Abstract:
Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.
Abstract:
An apparatus for retrofitting a coal-fueled burner of, e.g., a furnace, with a gas-fueled burner system for enhancing flame radiation of a gas flame. The gas-fueled burner system includes a flame charging system and an electrically isolated electrode. A time-varying voltage is applied to the flame charging system and the flame charging system imparts a corresponding time-varying charge onto the flame. The flame responds to the time-varying charge by increasing its luminosity and emissivity.
Abstract:
An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element.
Abstract:
An ionizer provides charged particles to charge a combustion reaction. A conductive flame holder cooperates with the charged combustion reaction to hold the combustion reaction away from a fuel nozzle. Dilution and/or premixing of the fuel in the region between the fuel nozzle and the conductive flame holder results in a reduced flame temperature. The reduced flame temperature results in a reduced output of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
Abstract:
A solid fuel combustion system includes a solid fuel support configured to hold a solid fuel for a combustion reaction. A field electrode is positioned above the solid fuel support. A voltage source supplies a first voltage the solid fuel support and a second voltage to the field electrode.
Abstract:
A burner system includes a nozzle configured to emit a fuel stream for the support of a flame, and first and second electrodes, each configured to apply electrical energy to a flame supported by the nozzle. The first electrode is positioned in a momentum-dominated fluid dynamics region of the flame, while the second electrode is positioned in a buoyancy-dominated fluid dynamics region. Application of charges to the flame via the electrodes can be employed to control flame characteristics in the buoyancy-dominated fluid dynamics region, such as shape and position.
Abstract:
In a combustion system, a charge source is configured to cooperate with a collection plate and a director conduit to cause at least one particle charge-to-mass classification to be reintroduced to a flame for further reaction.
Abstract:
An oscillating combustor may support a time-sequenced combustion reaction having rich and lean phases. The rich and lean phases may be determined according to a flame position relative to a diverging fuel jet. The flame location may be modulated responsive to an interaction between applying a constant voltage or charge rate to a fuel stream or flame, and modulating continuity between a conductive or semiconductive flame holder and an activation voltage.
Abstract:
Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.