Ignition methods and apparatus using microwave energy
AssigneeSimmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
InventorsDennis M. DeFreitas, Timothy W. Darling, Albert Migliori, Daniel E. Rees
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Abstract
An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, the combustor functioning as a resonant cavity for the microwave energy so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the resonant cavity spaced away from with the cavity wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter.
Claims15
Ignition apparatus comprising:
- a combustor;
- means for supplying a combustible mixture into said combustor;
- a body defining a resonator cavity therein;
- and a microwave energy source including a microwave emitter for emitting microwave energy into the cavity at a frequency within a resonant response of the cavity to produce a plasma in free space in the cavity;
- said body having at least one opening therein that permits the plasma to be exposed to the combustible mixture of the combustor for ignition thereof.
An ignition method comprising:
- a. providing a combustible mixture in a combustion chamber of a combustor;
- b. providing a body as a microwave resonator cavity;
- c. producing microwave energy and emitting said energy into the cavity at a frequency within a resonant response of the cavity;
- and
- d. using resonant microwave energy in the cavity to produce a plasma, in free space within the cavity, that ignites said combustible mixture in the combustion chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.