Education

Research Description

Dr. Saveliev's research interests involve areas of non-thermal plasmas and their application for pollution control, material processing and medicine, nanomaterial synthesis and processing in flames and plasmas, combustion in heterogeneous media, excess enthalpy flames and superadiabatic combustion, fuel processing and reformation, optical diagnostics of reacting flows. Presently, Dr. Saveliev is 1) working on pulsed discharges in liquids, on liquid/gas interfaces and in supercritical fluids, 2) developing optical sensor for characterization of natural gas mixtures and opportunity fuels, 3) studying flame synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials in oxy-fuel flames, 4) studying fuel processing and reforming in excess enthalpy flames and plasmas, and 5) developing optical sensor for diagnostic of gasifier flames.

Publications

Oscillatory coalescence of droplets in an alternating electric field

Choi, S., & Saveliev, A. V. (2017), Physical Review Fluids, 2(6).

Volumetric flame synthesis of mixed tungsten-molybdenum oxide nanostructures

Farmahini-Farahani, M., Saveliev, A. V., & Merchan-Merchan, W. (2017), Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 36(1), 1055-1063.

The stabilization of partially-premixed jet flames in the presence of high potential electric fields

Kribs, J. D., Shah, P. V., Hutchins, A. R., Reach, W. A., Muncey, R. D., June, M. S., Saveliev, A., & Lyons, K. M. (2016), Journal of Electrostatics, 84, 1-9.

Nox reduction in partially premixed flames by flue gas recirculation

Chudnovsky, Y., Zelepouga, S., Saveliev, A., Wagner, J., & Gnatenko, V. (2015), (Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, 2014, vol 8b, ).

Volumetric flame synthesis of one-dimensional molybdenum oxide nanostructures

Srivastava, S., Desai, M., Merchan-Merchan, W., & Saveliev, A. V. (2015), Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 35, 2307-2314.

In situ emulsification using a non-uniform alternating electric field

Choi, S., & Saveliev, A. V. (2014), Applied Physics Letters, 105(7).

Ultrarich filtration combustion of ethane

Toledo, M., Utria, I., & Saveliev, A. V. (2014), Energy & Fuels, 28(2), 1536-1540.

Submicrometre particle filtration with a dc activated plasma textile

Rasipuram, S. C., Wu, M., Kuznetsov, I. A., Kuznetsov, A. V., Levine, J. F., Jasper, W. J., & Saveliev, A. V. (2014), Journal of Physics. D, Applied Physics, 47(2).

Enhanced performance of electrothermal plasma sources as fusion pellet injection drivers and space based mini-thrusters via extension of a flattop discharge current

Winfrey, A. L., Abd Al-Halim, M. A., Saveliev, A. V., Gilligan, J. G., & Bourham, M. A. (2013), Journal of Fusion Energy, 32(3), 371-377.

Heating value sensor for producer gas

Jangale, V. V., Saveliev, A., Zelepouga, S., Gnatenko, V., & Pratapas, J. M. (2012), (Proceedings of the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division Fall Technical Conference (ICEF), ) (pp. 817-822).

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

High-efficiency Superadiabatic Burner for C-TEC microCHP GENSETS

US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)(11/16/15 - 11/13/17)

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High-efficiency Superadiabatic Burner for C-TEC microCHP GENSETS

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)

Start Date: 11/16/15

End Date: 11/13/17

Abstract

To meet the challenging goals of the ARPA-E GENSETS FOA, a research team of NanoConversion Technologies, Gas Technology Institute, GE Appliances, and NC State University proposes to combine high-efficiency gas burner technology with a radical new electrochemical heat engine in a low cost natural gas appliance. A research group from NC State University has a strong background in superadiabatic combustion and will participate in development of compact high-efficiency low emission burner. Excess enthalpy or superadiabatic flames in porous media allows stable burning far beyond the conventional flammability limits. By recuperating the heat released in a porous medium, stable combustion can be attained in a wide range of equivalence ratios. As an example, very lean mixtures can be burned in the excess enthalpy flames to minimize pollution and reduce greenhouse effects. Heat regeneration in the porous matrix and low thermal non-equilibrium between the gas and the solid phases reduces combustion temperatures limiting thermal NOx production to extremely low levels.

