Simulation of Combustion in a Porous Reactor

Development of IC engines with low emissions and low fuel consumption causes interest in direct injection engine, especially diesel engines that work with lean mixture. This goal may be achieved with separation of mixture formation and combustion processes, in diesel engines. A practicable way to reach this target is the use of porous medium (PM) inside the combustion chamber. The PM has benefits to enhance the evaporation of droplets in liquid-fuel burners, reduce emissions and minimize instabilities. This paper represents the numerical study of liquid-fuel injection and combustion inside constant-volume chemically inert PM to stabilize lean mixture. 3D numerical results have obtained based on a modified version of KIVA-3V code. Diesel was directly sprayed inside hot and high pressure PM chamber. Complete evaporation and self-ignited was achieved due to the initial temperature of PM. The results in an especial condition have compared with an experimental data in the literature. Effect of injection in cold condition has investigated. Contours of diesel vapor, fluid and solid temperature of PM in a cross section, have shown. Also, effects of pore density on a constant high-porosity PM and mass of spray fuel were studied. The results show considerable reduction in carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide and elimination of soot.