Session: 08-01: Poster Session

Paper Number: 140540

140540 - Direct Decomposition of Nitrogen Oxides From Combustion of Methane/ Ammonia/ Hydrogen Fuel Blends via Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Plasma 

Abstract: 

With the global trend toward energy decarbonization, CH₄/NH₃/H₂ fuel blends have been studied as drop-in alternative fuels for internal combustion engines and gas turbines. However, the use of these blends can lead to high NO_x emissions that may require abatement. Plasma reactors have been explored for the direct decomposition of NO_x due to their ability to address dynamically changing NO_x concentrations with greater flexibility and a compact footprint compared to other approaches like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SRC), which requires periodical replenishment of reductants. In this study, the direct decomposition of NO_x in nitrogen was experimentally investigated using a tubular Dielectric-Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma reactor within alumina and quartz dielectric barriers powered by high-voltage alternating current. Experiments were conducted on the plasma treatment of mixtures of NO and NO₂ in N₂ with concentrations representative of CH₄/NH₃/H₂ fuel blends combusted with air in a constant volume combustion chamber. The plasma NO_x abatement process was characterized using electrical, optical, and spectroscopy diagnostics, together with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. NO_x abatement rates are determined by comparing pre- and post-plasma treatment NO_x concentrations, while energy efficiency is assessed in relation to gas residence time, abatement rate, and supplied power. This study provides foundational understanding for the practical implementation of plasma-based dynamic NO_x abatement in compact and modular footprints for engine aftertreatment.

Presenting Author: Juan Trelles University of Massachusetts Lowell - Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Presenting Author Biography: Juan Pablo Trelles research focuses on devising concepts, methods, and devices for the direct use of solar energy and electrical energy in industrial processes. These processes range from the synthesis of high-value chemicals and materials to the modification of materials and surfaces. A fundamental aspect of Trelles’ research is the combination of experimental and computational approaches to achieve impactful understanding. His group’s work has been developing strategies for the solution of transport problems, which are found at the core of most energy systems are typically involve multi-scale and multi-physics. These methods have been applied to the analysis of diverse plasma flows, thermal systems, radiation transport, multi-phase problems, among others. Trelles joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2012. Before joining UMass Lowell, he was a Senior Software Engineer at Intel Corporation in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Authors:

Yicheng Zhang University of Massachusetts Lowell - Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Visal Veng University of Massachusetts Lowell - Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Dimitris Assanis Stony Brook University - Department of Mechanical Engineering
Noah Van Dam University of Massachusetts Lowell - Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
John Hunter Mack University of Massachusetts Lowell - Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Juan Trelles University of Massachusetts Lowell - Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering