Experimental investigation of kinetic ignition of counterflow diffusion flames by plasma-activated ultra-lean premixtures

T. Ombrello, Yiguang Ju

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Kinetic ignition enhancement of hydrogen-air diffusion flames by a non-equilibrium plasma discharge of ultra-lean premixtures was studied experimentally through the development of a well defined counterflow system. Measurement and comparison of the ignition temperatures provided a basis for understanding the kinetic enhancement pathways for ignition by plasma discharge of air with and without small concentrations of hydrogen and methane addition. With plasma discharge of the air, the ignition temperatures were significantly decreased when compared to only heated air. The primary species that caused the ignition enhancement was NOx by catalyzing the inactive HO2 radical to OH. With the addition of up to two percent of hydrogen addition to the air upstream of the plasma, the ignition temperature did not significantly change, while only one percent addition of methane yielded ignition temperatures as high as with only heated air. Two pathways of NOx reduction by methane addition were identified where NOx was removed prior to the diffusion flame reaction zone to mitigate the ignition enhancement from the plasma.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007 "Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion"
PublisherCombustion Institute
Pages226-231
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781604239454
StatePublished - 2007
EventFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007: Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion - Charlottesville, United States
Duration: Oct 21 2007Oct 24 2007

Publication series

NameFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007 "Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion"

Other

OtherFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007: Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharlottesville
Period10/21/0710/24/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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