F. De Domenico
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15 records found
1
Hybrid Kerosene-Hydrogen Flames Modeling and Topology Analysis
From a Computational Perspective
MAVERICK
Design of a Multi-fuel Aircraft for Viable Emission-Reduction with Integrated Combustion of Hydrogen and Kerosene
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Cycle-Level Performance Analysis of a Hydrogen fuelled Hybrid SOFC–Turbofan Engine
TSFC reduction through power hybridization in a CFM56-5B1 engine using pyCycle
An experimental investigation of ammonia combustion at subzero temperatures
Ignition and early flame propagation study of NH3 and NH3-blends in a custom-designed combustion chamber
A custom constant-volume chamber was designed, commissioned, and validated for controlled subzero operation, with pressure-based diagnostics used to infer laminar burning velocity during early spherical flame growth. Results show that lowering the initial temperature from room temperature to \SI{-50}{\degree C} produces a strong penalty in neat-ammonia burning velocity across the investigated equivalence ratios, pushing the flame into a regime where losses and stretch effects become increasingly influential and ignition robustness is reduced. Hydrogen blending at \SI{-50}{\degree C} provides a marked performance recovery, with 20% and 30% H$_2$ producing substantial increases in burning velocity and restoring behaviour comparable to neat ammonia at room temperature near stoichiometric conditions. Minimum ignition energy could not be quantified reliably due to electrical signal variability, but ignition threshold settings indicate a strong increase in ignition difficulty as temperature decreases. Overall, the results show that subzero temperatures penalise neat-ammonia early combustion more strongly than predicted by kinetic models, while modest hydrogen enrichment can recover performance and improve robustness under cold-start-relevant conditions. ...
A custom constant-volume chamber was designed, commissioned, and validated for controlled subzero operation, with pressure-based diagnostics used to infer laminar burning velocity during early spherical flame growth. Results show that lowering the initial temperature from room temperature to \SI{-50}{\degree C} produces a strong penalty in neat-ammonia burning velocity across the investigated equivalence ratios, pushing the flame into a regime where losses and stretch effects become increasingly influential and ignition robustness is reduced. Hydrogen blending at \SI{-50}{\degree C} provides a marked performance recovery, with 20% and 30% H$_2$ producing substantial increases in burning velocity and restoring behaviour comparable to neat ammonia at room temperature near stoichiometric conditions. Minimum ignition energy could not be quantified reliably due to electrical signal variability, but ignition threshold settings indicate a strong increase in ignition difficulty as temperature decreases. Overall, the results show that subzero temperatures penalise neat-ammonia early combustion more strongly than predicted by kinetic models, while modest hydrogen enrichment can recover performance and improve robustness under cold-start-relevant conditions.
Related dataset 4TU.ResearchData: https://doi.org/10.4121/9072efcd-23ff-40bb-9b52-c490c28797cc
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Related dataset 4TU.ResearchData: https://doi.org/10.4121/9072efcd-23ff-40bb-9b52-c490c28797cc
A series of hot-fire experiments were conducted in a capacitively and film-cooled copper subscale chamber, instrumented with thermocouples in multiple axial and azimuthal locations to capture the thermal response. A solver called Roq¤FITT was used to compute the heat flux profiles from temperature measurements, by coupling a transient conduction model with an iterative Jacobian-based optimization loop.
The analysis was focused on the throat region, where thermal stress peaks, and relied on visual graphs and statistical tools. Although a strong collinearity between chamber pressure and film ratio emerged, highlighting the limitation of the experimental set-up to fully isolate the contribution of all variables, meaningful trends emerged. Among them are correlations between heat loads and both chamber pressure and pressure instabilities, as well as an optimal film ratio configuration with minimized heat flux.
By computing the wall heat flux from internal temperature measurements, the study provides thermal insight into combustion-driven heat loading without the need to directly model the complex chemical and turbulent flow dynamics occurring inside the chamber. The obtained results form a valuable foundation for further design decisions on regeneratively cooled chambers and multi-element injector configurations, using the innovative LOx/Propane propellant combination. ...
A series of hot-fire experiments were conducted in a capacitively and film-cooled copper subscale chamber, instrumented with thermocouples in multiple axial and azimuthal locations to capture the thermal response. A solver called Roq¤FITT was used to compute the heat flux profiles from temperature measurements, by coupling a transient conduction model with an iterative Jacobian-based optimization loop.
