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Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2021) | Viewed by 39823

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Dr. S. M. Ashrafur Rahman

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Guest Editor

Biofuel Engine Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Interests: combustion; biofuel; environment; energy; emissions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Islam Md Rizwanul Fattah

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Guest Editor

School of Information, Systems and Modelling, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Interests: combustion; alternative fuel; renewable energy; sustainability; emission
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the world moves into the third decade of the 21st century, a change in landscape is expected regarding global energy demand and consumption. The transportation sector is one of the biggest consumers of energy, and this results in significant environmental effects. For example, even with the most optimistic projections for electric vehicles, the majority of vehicles sold in 2040 will still feature internal combustion engines. Thus, we must continue to consider all opportunities to minimize IC engine emissions as well as pathways to reduce the CO₂ footprint of future vehicles. On the other hand, hydrogen, which can be used in internal combustion engines and fuel cells, is seen as one of the leading energy vectors of the future. This technology still faces several challenges in terms of both production/storage and usage. Even though electrification offers some substantial advantages for many transport applications in reducing CO₂ and localized polluting emissions, it falls a long way short of fulfilling all of society’s requirements for social and business mobility. This Special Issue aims to present original research articles as well as critical review articles that cover relevant, current topics related to the laboratory research and in-vehicle test data of various sustainable combustion strategies which aim to minimize the environmental burden. This Special Issue of the Energy and Environment section of Energies is dedicated to the sharing of ideas regarding energy and the environment, advancing the knowledge among practitioners, scientists, researchers, policymakers, and professionals toward nurturing innovative concepts required to solve problems and ensure a sustainable future.

Dr. S.M. Ashrafur Rahman
Dr. Islam Md Rizwanul Fattah
Guest Editors

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Keywords

combustion
energy
emission
engines
sustainability

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Cost Organic Adsorbents for Elemental Mercury Removal from Lignite Flue Gas

by Marta Marczak-Grzesik, Stanisław Budzyń, Barbara Tora, Szymon Szufa, Krzysztof Kogut and Piotr Burmistrz

Energies 2021, 14(8), 2174; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14082174 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2453

Abstract

The research presented by the authors in this paper focused on understanding the behavior of mercury during coal combustion and flue gas purification operations. The goal was to determine the flue gas temperature on the mercury emissions limits for the combustion of lignites in the energy sector. The authors examined the process of sorption of mercury from flue gases using fine-grained organic materials. The main objectives of this study were to recommend a low-cost organic adsorbent such as coke dust (CD), corn straw char (CS-400), brominated corn straw char (CS-400-Br), rubber char (RC-600) or granulated rubber char (GRC-600) to efficiently substitute expensive dust-sized activated carbon. The study covered combustion of lignite from a Polish field. The experiment was conducted at temperatures reflecting conditions inside a flue gas purification installation. One of the tested sorbents—tire-derived rubber char that was obtained by pyrolysis—exhibited good potential for Hg⁰ into Hg²⁺ oxidation, resulting in enhanced mercury removal from the flue. The char characterization increased elevated bromine content (mercury oxidizing agent) in comparison to the other selected adsorbents. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests of mercury sorption from the flue gases at temperatures of 95, 125, 155 and 185 °C. The average mercury content in Polish lignite was 465 μg·kg⁻¹. The concentration of mercury in flue gases emitted into the atmosphere was 17.8 µg·m⁻³. The study analyzed five low-cost sorbents with the average achieved efficiency of mercury removal from 18.3% to 96.1% for lignite combustion depending on the flue gas temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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13 pages, 8839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of the Effects of Fire-Wave Propagation through the Power Unit’s Boiler Island

by Michał Paduchowicz and Artur Górski

Energies 2021, 14(5), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051231 - 24 Feb 2021

