NO<inf>x</inf> Formation in MILD Combustion: Potential and Limitations of Existing Approaches in CFD

Authors
Iavarone, Salvatore  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1763-0378
Parente, A 

Change log
Abstract

Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from combustion systems remain a lingering environmental issue, being these species either greenhouse gases or acid rain precursors. Moderate or Intense Low-oxygen Dilution (MILD) combustion can reduce the emissions of NOx thanks to its characteristic features (i.e., homogeneous reaction zones, reduced temperature peaks, diluted mixtures of reactants) that influence and change the main chemical pathways of NOx formation. A summary of the relevant routes of formation and destruction of NOx in MILD combustion is presented in this review, along with the identification of the sources of uncertainty that prevent reaching an overall consensus in the literature about the dominant NOx chemical pathway in MILD regime. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approaches are essential tools for investigating the critical phenomena occurring in MILD combustion and the design of pollutant-free turbulent combustion systems. This paper provides an outline of the modelling approaches employed in CFD simulations of turbulent combustion systems to predict NOx emissions in MILD conditions. An assessment of the performances of selected models in estimating NOx formation in a lab-scale MILD combustion burner is then presented, followed by a discussion about relevant modelling issues, perspectives and opportunities for future research.

Publication Date
2020-03-20
Online Publication Date
2020-03-20
Acceptance Date
2020-02-28
Keywords
40 Engineering, 4017 Mechanical Engineering, 4002 Automotive Engineering, 13 Climate Action
Journal Title
Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering
Journal ISSN
2297-3079
2297-3079
Volume Title
6
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA