What causes combustion of wood to be less efficient?5 answersThe combustion of wood can be less efficient due to various factors highlighted in the provided research contexts. Factors such as uneven wood burning leading to solid residue formation, inadequate distribution of combustion air, and the presence of impurities like soil affecting the combustion process can all contribute to reduced efficiency and increased emissions. Additionally, the chemical composition of ash from phytomass biofuels can result in low ash melting temperatures, causing slagging and sintering issues that further hinder the combustion process. Moreover, the use of recycled wood in combustion can lead to increased corrosion problems in furnace walls due to elevated concentrations of heavy metals and chlorine. Understanding and addressing these factors are crucial in optimizing wood combustion efficiency and reducing emissions in small-scale boilers.
What is effect of air pressure on combustion chamber efficiency?5 answersVariations in air pressure significantly impact combustion chamber efficiency. Higher air intake pressure enhances combustion efficiency, leading to improved fuel economy, power output, and reduced emissions like carbon monoxide and unburned components. Atmospheric pressure changes, when corrected for mass flows, do not notably affect combustion system performance; however, uncorrected variations decrease process temperature, increase CO and CO2 concentrations in exhaust gases, and reduce heat transfer. In diesel engines, modifying piston bowl designs can enhance burn rates and reduce harmful emissions while maintaining efficiency. Injection pressures influence specific fuel consumption and nitrogen oxide emissions, with exhaust gas recirculation leading to NOx reduction but slightly decreasing brake thermal efficiency. Optimal charged air pressure settings are crucial for diesel engine efficiency, with deviations affecting engine performance and temperature, highlighting the importance of precise pressure control.
What is the difference between lean, stoichiometric, and rich mixtures in engines?5 answersLean mixtures in engines contain an excess of air compared to the stoichiometric ratio, leading to increased thermal efficiency but potential stability issues due to incomplete combustion. Stoichiometric mixtures have the ideal balance of air and fuel for complete combustion, offering a standard reference point for engine operation. On the other hand, rich mixtures have an excess of fuel, which can result in reduced efficiency and increased emissions due to incomplete combustion. In terms of blast waves, lean mixtures with excess oxygen can produce stronger detonations compared to stoichiometric mixtures, while rich mixtures may initially be weaker but can strengthen due to afterburning of unreacted fuel. Each mixture type has distinct effects on engine performance, emissions, and detonation characteristics.
How does carbon dioxide affect the combustion efficiency of fossil fuels?4 answersCarbon dioxide (CO2) affects the combustion efficiency of fossil fuels in several ways. In the presence of CO2, the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions during combustion can be altered. The addition of CO2 can stabilize transition states and reduce activation barriers, leading to increased reaction rates. Additionally, variations in meteorological conditions and differences in vertical sensitivity of satellite measurements can affect the estimation of emission ratios, which are used to infer combustion efficiency. Numerical investigations have shown that the addition of CO2 to flames can decrease laminar burning velocity and increase the peaks of intermediate products, while enhancing the promoting and inhibiting effects of elementary reactions on temperature. Furthermore, CO2 can inhibit the combustion of fossil fuels through both physical and chemical effects, with the physical effect dominating. The higher specific heat, thermal radiation, and lower mass diffusion coefficient of CO2 compared to nitrogen (N2) can also contribute to ignition delays during combustion.
Is the complete or incomplete combustion of natural gases worse?5 answersThe combustion of natural gases can be both complete and incomplete, and the environmental impact depends on the specific conditions. In the case of complete combustion, natural gas produces fewer pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons compared to gasoline fuel. However, the lower calorific value and burning velocity of natural gas can reduce engine power. On the other hand, incomplete combustion can lead to the production of greenhouse gases and pollutant species such as nitrogen oxides. The combustion duration and flame developing duration are affected by factors such as initial temperature and pressure. The addition of certain additives like ethane and hydrogen can affect the combustion process and emissions, with ethane increasing black carbon particulate matter emissions and hydrogen reducing them. Therefore, it is important to optimize combustion conditions and consider the specific composition and conditions when evaluating the environmental impact of natural gas combustion.
What happens if the mixture is not good in a biogas digester?5 answersIf the mixture in a biogas digester is not good, it can have several negative effects. Firstly, it can cause problems such as corrosion and mechanical wear in the equipment used for biogas utilization. Additionally, an ineffective mixture can lead to a decrease in biogas yield, resulting in lower energy production. Moreover, the presence of impurities in the biogas, such as siloxanes, can compromise its quality for energy valorization and cause damage to engine parts. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the mixture in a biogas digester is optimized to maximize biogas production and minimize the presence of impurities.