A review on the applications of the chemical reactor network approach on the prediction of pollutant emissions

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the applications of the chemical reactor network (CRN) approach for modeling the combustion in gas turbine combustors and classify the CRN construction methods that have been frequently used by researchers. Design/methodology/approach This paper initiates with introducing the CRN approach as a practical tool for precisely predicting the species concentrations in the combustion process with lower computational costs. The structure of the CRN and its elements as the ideal reactors are reviewed in recent studies. Flow field modeling has been identified as the most important input for constructing the CRNs; thus, the flow field modeling methods have been extensively reviewed in previous studies. Network approach, component modeling approach and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as the main flow field modeling methods, are investigated with a focus on the CRN applications. Then, the CRN construction approaches are reviewed and categorized based on extracting the flow field required data. Finally, the most used kinetics and CRN solvers are reviewed and reported in this paper. Findings It is concluded that the CRN approach can be a useful tool in the entire process of combustion chamber design. One-dimensional and quasi-dimensional methods of flow field modeling are used in the construction of the simple CRNs without detailed geometry data. This approach requires fewer requirements and is used in the initial combustor designing process. In recent years, using the CFD approach in the construction of CRNs has been increased. The flow field results of the CFD codes processed to create the homogeneous regions based on construction criteria. Over the past years, several practical algorithms have been proposed to automatically extract reactor networks from CFD results. These algorithms have been developed to identify homogeneous regions with a high resolution based on the splitting criteria. Originality/value This paper reviews the various flow modeling methods used in the construction of the CRNs, along with an overview of the studies carried out in this field. Also, the usual approaches for creating a CRN and the most significant achievements in this field are addressed in detail.

Estimation of Autoignition Propensity in Aeroderivative Gas Turbine Premixers Using Incompletely Stirred Reactor Network Modeling

“…The approach relies on an existing CFD solution of the inert flow that is then kinetically post-processed by solving equations for reacting scalars, such as autoignition precursors and temperature so that autoignition metrics can be explicitly analysed. The approach may be viewed as an improvement over current chemical reactor network approaches that consider only ideal reactors (e.g., see [7][8][9]) by the inclusion of mixture inhomogeneity.…”

Design and analysis of a tethered-glider for generating electrical-renewable energy using the pumping cycle method

“…The use of fossil fuels for energy generation via thermal power plants has caused global warming, climate change, and the release of toxic gases. Thus, it is necessary to consider alternative solutions [1,2,3,4]. In this regards, the use of renewable energy is the major solution to protect the environment.…”

Investigation of Oxy-Fuel Combustion through Reactor Network and Residence Time Data

“…Residence Time Distribution (RTD) measurement is widely employed in chemical industries to analyze the ongoing process and evaluate reactor performance [10][11][12]. Besides providing a significant insight into the mixing and reactivity of the flow, RTD data further improves the design and dimensioning of a Chemical Reactor Network (CRN) of the system under investigation [13,14]. A CRN employs a properly designed arrangement of ideal flow reactors to obtain a simplified model for the combustor flow field.…”