Mathematical Modelling of Hydrogen-Enriched Combustion

This article presents a mathematical model developed in ANSYS CFX 17.2 software to analyse the combustion process of hydrogen-enriched natural gas. The study investigates the concentrations of various flue gas components at hydrogen enrichments of 10% and 20%, compared to a baseline of pure natural gas. A three-dimensional model of the experimental setup was created allowing for detailed simulation of combustion dynamics under controlled conditions. The model incorporates the governing equations for mass conservation, momentum, energy, and turbulence, facilitating comprehensive analysis of combustion behaviour and pollutant formation. The simulations reveal that increased hydrogen enrichment raises combustion temperatures but also leads to higher carbon monoxide (CO) emissions due to incomplete combustion. The results indicate a corresponding decrease in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, showcasing the environmental implications of hydrogen mixing. However, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increase significantly with higher combustion temperatures. The mathematical model was validated against experimental data, demonstrating less than 10% deviation in temperature measurements and providing accurate predictions for pollutant concentrations.