Martin Richter
PhD student
Co-operative doctorate with NTNU Trondheim and TU Darmstadt
MOTIVATION
Ammonia (NH3) is a carbon-free energy source that offers considerable advantages over hydrogen (H2) in terms of transport and storage. However, the use of NH3 in its pure form is only possible to a limited extent due to its low reactivity. However, by partially splitting NH3 into hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2), the reactivity can be significantly improved. However, the combustion of NH3/H2/N2 mixtures produces considerable quantities of nitrogen oxides. Reaction mechanisms that can be used to predict emissions in flame simulations, among other things, show significant differences. Quantitative experimental basic data is therefore required in order to gain a better understanding of the processes on the one hand and to provide validation data for reaction mechanisms on the other.
METHOD
Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is used for the quantitative determination of molecules that typically make up far less than 1% of the total gas mixture, but are nevertheless crucial for the formation of emissions. The monochromatic UV radiation required for LIF is generated by the use of tunable dye lasers. Accurate quantification of molecule concentrations is the greatest challenge, as the measurement method requires calibration and the signal depends on the local thermochemical states, which is why it is often combined with other measurement methods. The data obtained in laminar flames represent an important pillar for the validation of reaction mechanisms.
