Overview
DENOX project aims to develop and experimentally prove two breakthrough technology concepts and their optimal combination for drastic reduction of NOx emissions in aeronautic gas-turbine engines (GTEs).
Technology concept 1 is electrochemical suppression of NOx generation in primary combustion zone. It consists in generation of modulated discharge(s) in combustion chamber to initiate chemical reactions competitive to conventional NOx generation mechanisms.
Technology concept 2 is electromagnetic decomposition of NOx molecules in engine exhaust. It consists in application of multi-frequency electromagnetic fields to the exhaust flow to ensure resonance excitation of chemical bonds in NOx molecules up to their dissociation.
DENOX technology concepts are underpinned by the results of KhAI’s theoretical investigations and numerical studies of high-temperature high-pressure low emission combustion processes, which demonstrated potential to decrease NOx concentration in exhausting gases on 20-95% without decreasing of engine efficiency.
The project will combine analytical studies and numerical simulations with experimental investigations and multi-level testing campaign to translate proposed technology concepts from TRL1 to TRL3 and to assess full potential of their combination for the next-generation GTEs.
DENOX outcomes will contribute to the advancement of aircraft engines in both (i) mid-term perspective (EIS 2035) through progress in understanding and modelling of high-temperature low emission combustion processes, and (ii) long-term perspective (EIS 2050) through the potential to drastically reduce NOx emissions to meet Clean Sky 2 High Level Objectives and ACARE SRIA goals.