The role of heat recirculation and flame stabilization in the formation of NOX in a thermo-photovoltaic micro-combustor step wall

Abstract The health and durability of micro thermophotovoltaic systems are contingent upon the level of gaseous emissions of micro combustors regarding their small size, thickness, and compactness. In small combustion devices, the flame stabilization is achieved via conjugated heat transfer from the stabilized flame to the fresh reactant via the step of the micro-combustors. The step could also create a recirculation of products, and a stagnation zone for the fluid, as a result leading to the accumulation of pollutants. In turbulent H2 flame, the main attention is given to the NOX as no other noxious emission, especially carbon emission (CO, CO2, PAH, and VOC), form during the combustion of hydrogen. The existence of NOX in the presence of water, as in the combustion of hydrogen is prevalent, could lead to corrosion in combustor interior walls and other detrimental impacts for the ecosystem. In the presented work, micro-combustion of H2 flame in a cylinder with a step is simulated and the formation of nitrogen oxides is analyzed. The influence of different combustor specifications (equivalence ratio, solid materials) NOX species are discussed and evaluated. Results revealed nitrogen oxides form and accumulate in the vertical step of the microchannel and that the microchannel walls are more prone to the high concentrations of nitrogen oxides. The application of cavity promotes the two-dimensionality of flow, resulting in effective heat transfer from the hot gas to the cavity walls. This not only leads to flame anchoring to the cavity walls but also results in significant NOX.