The analysis was focused on the throat region, where thermal stress peaks, and relied on visual graphs and statistical tools. Although a strong collinearity between chamber pressure and film ratio emerged, highlighting the limitation of the experimental set-up to fully isolate the contribution of all variables, meaningful trends emerged. Among them are correlations between heat loads and both chamber pressure and pressure instabilities, as well as an optimal film ratio configuration with minimized heat flux.
By computing the wall heat flux from internal temperature measurements, the study provides thermal insight into combustion-driven heat loading without the need to directly model the complex chemical and turbulent flow dynamics occurring inside the chamber. The obtained results form a valuable foundation for further design decisions on regeneratively cooled chambers and multi-element injector configurations, using the innovative LOx/Propane propellant combination.
This thesis investigates the effect of steam injection on NO emissions in lean premixed CH4/H2 flames using a swirl-stabilized vertical combustor operating at 7–11 kW. Four experimental series were conducted to isolate the influence of (i) thermal load, (ii) H2 blend fraction, (iii) steam injection amount, and (iv) injection location (side vs. axial). Emissions were measured using an ABB AO2000 gas analyzer, and the results are reported as raw, 15% O2 normalized and mass- & energy-based emission indices (EINO). Flame structure was characterized using DSLR imaging and OH∗ chemiluminescence. A simplified analytical estimate based on thermal NO scaling was developed to contextualize the measurements.
Steam injection consistently reduced NO under all operating conditions. Measured reductions ranged from 30–40% at moderate steam loadings (17.7 g/min) to 45–55% under higher steam addition (24.4 g/min), in close agreement with the simplified thermal prediction. NO reductions exceeded 80% in high methane fraction blends in lean conditions but approached local quench limits, as indicated by elevated CO and unburned CH4 measured at the exhaust. High hydrogen blend fraction flames produced higher absolute NO but tolerated steam injection without evident oxidation penalties. Axial steam injection provided more uniform premixing than side injection and maintained stable operation across all H2 blends, achieving comparable or improved NO reduction without CO rise. Flame Imaging revealed that steam addition cools and weakens the flame core, producing annular reaction zones consistent with reduced peak temperatures and suppressed radical pools.
The results demonstrate that steam injection is an effective NO control strategy for hydrogen partially- premixed combustion. Its effectiveness depends on injection strategy, blend ratio, and operating power. A more uniform steam–air partial-premixing have a more favorable effect on NO reduction and stability. The findings provide design guidance for implementing steam dilution in practical low-NOx hydrogen combustion systems and highlight directions for future work, including high-pressure testing and resolved diagnostics of radical fields and local temperature ...
This thesis investigates the effect of steam injection on NO emissions in lean premixed CH4/H2 flames using a swirl-stabilized vertical combustor operating at 7–11 kW. Four experimental series were conducted to isolate the influence of (i) thermal load, (ii) H2 blend fraction, (iii) steam injection amount, and (iv) injection location (side vs. axial). Emissions were measured using an ABB AO2000 gas analyzer, and the results are reported as raw, 15% O2 normalized and mass- & energy-based emission indices (EINO). Flame structure was characterized using DSLR imaging and OH∗ chemiluminescence. A simplified analytical estimate based on thermal NO scaling was developed to contextualize the measurements.
Steam injection consistently reduced NO under all operating conditions. Measured reductions ranged from 30–40% at moderate steam loadings (17.7 g/min) to 45–55% under higher steam addition (24.4 g/min), in close agreement with the simplified thermal prediction. NO reductions exceeded 80% in high methane fraction blends in lean conditions but approached local quench limits, as indicated by elevated CO and unburned CH4 measured at the exhaust. High hydrogen blend fraction flames produced higher absolute NO but tolerated steam injection without evident oxidation penalties. Axial steam injection provided more uniform premixing than side injection and maintained stable operation across all H2 blends, achieving comparable or improved NO reduction without CO rise. Flame Imaging revealed that steam addition cools and weakens the flame core, producing annular reaction zones consistent with reduced peak temperatures and suppressed radical pools.
