Effect of structural conduction and heat loss on combustion in micro-channels

This paper presents a simple analytical model for the effects of heat exchange with in the structure of a micro-channel combustor. and heat loss from the structure to the environment. This is accomplished by extending reasoning similar to that employed by Mallard and Le Chatelier in their thermal theory for flame propagation. The model is used to identify some of the basic parameters that must be considered when designing an efficient micro-combustor and its predictions are compared with the results of a numerical simulation of stoichiometric premixed combustion of a hydrogen-air mixture stabilized between two parallel plates. The simulation incorporates a one-dimensional continuity/energy equation solver with full chemistry coupled with a model for thermal exchange in the structure. The results show that heat exchange through the structure of the micro-combustor can lead to a broadening of the reaction zone. Heat loss to the environment decreases the broadening effect and eventually results in flame quenching. This behaviour, which arises from the thermal coupling between the gas and the structure, influences the maximum achievable power density of microscale combustors.