Magnetic field control of combustion dynamics of the swirling flame flow

M. Zaķe¹ - I. Barmina¹ - I. Bucenieks¹ - V. Krishko²

¹ Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera str., Salaspils, LV-2169 Latvia
² Riga Technical University, Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering, 1 Kronvalda blvd, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia

Abstract
Magnetic field effect on combustion dynamics of the swirling flame flow is studied experimentally with the aim to obtain a cleaner and more effective combustion of a renewable fuel (wood pellets), providing a joint research of magnetic field effects on the swirling flame velocity field formation, processes of heat/mass transfer and combustion of volatiles at different stages of wood fuel burnout. The magnetic field effect on the swirling flame flow formation and combustion of volatiles is also studied experimentally using a pilot-scale experimental device consisting of a wood fuel gasifier, water-cooled sections of the combustor with diagnostic sections between them for measuring the swirling flame velocity, temperature and composition field formation as well as the field effect on the heat production rate. The results show that the magnetic field effect on combustion dynamics must be related to the field-induced mass transfer of paramagnetic flame species (oxygen, nitrogen oxide) in the field direction, depending on magnetic force acting on the swirling flow field. Because of the magnetic field-induced magnetic force action, local variations of the flame velocity, temperature and composition fields are detected and discussed. The results show that the magnetic field effect on the swirling flame flow can be used as a tool to ensure a more effective burnout of volatiles and a cleaner heat energy production. Figs 11, Refs 26.