Experimental Investigation of Thermoacoustic Instabilities for a Model Combustor With Varying Fuel Components

Abstract

In this study, a combustion facility was constructed that includes a flexible fuel supply system to produce synthesis gas using a maximum of three components. The rig with lean premixed burner is able to operate at up to five bars. The length of the inlet plenum and the outlet boundary conditions of the combustion chamber are adjustable. Experiments were carried out under a broad range of conditions, with variations in fuel components including hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, equivalence ratios, thermal power and boundary conditions. The dynamic processes of self-excited combustion instabilities with variable fuel components were measured. The mechanisms of coupling between the system acoustic waves and unsteady heat release were investigated. The results show that instability modes and flame characteristics were significantly different with variations in fuel components. In addition, the results are expected to provide useful information for the design and operation of stable syngas combustion systems.