| Heavy hydrocarbon fuels are common logistics fuel, even for small, mobile systems. In this work, jet fuel is used as a representative heavy hydrocarbon fuel. At low power output (under 2 kilowatts), technologies such as Stirling engines, thermo-electric thermo-photovoltaic generators have the potential to compete with diesel engines, but require reliable jet fuel combustion. Hydrogen enrichment is presented as a control parameter to improve jet fuel combustion.;Research in fuel reforming gives an opportunity for hydrogen production at the point of use. Hydrogen enriched combustion of jet fuel seeks to take advantage of the energy density of jet fuel and the combustibility of hydrogen.;Experiments were conducted with atomized jet fuel in an open flame. Jet fuel is sprayed through an air atomizing nozzle. Hydrogen was added to either the atomizing air or to a concentric tube supplying the main combustion air. During hydrogen enrichment, jet fuel flow rate was reduced to maintain constant fuel energy input. Temperature is measured vertically and laterally through the flame. Gaseous pollutant emissions were measured above the visible flame. The use of hydrogen and gases other than air to control an air siphon nozzle is demonstrated.;In these experiments, hydrogen represented up to 26% of the fuel energy contribution. Substantial changes to the combustion profile occur with small amounts of hydrogen enrichment. Hydrogen enrichment increased peak temperature and reduced standoff distance. It expanded lower flammability limit and reduced emission of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.;Numerical simulations expanded the results to examine an enclosed burner more suitable for power generation applications. Results showed that at lean conditions, dual firing of hydrogen or reformate with jet fuel provided improved fuel conversion, better flame stability and higher fuel burnout.;The advantages provided by dual firing jet fuel and hydrogen represent opportunities for reduced combustor size, improved power system operational reliability and control and reduced pollutant emissions. |
