WO2015089306A1 - Process material electrode for combustion control - Google Patents
Process material electrode for combustion control Download PDFInfo
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- WO2015089306A1 WO2015089306A1 PCT/US2014/069797 US2014069797W WO2015089306A1 WO 2015089306 A1 WO2015089306 A1 WO 2015089306A1 US 2014069797 W US2014069797 W US 2014069797W WO 2015089306 A1 WO2015089306 A1 WO 2015089306A1
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- combustion reaction
- process material
- electrical control
- electrical
- electric potential
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23C—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR COMBUSTION USING FLUID FUEL OR SOLID FUEL SUSPENDED IN A CARRIER GAS OR AIR
- F23C99/00—Subject-matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F23C99/001—Applying electric means or magnetism to combustion
Definitions
- the electrical coupling 102 may include a conductor or semiconductor.
- the conductor or semiconductor may be electrically insulated and/or isolated.
- the conductor or semiconductor may be configured to apply the charge, voltage, or electric field to the process material 104.
- An electrical insulator and/or isolator may be configured to electrically insulate and/or isolate the charge, voltage, or electric field from a thermal mass, load, and/or reservoir.
- the thermal mass, load, or reservoir may include a heat transfer fluid and/or a phase change material, for example.
- the process material portion 104a may be electrically grounded at locations other than locations 104a corresponding to the electrical coupling(s) 102.
- An electric potential can be generated between the lime and the combustion reaction 106 by applying a first voltage to the lime via the electrical coupling 102 and by applying a second voltage to the
- FIG. 3B is a diagram of a system 300b for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment.
- the system 300b for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction 106 includes a corona electrode 304 and a counter electrode 308.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Technologies are provided for electrical control of a combustion reaction. A first portion of a process material and a combustion reaction may be positioned in mutual proximity. A voltage source may be operatively coupled to the process material via an electrical coupling and to the combustion reaction via a combustion reaction charging mechanism. Respective voltages may be applied to the electrical coupling and the combustion reaction to cause an electrical potential to be formed between the combustion reaction and the process material. The electrical potential may be selected to cause a measurable effect on the combustion reaction, such as to increase or decrease heat transfer to the process material.
Description
PROCESS MATERIAL ELECTRODE FOR COMBUSTION CONTROL
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/914,865, entitled "PROCESS MATERIAL ELECTRODE FOR COMBUSTION CONTROL", filed December 1 1 , 2013 (docket no. 2651 -082-02); which, to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY In an embodiment, a system is provided for electrical control of a combustion reaction vis-a-vis interactions between the combustion reaction and a process material proximate thereto. The system may include one or more electrical couplings configured to be operatively coupled to at least a first portion of a process material. The process material may be configured to act as one or more electrodes. The process material may be transformed by the combustion reaction. For example, the process material may be heated, melted, sublimed, vaporized, reacted, annealed, heat shocked, or otherwise transformed by the combustion reaction. The process material may or may not include an object formed from the process material. The system may include a voltage source operatively coupled to the one or more electrical couplings. The system may include a controller configured to be operatively coupled to the voltage source. The controller may be configured to cause the voltage source to apply respective voltages to the combustion reaction and the process material (via the electrical coupling) selected to cause (an) electric field(s), electrical arc(s), and/or current flow to be formed between the combustion reaction and the process material.
The electrical potential between the combustion reaction and the process material can be selected to cause enhanced or reduced heat transfer from the combustion reaction to the process material, for example.
