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"Experimentelle und numerische Untersuchungen des Einflusses der Gasphase auf die Rußbildung"
(1993)
The present work is a part of a larger experimental campaign which examines the behaviour of various fuels on a swirl stabilized flame burner configuration. Overall, detailed speciation measurements and temperature measurements were combined with optical measurements. The work presented here concerns the part of the experimental campaign which deals with the optical characteristics of the examined flames. The work adds to the growing database of experimental measurements assessing engine-relevant reaction environments which shift from traditional ones in order to meet pollutant emission regulations and efficiency standards. Here, the oxidation of several commonly used fuel and fuel surrogates that are subjected to the addition of a bio-derived fuel additive (dimethyl ether) and emulated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is studied in a laboratory-scale swirl …
The reactions of amino radicals (NH2) play a vital role in governing the combustion behaviour of various nitrogen-rich chemical systems such as ammonia, coal nitrogen gasification, and biomass. Ammonia has recently gained considerable attention in the combustion community. Since it is a carbon-free fuel, it can help combat global warming by decarbonizing the energy sectors. However, several reports in the literature highlight the importance of the NH3-dual fuel approach to boost the combustion properties of neat ammonia. For combustion modeling of NH3-dual fuel systems, accurate knowledge of the cross-reactions between the nitrogen and carbon family is very critical. Several earlier studies have shown the influence of NH2 radical reactions with the fuel (combustion promoter) in accurately predicting the low- temperature combustion behaviour of NH3-dual fuels (see Giri et al. and references cited therein). The reactions of NH2 radicals are not only important in the combustion environment but also, they are relevant to the chemistry of planetary atmospheres.
In this work, we investigated the hydrogen abstraction reactions of NH2 radials with dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE) using a high-level quantum method combined with the statistical rate theory. We implemented the derived rate coefficients in our kinetic model to identify its effect in the combustion modeling of NH3-DME/DEE blends.
Enhancement of ammonia reactivity is crucial for potential applications of ammonia as an engine and gas turbine fuel. A common strategy for improving ammonia's poor reactivity is blending it with more reactive fuels like hydrogen and methane. However, fundamental studies of ammonia combustion with higher hydrocarbons and key intermediate oxidation species of higher alkanes such as propene do not exist. Thus, this work presents an effort to study the laminar flame propagation of ammonia blended with propene. Laminar burning velocity (SL) of NH3/C3H6/air mixtures was measured at 298 K, pressures up to 5 bar, equivalence ratios of 0.7 to 1.3, and various propene to ammonia ratios (i.e.,% propene to ammonia mole fraction, xC3H6 = 10 to 50) in a high-pressure spherical propagating flame vessel. A kinetic model was developed based on our previous work to characterize the combustion behavior of NH3/C3H6/air mixture. The model reasonably agrees with the experimental data and follows the observed trends very well. The results showed that blending NH3 with C3H6 positively enhanced SL of NH3 by promoting the formation of key radicals e.g., O, OH, and H. Relative to a neat ammonia/air mixture, co-firing ammonia with propene leads to a reduced pressure dependence of the laminar burning velocity. However, the reaction H + O2(+M)=HO2(+M) leads to strong pressure dependency of lean NH3/C3H6 mixtures compared to rich mixtures. The model reveals that besides fuel-NO coming from NH3, prompt NO also actively contributes to NO formation. It is seen that N2O formation is significantly suppressed with increasing pressure or increasing C3H6 content in the fuel blend. In contrast to NO and N2O, NO2 concentration increases slightly with an increase in pressure. The reported experimental data and model will be useful in understanding the interaction between NH3 and alkenes.
In the present work, a novel foam burner design is proposed and experimentally evaluated for operation with highly diluted syngas mixtures. The lab-scale burner consists of a purpose-built, square-shaped, high-temperature-grade stainless steel tubular reactor filled with square-sectioned siliconized silico carbide (SiSiC) foams. The assembly was installed in an electrical furnace. Spatially resolved temperature measurements were obtained along the reactor axis, while simultaneous measurements of CO, CO2, H2, O2, and N2 were taken at the burner exit and the water levels were recorded upstream and downstream of the reactor. The results clearly show that flames can be stabilized along the reactor for a range of foam characteristics and operating conditions. Hydrogen conversion efficiencies in excess of 98%, and overall thermal efficiencies close to 95% were achieved for the selected operating conditions. Overall, the denser 10 ppi foam demonstrated superior combustion characteristics in terms of stability, lower enthalpy rises, and a wider operating range at the expense of a very modest pressure drop penalty. Finally, scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Raman spectroscopy analyses, was used to determine the morphological and compositional characteristics of the pristine and aged foams. After more than 100 h of operation, no significant performance degradation was observed, even though the burner design was subjected to considerable thermal stress.
