I am building a model gas turbine combustor with twin-swirl configuration to study the phenomenon of flame flashback under varying swirl conditions. The flashback propensity of next generation fuels such as ammonia and blends will be studied in this facility.

The study would employ PIV technique to visualize the flow field. The experimental data will be used to validate well-resolved LES calculations. Combination of experimental and numerical studies would be used to develop a holistic understanding of the flashback phenomenon.

In traditional combustion, air is used as an oxidizer. Hence, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are emitted as flue gas. This is problematic from a carbon capture standpoint, as CO2 must be separated from N2 before capturing and sequestration are possible.

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a novel combustion technology where fuel oxidation is carried out with oxidized metal particles in the fuel reactor. In contrast, the oxidization of metal particles takes place in a separate air reactor. The process inherently separates CO2 and N2. We are studying the feasibility of this technology in combusting high ash-content Indian coal.