Model Ultra-Compact Trapped Vortex Combustor with Liquid Fuel Sprays

In the development of small-scale power generation systems operating on conventional jet fuels, achievement of high efficiency, stable operation, and size reduction are key challenges, especially for combustor design. To address these challenges, studies on the concept, design, and combustion characteristics of model ultra-compact combustors are highly desirable. In this study, an ultra-compact trapped vortex combustor equipped with liquid fuel sprays is built, and combustion characteristics are experimentally investigated through various measurements, such as visible and [Formula: see text] chemiluminescence imaging, X-ray phase contrast imaging, particle image velocimetry, and combustion efficiency measurements. Measurements show that stable combustion is achieved, but the combustion regime and performance vary substantially with operating conditions and fuel types. Analysis on droplet lifetime, travel distance, and wall temperature effects supports that the variation in combustion characteristics is potentially due to the complex impact of operating conditions, fuel properties, wall temperature, and heat release zone location on the vaporization of fuel droplets and film.