US 10,839,966 B2 · Vortex driven passive hydrogen recombiner and igniter

Abstract

An igniter apparatus which generates a high speed buoyancy induced vortex to funnel hydrogen and air from the surrounding onto the “igniter core” where an “igniter core” heats up to the auto ignition temperature by the exothermic catalytic oxidation of hydrogen on its surface. Water (vapor) is formed as the product, which inhibits the oxidation reaction, if not stripped away from the catalyst surface. The high velocity of the vortex ensures the stripping of the boundary layer of steam that is formed by the reaction, thus ensuring more active sites are available for hydrogen oxidation. The vortex is formed by channeling an upward draft into a vortex by guided fins. The upward draft is formed by a plate, which is also coated with a hydrogen recombination catalyst. The plate becomes hot by the same catalytic oxidation reaction in the presence of air containing hydrogen.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A passive hydrogen recombiner and igniter comprising:

a substantially horizontal, flat metallic plate having an underside coated with a hydrogen recombination catalyst, supported in a peripheral housing having a first gaseous intake below the substantially horizontal, flat metallic plate and a first gaseous outlet around a periphery of the substantially horizontal, metallic plate;
a second gaseous intake through the housing and through a first set of swirl vanes substantially proximate to and in communication with an upper side of the substantially horizontal, flat metallic plate, with the first set of swirl vanes configured to create a vortex out of a second gas traversing the second gaseous intake;
a second gaseous outlet through an upper portion of the housing through which the vortex exits;
a first passive igniter supported proximate the first gaseous intake;
and
a second passive igniter supported proximate the second gaseous outlet.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vortex driven passive hydrogen recombiner and igniter

Life of this patent

Vortex driven passive hydrogen recombiner and igniter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15