Integrated imaging sensor/neural network controller for combustion systems

A combustion monitoring system for determining the quality of a combustor which comprises:

• a) a gated, freeze-frame, intensified charged coupled device imaging camera directed at the flame of the combustor and capable of determining the quantity and location of particular radicals generated by the combustion process said quantity and location of particular radicals being indicative of flame quality;
• b) a neural network for receiving said quantity and location information from said imaging camera and for recognizing spatial and qualitative patterns of said information wherein said patterns are indicative of flame quality and for producing a neural network output signal representative of flame quality;
• and
• c) a display device for receiving said output of said neural network and displaying information indicative of flame quality.

A method of controlling combustion in a combustor which comprises:

• a. producing an image of the flame with a gated, freeze-frame, intensified charged coupled device camera capable of determining the quantity and location of particular radicals generated by the combustion process said quantity and location being indicative of flame quality;
• b. generating a set of images containing information on the quantity and location of particular radicals for known flame quality states;
• c. comparing said flame image to said set of flame images;
• d. determining the quality of said flame from said comparison;
• and
• e. regulating the fuel air ratio of said combustor in response to said determination to improve said flame quality.

A method of monitoring combustion in a combustor which comprises:

• a. producing an image of the flame with a gated, freeze-frame, intensified charged coupled device camera capable of determining the quantity and location of particular radicals generated by the combustion process said quantity and location being indicative of flame quality;
• b. generating a set of images containing information on the quantity and location of particular radicals for known flame quality states;
• c. comparing said flame image to said set of flame images;
• d. determining the quality of said flame from said comparison;
• and
• e. displaying an indication of said flame quality.