Large eddy simulation of hydrogen combustion
Development of models and applications for sustainable power generation
G. Ferrante (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
G. Eitelberg – Promotor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
A. Gangoli Rao – Promotor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
I. Langella – Copromotor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
Combustion technology currently supplies a large share of global energy demand, but it is also the main source of anthropogenic carbon emissions, driving climate change. While transitioning to renewable energy is essential for achieving a net-zero-carbon economy, this shift is progressing slowly. Global energy demand continues to grow, renewable sources can be intermittent, and certain sectors, such as heavy industry and aviation, are difficult to electrify due to their need for high energy density or thermal power. As a result, the development of cleaner and more efficient combustion technologies remains crucial for enabling a gradual and non-disruptive energy transition.
Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative fuel because it produces no carbon emissions during combustion and can be generated from renewable energy sources. However, hydrogen combustion introduces significant challenges due to the complex behaviour of turbulent flames. Accurately predicting these behaviours requires advanced numerical methods, such as Large Eddy Simulations (LES), which capture unsteady flow dynamics at relatively affordable computational cost. Flamelet-based LES models are particularly attractive because they simplify combustion chemistry by representing turbulent flames as collections of laminar flame structures. While effective for hydrocarbon fuels, applying these models to hydrogen requires additional considerations, especially regarding differential diffusion effects that strongly influence flame stability and structure.
This thesis advances the modelling of turbulent hydrogen combustion by developing and validating flamelet-based LES approaches. It introduces improved modelling techniques, including dynamic closures and methods to account for non-unity Lewis number effects, which are essential for capturing hydrogen-specific behaviour. The models are tested across various flame configurations and subsequently applied to a hydrogen-capable combustor developed at TU Delft. Through simulation, the research provides insights into fuel-air mixing, flame stabilization, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) formation during the transition from methane to hydrogen operation. Overall, the work contributes to the development of reliable simulation tools that support the design of cleaner combustion systems and facilitate the integration of hydrogen into future energy and aviation applications.