Research Projects

The development of efficient systems and the use of renewable resources is crucial to limit global warming. Combustion is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a need to shift towards renewable fuels like biogas, syngas, and landfill gas to improve combustion efficiency. Techniques such as bluff bodies and swirl vanes have been used to achieve proper mixing and improved stability from recirculation zones. A comprehensive numerical model can be used for design parametric studies, and a combined numerical and experimental study is required to achieve this. The proposed multi-annular burner will have multiple concentric tubes with a swirl component, controlled by injection of fuel mixture or air or both or using swirl vanes. Proper control can be achieved by varying Reynolds number and swirl number. By having multiple ports and annular paths, it is possible to inject a given type of fuel through a given stream, increasing flame stability and achieving complete combustion. Numerical predictions using Ansys FLUENT software will be used to predict the effects of Reynolds number, swirl number, burner geometric parameters, and fuel mixture composition on mixing characteristics. Reactive flow simulations will be carried out to select suitable burner configurations and fuel mixtures. Experimental data will be used to validate the corresponding numerical predictions. A water heat exchanger will be used for impingement heat transfer studies, where primary and secondary air flow rates can be varied to achieve optimum heat transfer to impinging surfaces. This project aims to create a flexi-fuel multi-annular burner that accommodates multiple fuel types in a given region.