This work reports laminar flame speeds and ignition delay times of 1,3-dioxolane/O2/inert gases over a wide range of conditions. Laminar flame speeds were determined experimentally at pressures of 1 and 3 bar, the temperature of 300 K, and equivalence ratios ranging from 0.7 to 1.4 using a constant-volume spherical chamber, whereas ignition delay times were measured in a shock tube at a pressure of 1 bar, the temperature range of 1000–1265 K, and equivalence ratios of 0.5 and 1.0. A detailed kinetic model is developed to predict the oxidation of 1,3-dioxolane utilizing our new experimental data and published datasets on the oxidation of 1,3-dioxolane in freely propagating flames, autoignition in rapid compression machines and shock tubes, and speciation in a jet-stirred reactor. Model predictions are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Laminar flame speeds and ignition delay times of 1,3-dioxolane (cyclic ether) are compared with those of dimethoxymethane (acyclic ether). It is found that 1,3-dioxolane has a higher laminar flame speed than that of dimethoxymethane, which may be attributed to the formation of C2H4, C2H2, and the H atom from 1,3-dioxolane. On the contrary, ignition delay times of 1,3-dioxolane are longer than those of dimethoxymethane below 1000 K and shorter above 1000 K for the same dilution level. The reaction ȮCHO = CO2 + H is critical for accurately predicting 1,3-dioxolane oxidation, and it significantly influences model predictions under low-pressure conditions. The model developed in this work will serve as the base mechanism for higher cyclic and acyclic ethers.
Amino (NH2) radicals play a central role in the pyrolysis and oxidation of ammonia. Several reports in the literature highlight the importance of the reactions of NH2 radicals with fuel in NH3-dual-fuel combustion. Therefore, we investigated the reactions of NH2 radicals with methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (C2H5OH) theoretically. We explored the various reaction pathways by exploiting CCSD(T)/cc-pV(T, Q)Z//M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. The reaction proceeds via complex formation at the entrance and exit channels in an overall exothermic process. We used canonical transition state theory to obtain the high-pressure limiting rate coefficients for various channels over the temperature range of 300–2000 K. We discerned the role of various channels in the potential energy surface (PES) of NH2 + CH3OH/C2H5OH reactions. For both reactions, the hydrogen abstraction pathway at the OH-site of alcohols plays a minor role in the entire T-range investigated. By including the title reactions into an extensive kinetic model, we demonstrated that the reaction of NH2 radicals with alcohols plays a paramount role in accurately predicting the low-temperature oxidation kinetics of NH3-alcohols dual fuel systems (e.g., shortening the ignition delay time). On the contrary, these reactions have negligible importance for high-temperature oxidation kinetics of NH3-alcohol blends (e.g., not affecting the laminar flame speed). In addition, we calculated the rate coefficients for NH2 + CH4 = CH3 + NH3 reaction that are in excellent agreement with the experimental data.
The reaction of NH2 radicals with C3H8 is crucial for understanding the combustion behavior of NH3/C3H8 blends. In this study, we investigated the temperature dependence of the rate coefficients for the hydrogen abstraction reactions of C3H8 by NH2 radicals using high-level theoretical approaches. The potential energy surface was constructed at the CCSD(T)/cc-pV(T, Q)//M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory, and the rate coefficients were computed using conventional transition state theory, incorporating the corrections for quantum tunneling and hindered internal rotors (HIR). The computed rate coefficients showed a strong curvature in the Arrhenius behavior, capturing the experimental literature data well at low temperatures. However, at T > 1500 K, the theory severely overpredicted the experimental data. The available theoretical studies did not align with the experiment at high temperatures, and the possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. At 300 K, the reaction of NH2 with C3H8 predominantly occurs at the secondary C-H site, which accounts for approximately 95% of the total reaction flux. However, the hydrogen abstraction reaction at the primary C-H site becomes the dominant reaction above 1700 K. A composite kinetic model was built, which incorporated the computed rate coefficients for NH2 + C3H8 reactions. The importance of NH2 + C3H8 reactions in predicting the combustion behavior of NH3/C3H8 blends was demonstrated by kinetic modeling.
This work reports on the development and experimental validation of a detailed reaction mechanism for the oxidation of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEn, n = 1–3). The validation is done by constant-volume chamber laminar flame speeds (393 K and 443 K, 1 to 5 bar, and equivalence ratio 0.8 to 1.6) and Rapid Compression Machine ignition delay times (550–680 K, 10 and 15 bar, equivalence ratios of 0.5–2.0) in OMEn/air mixtures. Using our new experimental and published data, the validation basis for the new kinetic model comprises the pyrolysis and oxidation of OMEn (n = 1–3) in freely propagating flames, auto-ignition in rapid compression machines and shock tubes, and speciation in jet-stirred and flow reactors as well as burner-stabilized premixed flames. The model provides a reasonable agreement with the experimental data for a broad range of conditions investigated. The performance of the developed model is compared against the recent literature models. OMEn (n = 1–3) all have the same laminar flame speed. The model suggests that the chemistry of OME0 (DME) and CH3OCHO (methyl formate) is the one that dictates the flame chemistry. Under the same pressure and equivalence ratio conditions, ignition delay times of OME2 and OME3 are similar for the investigated temperature range. This work helps to improve the understanding of OMEs chemistry. The model developed in this work will serve as the base mechanism for higher chain length OMEs (n>3).
The 15 short chapters that form this 2023 ammonia-for-energy roadmap provide a comprehensive assessment of the current worldwide ammonia landscape and the future opportunities and associated challenges facing the use of ammonia, not only in the part that it can play in terms of the future displacement of fossil-fuel reserves towards massive, long-term, carbon-free energy storage and heat and power provision, but also in its broader holistic impacts that touch all three components of the future global food-water-energy nexus.
This paper discusses the adaption of a single cylinder research engine for a retrofit application with an ammonia diesel dual-fuel combustion process and the build of an ammonia fuel system. The gaseous ammonia will be injected in the air intake pipe and the premixed ammonia air mixture will enter the combustion chamber. The diesel injection is carried out via a high-pressure common rail system. All relevant parameters can be freely adjusted via a freely programmable control unit. With the help of experimental data from a single cylinder research engine at the chair of piston machines and internal combustion engines of the University of Rostock (LKV), a dual-fuel combustion model based on detailed chemistry will be developed and optimized. This model will be integrated in a full research engine model, which ensures the best possible representation of the real engine. The combustion model is being developed by LOGE Deutschland GmbH. The full research engine model is developed by FVTR GmbH. The analysis of the combustion process starts with pure diesel operating points and is successively substituted by ammonia in the course of the measurement campaigns. Both the combustion characteristics are relevant, as they significantly influence the resulting performance and engine operation, as well as the exhaust emissions, as the carbon emissions can be reduced, but the nitrogen oxides and ammonia slip increase significantly in relevance due to the ammonia. The results obtained will be used to derive initial recommendations for action and to estimate the potential for application in the inland waterway shipping. In addition, the development of the systematic simulation tools covers a broad spectrum of research questions and aims to increase the efficiency of the necessary R&D.
The present study describes the utilization of a reaction mechanism generator for the development of chemical kinetic models. The aim of the investigation is twofold. The in-house developed mechanism generator is updated with reaction classes reported in the literature, and the effect of the lower hydrocarbon chemistry, that is, base chemistry, on the generation process is assessed. For this purpose, the algorithm is implemented on two different base chemistry mechanisms, that have previously been validated against a different range of hydrocarbons, that is, the mechanisms of the groups coauthoring the study. n-Hexane has been used as a modeling target due to its important role in combustion studies as a surrogate for engine and aviation applications. The steps of the generation process are given in detail as this is the first time the current algorithm is utilized. The two generated mechanisms are compared against speciation data, ignition delay times, and flame velocities from the literature. The overall agreement of the generated mechanisms is satisfying; discrepancies exist in the negative temperature coefficient regime. Reaction path analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed, revealing the reactions that cause the different mechanism performance. Among others, the study reveals that the generated schemes pose a fast and adequate alternative to literature mechanisms; it is however evident that the latter may include more detailed reaction paths and are therefore superior in terms of validation.
Laminar burning velocities of ethanol-water-air mixtures have been determined using the heat flux method. Aqueous ethanol contained 0–40% of water by mole fraction. Laminar premixed flat flames were stabilized on a perforated burner under adiabatic conditions for the equivalence ratio range from 0.7 to 1.4. Burning velocity measurements were performed for the initial gas temperature of 358 K and at atmospheric pressure. The results for ethanol-air flames are in good agreement with the previous data obtained using the same heat flux method. The present and literature experimental data were compared against predictions using four different kinetic models. All models show uniform behaviour over the range of ethanol dilution by water covered in the present study. However, model predictions significantly diverge from the experimental data obtained in spherical flames. To quantify the effect of dilution on the laminar burning velocity, an empirical dimensionless correlation has been derived from the experimental data and predictions of the models tested. Further numerical analyses were performed to identify the effects of water addition on laminar burning velocities. Results suggested that water strongly interacts with the H2/O2 and C1 oxidation/recombination routes.
Laminar burning velocities of premixed ethylene/air flames were investigated under fuel lean and rich conditions. The laminar burning velocities were measured with the heat flux method at atmospheric pressure and unburnt gas temperatures of 298 K. The measurements have been performed for the equivalence ratio range of Φ = 0.7–2.5 using stabilized and flat flames on a perforated burner plate under adiabatic conditions. This is the first time that experimental measurements with the heat flux method of the ethylene/air flames under super fuel rich conditions are performed. The experimental data were compared against predictions using three different kinetic models and published flame speed. The measured flame speeds agree with other published data within the error margin. The experimental and predicted laminar flames do agree at fuel lean conditions, but there are some notable discrepancies under fuel rich conditions.
