Unlike hydrocarbon fuel, hydrogen is ‘green’ and attracting more and more attentions in energy and propulsion sectors due to the zero emission of CO and CO2. By applying numerical simulations, we explore the physics of how a hydrogen-burnt flame can sustain pulsating combustion and its impact on the thermodynamic properties of a standing-wave combustor. We also explain how implementing a heat exchanger can mitigate such pulsating combustion. The dynamic interactions of the unsteady flow-flame-acoustics-heater are examined by varying the mass flow rate ṁH2 and the heating bands’ surface temperature TH. The frequency and amplitude of the pulsating combustion are shown to depend strongly on ṁH2. In addition, varying TH is shown to lead to not only the molar fraction of the combustion species being changed but also the flame-sustained pulsating oscillations being mitigated somehow. Finally, nonlinearity is observed and identified in the unsteady flow velocity and the two heat sources. Fuel cells based on hydrogen combustion are hoped to provide a more environmentally friendly source of energy but still require a lot of development. The authors numerically investigate the physics of pulsating combustion supported by a hydrogen burnt flame.

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Characterizing hydrogen-fuelled pulsating combustion on thermodynamic properties of a combustor

Analysing the performance, fuel cost and emission parameters of the 50 MW simple and recuperative gas turbine cycles using natural gas and hydrogen as fuel

Hydrogen is receiving increasing attention as a versatile energy vector to help accelerate the transition to a decarbonised energy future. Gas turbines will continue to play a critical role in providing grid stability and resilience in future low-carbon power systems; however, it is recognised that this role is contingent upon achieving increased thermal efficiencies and the ability to operate on carbon-neutral fuels such as hydrogen. An important consideration in the development of gas turbine combustors capable of operating with pure hydrogen or hydrogen-enriched natural gas are the significant changes in thermoacoustic instability characteristics associated with burning these fuels. This article provides a review of the effects of burning hydrogen on combustion dynamics with focus on swirl-stabilised lean-premixed combustors. Experimental and numerical evidence suggests hydrogen can have either a stabilising or destabilising impact on the dynamic state of a combustor through its influence particularly on flame structure and flame position. Other operational considerations such as the effect of elevated pressure and piloting on combustion dynamics as well as recent developments in micromix burner technology for 100% hydrogen combustion have also been discussed. The insights provided in this review will aid the development of instability mitigation strategies for high hydrogen combustion.

Thermoacoustic Instability Considerations for High Hydrogen Combustion in Lean Premixed Gas Turbine Combustors: A Review

Lean methane flame stability in a premixed generic swirl burner: Isothermal flow and atmospheric combustion characterization

The impact of reactants composition and temperature on the flow structure in a wake stabilized laminar lean premixed CH4/H2/air flames; mechanism and scaling

Combustion instability characteristics of H2/CO/CH4 syngases and synthetic natural gases in a partially-premixed gas turbine combustor: Part I—Frequency and mode analysis

Jaehyun Park

Papers

Combustion instability characteristics of H2/CO/CH4 syngases and synthetic natural gases in a partially-premixed gas turbine combustor: Part I—Frequency and mode analysis