Advancing Hydrogen: Optimization of Trapped-Vortex Combustors for Clean Energy Applications

Advancing Hydrogen: Optimization of Trapped-Vortex Combustors for Clean Energy Applications;Background:;

Hydrogen is recognized as a cornerstone in the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to one with net-zero CO₂ emissions. In 2020, both the United States (Conrad and Reinhardt, 2020) and the European Union (European Union, 2020) unveiled comprehensive hydrogen strategies, highlighting significant investments to drive this transformation. Similarly, Australia has identified hydrogen as a critical component of its economic future (COAG Energy Council, 2019). The country is actively developing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem encompassing production, storage, transportation, and consumption. At COP26, the Australian government reinforced its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, positioning hydrogen as a key enabler of this economic and environmental shift. Recently, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched a National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 to replace the fossil fuels in transportation and industry. Apart from that a Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub is being established at IIT Madras by one of the leading principal investigators from IIT Madras in collaboration with Hyundai. ;

Hydrogen offers multiple pathways to replace fossil fuels. One promising application is its use in fuel cells to generate electricity. However, high-temperature industrial applications demand alternative solutions where electrification is not feasible (Wei et al., 2019). To address this gap, the direct combustion of hydrogen/blending with high density liquid fuels for thermal energy must be explored. For instance, BMW is pioneering hydrogen combustion technologies, particularly for high-performance vehicles.;

;Research Gap:;

;The capability to design next-generation hydrogen with blended/non-blended fuel burners presents a significant opportunity for Australia and India to lead in delivering clean energy solutions, especially for high-temperature applications. This innovation could facilitate the conversion of gas power stations to hydrogen, integrate hydrogen use in the mining sector, and enable its application in combustion engines and gas turbines.;

;A critical challenge in adapting existing fossil fuel-based combustors to hydrogen is its higher diffusion and combustion rates. These characteristics often result in elevated temperatures, which can increase emissions of harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx). Overcoming this obstacle is vital for enabling widespread hydrogen adoption in combustion systems.;

;Aim:;

;We propose the joint development of small-scale trapped-vortex combustors capable of providing clean energy for diverse applications, such as portable power generation, micro-propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and smelting operations in mining.;

;;Objectives:;

;As part of this project, we propose the following objectives:;;

1. Validation of Existing Hydrogen Combustion Models;Leveraging our ongoing advancements in hydrogen combustion modelling (Manatunga et al., 2024), we aim to validate suitable hydrogen combustion models for application in the study of trapped-vortex combustors. This step ensures the accuracy and applicability of the models to predict combustion behaviour and performance under real-world conditions.;

2. Analysis of Current Trapped-Vortex Combustor Designs;Existing trapped-vortex combustor designs (Chen et al., 2015; Chen et al., 2016) will be analysed to explore their adaptation for hydrogen fuel. Key challenges, including NOx emissions, flame stabilization, and thermal stresses, will be identified to establish a foundation for optimizing these designs for hydrogen use.;

3. Optimization and Modification of Designs;Building on the findings from the analysis phase, we will develop strategies to modify and optimize current trapped-vortex combustor designs to enhance their compatibility with hydrogen. These modifications will address identified challenges, ensuring improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and robust performance.;

4. Experiments;Development of experimental test rig for investigating the small scale trapped vortex combustor for following major objectives. ;

-To identity the flame stability regime of the combustor;

-Temperature measurements at the exit/inside of the combustor ;

-Measurement of emission performance of the combustor;

-Combustor’s performance in blended approach with other fuels;;

Our collective expertise in combustion systems positions us to advance this research through a collaboration between Deakin University and IIT Madras. Together, we aim to innovate and optimize hydrogen-based technologies to meet the energy demands of the future while ensuring environmental sustainability.;;;

COAG Energy Council, Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy, 2019.;Conrad, R. and Reinhard, T, Hydrogen Strategy - Enabling a Low Carbon Economy, US Department of Energy, 2020.;European Union, A hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe, European Commission, 2020.;Manatunga M, Christo FC, Schluter J, Shelyag S, Influence of buoyancy on the mixing, flame structure, and production of NO in hydrogen diffusion flames, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 57:328-337, 2024;Manatunga HC, Schluter J, Christo F, Shelyag S, Sheehy J, Effect of buoyancy on CFD prediction accuracy of hydrogen/methane jet diffusion flames, Proceedings of the 23rd Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, 2022;Chen S, Chue RSM, Yu SCM, Schlüter JU, Spinning effects on a trapped vortex combustor, Journal of Propulsion and Power 32(5):1133-1145, 2016;Chen S, Chue RSM, Schluter JU, Nguyen TTQ, Yu SCM, Numerical investigation of a trapped vortex miniature ramjet combustor, Journal of propulsion and power: 31(3):872-882 (11 pages), 2015;https://mnre.gov.in/en/hydrogen-overview/;https://www.iitm.ac.in/happenings/press-releases-and-coverages/whats-hydrogen-valley-innovation-hub-iit-madras;"