US 2011/0225948 A1 · APPARATUS FOR HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC INITIATION OF A COMBUSTION PROCESS

Abstract

Apparatus for providing electromagnetic radiation to a combustor during a combustion process are disclosed. An electromagnetic radiation source delivers electromagnetic radiation through a first waveguide to a second waveguide that includes an electromagnetic radiation outlet positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation to the interior of the combustor. Electromagnetic radiation is delivered to low temperature regions of a combustor to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions. In addition, the electromagnetic radiation stimulates the combustion process so that lean air-fuel mixtures and low BTU gases can be burned at lower combustion temperatures leading to reduced NOx emissions.

Claims20

Dependent claims

Apparatus for providing electromagnetic radiation to a combustor during a combustion process, the combustor comprising at least one fuel nozzle for supplying a fuel mixture to the combustor, the apparatus comprising:

an electromagnetic radiation source;
a first waveguide coupled to the electromagnetic radiation source;
and
a second waveguide coupled to the first waveguide, the second waveguide comprising an electromagnetic radiation outlet positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation to a low temperature region of the combustor;
wherein during the combustion process, said low temperature region has an operating temperature that is less than a temperature for sustaining combustion of the fuel mixture without said electromagnetic radiation.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for high-frequency electromagnetic initiation of a combustion process

Life of this patent

Apparatus for high-frequency electromagnetic initiation of a combustion process

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20