Engineers develop new method for ultra-clean combustion of biofuels

In new research published in the journal FuelBaylor University researchers from the Cornerstone Atomization and Combustion Lab (CAC) have unveiled a pioneering method for efficient combustion of biofuels, using a revolutionary Swirl Burst (SB) injector to burn glycerol/methanol blends with near-zero emissions . This new technology enables ultra-clean combustion of fuels that are generally difficult to burn due to their high viscosity.

The research is poised to make significant contributions to both academic research and industrial applications, setting a new standard in sustainable energy solutions.

“The current research demonstrates how viscous biowaste can be transformed into clean energy using Baylor combustion technology,” said lead author Lulin Jiang, Ph.D., principal investigator of the CAC Lab and assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Baylor School. Engineering and IT.

Importance for the biofuel industry and environmental impact

Conventional injectors have difficulty burning glycerol, an abundant byproduct of biodiesel production, due to its high viscosity, although its energy density is moderate.

In contrast, the SB injector’s ability to process glycerol without requiring costly fuel preheating or treatment could transform the economics of biofuels. The process allows the SB injector to achieve complete, clean combustion by producing fine droplets, significantly reducing emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO)._x).

Jiang said this new technology also allows biodiesel producers to convert waste glycerol into a viable fuel source, thereby promoting a circular economy and reducing the carbon footprint of electricity generation. The flexibility of the SB injector allows the combustion of different glycerol/methanol ratios without hardware modifications, making it ideal for power plants aiming to meet strict emissions regulations.

By providing innovative solutions to pressing global challenges, Jiang and his team exemplify Baylor’s commitment to advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.

“Being able to transform waste, such as residual glycerol, into cost-effective renewable energy promotes energy resilience and energy equity for economically disadvantaged groups in a changing climate,” Jiang said.

Fuel blend testing

The research team tested three different fuel blends – 50/50, 60/40 and 70/30 glycerol/methanol ratios based on theoretical heat release rate – at several air-to-liquid mass ratios (ALR) d atomization. All blends achieved combustion efficiency above 90%, including complete combustion with the 50/50 blend, with near-zero CO and NO emissions._x emissions, even in non-preheated and non-insulated combustion plants. This is a significant improvement over conventional air jet or pressure swirl injectors, which often produce high emissions with high viscosity fuels.

“The technology’s demonstrated high viscosity tolerance and fuel flexibility mean that not only waste glycerol, but also viscous oils from biodiesel and other waste-based bio-oils can be directly used for energy production without additional processing, thereby significantly reducing the biofuel cost and thus potentially boosting its wide application,” said Jiang.

This advance could help reduce the environmental impact of the biodiesel industry and improve its profitability.

Jiang and his research team are members of the National Science Foundation’s National Innovation Corps – or I-Corps – program. Through the National I-Corps program, scientists and engineers are prepared to expand their activities beyond the academic laboratory, accelerating the economic and societal benefits of basic research projects ready to move toward commercialization.

In a related NSF project, Baylor and the City of Waco are partnering through the NSF Civic Innovation Challenge to develop climate-smart fuel and waste energy combustion at the Waco Landfill to help reduce methane and other air pollutants and turn waste into clean energy. .