Heterogeneous oxidation of hydrogen-natural gas blends in a safe, clean, and efficient burner design

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-04, Vol.61 (C), p.210-215
• Main Author: Cheekatamarla, Praveen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Combustion; Flashback; Fuel blend; Hydrogen; Nitrogen oxide
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.326

The growth of hydrogen as an alternative clean fuel for fulfilling thermal energy needs of multiple economic sectors globally requires access to reliable, safe, energy efficient, emission free combustion technology. The work described in this short communication shows the applicability of a novel heterogeneous combustion design in utilizing a wide range of hydrogen blended methane concentrations to cleanly and safely generate thermal energy. The utilization of a simple first principles design approach along with engineered materials yielded a fuel-flexible hybrid infrared-convection burner design capable of lowering NOx emissions by more than 95% while simultaneously improving the heat transfer efficiency by 15% with a wide range of hydrogen concentrations. The safety and performance of the combustion design was demonstrated in an burner at capacities of up to 12,000 Btu/h in producing temperatures of 900 °C. The atmospheric burner concept was integrated in a cooktop configuration with combined thermal power rating of 30,000 Btu/h and operated with hydrogen blended natural gas. •Safe combustion of hydrogen-blended methane compositions was achieved.•Infrared thermal output lowered the NOx emissions by 90% compared with a conventional blue flame burner.•Safe combustion with hydrogen blends is enabled by the tortuous path of the heterogeneous media.•Heat energy utilization efficiency was enhanced by up to 15% due to radiative heat transfer.