Optimizing design and process parameters to improve thermal efficiency and emission reduction of domestic gas stove burners

Abstract

The purpose of this experimental study is to optimize the process and design parameter for burners commonly used in domestic gas stoves. We observed the effect of four parameters; design of burner (swirl or radial), loading height, primary aeration, and semi-confinement of combustion flame on the overall thermal efficiency and emissions from burner used in domestic gas stoves using natural gas as a fuel. Experimental results showed that swirling motion of the flame prolonged the residence time of the combustion products under loading vessel and hence increased the thermal efficiency with slight increase in CO emission. Additionally, swirl improved the mixing of fuel and air which facilitated the combustion reaction to completion. Flame confinement with a metallic shield was another factor which improved efficiency due to a delay in dispersion of flue gases into atmosphere. However, it might slightly increase CO emissions because of the limited supply of secondary air. Combined effect of both the swirling motion and flame confinement with a metallic shield decreased gas consumption up to 9%. Loading height was found to be an important factor for efficiency enhancement and emissions control but its value was very sensitive to change in burner diameter, amount of primary and secondary aeration, gas supply pressure and flow rate, velocity of fuel air mixture and loading vessel dimensions. Required amount of primary aeration decreased CO emissions through complete combustion and enhanced efficiency by producing strong blue flame. Without primary aeration, flame temperature was low as compared to the primary aeration flame indicated by the color of flame.