Combustion Characteristics of Hydrogen-LPG Mixtures under Elevated Pressures and Temperatures

The present project aims to aims to investigate the combustion characteristics for H2/LPG under elevated pressures and temperatures. Experiments will utilise a state-of-the-art Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) to obtain measurements of autoignition time, and LUPOE 2D engine for burning velocity, knocks and cyclic variability of hydrogen-LPG combustion. In addition, the chemical kinetics study based on comprehensive H2/LPG combustion mechanism allows to predict the autoignition delay, excitation time and flame speeds, eventually validates against the aforementioned experimental data.
The key research outcome includes combustion properties, e.g. burning rate, ignition delay time, knock limits and a set of comprehensive chemical kinetics for hydrogen-LPG. Both numerical and experimental work has been scheduled within 36 months.

- Months 0-3, Literature review associate with the combustion properties and kinetics of hydrogen and LPG.
- Months 4-12, Perform a critical analysis of the RCM and LUPOE currently developed at Leeds and evaluate how it can be modified for the H2/LPG fuel supply system.
- Months 7-12, Develop a set of comprehensive chemical kinetics of hydrogen-hydrocarbon combustion; Calculate the IDTs and stretch free laminar flame speeds using Cantera and/or Chemkin softwares; Annual Progress report; attend International conferences, e.g. ICDERS, Combustion Symposium.
- Months 13-24, Conduct the RCM experiments and measure the auto-ignition delays; analyse the images and pressure traces, validate the kinetic model against the IDTs.
- Months 25-36, Conduct the LUPOE 2D engine experiments; analyse the images and pressure traces; measure the flame speeds, turbulent burning rate, knock limits/intensity, cyclic variability; wrap up the results, finalize the doctoral thesis and prepare PhD viva.

Website of Combustion Engine Research at the Institute of Thermofluids.