MICRO COMBUSTOR ANALYSIS OF HYDROGEN

Abstract: This study presents a detailed investigation of hydrogen combustion characteristics in a micro-scale combustor, with emphasis on optimizing flame stability, thermal management, and combustion efficiency for compact energy applications. Computational and experimental analyses are conducted to evaluate the effects of critical parameters, including inlet velocity, equivalence ratio, and combustor geometry, on micro-scale flame dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms. The results demonstrate that strategic modifications in combustor design-such as the integration of swirl-inducing features and cavity-based flame holders-significantly enhance reactant residence time and thermal performance. Furthermore, the study identifies optimal operating regimes that achieve stable combustion while minimizing heat losses, making the system suitable for micro-thermophotovoltaic (μ-TPV) applications requiring high energy density. The findings contribute to advancing microscale combustion technology by providing key insights into flame anchoring, heat recirculation, and efficiency enhancement in constrained geometries.

Keywords: Micro-combustion, Hydrogen combustion, Flame stability, Heat transfer, Combustion efficiency, Micro-thermophotovoltaic (μ-TPV), Residence time, Swirl flow, Cavity flame holder, Compact energy systems.