Mohammad Kojourimanesh

In order to mitigate the serious threat of global warming, it is imperative that future energy sources are carbon-neutral. Thus, the development of new low-carbon combustion technologies is crucial for the gradual transition from fossil fuels to energy storage substances, while also reducing emissions. One of the key challenges in this transition is the occurrence of Thermo-Acoustic (TA) combustion instability, which results in high levels of noise. In general, noise pollution has a significant impact on ecosystems, and it is currently the second biggest environmental disease in Europe after air pollution, as reported by EHPA and WHO. Urgent action is needed to address noise pollution, particularly the development of compact, passive, robust, and high-performing acoustic dampeners that work across a wide frequency range, including very low frequencies. Recently, we have developed an Anechoic Broadband Compact (ABC) muffler and filed it as an Int. PCT patent through TU/e, which serves as a potential solution to this problem. The core of our innovative high-tech solution is the easy customization and build of acoustic dampeners with a thickness of just a few millimeters, providing excellent performance at low frequencies ranging from 20 to 1000 Hz, and capable of absorbing up to 99% of acoustic energy at these frequencies. These mufflers can facilitate the development of a variety of applications related to the practical implementation of the energy transition strategy. A stable and clean combustion of mixed fuels during the transition period, and finally of circular energy carriers like hydrogen, can be achieved by developing thermo-acoustically stable burners, which is our current research topic. The mufflers can also be applied for noise reduction in other low-carbon appliances such as heat pumps or to reduce environmental noise pollution. The integration of such mufflers during the design phase can reduce development costs, facilitate the energy transition, and contribute to a sustainable and healthy life.