Study of CH4–H2 Gas Combustion in Air Enriched with Oxygen Through Ozone Injection

This study investigates the combustion behavior of H2–CH4 mixtures with oxygen-enriched air, achieved through injecting ozone (O3) into the air intake of the burner fan. The motivation for this approach lies in the high reactivity of hydrogen compared to methane, with the aim of promoting a more favorable oxidizing environment for overall combustion. The research combines theoretical analysis with experimental validation using a diffusion-type burner operating at a fuel flow rate of 1.2 Nm3/h. For this flow rate, the ozone injection led to an equivalent O2 concentration of approximately 21.7%. At this enrichment level, flame temperature was calculated to increase by 70–90 °C. The burner was specifically designed for the diffusion combustion of H2–CH4 mixtures and features three fuel injection nozzles, each surrounded by five air inlets. Experiments employed premixed H2-CH4 gas cylinders (Linde) with hydrogen concentrations of 20% and 30%, respectively. The results confirmed slight combustion intensification due to elevated oxygen concentration, with no issues related to flame stability or pulsations observed. Core flame temperature and flue gas emissions, including CO2, were measured. The results support the further development of this combustion technology by increasing the allowable oxygen concentration limit.