Numerical Study of a Laminar Hydrogen Diffusion Flame Based on the Non-Premixed Finite Rate Chemistry Model; Thermal NOx Assessment

Abstract

The present study examines thermal NOx formation on a laminar hydrogen diffusion flame based on a patented multi-flame diffusion burner installed in a domestic boiler. The analysis is performed through CFD modeling by means of ANSYS-FLUENT 19.0. Detailed chemical, thermal, and transport parameters are implemented, in order to obtain accurate results using finite-rate chemistry together with laminar and low-Reynolds turbulence models. The Damköhler number is calculated using a Matlab code developed in-house. The chemical kinetics of the thermal route are analyzed for several inlet flame power levels, so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the flame-splitting method at reducing the formation of thermal NOx. The numerical results are contrasted through measurements from literature for validation purposes. In the present work, the flame power is varied from 0.05 kW up to 0.8 kW. In contrast to turbulent non-premixed hydrogen flames, the numerical results provide a quasi-constant trend in thermal formation at higher power levels (0.4–0.8 kW). The heat exchange rate between the flame and the combustion chamber and its influence on thermal NOx formation are all carefully analyzed.