Transfer Functions of Ammonia and Partly Cracked Ammonia Swirl Flames

Nader N. Shohdy, Mhedine Alicherif and Deanna A. Lacoste ()
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Nader N. Shohdy: Mechanical Engineering Program, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Mhedine Alicherif: Mechanical Engineering Program, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Deanna A. Lacoste: Mechanical Engineering Program, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: The replacement of hydrocarbon fuels by ammonia in industrial systems is challenging due to its low burning velocity, its narrow flammability range, and a large production of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide when burned close to stoichiometric conditions. Cracking a fraction of ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen prior to injection in the combustion chamber is considered a promising strategy to overcome these issues. This paper focuses on evaluating how different levels of ammonia cracking affect the overall burning velocity, the lean blow-off limit, the concentration of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, and the flame response to acoustic perturbations. Swirl stabilized premixed flames of pure ammonia–air and ammonia–hydrogen–nitrogen–air mixtures mimicking 10%, 20%, and 28% of cracking are experimentally investigated. The results show that even though ammonia cracking is beneficial for enhancing the lean blow-off limit and the overall burning velocity, its impact on pollutant emissions and flame stability is detrimental for a percentage of cracking as low as 20%. Based on an analysis of the flame dynamics, reasons for these results are proposed.

Keywords: flame dynamics; carbon-free fuel; NOx emissions; premixed flame; lean blow-off (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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