Non-equilibrium numerical modeling for combustion of LPG within porous media

Abstract

A numerical model for lean premixed combustion of LPG (70% propane and 30% butane) within a porous inert medium was developed. Experiments were conducted at three different firing rates at the equivalent ratios of 0.4 and 0.6. The model was developed with the thermal non-equilibrium concept between phases and validated with three cases of experimental results. The discussion of model calibration was undertaken by focusing on the effects of the extinction coefficient and convection heat transfer effective area. Comparisons were made of the temperature profile, as well as the peak temperature, with the calculated adiabatic temperature. The model agreed well with experimental results and was robust throughout three firing rates. Moreover, it was found that the two aforementioned thermal parameters had different roles in temperature distribution, which provided insight on flame front location and heat transfer between phases within the porous domain.