Tuned passive control of combustion instabilities using multiple Helmholtz resonators

In this work, tuned passive control is used to damp unstable combustion systems, with particular emphasis on systems which exhibit multiple unstable modes. Helmholtz resonators are used as passive dampers. The frequency at which they offer maximum damping is varied by altering their geometry; in this work, geometry changes are achieved by varying the area of the Helmholtz resonator neck. For each unstable mode exhibited by the combustion system, a separate Helmholtz resonator has its neck area tuned. Two algorithms are developed, one for identifying the characteristics of all modes present in real time, and another for tuning the neck areas of the Helmholtz resonators. These algorithms are successfully implemented in numerical simulations of a longitudinal combustor exhibiting two unstable modes. The algorithms result in both modes being stabilised as long as two Helmholtz resonators are used. Experiments are then conducted on a Rijke tube with its upper part split into two branches of differing lengths, shaped like a ‘Y’. The differing lengths give rise to two unstable modes at different frequencies. A Helmholtz resonator is attached to each branch; the neck area of both can be varied by means of an ‘iris’ valve, which opens and closes like a camera lens. On implementing the procedure for tuning the neck areas, both unstable modes are stabilised, and stability is maintained for large changes in operating condition. This confirms that the procedure developed is sufficiently robust for use in real combustion systems exhibiting multiple unstable modes.