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Performance study of a cylindrical thin metal fiber–perforated burner using combined experimental and numerical methods for domestic heating

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  • Rohani, Ehsan
  • Targhi, Mohammad Zabetian

Abstract

Energy consumption and environmental impact of domestic heating drive the need for highly efficient solutions like metal fiber porous burners. Porous media combustion ensures high radiation efficiency and stability. The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal, combustion, and economic performance of a cylindrical metal fiber porous burner for domestic heating applications using a combined experimental–numerical methodology. Experimental measurements of flame temperature and imaging characterized combustion regimes, while Ansys Fluent simulations analyzed flow and heat transfer in the porous medium and chamber using the volume-averaging, k-ω SST, Discrete Ordinate radiation, and PaSR models. The burner showed optimal performance at φ = 0.85−1, where submerged combustion stabilized the flame and maximized radiation efficiency (reaching 60 %–70 %). At this condition, peak flame temperature was ∼2120 K across power levels of 15–19 kW, with uniform temperature distribution. The compound efficiency reached up to 68.7 %, significantly higher than conventional free-flame burners. The results also demonstrate the broader relevance of the methodology by integrating techno-economic analysis. The maximum life-cycle energy efficiency was 64 % at 15 kW, about 28 % higher than a conventional free-flame burner. Techno-economic analysis indicated annual savings of $15.61 in the first year, with a payback period of ∼1.5 years for replacing a perforated burner with the metal fiber porous burner in Iran. Sensitivity analysis showed that variations in thermal efficiency influenced annual savings 1.3–2.4 times more than fuel price fluctuations. These findings confirm the novelty and practical applicability of submerged porous combustion for residential heating applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Rohani, Ehsan & Targhi, Mohammad Zabetian, 2026. "Performance study of a cylindrical thin metal fiber–perforated burner using combined experimental and numerical methods for domestic heating," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:344:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225054672
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139824
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    References listed on IDEAS

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