The laminar burning velocity SL of a given mixture of fuel and oxidizer is an important parameter to characterize premixed flames. SL is not only a fundamental parameter to calculate properties of turbulent flames, it is also an important target for the development of chemical kinetic mechanisms. Under fuel rich conditions it has relevance when simulating soot formation in burner stabilized flames. Many experiments on soot formation have been conducted in fuel-rich burner stabilized ethylene flames. Therefore an interest exists in experimental data for laminar burning velocity, in particular in fuel-rich ethylene flames. In the present work, ethylene / air flames were measured in the heat flux setup. Subsequently, the experimental data were compared against existing data and modelled using two kinetic models.
The laminar burning velocity of ethanol-water-air flames at atmospheric pressure and initial gas temperatures of T = 358 K was measured with the heat flux method. The mixture of ethanol-water-air contained 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% water by mole and the equivalence ratio (ϕ) range was varied from 0.7 to 1.4. The experiments were compared against predictions using three different kinetic models.
Prediction on non-premixed combustion and soot formation using and interactive flamelet approach
(2006)
Modeling Diesel Engine Combustion and Pollutant Formation using a Stochastic Reactor Model Approach
(2005)
Cyclic ethers (CEs) can be promising future biofuel candidates. Most CEs possess physico-chemical and combustion indicators comparable to conventional fuels, making them suitable for internal combustion engines. This work computationally investigates the kinetic behaviors of hydrogen abstraction from 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2MTHF), one of the promising CEs, by hydroxyl radicals under combustion and atmospheric relevant conditions. The various reaction pathways were explored using the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. The Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus-based master equation (RRKM-ME) rate model, including treatments for hindered internal rotation and tunneling, was employed to describe time-dependent species profiles and pressure and temperature-dependent rate coefficients. Our kinetic model revealed that the H-abstraction proceeds via an addition-elimination mechanism forming reaction complexes at both the entrance and exit channels. Eight different reaction channels yielding five radical products were located. The reaction exhibited complex kinetics yielding a U-shaped Arrhenius behavior. An unusual occurrence of negative temperature dependence was observed at low temperatures, owing to the negative barrier height for the hydrogen abstraction reaction from the C-H bond at the vicinity of the O-atom. A shift in the reaction mechanism was observed with the dominance of the abstraction at Cα-H of 2MTHF ring (causing negative-T dependence) and at CH3 (positive-T dependence) at low and high temperatures, respectively. Interestingly, the pressure effect was observed at low temperatures, revealing the kinetic significance of the pre-reaction complex. Under atmospheric pressure, our theoretical rate coefficients showed excellent agreement with the available literature data. Our model nicely captured the negative temperature-dependent behaviors at low temperatures. Our predicted global rate coefficients can be expressed as k (T, 760 Torr) = 3.55 × 101 × T−4.72 × exp [−340.0 K/T] + 8.21 × 10−23 × T3.49 × exp [918.8 K/T] (cm3/molecule/s). Our work provides a detailed kinetic picture of the OH-initiated oxidation kinetics of 2MTHF. Hence, this information is useful for building a kinetic me chanism for methylated cyclic ethers.
The introduction of a physics-based zero-dimensional stochastic reactor model combined with tabulated chemistry enables the simulation-supported development of future compression-ignited engines. The stochastic reactor model mimics mixture and temperature inhomogeneities induced by turbulence, direct injection and heat transfer. Thus, it is possible to improve the prediction of NOx emissions compared to common mean-value models. To reduce the number of designs to be evaluated during the simulation-based multi-objective optimization, genetic algorithms are proven to be an effective tool. Based on an initial set of designs, the algorithm aims to evolve the designs to find the best parameters for the given constraints and objectives. The extension by response surface models improves the prediction of the best possible Pareto Front, while the time of optimization is kept low. This work presents a novel methodology to couple the stochastic reactor model and the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm. First, the stochastic reactor model is calibrated for 10 low, medium and high load operating points at various engine speeds. Second, each operating point is optimized to find the lowest fuel consumption and specific NOx emissions. The optimization input parameters are the temperature at intake valve closure, the compression ratio, the start of injection, the injection pressure and exhaust gas recirculation rate. Additionally, it is ensured that the maximum peak cylinder pressure and turbine inlet temperature are not exceeded. This enables a safe operation of the engine and exhaust aftertreatment system under the optimized conditions. Subsequently, a reliability analysis is performed to estimate the effect of off-nominal conditions on the objectives and constraints. The novel multi-objective optimization methodology has proven to deliver reasonable results. The zero-dimensional stochastic reactor model with tabulated chemistry is a fast running physics-based model that allow to run large optimization problems in a short amount of time. The combination with the reliability analysis also strengthens the confidence in the simulation-based optimized engine operation parameters.
