Flashback limits of H 2 premixed laminar flames: impact of Soret and multicomponent diffusion

This paper presents a detailed numerical investigation of the flashback limits of hydrogen premixed laminar flames, with a focus on the impact of the Soret effect compare its performance against the traditional mixture-averaged (MA) approach to explore the implications on safety and efficiency of combustion devices, particularly in micro-perforated burners. Our study highlights the critical role of the Soret effect, which is shown to significantly influence flashback limits, especially under lean conditions. Without accounting for the Soret effect, both MA and 1+M models underestimate the propensity to flashback, potentially compromising safety. The results demonstrate that, even if the 1+M conservative estimates offer a less computationally demanding alternative that still ensures safety against flashback. The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating accurate diffusion modeling in the design of hydrogen-fueled systems, as it is essential for predicting and mitigating flashback risks.