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Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control
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Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "I2: Energy and Combustion Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 5786

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lingnan Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: combustion chemistry; chemical reaction kinetics; surface catalysis; mechanisms of pollutant formation and removal; nitrogen oxide reduction; coal combustion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Against the background of the various perspectives on carbon neutrality, the combustion of low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels has emerged as a potential technical route for the reduction of carbon emission. Ammonia, hydrogen, and other new types of fuels are now deemed as desirable energy carriers of renewable energy, including solar and wind energies, which turn intermittent energy into successive chemical energies that can be used as fuel.

The combustion of ammonia and hydrogen, together with other potential low-carbon or zero-carbon fuels, either solely or together with traditional fuels such as coal, gasoline, diesel, jet fuels, etc., is one of the possible technical routes for green energy utilization; however, the combustion emissions still need to be considered in this process. NOx and carbon soot are important pollutants in fuel combustion and are also important indicators for measuring the low-pollution characteristics of fuels. The study of the generation mechanism of NOx and carbon smoke is of great significance for the development of low-emission energy systems, and the interaction mechanism between low- and zero-carbon fuels and traditional fuels is necessary for retrofitting existing energy systems and combustors. Currently, the mechanisms of the pollutants represented by NOx and carbon smoke are still not well understood, but new fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, biomass, etc., can be used to control the generation of combustion pollutants.

Ammonia, hydrogen, biomass, and other new fuels not only bring new challenges to the research of combustion pollutant generation control but also new opportunities to achieve the carbon neutrality goal. This Special Issue is intended to contribute to the development of advanced combustion and emission control technologies for low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels, aiming to promote the study of combustion, pollutant generation, and mitigation mechanisms against the background of the carbon neutrality strategy. This Special Issue will focus on, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • The Fundamental combustion physics and chemistry of low-carbon/zero-carbon fuels and their blends with traditional fuels;
  • Studies of the mechanisms involved and kinetic modeling of low-carbon/zero-carbon fuel combustion and pollutant emissions;
  • Advanced diagnostic technology for low-carbon/zero-carbon fuel combustion;
  • Emission control technology for low-carbon/zero-carbon fuel combustion;
  • Advanced Combustion technologies for low-carbon/zero-carbon fuels utilization;
  • Catalytic combustion and emission mitigation for low-carbon/zero-carbon fuels;
  • The use of AI for low-carbon/zero-carbon fuel combustion studies.       

Dr. Lingnan Wu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • zero-carbon/low-carbon fuels
  • combustion reaction kinetics
  • combustion physics
  • NOx
  • soot
  • advanced combustion technologies
  • AI

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 9053 KiB  
Article
Comparable Study on Celadon Production Fueled by Methanol and Liquefied Petroleum Gas at Industry Scale
by Yihong Song, Shangbo Han, Teng Hu, Huajie Lyu, Nuo Chen, Xiao Zhang, Saisai Lin, Chenghang Zheng, Peng Liu and Xiang Gao
Energies 2025, 18(8), 2131; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18082131 - 21 Apr 2025
Abstract
As a major contributor to industrial energy consumption and carbon emissions, the kiln industry faces increasing pressure to adopt cleaner energy sources. This study investigated the combustion characteristics, redox processes in celadon firing, product quality, and pollutant emissions for an industry furnace with [...] Read more.
