Hydrogen combustion in micromix burners: Present stages, opportunities, and challenges
Luis R. Beltran, Juan Sandoval, Jose Llain, Mauricio Carmona, Cinthia Audivet, Víctor Pugliese
Abstract
Due to its low NO x emission index, the micromix burner technology is a promising alternative for using hydrogen in combustion. Various universities and research centers in Germany, England, and Spain have documented and studied this technology. However, the number of studies on micromix burners is limited, which hinders their implementation on an industrial scale. The present study aims to review developed works focused on micromix combustion technologies to identify the main gaps and research needs. A sample of 76 articles from 2008 was selected using the PRISMA methodology, which was categorized based on the study methodology, simulation software, and fuels used. An experimental gap has been identified in the combustion of hydrogen and methane in the selected article sample. This gap is a critical research need due to the opportunity to implement this technology in existing natural gas networks, facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner combustion processes. • Demonstrates the capability of micromix burners to achieve minimal NOx emissions through advanced air-fuel mixing techniques, making them a promising solution for hydrogen combustion. • Analyzes a wide range of studies using numerical simulations and experimental methods, emphasizing the need for their combined application to optimize burner performance. • Explores the feasibility of hydrogen-methane blends in micromix burners to leverage existing infrastructure while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. • Identifies key gaps, such as material selection and burner geometry design, proposing strategies to advance the scalability and industrial adoption of micromix technology.