Practical Multi-Step Turbulent-Combustion Model for Fuel-Flexible Gas

DOE¿s FutureGen Initiative involves the development and demonstration of fuel-flexible gas turbine combustors that burn fuels with high hydrogen concentrations (e.g. syngas or pure hydrogen). Combustion goals include high efficiency and low emissions (NOx < 2 ppmv). Advanced Large Eddy Simulation (LES) analysis is expected to play an important role in developing fuel-flexible combustion technology; however, current turbulent-combustion models lack the accuracy and validation needed to promote the use of LES. Also, of critical importance for fuel-flexible combustion modeling is the need to accurately capture preferential molecular diffusion effects on the reaction. This project will develop a new turbulent-combustion model, named the Modified Global Mechanism (MGM) model and apply it to fuel-flexible combustion. The MGM model will capture turbulent flame physics and preferential molecular diffusion by generating tuned, multi-step global reaction rates that include the effects of both chemistry (kinetics) and diffusion (laminar and turbulent diffusion, as well as numerical diffusion). Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The MGM model should be easily adapted and interfaced with any LES combustion code. Interested parties would include OEMs that design/fabricate industrial gas turbine combustors, military and commercial aircraft gas turbine combustors, burner and boiler equipment, chemical processes, diesel/internal combustion engines, rockets, etc.