In an embodiment, a method is provided for electrical control of a combustion reaction. The method may include positioning at least a portion of a process material in proximity to a combustion reaction. The method may further include applying a voltage to cause the process material to interact with a charge or voltage carried by the combustion reaction. The method may additionally or alternatively include applying a voltage, charge, electrical arc, or electric field to the combustion reaction via the process material. The method may include causing a measurable effect on the combustion reaction with the voltage, charge, electrical arc, or electric field applied to the combustion reaction via the process material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for electrical control of a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system for electrical control of a plurality of instances of a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a diagram of a system including an ionizer for electrical control of a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3B is a diagram of a system including a net ion source for electrical control of a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a system including a one or more flow control valves for electrical control of a combustion reaction, according to an
embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method for electrical control of a combustion reaction using an electrically energized process material, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system 100 for electrical control of a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment. The system 100 may include one or more electrical couplings 102. The one or more electrical couplings 102 may be configured to be operatively coupled to a process material 104, for example at a process material portion 104a. The system may include a voltage source 1 10 operatively coupled to the one or more electrical couplings 102. The system 100 may also include a controller 1 12 operatively coupled to the voltage source 1 10. The controller 1 12 may be further configured to cause the voltage source 1 10 to apply a voltage, charge, electrical discharge, or electric field to the process material 104 via the electrical coupling(s) 102. The process material 104 may responsively (corresponding to or converted from the electrical energy modality received from the electrical coupling(s) 102) apply a voltage, charge, arc discharge, and/or electric field to the combustion reaction 106. The electrical energy transfer to the combustion reaction 106 from the process material 104 may occur when the combustion reaction and process material are disposed in mutual proximity.
Various embodiments of electrical coupling(s) 102 to the process material 104 are contemplated. For example, the electrical coupling(s) may include atomizer(s), nozzle(s), extrusion die(s), distributor mechanism(s), conveyor(s), link-belt(s), tube(s), rod(s), filament(s), inertial electrode(s), corona discharge element(s), ionizer(s), etc.
According to an embodiment, the combustion reaction 106 may carry a combustion reaction charge 1 1 1 . The electrical energy transfer may be selected to interact with the charge 1 1 1 to cause a measurable effect on the combustion reaction. The charge 1 1 1 may be a majority charge of the combustion reaction.
In an embodiment, the combustion reaction 106 may be supported by a burner or fuel source 108.
According to an embodiment, the controller 1 12 may be configured to cause the combustion reaction 106 to be attracted to and/or be directed away from the process material portion 104a. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 1 12 may be configured to cause the combustion reaction 106 to increase, decrease, or maintain heat transfer to the process material portion 104a.
The controller 1 12 may be configured to cause the combustion reaction 106 to independently control one or more of convective heat transfer and/or radiative heat transfer from the combustion reaction 106 to the process material 104a.
The process material 104 may include a solid object(s), a plurality of process material particulates, a fluid, glassy, or molten process material and/or a mixture thereof. The process material portion 104a may include a metal, a metal ore, a metallic chemical compound, a ceramic, a glass, a carbonaceous material, and/or a precursor or mixture thereof.
In an embodiment, the electrical coupling 102 may include a conductor or semiconductor. The conductor or semiconductor may be electrically insulated and/or isolated. The conductor or semiconductor may be configured to apply the charge, voltage, or electric field to the process material 104. An electrical insulator and/or isolator may be configured to electrically insulate and/or isolate the charge, voltage, or electric field from a thermal mass, load, and/or reservoir. The thermal mass, load, or reservoir may include a heat transfer fluid and/or a phase change material, for example.
According to an embodiment, the process material portion 104a may be electrically grounded at locations other than locations 104a corresponding to the electrical coupling(s) 102.
In an embodiment, controller 1 12 and the voltage source 1 10 may be configured to cause the electrical coupling(s) to apply electrical energy to the process material portion 104a at a positive polarity. Additionally and or alternatively, the controller 1 12 and the voltage source 1 10 may be configured to apply electrical energy to the process material portion 104a at a negative polarity. Additionally and or alternatively, the controller 1 12 and the voltage source 1 10 may be configured to apply electrical energy to the process material portion 104a at an alternating polarity.
Various embodiments may cause an increase and/or decrease in a height, surface area, rate of reaction, emissivity, or energy transferred from the
combustion reaction 106. The system 100 may be configured to control the combustion reaction 106 to be directed to or away from a selected location of the process material 104. The system 100 may be configured to control the combustion reaction to cause an oscillation in one or more parameters of the combustion reaction 106. The system 100 may be configured to control the combustion reaction to dynamically control the shape of the combustion reaction 106 and/or movement of the combustion reaction 106 relative to the process material 104.
