The thermofluiddynamik (TFD) group’s Power-to-X and hydrogen research activities

The thermofluiddynamik (TFD) group’s research activities focus in the field of thermoacoustic combustion instabilities. Such instabilities - created from a positive interaction of acoustic waves and unsteady heat released - lead to increase of acoustic pressure, excessive noise or, in worst cases, destruction of the combustion chambers. Current objectives of progressive global de-carbonization push toward the adoption of hydrogen fuel blends in devices where energy is produced by flames, i.e. gas turbines, rocket motors, burners. In this context, a fundamental part concerns the study of modification of frequency response of flames due to acoustics excitation when the fuel content of hydrogen increases.

Flame dynamics is a large topic with growing interest and advancements in recent years. For instance, it is thanks to the work of Prof.Polifke’s group work that the intrinsic thermoacoustic modes (ITA) were discovered. A recent publication by A. Ghani & W. Polifke has explored the effects on ITA modes by hydrogen fuel addition. The numerical study highlights how - because of higher consumption speeds - premixed flames with increased hydrogen content may be used to have shorter flames, which in turn can mitigate ITA modes. The publication is accessible at the present link.

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