Abstract: According to embodiments, a co-fired or multiple fuel combustion system is configured to apply an electric field to a combustion region corresponding to a second fuel that normally suffers from poor combustion and/or high sooting. Application of an AC voltage to the combustion region was found to increase the extent of combustion and significantly reduce soot evolved from the second fuel.

Abstract: Gaseous particles or gas-entrained particles may be conveyed by electric fields acting on charged species included in the gaseous or gas-entrained particles.

Abstract: A combustion fluid flow barrier includes an aperture to control combustion fluid flow. The combustion fluid is charged by a charge generator. The combustion fluid flow barrier includes at least one flow control electrode operatively coupled to the aperture and configured to selectively allow, attract, or resist passage of the charged combustion fluid through the aperture, depending on voltage applied to the flow control electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing flame radiation includes a flame charging system and an electrically isolated electrode. A time-varying voltage is applied to the flame charging system and the flame charging system imparts a corresponding time-varying charge or time-varying voltage onto the flame. The flame responds to the time-varying charge or voltage by increasing its luminosity.

Abstract: A combustion system such as a furnace or boiler includes a perforated reaction holder configured to hold a combustion reaction that produces very low oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Abstract: A heat exchange system includes an electrode configured to electrostatically control a flow of a heated gas stream in the vicinity of a heat transfer surface and/or a heat-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a fuel nozzle, a charge source, a discharge electrode, and a voltage supply coupled to the charge source and discharge electrode. The charge source is configured to apply a polarized charge to a flame supported by the nozzle, and the discharge electrode is configured to attract a flame-front portion of the flame to hold the flame for flame stability. The discharge electrode can be toroidal in shape, positioned coaxially with the nozzle downstream from the nozzle. The voltage supply is configured to hold the charge source at a charge potential and the discharge electrode at the discharge potential. The nozzle can be configured to apply the polarized charge to a fuel stream emitted by the nozzle, whereafter the charge is passed to the flame upon combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: Technologies are presented for selecting an electrode gain value for applying electricity to control a combustion reaction. For example, a system can include one or more electrodes, an electrode gain selector configured to select an operative electrode gain value for the one or more electrodes, and a power supply operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes. The power supply can be configured to apply the electricity to the combustion reaction via the one or more electrodes at the operative electrode gain value.

Abstract: An ionizer provides charged particles to charge a combustion reaction. A conductive flame holder cooperates with the charged combustion reaction to hold the combustion reaction away from a fuel nozzle. Dilution and/or premixing of the fuel in the region between the fuel nozzle and the conductive flame holder results in a reduced flame temperature. The reduced flame temperature results in a reduced output of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Abstract: Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.

Abstract: A low NOx burner is configured to support a combustion reaction at a selected fuel mixture by anchoring a flame at a conductive flame anchor responsive to current flow between charges carried by the flame and the conductive flame anchor.

Abstract: A combustor provides reaction anchoring by injecting a voltage or charge into an exothermic reaction such as aflame, and anchoring the exothermic reaction to a conductive surface positioned adjacent to a fuel jet nozzle.

Abstract: A low NOx burner includes a charging mechanism to charge a fuel stream or diluted fuel stream. A flame supported by the charged fuel stream can be held at a lifted location corresponding to high fuel dilution. If electrical power is lost or removed, the flame is shifted to a location corresponding to a lower fuel dilution.

Abstract: A combustion system may include a plurality of heated volume portions. At least two of the plurality of heated volume portions may include corresponding respective electrodes. The electrodes may be driven to produce respective electric fields in their respective volumes. The electric fields may be configured to drive desired respective responses.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) or selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system include a reagent charging apparatus configured to apply one or more electrical charges to a NOx reducing reagent. The electrical charges enhance mixing of the reagent with fluids carrying NOx and/or enhance reactivity of the reagent with NOx.

Abstract: A combustion system is provided that includes a fuel nozzle configured to support a combustion reaction, and an electrode positioned to apply an electrical charge to the combustion reaction. A power converter is positioned to receive heat produced by the combustion reaction and to convert a portion of the received heat to electrical energy. A combustion system controller is configured to provide the electrical charge to the electrode, using energy drawn either from the power converter or from a power storage element, depending on an amount of power being produced by the power converter and on a state-of-charge of the power storage element. The controller is further configured to use surplus energy generated by the power converter to recharge the power storage element.

Abstract: A combustion system may include a plurality of heated volume portions. At least two of the plurality of heated volume portions may include corresponding respective electrodes. The electrodes may be driven to produce respective electric fields in their respective volumes. The electric fields may be configured to drive desired respective responses.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, combustion in a combustion volume is affected by at least two sequentially applied non-parallel electric fields. According to an embodiment, a combustion volume is equipped with at least three individually modulatable electrodes. According to an embodiment, an electric field application apparatus for a combustion volume includes a safety apparatus to reduce or eliminate danger.

Abstract: A burner system and a retrofit flame control system for an existing burner system are disclosed. The burner system may include burner components, electrodynamic components, and a data interface. The data interface may receive a command for controlling the burner components and prepare a command for controlling the electrodynamic components at least partially based on the command for controlling the burner components.

Abstract: Combustion deposition systems and methods of using combustion deposition systems are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustion deposition system may include a burner that is in fluid communication with at least one supply of at least one precursor such that the at least one precursor can be introduced to a flame output from the burner, at least one electrode positioned at least proximate to the flame, and a voltage source operably coupled to the at least one electrode. The at least one electrode and the at least one voltage source may be configured to generate an electric field for influencing at least one of flame shape, flame temperature, or kinetics of chemical reactions occurring within the flame, thereby providing enhanced selective control of combustion deposition characteristics. For example, the combustion deposition systems disclosed herein may, for example, be configured to control deposition of a combustion-deposited film on a substrate.