The development of future gasoline engines is dominated by the study of new technologies aimed at reducing the engine negative environmental impact and increase its thermal efficiency. One common trend is to develop smaller engines able to operate in stoichiometric conditions across the whole engine map for better efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and optimal conversion rate of the three-way catalyst (TWC). Water injection is one promising technique, as it significantly reduces the engine knock tendency and avoids fuel enrichment for exhaust temperature mitigation at high power operation.
With the focus on reducing the carbon footprint of the automotive sector, another vital topic of research is the investigation of new alternative CO2-neutral fuels or so-called eFuels. Several studies have already shown how these new synthetic fuels can be produced by exploiting renewable energy sources and can significantly reduce engine emissions.
This work is part of the FVV project number 1367, “Water Injection in Spark-Ignition Engines II”, which investigates the coexistence of two different engine technologies that heads towards the same direction of sustainability of the internal combustion engine: water injection and eFuels. The goal is to assess the advantages that the adoption of an eFuel in combination with water injection strategies can bring, with respect to the same strategies applied in combination with commercial gasoline.
Several water injection strategies, including direct water injection, indirect water injection, injection timing, and pressure variations, are considered for a better understanding of the benefits brought by the combination of an eFuel with water injection. For this purpose, experimental tests and 3D-CFD engine simulations have been performed. The physical properties of the investigated eFuel have been experimentally measured for accurate modelling in the simulation environment, and the thermodynamic properties have been evaluated utilizing detailed chemistry calculations.
The use of complex reaction schemes is accompanied by high computational cost in 3D CFD simulations but is particularly important to predict pollutant emissions in internal combustion engine simulations. One solution to tackle this problem is to solve the chemistry prior the CFD run and store the chemistry information in look-up tables. The approach presented combines pre-tabulated progress variable-based source terms for auto-ignition as well as soot and NOx source terms for emission predictions. The method is coupled to the 3D CFD code CONVERGE v2.4 via user-coding and tested over various speed and load passenger-car Diesel engine conditions. This work includes the comparison between the combustion progress variable (CPV) model and the online chemistry solver in CONVERGE 2.4. Both models are compared by means of combustion and emission parameters. A detailed n-decane/α-methyl-naphthalene mechanism, comprising 189 species, is used for both online and tabulated chemistry simulations. The two chemistry solvers show very good agreement between each other and equally predict trends derived experimentally by means of engine performance parameters as well as soot and NOx engine-out emissions. The CPV model shows a factor 8 speed-up in run-time compared to the online chemistry solver without compromising the accuracy of the solution.
Spray modeling is among the main aspects of mixture formation and combustion in internal combustion engines. It plays a major role in pollutant formation and energy efficiency although adequate modeling is still under development. Strong grid dependence is observed in the droplet-based stochastic spray model commonly used. As an alternative, an interactive model called 'SprayLet' is being developed for spray simulations based on one-dimensional integrated equations for the gas and liquid phases, resulting from cross-sectionally averaging of multi-dimensional transport equations to improve statistical convergence. The formulated one-dimensional cross-section averaged system is solved independently of the CFD program to provide source terms for mass, momentum and heat transfer between the gas and liquid phases. The transport processes take place in a given spray cone where the nozzle exit is automatically resolved. In the 1D program, the conservation equations are for droplet diameter, droplet temperature, as well as for continuity and momentum of the liquid and the gaseous phase are solved. The source terms between the phases are conservatively embedded into the spray region of the CFD program. In CFD program, the transport equations are solved for gas phase only. The SprayLet model is validated using standard Sandia sprays by comparing penetration lengths and fuel mixture fractions with experimental data.
Meeting strict current and future emissions legislation necessitates development of computational tools capable of predicting the behaviour of combustion and emissions with an accuracy sufficient to make correct design decisions while keeping computational cost of the simulations amenable for large-scale design space exploration. While detailed kinetics modelling is increasingly seen as a necessity for accurate simulations, the computational cost can be often prohibitive, prompting interest in simplified approaches allowing fast simulation of reduced mechanisms at coarse grid resolutions appropriate for internal combustion engine simulations in design context. In this study we present a simplified Well-stirred Reactor (WSR) implementation coupled with 3D CFD Ricardo VECTIS solver. A detailed evaluation of benchmark ECN spray problem is presented demonstrating that a single point calibration of such a model using a bulk reaction multiplier approach can provide correct representation of the solution across a wide range of temperatures on grid sizes typically employed for RANS internal combustion engine simulations with tabulated kinetics or zonal combustion models.
The present work provides new insight into NH3single bondNO interaction under low-temperature conditions. The oxidation process of neat NH3 and NH3 doped with NO (450, 800 ppm) was experimentally investigated in a Jet Stirred Flow Reactor at atmospheric pressure for the temperature range 900–1350 K. Results showed NO concentration is entirely controlled by DeNOx reactions in the temperature range 1100–1250 K, while NH3single bondNO interaction does not develop through a sensitizing NO effect, for these operating conditions.
