Feature

Realise the sustainable promise of hydrogen combustion with simulation

Hydrogen is poised to decarbonise many sectors of our economy. It can be directly used in fuel cells for carbon-free power, or in gas turbines, where its high-energy density, higher autoignition temperatures and ability to lean-burn are favoured.

29/06/2021 10:58:24

The Paris Climate Agreement and the aviation community’s commitment to lower emissions drastically by 2050 are also driving hydrogen combustion research and development.

Despite its potential as a “golden” fuel or energy carrier, burning hydrogen in engines poses several challenges, including flashback, acoustic instabilities, autoignition, and flame holding inside the burner. Engineers can address these challenges with simulation.

Simulation saves time and costs

Rig testing does provide valuable information to help combat these challenges, but is expensive and time consuming, and with 100 percent hydrogen, it can mean sacrificing the critical components and instrumentation of the rig. Numerical simulations can provide a deeper characterisation of many complex phenomena inside gas turbine combustion chambers...

Read the full article in the July issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.