According to an embodiment, the system 100 can include a burner 108 configured to support the combustion reaction 106, an electrical coupling 102 configured to be operatively coupled to a process material 104, and a
combustion reaction charging mechanism configured to transfer electrical charges to the combustion reaction 106. The system 100 can further include a voltage source 1 10 operatively coupled to the electrical coupling 102 and the combustion reaction charging mechanism. The voltage source, the electrical coupling 102, and the combustion reaction charging mechanism can be configured to collectively apply an electrical potential between the combustion reaction 106 and the process material.
According to an embodiment, the charging mechanism can include a net ion source such as a corona electrode, one or more counter electrodes, and/or other suitable mechanisms for introducing charges or a net charge into the combustion reaction. In an embodiment, the charging mechanism can include a flame electrode that is partially or wholly immersed in the combustion reaction. The charging mechanism can alternatively be configured to provide charges to a substantially non-ionized volume near the combustion reaction or to an upstream fluid volume such as combustion air or gaseous fuel for subsequent entrainment in the combustion reaction.
According to an embodiment, the system 100 can include a rotary kiln for producing Portland cement from a process material including lime (and/or Portland cement produced therefrom). The lime is passed through the rotary kiln and is processed in part by receiving heat from the combustion reaction 106. As the lime is passed through the rotary kiln and is heated, it can become
conductive at high temperatures. An electric potential can be generated between the lime and the combustion reaction 106 by applying a first voltage to the lime via the electrical coupling 102 and by applying a second voltage to the
combustion reaction 106 via the charging mechanism. In this way, the
combustion reaction 106 can be attracted to the lime or driven away from the lime based on the polarities of the first and second voltages, thereby enabling increased or decreased heat to be selectively delivered to the lime.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system 200 for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a plurality of instances of combustion reactions, according to an embodiment. The system 200 for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a plurality of instances of a combustion reaction may include the voltage source 1 10. The voltage source 1 10 may be configured to be operatively coupled to a plurality of portions of a process material 104a, 104b. The plurality of portions of a process material 104a, 104b may be proximate to the combustion reaction 106. The plurality of
portions may include at least a first portion of a process material 104a and a second portion of a process material 104b.
According to an embodiment, a controller 1 12 may be included. The controller 1 12 may be further configured to cause the combustion reaction 106 to be independently attracted to and/or directed away from the first and/or second portions of a process material 104a, 104b. Additionally and/or alternatively, the controller 1 12 may be further configured to cause the combustion reaction 106 to independently increase, decrease, and/or maintain heat transfer to the first and/or second portions of a process material 104a, 104b.
In an embodiment, the first portion of a process material 104a and the second portion of a process material 104b may correspond to first and second portions of a single process material 104. Additionally and/or alternatively, the first portion of a process material 104a and the second portion of a process material 104b may correspond to multiple process materials.
According to an embodiment, the voltage source 1 10 may be configured to be operatively coupled to a plurality of portions of a process materials 104a, 104b. The plurality of portions of a process material 104a, 104b may be proximate to a plurality of instances of the combustion reaction 106. The plurality of portions may include at least the first portion of a process material 104a and a second portion of a process material 104b, and/or a plurality of instances. The plurality of instances may include at least a first combustion instance 106a and/or a second combustion reaction instance 106b. Charges 1 1 1 a, and 1 1 1 b are present in the in the combustion reactions 106a, 106b, respectively.
In an embodiment, the controller 1 12 may be configured to cause the first and second instances 106a, 106b of the combustion reaction 106 to be independently attracted to and/or directed away from the first and/or second portions of a process material 104a, 104b. Additionally and/or alternatively, the controller 1 12 may be configured to independently increase, decrease, and/or maintain heat transfer to the first and/or second portions of a process material 104a, 104b.
FIG. 3A is a diagram of a system 300a for applying a charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material 104 to control a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment. The system 300a includes a net ion source 302. The net ion source 302 may be configured to contribute charges 1 1 1 to the combustion reaction 106 to obtain a majority charge in the combustion reaction 106. The majority charge of the combustion reaction 106 may be supplied by providing a plurality of charged ions to the combustion reaction 106 and/or by extracting a plurality of corresponding counter ions from the combustion reaction 106 to form the plurality of charged ions in the combustion reaction 106.
According to an embodiment, the net ion source 302 may include an ionizer configured to provide the plurality of charged ions to the combustion reaction 106.
