Experimental Investigation on Microsecond Pulsed Plasma Supported Biogas Combustion

Abstract

This paper evaluates the effect of a microsecond pulsed plasma (MPP) on the stabilization and emission characteristics of non-premixed biogas/air flames with various CO2 contents. The MPP is generated by a unique DC-pulsed power generator providing high voltage (HV) pulses over a wide range of pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs). The burner configuration is made up of two concentric tubes in which a swirler is placed inside the annular part, ensuring the oxidizer's rotation. The central tube delivers the fuel through an injector placed close to the burner exit. Electrical diagnostics, including voltage, were performed. OH* chemiluminescence measurements were done to describe the structure and stability of the flame. Results showed that plasma generated by microsecond HV pulses can improve flame stability. In this regard, the distribution of key active species in the burner was studied via optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The results revealed that the pulsed plasma generates chemically active species such as excited N2*, CH*, OH* molecules, and H* and O* atoms, thereby improving flame stability. The dependence of the emitted species intensities on plasma parameters was investigated in detail. It is demonstrated that MPP can drastically enhance the dynamic flame stability of swirling non-premixed biogas flames, especially at lean operating conditions. In addition, NOx and CO emissions were studied over a wide range of pulse repetition frequencies. It is seen that the pulsed plasma increases NOx emission slightly and significantly reduces CO concentration in the flue gases.