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Recent Studies on Flow, Atomization, and Combustion in Swirl Combustors

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "I2: Energy and Combustion Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 9 June 2025 | Viewed by 4026

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Laboratory of Light-Duty Gas-Turbine, Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
2. School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Interests: new combustion technologies; spray combustion and diagnostics

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Guest Editor
Research Institute of Aero-Engine, Beihang University, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: gas turbine combustion; optical diagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Swirling flows have been extensively used to stabilize flames in various combustion devices. The main effects of swirl are an improvement in flame stability as a result of the formation of toroidal recirculation zones and a reduction in flame lengths resulting from the production of high rates of entrainment of the ambient fluid and from fast mixing. However, our understanding of these swirling flows is still far from sufficient because of their complexity, especially in swirl spray combustion processes.

This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the most recent advances and prospects related to the theory, experimentation, simulation and application of all types of swirl combustion techniques as well as the associated issues on flows, atomization and alternative fuels. Both research and review articles are welcome.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Optical diagnostics in swirl flames;
  • Numerical simulations of swirl flames;
  • Swirling flows;
  • The use of renewable/alternative fuels in swirl combustion;
  • Swirl flame dynamics;
  • Swirl flame stabilization.

Dr. Cunxi Liu
Dr. Qiang An
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • swirling flows
  • spray combustion
  • atomization
  • optical diagnostics
  • alternative fuels
  • flame dynamics

