As a high energy density hydrogen-rich carrier, ammonia (NH3) is a highly
promising carbon-free fuel. The large-scale industrial application of NH3 is
limited by its low reactivity and high nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission. In
this work, the flame and emission characteristics of ammonia/methane
(NH3/CH4) non-premixed combustion were investigated under ultrasonic
excitation. An experimental system was designed and built, including
non-premixed combustion system, loading ultrasonic system, deflection
tomography temperature measurement system and flue gas measurement system.
Combustion and measurement experiments at different ultrasonic frequencies
and NH3/CH4 blending ratios were carried out. Flame images and flue gas
species concentrations under ultrasonic excitation were acquired. The 3D
temperature field was reconstructed. The influence of ultrasonic excitation
at different frequencies on flame characteristics, flame temperature field
and emission characteristics of the combustion process was analysed. The
mechanism of NH3/CH4 combustion enhancement and emission reduction was
revealed when the flame was excited by ultrasonic waves. Results showed that
part of the hydrocarbon fuels was replaced by NH3 to reduce carbon dioxide
(CO2) emission. The height and colour of the NH3/CH4 flame were changed and
the high-temperature area of the flame gradually expanded as ultrasonic
acted on the flame. As ultrasonic frequency increased, the emission
concentrations of unburned CH4, unburned NH3 and NO decreased significantly.
The flame was excited by ultrasonic waves, which reduced its local
equivalent ratio, improved combustion efficiency and suppressed NOX
generation.