Hydrogen is regarded as a promising energy source for the future due to its clean combustion products, remarkable efficiency and renewability. However, its characteristics of low-ignition energy, a wide flammable range from 4% to 75%, and a rapid flame speed may bring significant explosion risks. Typically, accidental release of hydrogen into confined enclosures can result in a flammable hydrogen–air mixture with concentration gradients, possibly leading to flame acceleration (FA) and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). The current study focused on the evolutions of the FA and DDT of homogenous/inhomogeneous hydrogen–air mixtures, based on the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) platform OpenFOAM and the modified Weller et al.’s combustion model, taking into account the Darrieus–Landau (DL) and Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instabilities, the turbulence and the non-unity Lewis number. Numerical simulations were carried out for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous mixtures in an enclosed channel 5.4 m in length and 0.06 m in height. The predictions demonstrate good quantitative agreement with the experimental measurements in flame-tip position, speed and pressure profiles by Boeck et al. The characteristics of flame structure, wave evolution and vortex were also discussed.

To achieve more precise and regionally adaptive emission control, this study develops a dual-control framework that simultaneously constrains both total carbon emissions and pollutant concentration levels. Regional environmental heterogeneity is incorporated into the dispatch of generating units to balance emission reduction and operational efficiency. Based on this concept, a regional carbon emission allowance allocation model is constructed by integrating ecological pollutant concentration thresholds. A multi-source Gaussian plume dispersion model is further developed to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants from coal-fired power units. These pollutant concentration constraints are embedded into an environmental–economic dispatch model of a coupled electricity–hydrogen–carbon system supported by hybrid storage. By optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental damage at the energy-supply stage, the proposed model provides a low-carbon foundation for the entire industrial production cycle. This approach aligns with the sustainable development paradigm by integrating precision environmental management with circular economy principles. Simulation results reveal that incorporating pollutant concentration control can effectively reduce localized environmental pressure while maintaining overall system economy, highlighting the importance of region-specific environmental capacity in enhancing the overall environmental friendliness of the industrial chain.