Description
Objectives
Integrate knowledge acquired in previous courses (thermodynamics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, etc.). Analyse the role of combustion in the present and in the future, both on energy and environmental grounds, namely the contribute of combustion to satisfy the energy demand, the available resources and the pollutant emissions. Teach the basic concepts of thermochemistry and chemical kinetics relevant to combustion studies. Extend the mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations to combustion problems. Describe the principles of flame ignition, stabilization and extinction, and the structure of premixed and diffusion flames in laminar and turbulent regimes. Present the fundamentals and simple models to describe the combustion of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels. Describe clean combustion technologies and alternative fuels. Identify the main pollutants, their formation mechanisms and methods to reduce their emissions.
Syllabus
Global energy demand: the role of combustion. Fossil fuel resources. Thermochemistry. Stoichiometry. Adiabatic flame temperature. Chemical equilibrium. Chemical kinetics. Reaction rate. Global and elementary reactions. Reaction mechanisms. Governing equations. Reactor models. Ignition of reactive mixtures. Laminar premixed and diffusion flames. Burning velocity. Flammability limits and quenching. Stability, flashback, liftoff, blowoff, blowout. Turbulent premixed and diffusion flames. Flame length, lift-off height and extinction velocity. Liquid fuels combustion. Atomization and sprays. Coal combustion. Biomass thermochemical conversion: combustion, pyrolysis, gasification. Clean combustion technologies. Catalytic converters. Carbon capture and sequestration. Oxy-fuel combustion. Mild combustion. Alternative fuels. Pollutant emissions. Influencing parameters and mitigation techniques.
Prerequisites
hermodynamics I, Thermodynamics II, Fluid Mechanics I, Fluid Mechanics II, Heat Transfer.
Cross Competence Component
Interpersonal skills (teamwork).
Laboratorial Component
Experimental work about laminar flame speed with assessment of a written report.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.