As a major contributor to industrial energy consumption and carbon emissions, the kiln industry faces increasing pressure to adopt cleaner energy sources. This study investigated the combustion characteristics, redox processes in celadon firing, product quality, and pollutant emissions for an industry furnace with methanol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as kiln fuels. Methanol combustion reduced firing time by 17.4% due to the faster temperature rise during oxidation and holding phases and provided a more uniform and stable flame, compared with LPG cases. Significant reductions in emissions were observed when methanol is used as fuel. For example, NO concentration is reduced by 70.89%, 37.43% for SO2, 93.67% for CO, 45.07% for CO2, and 85.89% for CH4. The methanol-fired celadon exhibited better quality in terms of the appearance and threshold stress–strain value. The chemical analysis results show that K/O element ratio increased from 8.439% to 11.706%, Fe/O decreased from 4.793% to 3.735%, Al/O decreased from 33.445% to 31.696%, and Si/O increased from 76.169% to 89.825%. These findings demonstrate the potential of methanol as a sustainable kiln fuel, offering enhanced combustion efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved ceramic quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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30 pages, 10034 KiB  
Article
Study on Cold Start of Methanol Direct Injection Engine Based on Laser Ignition
by Xiaoyu Liu, Jie Zhu and Zhongcheng Wang
Energies 2025, 18(8), 2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18082119 - 20 Apr 2025
Abstract
Methanol has garnered attention as a promising alternative fuel for marine engines due to its high octane number and superior knock resistance. However, methanol-fueled engines face cold-start challenges under low-temperature conditions. Laser ignition technology, an emerging ignition approach, shows potential to replace conventional [...] Read more.
Methanol has garnered attention as a promising alternative fuel for marine engines due to its high octane number and superior knock resistance. However, methanol-fueled engines face cold-start challenges under low-temperature conditions. Laser ignition technology, an emerging ignition approach, shows potential to replace conventional spark ignition systems. This study investigates the effects of laser ignition on combustion and emission characteristics of direct-injection methanol engines based on methanol fuel combustion mechanisms using the AVL-Fire simulation platform, focusing on optimizing key parameters, including ignition energy, longitudinal depth, and lateral position, to provide theoretical support for efficient and clean combustion in marine medium-speed methanol engines. Key findings include an ignition energy threshold (60 mJ) for methanol combustion stability, with combustion parameters (peak pressure, heat release rate) stabilizing when energy reaches ≥80 mJ, recommending 80 mJ as the optimal energy level (balancing ignition reliability and energy consumption economy). Laser longitudinal depth significantly influences flame propagation characteristics, showing a 23% increase in flame propagation speed at 15 mm depth and a reduction of unburned methanol mass fraction to 0.8% at the end of combustion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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17 pages, 13141 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Methanol and Methane Combustion in a Gas Turbine Combustor
by Jiashuo Cui, Rongguo Yu, Huishe Wang, Yangen Wang and Jingze Tong
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071765 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
To investigate the combustion and emission characteristics of a 20 MW gas turbine combustor following fuel replacement, this study employs numerical simulations to systematically compare the combustion performance of methanol and methane. The focus is on the influence mechanism of the fuel distribution [...] Read more.
To investigate the combustion and emission characteristics of a 20 MW gas turbine combustor following fuel replacement, this study employs numerical simulations to systematically compare the combustion performance of methanol and methane. The focus is on the influence mechanism of the fuel distribution ratio on NOx emissions. As a preliminary numerical investigation, this study aims to provide theoretical guidance for subsequent experimental research, with the results serving to define measurement points in experimental design. It is found that the value of NOx emission from methanol combustion is 40–78% of that of methane under all operating conditions, which is significantly lower than that of methane. And its low NOx emission range is significantly wider than that of methane (methanol: a pilot fuel ratio range of 1–12%; methane: a pilot fuel ratio range from 2 to 4%). Methanol reaches the lowest NOx emission (51.53 ppm) near the pilot fuel ratio of 2%, while methane reaches the lowest NOx emission (93 ppm) near the pilot fuel ratio of 4%. This difference is due to the oxygen content and low calorific value of methanol, which makes it easier to reduce the flame in the main combustion zone to the temperature that inhibits the generation of thermal NOx, so there is no need to allocate more fuel to the pilot to reduce the cooling pressure in the main combustion zone. In addition, the combustor efficiency of methanol is higher and less volatile (99.52–99.89%), which is slightly higher than that of methane (99.33–99.61%). The results show that methanol is suitable as a gas turbine fuel. Its performance in the gas turbine combustor is slightly better than that of methane, and NOx emission is significantly better than that of methane. The better performance of methanol provides greater flexibility for the design of gas turbine combustors and has great feasibility in engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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17 pages, 8770 KiB  
Article
Effect of Graphene as a Lubricant Additive for Diesel Engines
by Grzegorz Koszalka, Eduardo Tomanik, Thiago Marinho Maria, Wania Christinelli and Wieslaw Grabon
Energies 2025, 18(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18020257 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 751
Abstract
Two engine oil additives with graphene were tested in diesel engines. The first was a graphene oxide (GO)-based, commercially available additive that the supplier recommends using at a 3% v/v concentration in engine oil. The second was a graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-based [...] Read more.