Viewed by 1670

Abstract

The article presents the results obtained during the inspection of the load-bearing structure of a power unit that suffered from fire. The inspection, consisting in the assessment of both the structure’s technical condition and durability of welded joints, was performed on seven height levels of the power unit. The vibration spectrum of the unit’s steel structure was analyzed, and frequency characteristics were, thus, obtained for individual measurement levels. Thermal vision measurements were also performed in the unit’s all connection points to check for possible unsealing of some elements in the boiler island of the inspected power unit. The next stage consisted of performing strength calculations of the steel structure with a goal to estimate the structure’s stress state. The conclusions contain suggestions for modernization of welded joints in order to maintain the power unit’s design strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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12 pages, 6299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Assessment of Spray Behavior, Combustion and Engine Performance of ABE-Biodiesel/Diesel as Fuel in DI Diesel Engine

by Sattar Jabbar Murad Algayyim and Andrew P. Wandel

Energies 2020, 13(24), 6521; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13246521 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2257

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of an acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) mixture on spray parameters, engine performance and emission levels of neat cottonseed biodiesel and neat diesel blends. The spray test was carried out using a high-speed camera, and the engine test was conducted on a variable compression diesel engine. Adding an ABE blend can increase the spray penetration of both neat biodiesel and diesel due to the low viscosity and surface tension, thereby enhancing the vaporization rate and combustion efficiency. A maximum in-cylinder pressure value was recorded for the ABE-diesel blend. The brake power (BP) of all ABE blends was slightly reduced due to the low heating values of ABE blends. Exhaust gas temperature (EGT), nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were also reduced with the addition of the ABE blend to neat diesel and biodiesel by 14–17%, 11–13% and 25–54%, respectively, compared to neat diesel. Unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions were reduced with the addition of ABE to diesel by 13%, while UHC emissions were increased with the addition of ABE to biodiesel blend by 25–34% compared to neat diesel. It can be concluded that the ABE mixture is a good additive blend to neat diesel rather than neat biodiesel for improving diesel properties by using green energy for compression ignition (CI) engines with no or minor modifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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16 pages, 4700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maximising Yield and Engine Efficiency Using Optimised Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel

by Luqman Razzaq, Shahid Imran, Zahid Anwar, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Mujtaba Abbas, Haris Mehmood Khan, Tahir Asif, Muhammad Amjad, Manzoore Elahi M. Soudagar, Nabeel Shaukat, I. M. Rizwanul Fattah and S. M. Ashrafur Rahman

Energies 2020, 13(22), 5941; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13225941 - 13 Nov 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5012

Abstract

In this study, waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as a feedstock for biodiesel production, where the pretreatment of WCO was performed using mineral acids to reduce the acid value. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to create an interaction for different operating parameters that affect biodiesel yield. The optimised biodiesel yield was 93% at a reaction temperature of 57.50 °C, catalyst concentration 0.25 w/w, methanol to oil ratio 8.50:1, reaction stirring speed 600 rpm, and a reaction time of 3 h. Physicochemical properties, including lower heating value, density, viscosity, cloud point, and flash point of biodiesel blends, were determined using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Biodiesel blends B10, B20, B30, B40, and B50 were tested on a compression ignition engine. Engine performance parameters, including brake torque (BT), brake power (BP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) were determined using biodiesel blends and compared to that of high-speed diesel. The average BT reduction for biodiesel blends compared to HSD at 3000 rpm were found to be 1.45%, 2%, 2.2%, 3.09%, and 3.5% for B10, B20, B30, B40, and B50, respectively. The average increase in BSFC for biodiesel blends compared to HSD at 3500 rpm were found to be 1.61%, 5.73%, 8.8%, 12.76%, and 18% for B10, B20, B30, B40, and B50, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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16 pages, 8607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Modelling and Experimental Verification of the Low-Emission Biomass Combustion Process in a Domestic Boiler with Flue Gas Flow around the Combustion Chamber

by Przemysław Motyl, Danuta Król, Sławomir Poskrobko and Marek Juszczak

Energies 2020, 13(21), 5837; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215837 - 9 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3783