FIG. 3B is a diagram of a system 300b for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment. The system 300b for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction 106 includes a corona electrode 304 and a counter electrode 308.
According to an embodiment, the corona electrode 306 and the counter electrode 308 are operatively coupled to the voltage source 1 10 and are configured to form the plurality of charged ions at least in part from a reactant of the combustion reaction 106, a reaction intermediate of the combustion reaction 106, and/or a product of the combustion reaction 106. The counter electrode 308 and voltage source 1 10 may be configured to selectively extract ions from the combustion reaction 106 to provide the majority charge.
In some embodiments, the combustion reaction flow may be sufficiently ionized so that the majority charge may be imparted by removing charge from the combustion reaction 106. In such embodiments, the corona electrode 308 may be omitted.
According to an embodiment, a controller 1 12 may be included. The controller 1 12 may be configured to cause the majority charge of the combustion reaction 106 to respond to the one or more electrical signals. The one or more
electrical signals may respond according to the charge, voltage, or electric field applied via the one or more electrical couplings 102 at the first portion of a process material 104a. The one or more electrical couplings 102 may be electrically insulated, electrically isolated, and/or electrically insulated and isolated from ground and/or another voltage.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a system 400 for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment. The system 400 for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction may include one or more flow control valves 402a, 402b, according to an embodiment. The one or more flow control valves 402a, 402b may be operatively coupled to the controller 1 12. The controller 1 12 may be configured to control the combustion reaction 106 at least in part by operating the one or more flow control valves 402a, 402b. The one or more flow control valves 402a, 402b may be configured to control a flow to the combustion reaction 106 of one or more of an oxidant and a fuel.
According to an embodiment, the system 400 may be configured to deliver the charge, voltage, or electric field to the combustion reaction 106. The charge, voltage, or electric field may be delivered via the one or more electrical couplings 102 as a charge, a voltage, an electrical field, and/or a combination thereof. The system 400 for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction may include a waveform generator 404. The waveform generator 404 may be operatively coupled to the controller 1 12 and the voltage source 1 10. The system may be configured to deliver the charge, voltage, or electric field to the combustion reaction 106 via the one or more electrical couplings 102. The one or more electrical couplings 102 may deliver the charge, voltage, or electric field as one or more of a time-varying majority charge, a time-varying voltage, a time varying electric field and/or a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the system 400 for applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to a process material to control a combustion reaction may include the burner or fuel source 108. The burner or fuel source 108 may be electrically
insulated, electrically isolated, and/or electrically insulated and isolated. The burner or fuel source 108 may be configured to support the combustion reaction 106. The burner or fuel source 108 may be configured to support the combustion reaction 106 including a flame.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for a process for electrically controlling a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment. At 502 a combustion reaction is supported in conjunction with a burner. For example, the combustion reaction may be supported at a burner or fuel source. At 504 a process material and the combustion reaction are positioned in mutual proximity with each other. At 506 an electric field is applied to the combustion reaction via the process material to cause a measurable effect on the combustion reaction. In particular, the electric field interacts with charges in the combustion reaction. The combustion reaction may have a majority charge. As described herein, the phrase "at least the electric field" may include a voltage, a charge, the electric field, or a combination thereof.
According to an embodiment, applying at least the electric field may include causing the combustion reaction to be attracted to or be directed away from the process material. The combustion reaction may be independently attracted to and/or may be directed away from a plurality of portions of a process material. The plurality of portions may include at least a first portion of a process material and a second portion of a process material.
In an embodiment, applying at least the electric field may include, increasing, decreasing, or maintaining heat transfer from the combustion reaction to the process material. One or more of convective heat transfers and/or radiative heat transfers may be independently controlled from the combustion reaction to the process material. Heat transfer may be independently increased, decreased, and/or maintained from the combustion reaction to a plurality of portions of a process material.
The process material may include one or more of a solid process material object and/or a plurality of process material particulates. Process materials may include one or more of a fluid, glassy, or molten process material and/or a
mixture thereof. Additionally and/or alternatively, the process material may include one or more of a metal, a metal ore, a metallic chemical compound, a ceramic, a glass, a carbonaceous material, and/or a precursor or mixture thereof.