Two engine oil additives with graphene were tested in diesel engines. The first was a graphene oxide (GO)-based, commercially available additive that the supplier recommends using at a 3% v/v concentration in engine oil. The second was a graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-based additive that is under development, which is more concentrated and allows for the addition of a much smaller amount of additive. Using the GO additive results in a reduction of brake-specific fuel consumption from 0.2% to 0.7%, depending on the engine load, and a 2% reduction in fuel consumption when the engine is run without load. The use of 0.1% wt of GNPs led to 0.4% of fuel savings on an ESC emission cycle. Increasing the GNP concentration to 0.2% did not further reduce fuel consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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11 pages, 5171 KiB  
Article
Impact of Multi-Valve Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System on Nitrogen Oxides Emissions in a Multi-Cylinder Engine
by Konrad Krakowian
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6473; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246473 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, in addition to catalytic reactors, are now widely used in reciprocating internal combustion engines to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the exhaust gases. They are characterized by the fact that part of the exhaust gas from the [...] Read more.
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, in addition to catalytic reactors, are now widely used in reciprocating internal combustion engines to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the exhaust gases. They are characterized by the fact that part of the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold is recycled and directed to the intake manifold through a special valve. This valve, depending on the current engine load and velocity, doses an appropriate amount of exhaust gas which, with each new charge, is fed to the individual engine cylinders. In addition, the positioning of the valve has a significant effect on the formation of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas from individual engine cylinders, which is due to the uneven distribution of exhaust gas into the intake manifold channels. Tests were carried out on a power unit equipped with a symmetrical intake manifold with a centrally located EGR valve. The article presents the results of tests on a system in which each cylinder was supplied with a separate EGR valve. This solution made it possible to charge each cylinder with the same mass of recirculated exhaust gas, which was dependent on engine velocity and load. The exhaust nitrogen oxides emissions were measured for the originally manufactured system and compared with the multi-valve system. The results confirmed the need for individual selection of the dose of recirculated exhaust gas for particular cylinders, as the multi-valve system equalized the levels of nitrogen oxides emissions in the exhaust gases coming from individual cylinders of the internal combustion engine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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18 pages, 19911 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Hydrogen on Flame Characteristics and Pollutant Emissions in Natural Gas Industrial Combustion Systems
by Yamei Lan, Zheng Wang, Jingxiang Xu and Wulang Yi
Energies 2024, 17(19), 4959; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194959 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1033
Abstract
To improve energy savings and emission reduction in industrial heating furnaces, this study investigated the impact of various molar fractions of hydrogen on natural gas combustion and compared the results of the Non-Premixed Combustion Model with the Eddy Dissipation Combustion Model. Initially, natural [...] Read more.
