Investigation effects of different calorific values and operating conditions on biogas flame: a CFD study

Abstract

This study investigates different biogas fuels' and operating conditions' effects on flame temperatures and emissions (CO, CO2, NOx, and soot). Different calorific values (15.580, 17.880, 20.430, 23.080, and 26.230 MJ/kg) were obtained by changing methane content. Furthermore, various gas pressure (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 atm), excess air coefficient (1.4, 1.8, 2.5, and 4), and oxygen values (21, 23, 25, and 27%) were simulated for 8.6 kW thermal capacity furnace. Increasing the calorific value of biogas fuels, CO, NOx, and soot emissions and flame length tend to increase, while CO2 decreases. Increasing gas pressure, flame temperature, and CO2, CO, and NOx decrease, while soot emissions tend to increase. As a result of the decrease in the air excess coefficient from 4.0 to 1.4, there is a increase in the flame temperature, flame length, and soot, CO, CO2, and NOx emissions. On the other hand, oxygen content from 21% to 27% oppositely affected these parameters, excluding flame length.