POLKA - POLlution Know-how and Abatement
PROBLEM / ISSUE BEING ADDRESSED
Combustion of hydrogen from renewable sources is an emerging technology that can replace fossil fuels and so provide carbon-neutral energy. The goal of POLKA is to solve serious technical problems, which are unique to hydrogen combustion: thermoacoustic instabilities and flashback. Thermoacoustic instabilities are large-amplitude pressure oscillations caused by an escalating interaction between the flame and acoustic waves; they tend to occur unexpectedly and cause major hardware damage. Flashback is the dangerous phenomenon of the flame propagating backwards into components not designed for high temperatures. The ultimate vision of POLKA is to create new physical insight and advanced simulation tools, so as to underpin the development of hydrogen-fuelled combustion systems (gas turbines, aero-engines, boilers furnaces, etc.).
POLKA considers combustion systems that have a continuously burning flame (rather than intermittent combustion as, for example, in a spark-ignition engine); these are found in many applications, in particular: stationary gas turbines for power generation, aero-engines with jet propulsion for transport, boilers to heat homes and other buildings, furnaces for smelting metal or applying high-temperature treatments in the manufacturing industry, rockets to launch satellites.
IMPORTANCE FOR SOCIETY
Environment
Combustion of fossil hydrocarbons releases greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, into the atmosphere. This is a major factor in global warming. Moreover, toxic gases like NOx are produced, which are harmful to human health, ecosystems and agricultural crops. POLKA is developing low-pollution technologies for combustion and noise control.
People
European industry is in urgent need of young engineers with high-level skills in the mechanical sciences. POLKA is educating young researchers to become well-rounded scientists with an analytical and an intuitive side.
Gender equality
POLKA is an engineering network where half of the scientists-in-charge are female. These women are internationally recognised in their respective area of expertise. Such a network is unique, and it will send a powerful message about women working in the engineering sciences: it will provide positive role models for women; it will help to combat the phenomenon of “subconscious gender bias”; it will act as a magnet for women considering careers in science and engineering.
Outreach
The ESRs in POLKA have received specialist training in Outreach and Communication, and they will engage with the general public through dedicated science events and publications when the pandemic is over.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES
The ultimate goal of POLKA is to ease and accelerate the introduction of safe and reliable hydrogen combustion technology into the power generation, transport and manufacturing sectors. This will be done by generating new insight into the complexities of hydrogen combustion dynamics and by using this insight to develop technical solutions to the problems of thermoacoustic instabilities and flashback.
Research
POLKA has established a fertile research training network, where a cohort of 15 ESRs is performing numerical simulations, theoretical modelling and laboratory experiments in order to understand and mitigate instability problems and flashback in hydrogen combustion.
Training
POLKA is offering a unique and comprehensive training infrastructure, where education in fundamental science is supplemented by complementary skills training in entrepreneurship, outreach and gender issues. This training package is developing a new class of highly-skilled, well-rounded, creative and versatile young researchers with a broad base of technical expertise, who are able to think independently and stimulate innovation in Europe.
Gender-balance and inclusivity
POLKA has created an gender-balanced research environment, which is unique in the engineering sciences, and will attract more women into a scientific/technical career. It has also created a diverse and inclusive working atmosphere, which is an important source of innovation.
