Effects of Hydrogen Addition on High-Pressure Nonpremixed Natural Gas Combustion

• Published in: Combustion science and technology Vol. 183; no. 1; pp. 20 - 42
• Main Authors: Wu, N., McTaggart-Cowan, G. P., Bushe, W. K., Davy, M. H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.2011; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Airplane engines; Applied sciences; Autoignition; Combustion; Combustion. Flame; Delay; Emission analysis; Emissions; Emissions control; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Engines; Exact sciences and technology; High temperature; Hydrogen; Methane; Methane fuels; Natural gas; Nitric oxide; Nonpremixed jet; Pilot-ignition engine; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Methane; Air pollution control; Gaseous fuel; Hydrogen; Pollution control; Fuel gas; Engine ignition; Combustion; High temperature; Flame propagation; Pollutant emission; Nonpremixed jet; High pressure; Numerical analysis; Combustion gas; Autoignition; Flame structure; Delay time; Gas engine; Natural gas; Pilot-ignition engine
• ISSN: 0010-2202; 1563-521X
• DOI: 10.1080/00102202.2010.496381

The effects of hydrogen addition on the ignition and combustion of a high-pressure methane jet in a quiescent charge of high-temperature, medium-pressure air were investigated numerically and experimentally. Subsequently, the results of these two fundamental studies were applied to the interpretation of combustion and emissions measurements from a pilot-ignited natural gas engine fueled with similar fuels. Whereas, under quiescent conditions, the influence of hydrogen addition on the autoignition delay time of the gaseous jet was small, a markedly greater effect was observed in the more complex environment of the research engine. Similarly, in the two fundamental studies, the addition of hydrogen to the methane fuel resulted in a reduction of NO x emissions, whereas increased levels of NO x emissions were observed from the engine, highlighting the difference between the autoignition and pilot-ignition process.