A detailed kinetic model was developed by systematically updating rate constants of controlling reactions and declaring new reactions for N2H2 isomers (cis and trans). The proposed mechanism well captures target species as NO and H2 profiles. For NH3single bondNO mixtures, NO profiles were properly reproduced through updated DeNOx chemistry, while NH2 recombination reactions were found to be essential for predicting the formation of H2. The role of ammonia as a third-body species is implemented in the updated mechanism, with remarkable effects on species predictions. For neat NH3 mixture, the reaction H+O2(+M)=HO2(+M) was crucial to predict NO formation via the reaction NH2+HO2double bondH2NO+OH.
In the SAE article 2023-24-0083: SprayLet: One-dimensional interactive cross-sectionally averaged spray model, we formulatet a one-dimensional Spray model in interaction with the surrounding gas phase. We could demonstrate, that the model predicted liquid and gaseous penetration length in good aggreement with ECN spray experiments. In this paper we use this model in engine CFD (CONVERGE CFD) and demonstrate a strong reduction in CPU time (50%). We can show a strong decrease in grid dependency, which allows a further reduction of CPU time (90%). We will present engine CFD simulations, comparing detailed spray with SpayLet simulations. This includes pressure traces, heat release, and emissions.
State of the art spark ignited gasoline engines achieve thermal efficiencies above 46 % e.g. due to friction optimized crank trains, high in-cylinder tumble flow and direct fuel injection. Further improvements of thermal efficiency are expected from lean combustion, higher compression ratio and new knock-resistant fuel blends. One of the limitations to these improvements are set by the autoignition in the end gas, which can develop to knocking combustion and severely damage the internal combustion engine. The auto-ignition is enhanced by high cylinder gas temperatures and reactive species in the end gas composition. Quasi-dimensional Stochastic Reactor Model simulations with detailed chemistry allow to consider the thermochemistry properties of surrogates and complex end gas compositions. Based on the detailed reaction scheme and surrogate model, an innovative tabulated chemistry approach is utilized to generate dual-fuel laminar flame speed and combustion chemistry look-up tables. This reduces the simulation duration to seconds per cycle, while the loss in accuracy compared to solving the chemistry “online” is marginal. The auto-ignition events predicted by the tabulated chemistry simulation are evaluated using the Detonation Diagram developed by Bradley and co-workers. This advanced methodology for quasi-dimensional models evaluates the resonance between the shock wave and reactionfront velocity from auto-ignition in the end gas and determines if it is a harmful developing detonation or normal deflagration. The aim of this work is to evaluate the auto-ignition characteristics of different fuel blends. The Stochastic Reactor Model with tabulated chemistry is applied to perform a numerical analysis of the autoignition of the fuel blends and operating conditions. Experimental measurements of a single cylinder research engine operated with RON95 E10 fuel are used to train and validate the simulation model. The RON95 E10 fuel is blended with Methanol, Hydrogen and Toluene. The knock tendency based on the evaluation of auto-ignition events of the different fuel blends are analysed for three operating points at 1500 rpm 15 bar IMEP, 2000 rpm 20 bar IMEP and 2500 rpm 15 bar IMEP with advanced spark timings.
The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of the n-heptane/toluene ratio on the reactivity of binary toluene reference fuels (TRFs), through a combined experimental and numerical work. Novel experimental ignition delay time (IDT) data of three binary TRFs of varying n-heptane/toluene ratios have been obtained in a high-pressure shock tube and in a rapid compression machine at conditions relevant to novel engine operation. Measurements have been performed at two pressures (10 and 30 bar), and at three fuel/air equivalence ratios (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0) for TRF mixtures of 50%, 75% and 90% by volume toluene concentration, over the temperature range of 650–1450 K. It was found that, increasing the n-heptane content, led to an increase in reactivity and shorter measured IDTs. Reduced sensitivity to the equivalence ratio was observed at high temperatures, especially for high toluene content mixtures. A …
"Chemical Kinetic Modelling of Combustion in Internal Combustion Engines using Reduced Chemistry"
(2002)
The use of chemical kinetic mechanisms in computer aided engineering tools for internal combustion engine simulations is of high importance for studying and predicting pollutant formation of conventional and alternative fuels. However, usage of complex reaction schemes is accompanied by high computational cost in 0-D, 1-D and 3-D computational fluid dynamics frameworks. The present work aims to address this challenge and allow broader deployment of detailed chemistry-based simulations, such as in multi-objective engine optimization campaigns. A fast-running tabulated chemistry solver coupled to a 0-D probability density function-based approach for the modelling of compression and spark ignition engine combustion is proposed. A stochastic reactor engine model has been extended with a progress variable-based framework, allowing the use of pre-calculated auto-ignition tables instead of solving the chemical reactions on-the-fly. As a first validation step, the tabulated chemistry-based solver is assessed against the online chemistry solver under constant pressure reactor conditions. Secondly, performance and accuracy targets of the progress variable-based solver are verified using stochastic reactor models under compression and spark ignition engine conditions. Detailed multicomponent mechanisms comprising up to 475 species are employed in both the tabulated and online chemistry simulation campaigns. The proposed progress variable-based solver proved to be in good agreement with the detailed online chemistry one in terms of combustion performance as well as engine-out emission predictions (CO, CO2, NO and unburned hydrocarbons). Concerning computational performances, the newly proposed solver delivers remarkable speed-ups (up to four orders of magnitude) when compared to the online chemistry simulations. In turn, the new solver allows the stochastic reactor model to be computationally competitive with much lower order modeling approaches (i.e., Vibe-based models). It also makes the stochastic reactor model a feasible computer aided engineering framework of choice for multi-objective engine optimization campaigns.