The results demonstrate that steam injection is an effective NO control strategy for hydrogen partially- premixed combustion. Its effectiveness depends on injection strategy, blend ratio, and operating power. A more uniform steam–air partial-premixing have a more favorable effect on NO reduction and stability. The findings provide design guidance for implementing steam dilution in practical low-NOx hydrogen combustion systems and highlight directions for future work, including high-pressure testing and resolved diagnostics of radical fields and local temperature
Flame Stability and Emissions in Methane/Hydrogen Combustion
Designing for Fuel Flexibility
In swirl-stabilized combustion, injecting non-swirled air axially on the centreline can be a very efficient way to stabilize flames with high hydrogen content. This work investigates the emissions and flame stability of a fuel flexible swirl-stabilized combustor that can operate on fuel mixtures ranging from 100% CH4 to 100% H2. In this set-up, fuel is injected in a jet in cross-flow configuration just downstream of the swirler exit. A mixing tube is placed between the injection point and the combustion chamber to allow for fuel-air mixing. The objective of this thesis is to identify the dominant parameters that govern emissions and stability in fuel-flexible combustion systems. To support this aim, several research questions are formulated and addressed in dedicated chapters…
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In swirl-stabilized combustion, injecting non-swirled air axially on the centreline can be a very efficient way to stabilize flames with high hydrogen content. This work investigates the emissions and flame stability of a fuel flexible swirl-stabilized combustor that can operate on fuel mixtures ranging from 100% CH4 to 100% H2. In this set-up, fuel is injected in a jet in cross-flow configuration just downstream of the swirler exit. A mixing tube is placed between the injection point and the combustion chamber to allow for fuel-air mixing. The objective of this thesis is to identify the dominant parameters that govern emissions and stability in fuel-flexible combustion systems. To support this aim, several research questions are formulated and addressed in dedicated chapters…
Development of a Non-Pre-Mixed GOx/Methane Resonance Igniter
Experimental Analysis and Computational Modelling
By employing a high-speed solenoid flow valve to induce controlled fluctuations in the air-fuel mixture, the study investigates how these changes influence the overall behavior of the combustion process. The experimental setup for this thesis involved a swirl-stabilized multi-fuel combustor at the TU Delft Sustainable Propulsion Lab, capable of operating with methane and up to 100% hydrogen enrichment. The experimental analysis used a range of techniques, including Particle Image Velocimetry, SPOD and various acoustic and pressure measurements, to examine the impacts on the combustor’s operation across different power settings and levels of hydrogen enrichment.
The findings reveal that adjusting the equivalence ratio through precise airflow modulation can significantly alter the unsteady combustion dynamics. Notably, this modulation enhances the stability of the flame by dampening the damaging thermoacoustic instabilities commonly associated with lean premixed combustors. Additionally, the research demonstrates that these adjustments can lead to changes in emission levels, notably in how nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide are produced under varying conditions of hydrogen content and power settings.
A comprehensive numerical model was also developed to support and extend the experimental results, providing insights into the potential scalability and application of these findings to larger, real-world combustion systems. This model underscores the practical implications of the experimental findings, suggesting that such controlled fluctuations can be a viable method to optimize the design and operation of next-generation combustors. ...
By employing a high-speed solenoid flow valve to induce controlled fluctuations in the air-fuel mixture, the study investigates how these changes influence the overall behavior of the combustion process. The experimental setup for this thesis involved a swirl-stabilized multi-fuel combustor at the TU Delft Sustainable Propulsion Lab, capable of operating with methane and up to 100% hydrogen enrichment. The experimental analysis used a range of techniques, including Particle Image Velocimetry, SPOD and various acoustic and pressure measurements, to examine the impacts on the combustor’s operation across different power settings and levels of hydrogen enrichment.
The findings reveal that adjusting the equivalence ratio through precise airflow modulation can significantly alter the unsteady combustion dynamics. Notably, this modulation enhances the stability of the flame by dampening the damaging thermoacoustic instabilities commonly associated with lean premixed combustors. Additionally, the research demonstrates that these adjustments can lead to changes in emission levels, notably in how nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide are produced under varying conditions of hydrogen content and power settings.
A comprehensive numerical model was also developed to support and extend the experimental results, providing insights into the potential scalability and application of these findings to larger, real-world combustion systems. This model underscores the practical implications of the experimental findings, suggesting that such controlled fluctuations can be a viable method to optimize the design and operation of next-generation combustors.
Environmental Impact Reduction Through Aircraft Design
A Feasibility Study on a Low-Emission, High-Capacity, Short-to-Medium Range Aircraft
and prevent flashback.
Numerical investigations have assessed the thermal and chemical effects as a result of the injection of water droplets in a hydrogen flame. The present investigation aims to assess the interaction of water droplets on premixed methane and hydrogen flames to determine if they can impart flame stretch. The effect is novel and would represent a third effect in addition to the thermal and chemical ones.
Identifying off-the-shelf atomizers is challenging and the two available and suitable atomizers at the time of the execution of the thesis are selected. The first atomizer is a pressure swirl nozzle and is integrated in a swirl-stabilized flame set-up. The second atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer and is integrated in laminar premixed methane and hydrogen flames set-ups. The pressure swirl atomizer is integrated with a pressurization system to impose a pressure differential across the nozzle, where the pressure is converted into kinetic energy. Moreover, a 3D printed holder is manufactured to enclose the ultrasonic atomizer.