The charge, voltage, or electric field may be electrically insulated and/or isolated at the conductor and/or semiconductor from a thermal mass, load, and/or reservoir. The thermal mass, load, and/or reservoir may include a heat transfer fluid and/or a phase change material.
According to an embodiment, positioning a process material and a combustion reaction in mutual proximity may include positioning the combustion reaction in proximity to a plurality of portions of a process material. The plurality of portions may include at least a first portion of a process material and a second portion of a process material corresponding to first and second portions of a single process material. The combustion reaction position may include
positioning the combustion reaction in proximity to a plurality of process materials. Additionally or alternatively, positioning the combustion reaction may include positioning a plurality of combustion reactions in proximity to a plurality of portions of a process material.
The plurality of combustion reactions may be independently attracted to and/or directed away from the plurality of portions of a process material using electrical energy applied to the process material. Heat transfer may be
independently increased, decreased, and/or maintained from the plurality of instances of the combustion reaction to the plurality of portions of a process material.
Applying the charge, voltage, or electric field may include applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to the process material at a positive polarity. Additionally and/or alternatively, applying the charge, voltage, or electric field may include applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to the process material at a negative polarity.
The charge, voltage, or electric field may be applied according to one or more electrical signals through the process material to the combustion reaction. Applying the charge, voltage, or electric field according to one or more electrical
signals through the process material to the combustion reaction may include increasing and/or decreasing one or more of a height of the combustion reaction and/or a surface area of the combustion reaction. Additionally and/or
alternatively, the combustion reaction may be directed to a selected location and/or may be directed away from the selected location.
Application of the charge, voltage, or electric field according to one or more electrical signals through the process material to the combustion reaction, may include oscillating one or more parameters of the combustion reaction. Additionally and or alternatively, a shape of the combustion reaction or a movement of the combustion reaction may be dynamically controlled.
Applying the charge, voltage, or electric field to the combustion reaction may include applying the charge, voltage, or electric field as a charge, a voltage, an electrical field, and/or a combination thereof. The charge, voltage, or electric field may be applied as one or more of a time-varying majority charge, a time- varying voltage, a time varying electric field, and/or a combination thereof.
Contributing to the combustion reaction charge as a majority charge of the combustion reaction may be accomplished by one or more of providing a plurality of charged ions to the combustion reaction and/or extracting a plurality of corresponding counter ions from the combustion reaction to form the plurality of charged ions in the combustion reaction. The plurality of charged ions may be formed at least in part from a reactant of the combustion reaction, a reaction intermediate of the combustion reaction, and/or a product of the combustion reaction.
The combustion reaction may be controlled. Controlling the combustion reaction may include, at least in part, controlling the flow of a fuel and/or an oxidant to the combustion reaction.
According to an embodiment, the process material may be electrically insulated, electrically isolated, and/or electrically insulated and isolated from ground and/or another voltage. The process material and/or object may be electrically grounded. Additionally and/or alternatively, the burner or fuel source
may be electrically insulated, electrically isolated, and/or electrically insulated and isolated.
According to an embodiment, a method for electrical control of a combustion reaction can include supporting a combustion reaction at a burner, transferring electrical charges to the combustion reaction via a charging mechanism coupled to a voltage source, and operatively coupling an electrical coupling to a process material . The electrical coupling can be operatively coupled to the voltage source. The method can further include applying, from the voltage source, an electric potential between the process material and the combustion reaction.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims
1. A system for electrical control of a combustion reaction, comprising:
a burner configured to support a combustion reaction;
an electrical coupling configured to be operatively coupled to a process material;
a combustion reaction charging mechanism configured to transfer electrical charges to the combustion reaction; and
a voltage source operatively coupled to the electrical coupling and the combustion reaction charging mechanism, wherein the voltage source, electrical coupling and combustion reaction charging mechanism are configured to collectively apply an electrical potential between the combustion reaction and the process material.
2. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the electric potential is selected to interact with a charge of the combustion reaction.
3. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the voltage source is further configured to apply the electric potential to cause the combustion reaction to be attracted to or be directed away from the process material.
4. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the voltage source is further configured to apply the electric potential to increase, decrease, or maintain heat transfer to the process material.
5. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1, wherein the voltage source is further configured to apply the electric potential to cause the combustion reaction to independently control one or more of
convective heat transfer or radiative heat transfer from the combustion reaction to the process material.
6. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1, wherein the process material includes a conductor or a semiconductor.
7. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 6, wherein the process material includes one or more of a furnace wall, a boiler wall, a boiler tube, a combustor wall, a heat transfer surface, an air-to-air heat exchanger, an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, a chemical reactor, a sensor, a turbine blade, a combustion grate, a combustion chamber fixture, or an object in an environment exposed to the combustion reaction.
8. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 6, wherein the process material includes an electrical insulator or isolator.
9. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 6, wherein the process material includes one or more of a solid process material object, a plurality of process material particulates, a fluid, glassy, or molten process material, or a mixture thereof.
10. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 6, wherein the process material includes one or more of a metal, a metal ore, a metallic chemical compound, a ceramic, a glass, a carbonaceous material, or a precursor or mixture thereof.
11. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the process material includes a conductor or semiconductor in contact with an electrical insulator or isolator configured to electrically insulate or isolate the electric potential from a thermal mass, load, or reservoir.
12. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 11 , wherein the thermal mass, load, or reservoir includes a heat transfer fluid or a phase change material.
13. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the process material is electrically grounded.
14. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the voltage source is configured to apply the electric potential to the process material at a positive polarity.
15. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the voltage source is configured to apply the electric potential to the process material at a negative polarity.
16. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the voltage source is configured to be operatively coupled to a plurality of portions of the process material proximate to the combustion reaction, the plurality of portions including at least a first portion of the process material and a second portion of the process material.
17. The system for electrical control of the combustion reaction of claim 16, wherein the voltage source is further configured to apply the electric potential to cause the combustion reaction to be attracted to or directed away from the first and second portions of the process material.
18. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 16, wherein the voltage source is configured to apply the electric potential to cause the combustion reaction to independently increase, decrease, or maintain heat transfer to the first and second portions of the process material.
19. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 16, wherein the first portion of the process material and the second portion of the process material correspond to first and second portions of a single process material.
20. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 16, wherein the first portion of the process material and the second portion of the process material correspond to multiple process materials.
21. The system for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the charging mechanism is configured to contribute to a majority charge of the combustion reaction.
22. The system for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 21 , wherein the charging mechanism includes an ionizer configured to provide a plurality of charged ions to the combustion reaction.
23. The system for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 21 , wherein the charging mechanism includes a corona electrode and a counter electrode operatively coupled to the voltage source and configured to produce the plurality of charged ions at least in part from a reactant of the combustion reaction, a reaction intermediate of the combustion reaction, or a product of the combustion reaction.
24. The system for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 21 , wherein the charging mechanism includes a counter electrode operatively coupled to the voltage source and configured to selectively extract ions from the combustion reaction to provide the majority charge.
25. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 21 , wherein the voltage source is configured to cause the majority charge of the combustion reaction to respond to the electric potential.
26. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1, wherein the electrical coupling is electrically insulated, electrically isolated, or electrically insulated and isolated from ground or another voltage.
27. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , further comprising a controller and one or more flow control valves operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the combustion reaction at least in part by operating the one or more flow control valves.
28. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 27, wherein the one or more flow control valves are configured to control a flow to the combustion reaction of one or more of an oxidant and a fuel.
29. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to generate an electrical field between the combustion reaction and the process material.
30. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1, further comprising a waveform generator operatively coupled to the controller and the voltage source, wherein the electric potential is a time varying electric potential.
31. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to be operatively coupled to the voltage source, the controller being further configured to cause the voltage source to
apply at electric potential between the process material and the combustion reaction located proximate to the process material.
32. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 31 , wherein the burner is electrically insulated, electrically isolated, or electrically insulated and isolated.
33. The system for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 31 , wherein the burner is configured to support the combustion reaction to include a flame.
34. A method for electrical control of a combustion reaction, comprising: supporting a combustion reaction at a burner;
transferring electrical charges to the combustion reaction via a charging mechanism coupled to a voltage source;
operatively coupling an electrical coupling to a process material, the electrical coupling being operatively coupled to the voltage source; and
applying, from the voltage source, an electric potential between the process material and the combustion reaction.
35. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric potential causes the combustion reaction to be attracted to or be directed away from the process material.
36. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric potential includes independently attracting the combustion reaction to or directing the combustion reaction away from a plurality of portions of the process material, the plurality of portions including at least a first portion of a process material and a second portion of the process material.
37. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric potential increases, decreases, or maintains heat transfer from the combustion reaction to the process material.
38. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 37, wherein applying the electric potential includes independently controlling one or more of a convective heat transfer or a radiative heat transfer from the
combustion reaction to the process material.
39. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric field includes independently increasing, decreasing, or maintaining heat transfer from the combustion reaction to a plurality of portions of the process material, the plurality of portions including at least the first portion of the process material and a second portion of the process material.
40. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein the process material includes a conductor or a semiconductor.
41. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 40, wherein the process material includes one or more of: a furnace wall, a boiler wall, a boiler tube, a combustor wall, a heat transfer surface, an air-to-air heat exchanger, an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, a chemical reactor, a sensor, a turbine blade, a combustion grate, a combustion chamber fixture, or an object in an environment exposed to the combustion reaction.
42. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 40, wherein the process material includes one or more of an electrical insulator or isolator.
43. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 40, wherein the process material includes one or more of a solid process material
object, a plurality of process material particulates, a fluid, glassy, or molten process material, or a mixture thereof.
44. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 40, wherein the process material includes one or more of a metal, a metal ore, a metallic chemical compound, a ceramic, a glass, a carbonaceous material, or a precursor or mixture thereof.
45. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 40, further comprising electrically insulating or electrically isolating the electric potential from a thermal mass, thermal load, or thermal reservoir.
46. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 45, wherein the thermal mass, thermal load, or thermal reservoir includes a heat transfer fluid or a phase change material.
47. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, comprising positioning the combustion reaction in proximity to a plurality of portions of the process material, the plurality of portions including at least a first portion of the process material and a second portion of the process material corresponding to first and second portions of a single process material.
48. The method for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 34, comprising positioning the combustion reaction in proximity to a plurality of process materials and/or objects.
49. The method for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 34, comprising positioning a plurality of instances of the combustion reaction in proximity to a plurality of portions of the process material, the plurality of portions including at least a first portion of the process material and a second portion of
the process material, and the plurality of instances including at least a first combustion reaction instance and a second combustion reaction instance.
50. The method for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 49, wherein applying the electric potential includes independently attracting the plurality of instances of the combustion reaction to or directing the plurality of instances of the combustion reaction away from the plurality of portions of the process material.
51. The method for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 49, wherein applying the electric potential includes independently increasing, decreasing, or maintaining heat transfer from the plurality of instances of the combustion reaction to the plurality of portions of the process material.
52. The method for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric potential includes applying the electric potential to the process material at a positive polarity.
53. The method for electrical control of combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric field includes applying the electric field to the process material at a negative polarity.
54. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric potential generates an electric field between the process material and the combustion reaction.
55. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein applying the electric to the combustion reaction includes applying the electric potential as a time varying electric potential.
56. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein transferring electrical charges to the combustion reaction includes providing a plurality of charged ions to the combustion reaction or extracting a plurality of corresponding counterions from the combustion reaction.
57. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 56, further comprising producing ions in the combustion reaction at least in part from a reactant of the combustion reaction, a reaction intermediate of the combustion reaction, or a product of the combustion reaction.
58. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, further comprising controlling a flow of a fuel or an oxidant to the combustion reaction.
59. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, further comprising electrically insulating, electrically isolating, or electrically insulating and isolating the process material from ground or another voltage.
60. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, further comprising electrically grounding the process material.
61. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, further comprising electrically insulating, electrically isolating, or electrically insulating and isolating the burner.
62. The method for electrical control of a combustion reaction of claim 34, wherein supporting the combustion reaction includes supporting a flame.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201361914865P | 2013-12-11 | 2013-12-11 | |
| US61/914,865 | 2013-12-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2015089306A1 true WO2015089306A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
Family
ID=53371839
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2014/069797 WO2015089306A1 (en) | 2013-12-11 | 2014-12-11 | Process material electrode for combustion control |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2015089306A1 (en) |
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