ABSTRACT
The current research has investigated the effects of magnetic fields on molecular structures, especially on flame formation, flame behavior and emission gases. This study particularly examines the phenomenon of combustion instability and emission characteristics of CH4 and CH4/H2 fuels under lean combustion conditions and under external acoustic forcing. Conducted within a combustor utilizing premixing and swirl techniques, experiments strategically generated magnetic fields in specific regions: the burner input, pre-mixer, and fuel supply lines. Trials maintained a constant magnetic field intensity of 3500 gauss, with a thermal output of 3 kW, swirl number of 1, and equivalency ratio of 0.7. Evaluation of acoustic resonance was performed at 95 Hz and 175 Hz frequencies within the combustion chamber. Findings suggest that applying a magnetic field positively impacts the combustion process, reducing instabilities in fuels like CH4 and CH4/H2, especially at a 95 Hz frequency. During pure methane combustion, CO emissions initially measured 4785 ppm but decreased to 4143 ppm under the magnetic field’s influence. Introducing the magnetic field to the pre-mixer increased CO emissions to 4233 ppm, while its application to the fuel line reduced emissions to 4104 ppm. For the CH4/H2 fuel mix, CO emissions decreased from 2638 ppm to 1961 ppm with the magnetic field, indicating improved combustion and reduced pollutant gases, including CO and NOx. This study highlights the potential of magnetic fields to improve combustion efficiency and address environmental concerns.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank by Erciyes University Research Foundation (Project No. FBAÜ-2022-11955) for its financial support.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Notes on contributors
Murat Taştan
Murat Taştan an Assistant Prof. in the Department of Airframe-Powerplant at Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Erciyes University. He completed his doctoral degree in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Erciyes University in 2018. The author’s primary research areas are energy and fuel, combustion stability. He has several research papers in the field of alternative fuels and combustion analyze.
Ozan Öztürk
Ozan Öztürk obtained her master’s degree in civil aviation from Erciyes University, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, with a specialization in energy. He continues his doctoral studies. Her research interest is in energy.
Buğrahan Alabaş
Buğrahan Alabaş an Assistant Prof. in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Erciyes University. He completed his doctoral degree in the Department of Civil Aviation at Erciyes University in 2021. The author’s primary research areas are energy and fuel, combustion stability. He has several research papers in the field of alternative fuels and combustion analyze.
Kamil Mutlu
Kamil Mutlu obtained her master’s degree in Department of Airframe-Powerplant from Erciyes University, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, with a specialization in energy. He continues his doctoral studies. Her research interest is in combustion of fuels.
İlker Yilmaz
İlker Yilmaz is a Professor in the Department of Energy Systems Engineering at Gazi University. He completed his doctoral degree at Erciyes University in 2006. He has many research articles in the field of energy in internationally indexed journals. He also gives various theoretical and practical courses to undergraduate students at the University.