Lund university combustion centre utilizing combustion instabilities for emissions reduction, Lucifer
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?The utilization of combustion processes grows continuously in the modern society, e.g. for transportation, electricity production, heat production etc. As we learn more about the detrimental impact on the environment and on the human health that combustion generated compounds are thought to have, the demand for development of combustion processes with efficient fuel utilization and low emission of pollutants increases. A major concern today is the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as biomass. Increased combustion of biomass will increase the emissions of particulates and other harmful compounds unless proper abatement techniques are incorporated at the same time.HOW CAN THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION?
The objective of the suggested research is to reduce emissions of particles, soot, PAH and UHC from small to medium sized stationary biofuel fired heat/power units by improving the combustion characteristics at the source, i.e. the combustion process itself. From previous studies it has been found that one of the inherent advantages of combustion processes featuring controlled instabilities is the very low NOX formation due to decreased residence time at high temperatures, which is a consequence of the increased reaction rates due to enhanced mixing. This can also be the key factor for reducing soot and PAH. The intention of the proposed research is to extend previous studies on Helmholtz type pulse combustors to include Rijke-type pulse combustors suitable for a number of fuels such as biomass, liquefied ethanol and gasified hydrocarbons.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?
Companies within the energy sector and the combustion research community.
