Studies on the Properties of Nitrogen as a Diluent in Laminar Premixed NH3/CO/H2/air Flames at Elevated Temperature and Pressure

Mengxin Guo; Jun Song

doi:10.54691/e8zbnb15

Authors

Mengxin Guo
Jun Song

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/e8zbnb15

Keywords:

Ammonia, Diluent, Laminar Burning Velocity, Flame Instability.

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the laminar flame propagation characteristics of NH₃/N₂/CO/H₂/air mixtures under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions across a wide range of equivalence ratios. Laminar burning velocities (LBVs) were determined using the spherical flame propagation method, which enables accurate evaluation of intrinsic flame properties while minimizing the influence of external disturbances. Particular emphasis was placed on the effects of equivalence ratio and N₂ dilution volume fraction, both of which exert significant influences on flame dynamics.The results reveal that LBV decreases monotonically with increasing N₂ dilution, while it increases with elevated initial temperature. In contrast, the dependence of LBV on equivalence ratio exhibits a non-monotonic behavior, reflecting the complex interplay among heat release, transport phenomena, and flame structure. As an inert diluent, N₂ significantly suppresses flame propagation by reducing the net reaction rate of critical chain-branching reactions, altering the ammonia consumption pathway, and ultimately lowering NOX formation. The presence of N₂ not only affects flame stability but also modifies the emission characteristics of ammonia-based fuel mixtures.Overall, these findings provide new insights into the combustion performance of NH₃/N₂/CO/H₂/air mixtures and demonstrate that the use of N₂ as a diluent can effectively reduce NOX emissions, thereby offering valuable guidance for the design and optimization of cleaner, ammonia-fueled energy systems.

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