Numerical investigations on the performance of a hydrogen-fueled micro planar combustor with V-shaped baffle for thermophotovoltaic applications

In order to improve the performance of a hydrogen-fueled micro planar combustor with straight baffle for thermophotovoltaic applications, in this work, a V-shaped baffle is introduced in a micro planar combustor. Numerical results demonstrate that compare with the micro planar combustor with straight baffle, the outer wall temperature of micro planar combustor with V-shaped baffle can be higher and more uniform, as well as the total energy output and total energy conversion efficiency of MTPV system can be improved. Meanwhile, it is important that the pressure drop of micro planar combustor with V-shaped baffle is lower. This is due to that the V-shaped baffle makes the flow separation point move towards the outlet, decreasing the intensity of flow separation and maximum velocity. Furthermore, effects of V-shaped baffle angle, V-shaped-baffle-to-inlet distance and V-shaped baffle height on the performance of a hydrogen-fueled micro planar combustor are investigated. It is found that with the reduction of V-shaped baffle angle, increment of V-shaped-baffle-to-inlet distance and V-shaped baffle height, the outer wall temperature can be higher and more uniform, which is helpful improving the total energy output and total energy conversion efficiency of MTPV system.