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

36 pages, 9309 KiB  
Article
Numerical Analysis of Combustion and Thermal Performance of a Bluff-Body and Swirl-Stabilized Micro-Combustor with Premixed NH3/H2/Air Flames
by Soroush Sheykhbaglou and Pavlos Dimitriou
Energies 2025, 18(4), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040780 - 7 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 653
Abstract
This research presents a novel bluff-body and swirl-stabilized micro-combustor fueled by an ammonia/hydrogen mixture, aimed at enhancing flame stabilization for zero-carbon micro-combustion-based power generators. Employing numerical simulations, the study examines the effects of bluff-body geometry, inlet mass flow rate, vane angle, and combustor [...] Read more.
This research presents a novel bluff-body and swirl-stabilized micro-combustor fueled by an ammonia/hydrogen mixture, aimed at enhancing flame stabilization for zero-carbon micro-combustion-based power generators. Employing numerical simulations, the study examines the effects of bluff-body geometry, inlet mass flow rate, vane angle, and combustor material on combustion and thermal efficiencies. Key findings demonstrate that the shape of the bluff-body significantly influences the combustion outcomes, with cone-shaped designs showing the lowest radiation efficiency among the tested geometries. The study identifies an optimal inlet mass flow rate of 9×106 kg/s, which achieves a combustion efficiency of 99% and superior uniformity in the mean outer wall temperature. While variations in flow rate primarily affect NO emissions and outer wall temperatures, they have minimal impact on combustion efficiency. Further analysis reveals that adjusting the vane angle from 15 to 60 degrees significantly improves mean outer wall temperatures, temperature uniformity, and combustion and radiation efficiencies, while also reducing NO emissions. The 60-degree angle is particularly effective, achieving approximately 44% radiation efficiency. Additionally, material selection plays a pivotal role, with silicon carbide outperforming others by delivering an optimized mean outer wall temperature (approximately 910 K), radiation efficiency (38.5%), and achieving the most uniform outer wall temperature. Conversely, quartz exhibits significantly lower thermal performance metrics. Full article
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14 pages, 3622 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of the NOx, CO Emissions, and Stabilization Characteristics of H2-Enriched Liquefied Petroleum Gas in a Swirl Burner
by Abay Mukhamediyarovich Dostiyarov, Dias Raybekovich Umyshev, Zhanar Abdeshevna Aidymbayeva, Ayaulym Konusbekovna Yamanbekova, Zhansaya Serikkyzy Duisenbek, Madina Bakytzhanovna Kumargazina, Nurlan Rezhepbayevich Kartjanov and Ainur Serikbayevna Begimbetova
Energies 2024, 17(23), 6132; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17236132 - 5 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 801
Abstract
The global shift toward renewable fuels and the reduction in anthropogenic environmental impact have become increasingly critical. However, the current challenges in fully transitioning to environmentally friendly fuels necessitate the use of transitional fuel mixtures. While many alternatives have been explored, the combination [...] Read more.
The global shift toward renewable fuels and the reduction in anthropogenic environmental impact have become increasingly critical. However, the current challenges in fully transitioning to environmentally friendly fuels necessitate the use of transitional fuel mixtures. While many alternatives have been explored, the combination of hydrogen and LPG appears to be the most practical under the conditions specific to Kazakhstan. This study presents experimental findings on a novel burner system that utilizes the airflow swirl and hydrogen enrichment of LPG. It evaluates the effects of hydrogen addition, fuel supply methods, and swirl intensity—achieved by adjusting the outlet vanes—on flame stabilization as well as NOx and CO emissions. The results show that the minimum NOx concentration achieved was 12.08 ppm, while the minimum CO concentration was 101 ppm. Flame stabilization studies indicate that supplying the fuel at the center of the burner, rather than at the base, improves stabilization by 23%. Additionally, increasing the proportion of hydrogen positively affects stabilization. However, the analysis also reveals that, as the hydrogen content in the fuel rises, NOx concentrations increase. These findings highlight the importance of balancing the hydrogen enrichment, airflow swirl, and fuel supply methods to achieve optimal combustion performance. While hydrogen-enriched LPG offers enhanced flame stabilization, the associated rise in NOx emissions presents a challenge that requires careful management to maintain both efficiency and environmental compliance. Full article
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18 pages, 4857 KiB  
Article
Mean Droplet Size Prediction of Twin Swirl Airblast Nozzle at Elevated Operating Conditions
by Jiaming Miao, Bo Wang, Guangming Ren and Xiaohua Gan
Energies 2024, 17(20), 5027; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17205027 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 983
Abstract
This study introduces a novel predictive model for atomization droplet size, developed using comprehensive data collected under elevated temperature and pressure conditions using a twin swirl airblast nozzle. The model, grounded in flow instability theory, has been meticulously parameterized using the Particle Swarm [...] Read more.
This study introduces a novel predictive model for atomization droplet size, developed using comprehensive data collected under elevated temperature and pressure conditions using a twin swirl airblast nozzle. The model, grounded in flow instability theory, has been meticulously parameterized using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Through rigorous analysis, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), the model has demonstrated robust reliability and precision, with a maximum relative error of 19.3% and an average relative error of 6.8%. Compared to the classical atomization model by Rizkalla and Lefebvre, this model leverages theoretical insights and incorporates a range of interacting variables, enhancing its applicability and accuracy. Spearman correlation analysis reveals that air pressure and the air pressure drop ratio significantly negatively impact droplet size, whereas the fuel–air ratio (FAR) shows a positive correlation. Experimental validation at ambient conditions shows that the model is applicable with a reliability threshold of We1/Re1 ≥ 0.13 and highlights the predominance of the pressure swirl mechanism over aerodynamic atomization at higher fuel flow rates (q > 1.25 kg/h). This research effectively bridges theoretical and practical perspectives, offering critical insights for the optimization of airblast nozzle design. Full article
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10 pages, 8377 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Turbine Guide Vanes on the Ignition Limit and Light-Round Process of a Triple-Dome Combustor
by Ziyan Li, Xiaoyan Zhang, Kaixing Wang, Fuqiang Liu, Changlong Ruan, Jinhu Yang, Yong Mu, Cunxi Liu and Gang Xu
Energies 2024, 17(18), 4636; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184636 - 17 Sep 2024
Viewed by 928
Abstract
This experimental study investigated the influence of different turbine guide vane parameters on the ignition limit and light-round processes in a triple-dome combustor. It was found that for the triple-dome combustor, the minimum fuel/air ratios at the ignition limit all show a trend [...] Read more.
This experimental study investigated the influence of different turbine guide vane parameters on the ignition limit and light-round processes in a triple-dome combustor. It was found that for the triple-dome combustor, the minimum fuel/air ratios at the ignition limit all show a trend of initial decrease followed by subsequent increase with the growth of incoming air mass flow rate. The ignition fuel/air ratio decreases with the increase in turbine blockage ratio, and the optimal scheme is achieved with a blockage ratio of 0.8. Under the condition where the incoming air mass flow rate is 0.089 kg/s, the light-round time decreases with the increase in fuel/air ratio, and the light-round time of the combustor without guide vanes is shorter than that of the other schemes. With the increase in incoming air mass flow rate, the light-round time of the schemes with guide vanes is shortened. Under the same incoming air mass flow rate and fuel/air ratio, the increase in the blockage ratio will lead to an increase in the light-round time of the triple-dome combustor. Full article
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