Abstract

The paper presents the results of numerical and experimental studies aimed at developing a new design of a 10 kW low-emission heating boiler fired with wood pellets. The boiler is to meet stringent requirements in terms of efficiency (η > 90%) and emissions per 10% O₂: CO < 500 mg/Nm³, NOx ≤ 200 mg/Nm³, and dust ≤ 20 mg/Nm³; these emission restrictions are as prescribed in the applicable ECODESIGN Directive in the European Union countries. An innovative aspect of the boiler structure (not yet present in domestic boilers) is the circular flow of exhaust gases around the centrally placed combustion chamber. The use of such a solution ensures high-efficiency, low-emission combustion and meeting the requirements of ECODESIGN. The results of the numerical calculations were verified and confirmed experimentally, obtaining average emission values of the limited gases CO = 91 mg/Nm³, and NOx = 197 mg/Nm³. The temperature measured in the furnace is 450–500 °C and in the flue it was 157–197 °C. The determined boiler efficiency was 92%. Numerical calculations were made with the use of an advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) workshop in the form of the Ansys programming and a computing environment with the dominant participation of the Fluent module. It was shown that the results obtained in both experiments are sufficiently convergent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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16 pages, 3302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Waste Biogas Flame Stability Under Oxygen or Hydrogen-Enriched Conditions

by Nerijus Striūgas, Rolandas Paulauskas, Raminta Skvorčinskienė and Aurimas Lisauskas

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4760; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184760 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2880

Abstract

Increasing production rates of the biomethane lead to increased generation of waste biogases. These gases should be utilized on-site to avoid pollutant emissions to the atmosphere. This study presents a flexible swirl burner (~100 kW) with an adiabatic chamber capable of burning unstable composition waste biogases. The main combustion parameters and chemiluminescence emission spectrums were examined by burning waste biogases containing from 5 to 30 vol% of CH₄ in CO₂ under air, O₂-enriched atmosphere, or with the addition of hydrogen. The tested burner ensured stable combustion of waste biogases with CH₄ content not less than 20 vol%. The addition of up to 5 vol% of H₂ expanded flammability limits, and stable combustion of the mixtures with CH₄ content of 15 vol% was achieved. The burner flexibility to work under O₂-enriched air conditions showed more promising results, and the flammability limit was expanded up to 5 vol% of CH₄ in CO₂. However, the combustion under O₂-enriched conditions led to increased NOx emissions (up to 1100 ppm). Besides, based on chemiluminescence emission spectrums, a linear correlation between the spectral intensity ratio of OH* and CH* (I_OH*/I_CH*) and CH₄ content in CO₂ was presented, which predicts blow-off limits burning waste biogases under different H₂ or O₂ enrichments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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15 pages, 2780 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Coal Combustion Products Management toward a Circular Economy—A Case Study of the Coal Power Plant Sector in Poland

by Agnieszka Bielecka and Joanna Kulczycka

Energies 2020, 13(14), 3603; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13143603 - 13 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3648

Abstract

Coal combustion products can be considered as commercial products or waste depending on the quality of the coal, the combustion process, and the country’s legislation. The circular economy can create incentives for the implementation of new business models in large power plants in cooperation with coal mines and users of coal combustion products. This is particularly important in Poland, where coal still remains the main source of energy, employing over 80,000 workers. The objective of this study was to assess the readiness for change toward a circular economy and to identify challenges, barriers, and plans at seven large power plants. To do this, a final questionnaire was developed after checking environmental reporting, a CATI survey, and brainstorming between circular economy leaders from science, industry, and non-governmental organizations. The results indicate that even if the great economic and environmental potential of coal combustion products management are understood, all requirements connected with CO₂ and air pollution have higher priorities. Policy shifts away from coal do not promote cooperation, but the higher acceptance of products from waste and more transparent data shows a large potential for changes toward a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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12 pages, 2980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Combustion Characteristics of Two Gasoline–Biodiesel Mixtures on RCEM Using Various Fuel Injection Pressures

by Ardhika Setiawan, Bambang Wahono and Ocktaeck Lim

Energies 2020, 13(12), 3265; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13123265 - 24 Jun 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2237

