Impact of Hydrogen Enrichment on Methane Combustion: A 2D Axisymmetric Numerical Analysis

Abstract

Driven by the global transition toward sustainable energy, this research investigates hydrogen-enriched methane as a viable low-carbon fuel bridge while addressing the inherent risks of flashback and premature ignition caused by hydrogen’s high reactivity. By Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis in ANSYS Fluent, the study employs a validated Species Transport model alongside a realizable k – 𝜀 turbulence framework and Probability Density Function methods to analyse non-premixed turbulent combustion within a 2D axisymmetric chamber. By systematically varying hydrogen concentrations under corresponding stoichiometric conditions, the analysis reveals how hydrogen addition fundamentally alters fluid dynamics, thermal profiles, and emissions. The results show that fuel enrichment with hydrogen can increase the combustion temperature up to 500 K, remove CO and CO2 emissions, and increase NO production by about 100% (3000 ppm). Ultimately, these findings define the operational boundaries for the combustion of hydrogen-enriched methane blends in industrial applications, such as steam boilers, providing a technical foundation for developing safer, more efficient, and decarbonized energy infrastructure.