Hydrogen Combustion in Industrial Decarbonization for Energy and Emissions-Intensive Sectors
Session Number
Project ID: ENGN 01
Advisor(s)
Joohan Kim, Argonne National Laboratory
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
17-4-2024 9:20 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 9:35 AM
Abstract
The research aimed to characterize hydrogen as a potential sustainable energy source for decarbonization. The first phase involved conducting a literature review that outlined the chemical and physical properties of the fuel and its end-use applications in emissions-intensive industries. The second phase involved conducting zero-dimensional and one-dimensional flame simulations through Python scripts using Cantera software to understand the characteristics of hydrogen fuel in combustion compared to natural gas. The phase was then expanded to utilize three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation to characterize a four-stroke hydrogen engine combustion. The CONVERGE software was used for the simulation. Based on the simulation results, the hydrogen engine combustion characteristics were analyzed. Through the one- to three-dimensional simulations, the feasibility of hydrogen engines has been comprehensively investigated from fuel properties to combustion characteristics. The research concludes that hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel has an advantage in terms of carbon emissions and energy efficiency. However, it poses challenges through its low density, high diffusivity, and high laminar flame speed, potentially leading to leakage and explosion, necessitating safety measures like compression, leakage detection, and valve reinforcement.
Hydrogen Combustion in Industrial Decarbonization for Energy and Emissions-Intensive Sectors
The research aimed to characterize hydrogen as a potential sustainable energy source for decarbonization. The first phase involved conducting a literature review that outlined the chemical and physical properties of the fuel and its end-use applications in emissions-intensive industries. The second phase involved conducting zero-dimensional and one-dimensional flame simulations through Python scripts using Cantera software to understand the characteristics of hydrogen fuel in combustion compared to natural gas. The phase was then expanded to utilize three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation to characterize a four-stroke hydrogen engine combustion. The CONVERGE software was used for the simulation. Based on the simulation results, the hydrogen engine combustion characteristics were analyzed. Through the one- to three-dimensional simulations, the feasibility of hydrogen engines has been comprehensively investigated from fuel properties to combustion characteristics. The research concludes that hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel has an advantage in terms of carbon emissions and energy efficiency. However, it poses challenges through its low density, high diffusivity, and high laminar flame speed, potentially leading to leakage and explosion, necessitating safety measures like compression, leakage detection, and valve reinforcement.