In situ membrane-based oxygen enrichment for direct energy conversion methods
AssigneeUnited States of America as respresented by the Department of the Army
InventorH. Coombe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for combusting a diesel or JP-8 fuel at high temperatures enabling efficiency and power density improvements for portable direct energy conversion systems such as thermophotovoltaics and thermionics is provided. Oxygen enriched air is processed in situ using membrane separation methods. A blower or pump downstream from the membrane provides oxygen enriched air to a fuel burner where high temperature oxidation of a diesel or JP-8 fuel is then enabled in a burner assembly. The hot combustion gases in the burner heat an emitter specifically designed for a thermophotovoltaic or thermionic device. A second blower or pump provides nitrogen enriched air for auxiliary cooling purposes.
Claims20
An apparatus for enabling efficiency and power density improvements for fueled portable direct energy conversion systems comprising:
- a membrane separation apparatus used for increasing the oxygen volume content of intake air through membrane separation techniques:
- permeate and feed pumps for providing a variable supply of oxygen-enriched air to a fuel burner apparatus;
- a burner apparatus that atomizes fuel and burns said fuel with oxygen-enriched air to produce hot exhaust gases,
- a combustion chamber/emitter assembly that contains and is heated by the hot combustion gases, and transfers energy;
- and
- a feedback mechanism to control fuel flow as a function of load demand.
A method for enabling efficiency and power density improvements for fueled portable direct energy conversion systems comprising the steps of:
- using a membrane separation apparatus for increasing the oxygen volume content of intake air through membrane separation techniques:
- providing permeate and feed pumps for providing a variable supply of oxygen-enriched air to a fuel burner apparatus;
- atomizing fuel with a burner apparatus that burns said fuel with oxygen-enriched air to produce hot exhaust gases,
- providing a combustion chamber/emitter assembly that contains and is heated by the hot combustion gases, and transfers energy;
- and
- controlling the fuel flow with a feedback mechanism such that fuel flow is controlled as a function of load demand.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.