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Minimization of NOx Formation in Ribbon Burners

Utilization Technology Development(1/01/15 - 9/30/15)

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Minimization of NOx Formation in Ribbon Burners

Sponsor: Utilization Technology Development

Start Date: 1/01/15

End Date: 9/30/15

Abstract

Due to low cost, simple design, and multiple functionality ribbon burners remain a workhouse r in many industries using natural gas for heating and processing applications. Recently, increasingly stringent air emission regulations were introduced that target pollution emissions from combustion systems. In particular, significant reductions in atmospheric discharge of nitrous oxides are expected to be implemented in a near future. Current ribbon burner designs do not meet these emission standards. Successful development of NOx minimization strategies will enable wide continuous applications of ribbon burners by industrial users. It will also allow the natural gas combustion utilizing industries to stay compliant with the new regulations.

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Commercial Prototype of Gas Quality Sensor For Opportunity Fuels

Utilization Technology Development(11/30/-1 - 12/31/15)

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Commercial Prototype of Gas Quality Sensor For Opportunity Fuels

Sponsor: Utilization Technology Development

Start Date: 11/30/-1

End Date: 12/31/15

Abstract

Modern demands imposed on energy efficiency and variety of natural gas mixtures used today for energy generation call for development of novel methods for characterization of fuel properties. The uncontrolled fuel composition changes lead to variation of flame structure and stability, enhanced generation of NOx and soot, change in the heating value and process efficiency. Novel real-time methods of fuel characterization are currently under development and spectroscopic methods are among them. Spectroscopic Gas Quality Sensor for characterization of opportunity fuels is proposed for further development and commercialization.

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Imaging and Data Acquisition for Prototype Gasifier Sensor

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(8/01/12 - 12/31/14)

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Imaging and Data Acquisition for Prototype Gasifier Sensor

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 8/01/12

End Date: 12/31/14

Abstract

Rapid development of novel combustion technologies imposes special requirements on diagnostic and control methods used. At present, the chemical composition of combustion gases is usually measured only in the exhaust stream providing average information on the performance of the combustion process. To maximize efficiency, while keeping emissions low, requires real-time information about the performance of each burner and/or spatial characteristics of the complex geometry flames. Industrial combustion and gasification processes will enormously benefit from novel 2-D sensors utilizing imaging techniques to map the flame species and defining the flame zones responsible for pollutant formation and efficiency losses. This project is further development and demonstration of the sensor technology developed under the "Optical Diagnostics of Gasifier Flames". Work will begin with modification of the sensor software to enable real time temperature data acquisition, processing and providing the obtained gasifier temperature information to the gasifier operators. The second project task will focus on the sensor hardware modifications needed to improve optical reliability of the sensor system.

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Numerical Modeling of Enhanced Hydrogen Recovery From Hydrogen Sulfide

National Science Foundation (NSF)(10/01/11 - 3/01/14)

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Numerical Modeling of Enhanced Hydrogen Recovery From Hydrogen Sulfide

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 10/01/11

End Date: 3/01/14

Abstract

Hydrogen is the most coveted and cleanest of all fuels. Yet it is also very expensive, since it is obtained at an industrial scale only through natural gas, oil, or coal. In addition to being expensive, these hydrocarbon sources of hydrogen also release significant carbon dioxide emissions. The alternative of recovering hydrogen from H2S would be at the very least free and carbonless. In 2011 the National Science Foundation awarded a Phase II grant to Innovative Energy Solution. A numerical modeling is proposed to understand the complex reaction chemistry, heat transfer, and flow pattern occurring in the reactor. Numerical studies will be conducted based upon computational model of ultrarich superadiabatic flames formed in linear and cyclic flow reactors. Superadiabatic partial oxidation of an ultrarich H2S/oxidizer mixture will be represented within one-dimensional, unsteady model. The flame, treated in a volume-averaged approach, will be considered isobaric, and one-dimensional. The model, incorporating a comprehensive heat transfer mechanisms, will help in optimizing the reactor.

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Excess Enthalpy Porous Bed Combustion

Southern California Gas Company(11/30/-1 - 3/31/15)

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Excess Enthalpy Porous Bed Combustion

Sponsor: Southern California Gas Company

Start Date: 11/30/-1

End Date: 3/31/15

Abstract

Increasingly stringent air emissions and efficiency regulations will require significant reductions in atmospheric discharge of greenhouse gases primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Excess enthalpy porous bed combustion frequently referred to as superadiabatic combustion has the potential to significantly reduce NOx and CO2 emissions by reducing peak flame temperatures and increasing efficiency. Successful development of the excess enthalpy combustion systems will enable the natural gas combustion utilizing industries to stay compliant with the new regulations and will enable industrial users of natural gas to remain competitive while continuing to burn natural gas for process heat.

