Session: Research Posters

Paper Number: 172707

Development of a Zero-Dimensional Numerical Model for a Porous Radiant Burner 

The application of hydrogen has been recognized as a viable approach to reducing emissions in industry. However, the availability of hydrogen in large volume is still very challenging. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions is one of the difficulties in developing a combustion system burning hydrogen. The present study develops an infrared hydrogen fuel flexible porous radiant burner, being able to burn hydrogen, natural gas and their mixtures at any ratio. A low combustion temperature of below 1100 ⁰C makes it possible for this burner to achieve extremely low NOx emissions target.

We hereby report the development of a zero-dimensional numerical model for a porous radiant burner simulating the temperature of the burner surface and that of the exhaust gas. The model is capable of simulating a mesh type porous radiant burner in a wide operating range with remarkable accuracy which provides insight to the heat transfer and combustion processes occurring in the burner as well as to serve as a precursor to developing a conventional control system when integrating the burner into a larger system such as a boiler.

The model was developed based on a transient first-law analysis of the porous burner and flue gas of the combustion mixture, using Simulink software and Cantera code. Heat transfer between the solid and gas phases of the porous burner was calculated using a known method of heat transfer in packed beds developed by Wakao and Kaguei. Heat transfer by radiation from the burner surface and by convection from the exiting flue gas to the pot of water was modelled because they are the most important parameters in determining the performance of the burner. Stray heat loss from the burner to the surroundings was also modelled and the model was validated by experimental data in the following operational range: thermal load varying from 25 to 45 kBTU/h, excess air ratio from 1.0 to 2.0, and a fuel of pure methane and 50% H₂ vol% fuel blend. Validation was done by evaluating the mean absolute error (MAE) and mean square error (MSE). The numerical model was promising with reasonable MAE and MSE for the simulated temperature of the burner surface and the exiting flue gas not exceeding 10% for all operating conditions.

The validated model will be applied to simulate the infrared hydrogen fuel flexible boilers being developed for the food and beverage industry including the design of the heat exchanger and the control algorithm of the air-fuel mixing system at varying loads and fuel composition. The existing model will be expanded to include the heat exchanger, air preheater and economizer components, as well as feedback control of the fuel and air flowrate to achieve a desired flowrate and temperature of steam.

Presenting Author: Umar Ikhwan Mohd Rozaiddin West Virginia Univeristy

Presenting Author Biography: I am a PhD student at West Virginia University. My area of expertise is in applied thermal sciences, especially in the area of combustion. I am currently working on a project that is developing a boiler system using a porous radiant burner that can operate on the entire fuel blend of natural gas and hydrogen. I obtained my Bachelors of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia and Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. I have three years of work experience as an engineer working in the field of manufacturing which I obtained prior to my masters degree.

Authors:

Umar Ikhwan Mohd Rozaiddin West Virginia Univeristy
Praveen Cheekatamarla Oak Ridge National Lab
Alex Fridlyand GTI Energy
V'yacheslav Akkerman West Virginia University
Songgang Qiu West Virginia University
Hailin Li West Virginia University