A thermodynamic model is developed to determine the equilibrium temperature of the products arising from the combustion of an adiabatic flame mixing with the injected water. The model allows to determine the non-dimensional fraction of fuel to water content for each operating condition.
The selected flames are a turbulent partially premixed swirl-stabilized flame and a set of laminar premixed flames. The laminar premixed flames include bunsen flames, plate-stabilized and V-shaped flames. The operating conditions of the flames are determined to characterize the interaction between water droplets and the considered flames. The selection of laminar bunsen flames allows to assume that the baseline configuration is unstretched, while the plate-stabilized flames allow to approach a configuration where the flame is already strained and finally the V-shaped flame allows to achieve a configuration where the
flame front is more accessible compared to the bunsen flame and the plate-stabilized flames. Moreover, the swirl-stabilized flame allows to verify the injection of water droplets in a confined environment in order to assess if the interaction with the water droplets is sufficient to perform measurement of NOx emissions using an exhaust gas analzyer. Additionally, the effects of flame stretch according to theory are reflected in the test point selection.
OH*chemiluminescence average images on the laminar premixed hydrogen flames show that the fluid dynamic interaction between water droplets and the flame surface is limited due to the relatively small size of the hydrogen flame, which must be stabilized using a smaller burner due to enhanced fuel reactivity. The difference between dry and wet conditions shows a change in signal intensity without affecting the flame position. Plate-stabilized flames allow to reduce the dependency of the interaction on the flame size and therefore are more suitable to perform investigations on the interaction between water droplets and hydrogen flames.
The comparison of OH-PLIF and OH* chemiluminescence images allows to state the former technique allows to identify the region where the water droplets interact with the reaction zone, while the latter allows to identify and isolate the effects on the flame front. ...
and prevent flashback.
Numerical investigations have assessed the thermal and chemical effects as a result of the injection of water droplets in a hydrogen flame. The present investigation aims to assess the interaction of water droplets on premixed methane and hydrogen flames to determine if they can impart flame stretch. The effect is novel and would represent a third effect in addition to the thermal and chemical ones.
Identifying off-the-shelf atomizers is challenging and the two available and suitable atomizers at the time of the execution of the thesis are selected. The first atomizer is a pressure swirl nozzle and is integrated in a swirl-stabilized flame set-up. The second atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer and is integrated in laminar premixed methane and hydrogen flames set-ups. The pressure swirl atomizer is integrated with a pressurization system to impose a pressure differential across the nozzle, where the pressure is converted into kinetic energy. Moreover, a 3D printed holder is manufactured to enclose the ultrasonic atomizer.
A thermodynamic model is developed to determine the equilibrium temperature of the products arising from the combustion of an adiabatic flame mixing with the injected water. The model allows to determine the non-dimensional fraction of fuel to water content for each operating condition.
The selected flames are a turbulent partially premixed swirl-stabilized flame and a set of laminar premixed flames. The laminar premixed flames include bunsen flames, plate-stabilized and V-shaped flames. The operating conditions of the flames are determined to characterize the interaction between water droplets and the considered flames. The selection of laminar bunsen flames allows to assume that the baseline configuration is unstretched, while the plate-stabilized flames allow to approach a configuration where the flame is already strained and finally the V-shaped flame allows to achieve a configuration where the
flame front is more accessible compared to the bunsen flame and the plate-stabilized flames. Moreover, the swirl-stabilized flame allows to verify the injection of water droplets in a confined environment in order to assess if the interaction with the water droplets is sufficient to perform measurement of NOx emissions using an exhaust gas analzyer. Additionally, the effects of flame stretch according to theory are reflected in the test point selection.
OH*chemiluminescence average images on the laminar premixed hydrogen flames show that the fluid dynamic interaction between water droplets and the flame surface is limited due to the relatively small size of the hydrogen flame, which must be stabilized using a smaller burner due to enhanced fuel reactivity. The difference between dry and wet conditions shows a change in signal intensity without affecting the flame position. Plate-stabilized flames allow to reduce the dependency of the interaction on the flame size and therefore are more suitable to perform investigations on the interaction between water droplets and hydrogen flames.
The comparison of OH-PLIF and OH* chemiluminescence images allows to state the former technique allows to identify the region where the water droplets interact with the reaction zone, while the latter allows to identify and isolate the effects on the flame front.
