach. Still, a fair qualitative agreementto measurements is observed.
Highlights
Power generation by thermal machinery largely depends on the combustion process
The outlet area is approximated as a circumferential opening with the same opening ratio
The propagation of a flame front in a homogeneous and initially quiescent hydrogen-air mixture in a channel with exit contraction is numerically analyzed by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics
Summary
Power generation by thermal machinery largely depends on the combustion process. As the efforts for exploiting renewable energies, as well as recovery methods [1] increase, combustion remains as an important energy conversion method. Combustion of hydrogen containing fuels plays an important role in clean energy supply. Instead of combustion [3], gasification represents an attractive alternative for utilization of solid fuels [4]. The safety practices in production, storage, distribution and use of hydrogen are key issues to industrial hydrogen energy utilization [12], as the safety standards that are commonly applied to the systems with small amounts of hydrogen or hydrocarbons may not work when applied to larger amounts of hydrogen [13,14]. There is need for further investigations of different aspects of the phenomenon, including the details of the computational modelling. This is the scope of the present contribution
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