It is important to understand the low-temperature chemistry of 1-hexene as it is used as a representative alkene component in gasoline surrogate fuels. Ignition delay times (IDTs) of 1-hexene measured in rapid compression machines (RCMs) can be used to validate its low-temperature chemistry. However, volume history profiles are not available for published RCM IDT data. This has restricted the validation of the low-temperature chemistry of 1-hexene at engine-relevant conditions (i.e. at low temperatures and high pressures). Thus, new RCM IDT data with associated volume history profiles are needed. In this study, both an RCM and a high-pressure shock tube (ST) are employed to measure IDTs of 1-hexene at equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 in ‘air’ and at pressures of 15 and 30 atm. A cool-flame (first stage) and total (second stage) ignition was observed in the RCM experiments. Moreover, carbon monoxide and water versus time histories produced during 1-hexene oxidation at highly diluted conditions were measured in a ST. A new detailed chemical kinetic model describing 1-hexene oxidation is proposed and validated using these new measured data together with various experimental data available in the literature. The kinetic model can predict well the auto-ignition behavior and oxidation processes of 1-hexene at various conditions. The rate constants and branching ratio for hydroxyl radical addition to the double bond of 1-hexene are particularly important and discussed based on the experimental and theoretically calculated results from previous studies as well as validation results from jet-stirred reactor (JSR) species profiles. Flux and sensitivity analyses are performed to determine the important reaction classes for 1-hexene oxidation and show that the reactions associated with hydroxy radical addition to the double bond contribute most to the low-temperature reactivity of 1-hexene. In the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) regime, the isomerization of hexenyl-peroxy radicals promotes fuel reactivity due to its associated chain branching pathways.
The reduction of greenhouse gasses such as CO2 and CH4 is becoming necessary due to global environmental problems. The reforming of light hydrocarbons is a particularly efficient process for producing synthesis gas, H2 and CO, from greenhouse gasses [1]. The steam reforming of methane is the most important method to produce syngas in industry by using a nickel catalyst. Nickel-based catalysts are the conventional catalysts in industrial applications due to their fast turnover rates, good availability, and low costs, however, limited by their tendency towards coke formation. In this study, a detailed surface reaction mechanism is developed for steam reform-ing of methane over nickel and results are compared with the reference data.
A detailed surface reaction mechanism to investigate oxidation of methane over nickel catalyst
(2023)
We have developed a kinetically consistent detailed surface reaction mechanism for modeling the oxidation of methane over a nickel-based catalyst. A one-dimensional model, LOGEcat based on the single-channel 1D catalyst model, is used to perform the simulations. The original multi-step reaction mechanism is thermodynamically consistent and consists of 52 reactions. By thermodynamic consistency, we mean that the equilibrium is achieved with the support of the Arrhenius parameters and does not depend on the thermochemistry of the species involved in the considered reactions. The detailed mechanism developed in this investigation contains 26 reversible reactions. These reactions are obtained with the use of the thermochemistry of the species. The study focuses on ensuring kinetic consistency and this is done with the help of thermodynamic analysis by bringing the thermochemistry of the species in play in order to develop a surface reaction mechanism. The new mechanism can be used to understand the other processes, for example, steam- and dry-reforming of methane over nickel, however, the main focus of the paper is to check the performance of the detailed mechanism for catalytic partial oxidation of methane. The applicability of the mechanism is checked for various reactor conditions in terms of parameters such as temperature and pressure by comparing the results with the available reference data. The detailed mechanism developed in this study is able to accurately express oxidation of methane over the nickel catalyst for the considered reactor conditions.