This thesis is part of the ACHIEVE project (Advancing the Combustion of Hydrogen-Ammonia Blends for Improved Emissions and Stability), funded by the European Union under the Horizon European Research and Innovation Actions in collaboration with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. The project aims to advance Technology Readiness Level 4 technologies that reduce pollutants in unconventional hydrogen blends, such as mixtures of NH3, CH4, and H2. The combustion characteristics of these unconventional blends are studied numerically and experimentally in high-stability combustors, with a focus on MILD combustion and the effects of exhaust gas recirculation.
Aligned with these goals, the TU Delft Enclosed-Jet-in-Hot-Coflow (EJHC) burner, designed for MILD combustion, is used to experimentally investigate premixed and non-premixed methane-hydrogen and pure hydrogen flames. The research examines flame morphology, temperature, emissions profiles, and the effects of exhaust gas recirculation on NOx emissions. This serves as a foundational step for future research into ammonia-hydrogen blends. The burner features a central flame auto-ignited by a hot vitiated coflow produced by a secondary burner. Design modifications were implemented to improve coflow uniformity near the jet exit.
The research involved two experimental campaigns. The first, conducted under cold flow conditions using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), assessed coflow uniformity at different inlet velocities. The second campaign focused on reactive flow experiments, using thermocouples, chemiluminescence, and gas analyzers to study methane-air coflow and methane-hydrogen blends in premixed and non-premixed conditions. Hydrogen concentration was varied from 0% to 100%, with different power ratios between the central jet and coflow.
The study showed that using a perforated plate as a secondary burner enhanced coflow uniformity, with PIV results showing reduced radial variations of the vertical velocity component. Thermocouple measurements confirmed a uniform temperature profile.
Flame lift-off height and shape in both premixed and non-premixed conditions were influenced by jet velocity, laminar flame speed, and hydrogen content. Hydrogen addition reduced lift-off height. In premixed conditions, flames were compact and narrow, while in diffusion conditions, higher hydrogen content increased mixing with the coflow at greater radial distances. NO emissions remained stable in premixed cases but were affected by coflow composition in diffusion flames, with lower oxygen levels enhancing NO reburning.
This study provides a versatile system for investigating exhaust gas recirculation and hydrogen blends over a wide range of power and equivalence ratios. It lays the foundation for future studies on ammonia-hydrogen combustion.
...
This thesis is part of the ACHIEVE project (Advancing the Combustion of Hydrogen-Ammonia Blends for Improved Emissions and Stability), funded by the European Union under the Horizon European Research and Innovation Actions in collaboration with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. The project aims to advance Technology Readiness Level 4 technologies that reduce pollutants in unconventional hydrogen blends, such as mixtures of NH3, CH4, and H2. The combustion characteristics of these unconventional blends are studied numerically and experimentally in high-stability combustors, with a focus on MILD combustion and the effects of exhaust gas recirculation.
Aligned with these goals, the TU Delft Enclosed-Jet-in-Hot-Coflow (EJHC) burner, designed for MILD combustion, is used to experimentally investigate premixed and non-premixed methane-hydrogen and pure hydrogen flames. The research examines flame morphology, temperature, emissions profiles, and the effects of exhaust gas recirculation on NOx emissions. This serves as a foundational step for future research into ammonia-hydrogen blends. The burner features a central flame auto-ignited by a hot vitiated coflow produced by a secondary burner. Design modifications were implemented to improve coflow uniformity near the jet exit.
The research involved two experimental campaigns. The first, conducted under cold flow conditions using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), assessed coflow uniformity at different inlet velocities. The second campaign focused on reactive flow experiments, using thermocouples, chemiluminescence, and gas analyzers to study methane-air coflow and methane-hydrogen blends in premixed and non-premixed conditions. Hydrogen concentration was varied from 0% to 100%, with different power ratios between the central jet and coflow.
The study showed that using a perforated plate as a secondary burner enhanced coflow uniformity, with PIV results showing reduced radial variations of the vertical velocity component. Thermocouple measurements confirmed a uniform temperature profile.
Flame lift-off height and shape in both premixed and non-premixed conditions were influenced by jet velocity, laminar flame speed, and hydrogen content. Hydrogen addition reduced lift-off height. In premixed conditions, flames were compact and narrow, while in diffusion conditions, higher hydrogen content increased mixing with the coflow at greater radial distances. NO emissions remained stable in premixed cases but were affected by coflow composition in diffusion flames, with lower oxygen levels enhancing NO reburning.
This study provides a versatile system for investigating exhaust gas recirculation and hydrogen blends over a wide range of power and equivalence ratios. It lays the foundation for future studies on ammonia-hydrogen combustion.