Abstract

Experimental research was conducted on a rapid compression and expansion machine (RCEM) that has characteristics similar to a gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine, using two gasoline–biodiesel (GB) blends—10% and 20% volume—with fuel injection pressures varying from 800 to 1400 bar. Biodiesel content lower than GB10 will result in misfires at fuel injection pressures of 800 bar and 1000 bar due to long ignition delays; this is why GB10 was the lowest biodiesel blend used in this experiment. The engine compression ratio was set at 16, with 1000 µs of injection duration and 12.5 degree before top dead center (BTDC). The results show that the GB20 had a shorter ignition delay than the GB10, and that increasing the injection pressure expedited the autoignition. The rate of heat release for both fuel mixes increased with increasing fuel injection pressure, although there was a degradation of heat release rate for the GB20 at the 1400-bar fuel injection rate due to retarded in-cylinder peak pressure at 0.24 degree BTDC. As the ignition delay decreased, the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) decreased and the fuel consumption increased due to the lack of air–fuel mixture homogeneity caused by the short ignition delay. At the fuel injection rate of 800 bar, the GB10 showed the worst efficiency due to the late start of combustion at 3.5 degree after top dead center (ATDC). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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17 pages, 8965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency Analysis and Integrated Design of Rocket-Augmented Turbine-Based Combined Cycle Engines with Trajectory Optimization

by Feng Guo, Wenguo Luo, Feng Gui, Jianfeng Zhu, Yancheng You and Fei Xing

Energies 2020, 13(11), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13112911 - 5 Jun 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3445

Abstract

An integrated analysis method for a rocket-augmented turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine is proposed based on the trajectory optimization method of the Gauss pseudospectral. The efficiency and energy of the vehicles with and without the rocket are analyzed. Introducing an appropriate rocket to assist the TBCC-powered vehicle will reduce the total energy consumption of drag, and increase the vehicle efficiency in the transonic and the mode transition. It results in an increase in the total efficiency despite a reduction in engine efficiency. Therefore, introducing a rocket as the auxiliary power is not only a practical solution to enable flight over a wide-speed range when the TBCC is incapable but also probably an economical scheme when the the TBCC meets the requirements of thrust. When the vehicle drag is low, the rocket works for a short time and its optimal relative thrust is small. Thus, the TBCC combined with a booster rocket will be a more simple and suitable scheme. When the vehicle drag is high, the operating time of the rocket is long and the optimal relative thrust is large. The specific impulse has a significant impact on the flight time and the total fuel consumption. Accordingly, the combination form for the rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engines and the turbine will be more appropriate to obtain higher economic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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Review

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19 pages, 1886 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Liquefied Natural Gas as Fuels for Dual Fuel Engines: Opportunities, Challenges and Responses

by Md Arman Arefin, Md Nurun Nabi, Md Washim Akram, Mohammad Towhidul Islam and Md Wahid Chowdhury

Energies 2020, 13(22), 6127; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13226127 - 23 Nov 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 10837

Abstract

Climate change and severe emission regulations in many countries demand fuel and engine researchers to explore sustainable fuels for internal combustion engines. Natural gas could be a source of sustainable fuels, which can be produced from renewable sources. This article presents a complete overview of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a potential fuel for diesel engines. An interesting finding from this review is that engine modification and proper utilization of LNG significantly improve system efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is extremely helpful to sustainable development. Moreover, some major recent researches are also analyzed to find out drawbacks, advancement and future research potential of the technology. One of the major challenges of LNG is its higher flammability that causes different fatal hazards and when using in dual-fuel engine causes knock. Though researchers have been successful to find out some ways to overcome some challenges, further research is necessary to reduce the hazards and make the fuel more effective and environment-friendly when using as a fuel for a diesel engine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Combustion Systems and Their Impact)

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