Loading…

An improved CFD model for vented deflagration simulations – Analysis of a medium-scale hydrogen experiment

Hydrogen is a promising alternative fuel which is expected to gain a significant portion of the energy market in the near future. However, it is a flammable gas with significant safety concerns as it can easily cause deflagrations or even detonations. The aim of this work is twofold: firstly, to der...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of hydrogen energy 2018-12, Vol.43 (52), p.23568-23584
Main Authors: Tolias, I.C., Venetsanos, A.G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Hydrogen is a promising alternative fuel which is expected to gain a significant portion of the energy market in the near future. However, it is a flammable gas with significant safety concerns as it can easily cause deflagrations or even detonations. The aim of this work is twofold: firstly, to derive a new CFD model for vented deflagration simulations improving an existing one and secondly, to better understand the physics of the phenomenon. A recent experiment conducted in Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is used for that purpose. The new model improves substantially the predictions representing successfully the experiment. The analysis indicates that turbulence generated outside the vent is responsible for the violence of the external explosion which leads to the sudden pressure increase. Rayleigh-Taylor instability on the other hand does not seem to contribute to burning velocity increase. From the analysis that is made combustion models are formulated highlighting the important components for a successful CFD deflagration model. •CFD modelling of a hydrogen vented deflagration experiment in 1 m3 enclosure.•An improved model is developed - very good agreement with the experiment.•Turbulence outside the vent is responsible for the violent external explosion.•Formulation of the combustion models is made identifying the crucial components.•RANS models seem easier to be applied and more effective compared to LES.
ISSN:0360-3199
1879-3487
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.10.077