To improve energy savings and emission reduction in industrial heating furnaces, this study investigated the impact of various molar fractions of hydrogen on natural gas combustion and compared the results of the Non-Premixed Combustion Model with the Eddy Dissipation Combustion Model. Initially, natural gas combustion in an industrial heating furnace was investigated experimentally, and these results were used as boundary conditions for CFD simulations. The diffusion flame and combustion characteristics of natural gas were simulated using both the non-premixed combustion model and the Eddy Dissipation Combustion Model. The results indicated that the Non-Premixed Combustion Model provided simulations more consistent with experimental data, within acceptable error margins, thus validating the accuracy of the numerical simulations. Additionally, to analyze the impact of hydrogen doping on the performance of an industrial gas heater, four gas mixtures with varying hydrogen contents (15% H2, 30% H2, 45% H2, and 60% H2) were studied while maintaining constant fuel inlet temperature and flow rate. The results demonstrate that the Non-Premixed Combustion Model more accurately simulates complex flue gas flow and chemical reactions during combustion. Moreover, hydrogen-doped natural gas significantly reduces CO and CO2 emissions compared to pure natural gas combustion. Specifically, at 60% hydrogen content, CO and CO2 levels decrease by 70% and 37.5%, respectively, while NO emissions increase proportionally; at this hydrogen content, NO concentration in the furnace chamber rises by 155%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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19 pages, 7989 KiB  
Article
Impact of Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Emissions in a Custom-Built High-Pressure Combustor
by Qiming Yu and Bhupendra Khandelwal
Energies 2024, 17(16), 3939; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17163939 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1479
Abstract
This study addresses the ongoing demand for increased efficiency and reduced emissions in turbomachinery combustion systems. A custom-built high-pressure combustor was designed and manufactured at the Low Carbon Combustion Centre (LCCC) of the University of Sheffield to investigate the impact of different aromatic [...] Read more.
This study addresses the ongoing demand for increased efficiency and reduced emissions in turbomachinery combustion systems. A custom-built high-pressure combustor was designed and manufactured at the Low Carbon Combustion Centre (LCCC) of the University of Sheffield to investigate the impact of different aromatic hydrocarbons on emission rates. The research involved the comprehensive testing of Jet−A1 fuel and six aromatic species blends under high-pressure conditions of 10 bar. Based on the numerical CFD simulations by ANSYS 19.2, tangential dual air injection and a strategically placed V-shaped baffle plate were utilised to enhance fuel-air mixing and combustion stability. Experimental results demonstrated a negative correlation between combustion temperature and particulate matter (PM) emissions, with higher temperatures yielding lower PM emissions. Unburned hydrocarbons (UHCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were also analysed. Ethylbenzene produced the highest UHC and CO emissions, while Indane exhibited the lowest levels of these pollutants, suggesting more complete combustion. O−xylene generated the highest NOx emissions, correlating with its higher combustion temperatures. This research enhances our understanding of gas turbine combustor design and the combustion behaviour of aromatic species, providing valuable insights for developing low-emission, high-efficiency gas turbine combustion technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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28 pages, 1132 KiB  
Review
Theory and Practice of Burning Solid Biofuels in Low-Power Heating Devices
by Małgorzata Dula and Artur Kraszkiewicz
Energies 2025, 18(1), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010182 - 3 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 987
Abstract
Combustion is the most advanced and proven method on the market for using agricultural by-product residues and waste from the agri-food industry. Currently, a wide range of combustion technologies is used to produce heat and electricity in low-power heating devices (>50 kW) using [...] Read more.
Combustion is the most advanced and proven method on the market for using agricultural by-product residues and waste from the agri-food industry. Currently, a wide range of combustion technologies is used to produce heat and electricity in low-power heating devices (>50 kW) using various types of biofuels from biomass (woody biomass, herbaceous biomass, waste and residues from the agri-food industry). Combustion of biomass fuels, especially those of wood origin, causes lower carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions into the atmosphere compared to coal combustion. The growing interest in solid biofuels has contributed to intensive activities on improving the combustion process and energy devices enabling effective and economic conversion of chemical energy contained in biomass into other usable forms such as heat, electricity. Having good quality fuel, it is necessary to ensure an appropriate, clean combustion technique, which allows to achieve the highest thermal efficiency of the heating device and at the same time the lowest emission of pollutants. The article presents issues related to the theory, characteristics of the combustion process and problems related to the formation of harmful chemical compounds nitrogen oxides (NOx), SOx, carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) emitted to the atmosphere during the combustion process in low-power heating devices. The analysis indicates the possibility of minimizing undesirable phenomena during the combustion of these biofuels related to ash sintering, the formation of deposits, corrosion and improving the amount of condensable solid particles formed and therefore reducing the emission of gaseous products to the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Combustion Technologies and Emission Control)
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