The traditional method using spark electrode ignition in annular combustors lacks safety due to its long ignition delay and deficiencies in reliability and repeatability. The present work investigates the ignition characteristics of a premixed annular combustor using pre-chamber combustion (PCC) as an ignition source. The ignition process of the annular combustor is studied experimentally with PCC and is compared to the one with the traditional spark electrode ignition under the same equivalence ratio and bulk velocities. The ignition process is recorded using a high-speed camera. The two-dimensional time-resolved Mie scattering technique is employed to determine the flame front position in the annular combustor. It was found that the jet issued from PCC generates hot radicals associated with strong turbulence, exhibiting distributed ignition sites along the jet trajectory inside the annular combustor. Introducing PCC to the annular combustor increases the ignition probability and burning rate, as well as reduces the light-round time by about 24 % compared to the spark electrode at a thermal power of 18.6 kW. Moreover, the experimental results indicate that flame propagation in the annular combustor is significantly influenced by the PCC operating parameters. In contrast, combustion within the PCC is less affected by the local flow structure in the annular combustor, making the PCC a favourable solution for various operating conditions. Additionally, a slightly rich mixture in the PCC increases the burning rate, whereas a very rich mixture decreases the burning rate.
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