Numerical Study of an Improved Non-Circular MC Fuelled with H/Air for Thermo-Photovoltaic (TPV) Applications

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have paid special attention to wall uniformity temperature and improvement in a micro-combustor (MC) for applications as thermos-photovoltaic (TPV) since they have a direct influence on feasibility and efficiency of the required conversion of energy. Numerous experimentation and numerical studies in the field of micro-combustion have been carried out and published in this respect. This study focuses on the flame and flow behaviour in an improved MC. Utilizing the famous approach of fluid dynamics being computational (CFD), the impact of geometrical flow parameters behaviour and temperature of wall is explored and measured. The generated model is being used to evaluate the effects of Hydrogen (H) mass flow rate (MFR) and H/air equivalency ratios on the flame pattern and outer temperature of wall of conventional and enhanced MCs. Moreover, the influence of various MC cross sections (CS), such as square, circular, and flat, on temperature of wall is examined. The findings reveal that when the MFR rises, the wall outside temperature rises as well. The MC with flat cross-sections (CSs) is found to be more effective in terms of power of emitter and efficiency of emitter.