A Review of Investigations on Combustion Performance of Low Calorific Value Gases in Porous Media Burners

Abstract

The combustion of low calorific value (LCV) gases in porous media burners is crucial for efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions. LCV gases like biogas and syngas have low energy content and impurities, posing challenges in combustion. Porous media burners, utilizing materials like SiC foam and Al₂O₃ pellets, enhance combustion by recirculating heat to preheat the fuel–air mixture, reducing ignition energy and increasing flame stability. They improve combustion efficiency and lower emissions (NOx and CO) due to uniform temperature distribution, making them suitable for various LCV gases. Research show that factors such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, porosity, burner geometry, and fuel–air flow rates are critical for optimizing combustion performance of LCV gases in porous media burners. Despite advancements, challenges in scaling up and handling of composition variability of LCV gases remain as critical issues. Future research should focus on advanced materials, optimization of burner designs, and catalytic integration to further improve performance. Porous media burners hold promise as an effective element in sustainable energy solutions, but ongoing studies are needed to fully realize their potential.