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MODELING OF REGENERATIVE GAS GUARD RECUPERATOR

Utilization Technology Development(11/30/-1 - 5/31/12)

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MODELING OF REGENERATIVE GAS GUARD RECUPERATOR

Sponsor: Utilization Technology Development

Start Date: 11/30/-1

End Date: 5/31/12

Abstract

Increasing energy costs require essential improvements of energy utilization efficiencies of industrial systems. In particular, the efficiencies of aluminum melters could be increases be regeneration of the enthalpy from the high energy exhaust stream. Traditional methods have a limited applicability for these streams due to the presence of corrosive fluoride compounds. Concurrently, the removal of fluoride compounds from high temperature stream is impractical due to the low efficiencies of the absorbents at high temperatures. A concept of a regenerative gas guard regenerator (RGGR) is proposed to achieve a simultaneous removal of toxic and corrosive fluorine compounds and to regenerate the energy of the high temperature exhaust stream.

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Energy Efficient Control Valve for Water Heating Appliances

Gas Technology Institute(2/01/10 - 7/31/12)

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Energy Efficient Control Valve for Water Heating Appliances

Sponsor: Gas Technology Institute

Start Date: 2/01/10

End Date: 7/31/12

Abstract

Components required for development of self-powered natural gas fired heating systems involve efficient micro systems for power generation and also reliable control elements with ultra-low average power consumption. The key elements identified during the preliminary analysis of the power consumption in water heater control systems are igniters and natural gas control valves. The low power ignition and control is of crucial importance for successful development and commercialization of self-powered water heating appliances. For practical heating applications, the ignition circuits are usually incorporated in control units with sensing, alarming, reporting and emergency shut-off features. The required energy minimization can be readily performed by the system manufactures. Fuel control and shut off valves can have high power consumption greatly affecting the power balance. Presently manufactured control valves include direct acting solenoid valves and magnetically latching valves. Both types can be optimized for power consumption. The research on the low electric power consumption control valve is proposed.

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Numerical Modeling and Development of Control Algorithms for Superadiabatic Reactors

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(2/01/10 - 9/15/10)

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Numerical Modeling and Development of Control Algorithms for Superadiabatic Reactors

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 2/01/10

End Date: 9/15/10

Abstract

Hydrogen is the most coveted and cleanest of all fuels. Yet it is also very expensive, since it is obtained at an industrial scale only through natural gas, oil, or coal. In addition to being expensive, these hydrocarbon sources of hydrogen also release significant carbon dioxide emissions. The alternative of recovering hydrogen from H2S would be at the very least free and carbonless. In 2009 the U.S. Department of Energy awarded a Phase I grant to Innovative Energy Solution, Inc. (IES) to study the feasibility of the Super ATR-max process. In this SBIR project, Innovative Energy Solution will build on the success of the SuperATR process and improve it. This improvement, which will result in the SuperATR-max process, will be based on three factors: (i) increase the reforming temperature through an improved firing sequence with the recycled H2S slip stream and (ii) decrease the oxygen use, in order to (iii) decrease the amount of amine, thereby costs.

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NATURAL GAS OPTICAL BTU SENSOR: EVALUATION OF STABILITY AND CALIBRATION REQUIREMENTS

Gas Technology Institute(5/25/09 - 12/31/09)

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NATURAL GAS OPTICAL BTU SENSOR: EVALUATION OF STABILITY AND CALIBRATION REQUIREMENTS

Sponsor: Gas Technology Institute

Start Date: 5/25/09

End Date: 12/31/09

Abstract

Today, natural gas is purchased in terms of quantity (millions of standard cubic feet per day) and quality (BTU per standard cubic foot). The natural gas industry uses gas chromatographic (GC) process analyzers to conduct fractional analysis of the natural gas streams. The GC analyzers are expensive, slow and require calibration with natural gas reference standards. Combustion devices, such as turbines or internal combustion engines, often require real time data on the heating value of supplied natural gas. The uncontrolled variations of natural gas supply are expected to adversely affect flame properties, stability, efficiency, and emission level. Combustion technologies will greatly benefit from the real-time knowledge of the fuel composition and BTU values. Optical characterization of fuel composition and BTU values is based on near infrared absorption spectroscopy and is projected to require no onsite calibration with natural gas standards. The spectroscopic database provided to the sensor and periodic baseline/background corrections will allow continuous, real-time operation of the sensor.

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