Computational Analysis of Multi-Fuel Micro Gas Turbine Annular Combustion Chamber /

Abstract

In this research, the annular combustion chamber with swirlers is introduced in the micro gas turbine engine for power production. Impact of the dilution holes position and blade angles of swirler on the combustion performance of the combustion chamber is investigated. In addition, the combustor is optimized for multifuel comprising of pure methane, natural gas, and ethanol. In order to investigate suitable fuel, the review has been done based on their combustible properties, energy density, price, pollutant emissions, and availability. The combustor is designed in SolidWorks, and simulations are performed in Ansys Fluent for two positions of dilution holes in the liner and angles of the swirler blade. The model used is non-premixed with a compressible k-𝜀 turbulent flow model and an equilibrium probability density function for the chemical reaction. In order to measure the performance of the combustion chamber, pollutant emissions, combustion efficiency, and temperature at the outlet are examined. Pollutant emissions as carbon monoxides (CO) and unburned fuels exist in a small amount, however nitric oxides (NO) are negligible. The combustion efficiency found is above 98% for methane and natural gas, while almost 100% for ethanol. Furthermore, simulation results are compared to theoretical data in terms of temperatures for all fuels. Finally, simulation findings reveal that the swirler vane angle of 45o widely improved combustor performance.