Hydrogen-air Combustion Considering Radiation 3D CFD Simulation, ANSYS Fluent Training

In industrial and propulsion applications, hydrogen-air combustion involves complicated chemical processes and energy exchanges, with radiation playing a major role. Hydrogen gas combusts with air oxygen to produce water vapor and energy. Radiation affects combustion zone temperature and heat transfer during this exchange. The high flame temperatures of hydrogen combustion emit powerful, broad-spectrum radiation. These emissions, from UV to infrared wavelengths, drastically affect system heat transport, combustion efficiency, and pollutant production.

This time, we are simulating a 3D combustion chamber, hosting hydrogen-air combustion considering radiation effects and involving pollutants like Nox production. We have received help from the reference paper entitled “Comparative analysis of hydrogen/air combustion CFD-modeling for 3D and 2D computational domain of micro-cylindrical combustor”.

Simulation Process

The 3D combustion chamber is designed using Design Modeler software in a way that can generate a structured grid later. This is why it consists of 26 separate parts. This results in a fine, high-quality mesh grid that is established at 164160 cells. Both the geometry and grid are shown.

The species Transport model is activated to simulate volumetric reactions produced through the combustion of Hydrogen and air. Generally, 19 reactions take place subsequently. One produces the reactants the next reaction and this cycle goes on. Due to the drastic increase in temperature, P1 radiation model is employed to capture radiative thermal effects. Notably, Nox formation due to high temperature inside the chamber is considered.

Post-processing

Simulating hydrogen-air combustion while accounting for radiation and NOx production is a multidimensional computational task that promises great insights into combustion dynamics and emission control. To incorporate radiation into the simulation, model the complicated interplay between temperature, chemical species concentrations, and radiative heat transfer within the combustion zone. Integrating these components allows for a greater awareness of combustion behavior, which aids in the creation of methods to reduce NOx emissions while improving combustion efficiency. Such models are effective tools for creating cleaner and more efficient combustion systems, thereby promoting sustainable energy use and environmental stewardship.