Advanced Combustion - Hot Air Balloon - Fall
Background:
Despite commonly being overlooked due to its small community, hot air balloons act as a mode of transportation for both sport and attraction all over the world. With propane being a constant expense that continually needs to be renewed and a shortage of research in this field, hot air balloon companies are spending averages of up to $1,000,000 on fuel annually.
This project is working to research and develop a testing facility in order to perform analysis on and further improve the performance of the UltraMagic MK-32 burner. We are working toward understanding the combustion behavior of the burner, and measuring its emissions and efficiency for further optimization.
Goals & Objectives:
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Current
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Improve a testing device capable of handling the extreme heat of the burner, while also allowing for the ease of measuring the output gases
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Improve a duct system that draws exhaust gases through with minimal intrusion of outside air
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Run fluid flow simulations on a Solidworks CAD model of the testing apparatus that will allow us to better understand the flow of gases in the testing apparatus and its duct
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Develop a new system for the insertion of a probe into the apparatus to collect data
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Implement a fan design to draw emission gases through a designed ventilation system
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Remodel testing rig structure to increase stability and performance
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Design and implement a holder to contain an UltraMagic MK-32 burner
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Study performance and utilization of Enerac 700 gas analyzing probe
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Develop a finalized design for these new improvements
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Future
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Reassemble testing rig combined with improved designs
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Fabricate these new components and add them to the apparatus
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Collect new, more accurate data from the burner to begin the process of improving the burner efficiency.
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Analyze the gas emission data and develop improvements to the burner for maximized efficiency
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Team Leads:
Payton Albert
Adam Duforest
Team Contacts:
Payton Albert: pjalbert@uci.edu
Adam Duforest: adufores@uci.edu
Dylan Moberly: dmoberly@uci.edu
Jordan Kelly: jordanpk@uci.edu
Sponsors/Advisors:
Dr. Alice Chien: chieny@uci.edu
Dr. Derek Dunn-Rankin: ddunnran@uci.edu