Flame dynamics of premixed CH4/H2/air flames in a microchannel with a wall temperature gradient

Abstract

The effect of hydrogen (H2) addition on the flame dynamics of premixed methane/air mixtures in a microchannel was investigated through two-dimensional numerical computations using a detailed chemistry model. Detailed numerical simulations were performed in a 2 mm diameter tube with 120 mm length and a hyperbolic wall temperature gradient condition. All numerical computations were performed at stoichiometric mixture conditions with a fixed inlet velocity of 15 cm/s. Flame repetitive extinction and ignition (FREI) has been observed to appear at various mixture conditions. The frequency of FREI shows a non-monotonic variation for CH4/air mixtures with H2 addition. The time taken for completion of one FREI cycle increases with H2 addition. The maximum temperature and heat of the reaction were observed to decrease with hydrogen addition. The effect of diameter on the FREI cycle was studied by comparing the numerical results for 1, 1.5, and 2 mm diameter tubes. As the diameter is reduced from 2 mm to 1 mm, the FREI frequency increased, and the maximum temperature decreased owing to increased heat loss through channel walls. The location of the ignition and extinction shifted downstream for 1 mm tube, as compared to a 2 mm diameter tube.