In the field of catalysis, dry reforming, that is, methane reforming with CO2, is in the focus due to growing environmental concerns about oil depletion and global warming with a desire to produce synthesis gas. However, this process can lead to the formation of carbon, which can cause catalyst deactivation, especially at industrial conditions. Nevertheless, the key to develop a more coke-resistant catalyst is a better comprehension of the reforming process at a molecular level. Regardless of all the investigations available in literature, the detailed path for the conversion of methane to syngas and carbon remains a controversial issue. Another problem in setting up a reaction mechanism is the difficulty to define the thermodynamic data for intermediate surface species and this leads to the development of thermodynamic consistent surface reaction mechanisms in literature where the thermodynamic data are not used to calculate the rate coefficients of the reverse reactions. Rather the Arrhenius parameters for the forward as well as backward reactions are explicitly given in the reaction mechanism to establish thermodynamic equilibrium. In this investigation, a kinetically consistent detailed surface reaction mechanism is developed which consists of 26 reversible reactions with the help of a one-dimensional model, LOGEcat. Our previous work constructs the basis of the present investigation. Further, a detailed sensitivity analysis of reversible reactions and reaction pathways is performed to understand the mechanism better. The mechanism is validated for dry reforming of methane over nickel catalyst, however, it can also be used for other processes, such as, steam reforming and partial oxidation. The mechanism is tested by comparing the simulation results with the literature experiments and simulations in a wide range of temperature. The new developed kinetically consistent surface reaction mechanism is able to accurately express the dry reforming of methane over the nickel catalyst for complete range of temperature and also provide a useful insight into the key rate determining steps.
The reforming of light hydrocarbons to produce synthesis gas, H2 and CO, is an important intermediate for manufacturing valuable basic chemicals and synthesis fuels. In order to understand these reforming processes better, elementary step reaction mechanisms are developed. In the available literature, the surface reaction mechanisms are usually achieved with the help of reaction kinetic parameters without using the thermochemistry of the species referred to kinetic models due to the unavailability of the thermochemistry of the intermediate species involved in the multi-step reaction mechanism. In this work, investigations are made to obtain the thermochemistry of the intermediate species to establish thermodynamic equilibrium in order to develop a thermodynamic model for steam reforming of methane over nickel. The thermochemistry of the surface bound species is taken from different sources available in the literature and after that a detailed sensitivity analysis is performed to match the results with experiments. The simulation set up is adapted from the literature experiments given in [1]. The results produced with the one-dimensional tool using the thermodynamic model developed in the present investigation consisting of 21 reversible reactions are compared with the kinetic scheme with 42 irreversible reactions from reference simulation along with their experimental results. Both the models show some major differences in the reaction pathways which provides a useful insight into the key rate determining steps and needs further investigations.
Steam reforming of hydrocarbons is a well established chemical process which provides synthesis gas (H2 and CO). These synthesis products can hence be converted to numerous valuable basic chemicals. For the industrial application of steam reforming, a detailed understanding of the process is a prerequisite. Models that capture the detailed homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction kinetics and the comprehensive transport processes as well as their interaction have the potential to optimize the catalytic process without expensive experimental campaigns.
In this paper, a detailed investigation has been done using a multi-step reaction mechanism for modeling steam reforming of methane over nickel-based catalyst using a one-dimensional (1D) model, LOGEcat [1]. The model is applicable to the simulation of all standard after-treatment catalytic processes of combustion exhaust gas along with other chemical processes involving heterogeneous catalysis, such as, the Sabatier process [27]. It is a 1D tool, thus is computationally cost effective and is based on a series of perfectly stirred reactors (PSR).
The model is used to perform the simulations for various reactor conditions in terms of temperature, pressure, flow rates and steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratio. Several chemical reaction terms, such as, selectivity, yield, conversion, and mole fraction have been shown with respect to the varied parameters and the results are compared with 2D simulations and experimental reference data. We report a very good agreement of the various profiles produced with 1D model as compared to the reference data.
Note that the main aim of this study is to check how far the 1D model can capture the basic chemistry for modeling steam reforming of methane over nickel-based catalysts. It is interesting to note that the cost effective reduced order model is capable to capture the physics and chemistry involved with a multi-step reaction mechanism showing the predictive capability of the model. This study forms the basis for further analysis towards the thermochemistry of the species to develop a kinetically consistent reaction mechanism.
A thermodynamic model is developed using a one-dimensional model, LOGEcat to understand the dry reforming of methane over nickel-based catalysts. To do so, we have extended our previously developed mechanism (Rakhi and Shrestha in React Kinet, Mech Catal 135:3059–3083, 2022) which contains 21 reversible reactions by adding 5 more reversible reactions and updating the thermochemistry of one intermediate species. The adjusted mechanism contains 26 reversible reactions obtained with the help of thermodynamic analysis. This study focuses on using the thermodynamic model for dry reforming of methane and insights into the reaction pathways and sensitivity analysis for the kinetically consistent surface reaction mechanism. The applicability of the mechanism is examined for reactor conditions in terms of parameters such as temperature by comparing the results with the available reference data. The mechanism is able to accurately express the reforming conditions of methane over the nickel catalyst for complete range of temperature and also provide useful insights into the reaction pathways established with the thermodynamic model.