combustion properties. However, these mixtures emit significant amounts of NOx unless operated at very low fuel/air equivalence ratios (FAER), which are challenging to control in turbulent burners.
An alternative investigated in this PhD is the use of porous burner technology. The recirculation of heat within the porous material can stabilize flames at low FAER, potentially reducing NOx emissions. Developing porous burners requires understanding complex physics such as heat conduction, radiative transfer, flame stabilization, and surface chemistry, which are difficult to capture experimentally due to the small scales and opacity of the matrix. Consequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is the best approach for improving these burners.
This PhD aims to investigate NH3/H2 flames in porous burners using direct numerical simulations (DNS) to understand NOx formation mechanisms. The research, in collaboration with CEA, will utilize the CFD code CONVERGE, employing adaptive mesh refinement for better resolution in key areas like heat transfer and flame chemistry. Reduced NH3/H2 mechanisms will be used for combustion chemistry, conjugate heat transfer (CHT) and radiative heat transfer (RHT) will be included. The study will focus on a reference experimental setup, exploring key parameters such as FAER, inlet mass flow, and porous topology. Surface chemistry's role in NOx emissions will also be explored. This research is expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Keywords: Porous burner, 3D CFD, hydrogen and ammonia combustion modelling, heat transfer, radiative transfer
Academic supervisor: Dr Olivier COLIN, IFPEN, ORCID: 0000-0002-8947-3490
Doctoral School: ED 579SMEMAG, Université Paris-Saclay
IFPEN supervisor: Dr Karine TRUFFIN, ORCID: 0000-0003-0888-9003
Funding: PEPR SPLEEN AMHYABLE (https://www.pepr-spleen.fr/projet/projet-amhyable/)
Where to apply
E-mail: karine.truffin@ifpen.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
University Master degree (or equivalent) involving Computer science, Fluid mechanics and/or energetics
Specific Requirements
Programming skills (Python, C++), numerical analysis
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
IFP Energies nouvelles is a French public-sector research, innovation and training center. Its mission is to develop efficient, economical, clean and sustainable technologies in the fields of energy, transport and the environment. For more information, see our WEB site.
IFPEN offers a stimulating research environment, with access to first in class laboratory infrastructures and computing facilities. IFPEN offers competitive salary and benefits packages. All PhD students have access to dedicated seminars and training sessions.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: IFP Energies nouvelles
Country: France
City: Rueil-Malmaison
Postal Code: 92852
Street: 1 et 4 avenue de Bois Préau
Contact
City: Rueil-Malmaison
Website: http://www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.com/
Street: 4 avenue de Bois-Préau
Postal Code: 92852
