Abstract: A system is configured to apply a voltage, charge, and/or an electric field to a combustion reaction responsive to acoustic feedback from the combustion reaction.

Abstract: Technologies are presented for applying electrical energy to a combustion reaction to produce agglomerated combustion particulates. For example, a system may include: one or more electrodes configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction; a combustion zone configured to support the combustion reaction of a fuel at a fuel source; and an electrical power source operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes and configured to apply electrical energy to the combustion reaction. The combustion reaction is controlled to produce a distribution of agglomerated combustion particulates characterized by an increase in at least one of an average particulate diameter or an average particulate mass.

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: 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: 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 flame may be selectively shaped by application of one or more electric fields, charge, or voltage proximate the flame.

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: 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 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 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 combustion system is provided, in which respective waveforms are applied to each of a plurality of electrodes positioned in a combustion volume, producing periodic electric fields between pairs of the electrodes. A safety circuit is configured to reduce or eliminate danger by grounding each of the plurality of electrodes or otherwise driving each of the electrodes to a safe state upon detection of a safety condition.

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 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 combustion system can allow for the interaction of a magnetic field and an electrical current within a flame supported by a nozzle. The magnetic field can be generated by one or more electromagnets in proximity to or contact with the flame. The electrical current can be generated by a voltage potential difference generated between a first electrode and a second electrode located at tip and base regions of the flame, respectively. The interaction between the electrical current and the magnetic field can generate a force that can produce a constant lateral movement of ions within flame, generating a vortex that can enhance mixing of air and fuel. The speed and direction of this vortex can be controlled by actively varying the magnitude and direction of electrical currents applied in the one or more electromagnets and the electric current induced within the flame, as well as by varying the spatial relationship between these two factors.

Abstract: In a combustion system, a charge source is configured to cooperate with a collection plate and a director conduit to cause at least one particle charge-to-mass classification to be reintroduced to a flame for further reaction.

Abstract: A burner system includes a nozzle configured to emit a fuel stream for the support of a flame, and first and second electrodes, each configured to apply electrical energy to a flame supported by the nozzle. The first electrode is positioned in a momentum-dominated fluid dynamics region of the flame, while the second electrode is positioned in a buoyancy-dominated fluid dynamics region. Application of charges to the flame via the electrodes can be employed to control flame characteristics in the buoyancy-dominated fluid dynamics region, such as shape and position.

Abstract: Combustion control electrode assemblies, combustion control systems using such assemblies, and methods of manufacturing and using such assemblies are disclosed. The electrode assemblies may include one or more electrodes including a sintered refractory metal material for heat and/or wear resistance. In an embodiment, an electrode assembly for a combustion control system may include at least one substrate and at least one electrode formed on the at least one substrate. The at least one electrode may include a sintered refractory metal material. The at least one electrode may be configured to be mounted proximate to or contacting a flame. The electrode assembly may further include at least one voltage source operatively coupled to the at least one electrode. The at least one electrode and the at least one voltage source may be collectively configured to apply an electric field to one or more regions at least proximate to the flame.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a combustion product stream includes a burner assembly configured to support one or more flames, the burner assembly having at least a portion configured to be driven to or held at one or more first voltages. A collection surface is held at a voltage different than the one or more first voltages to attract particulates charged by the burner assembly.

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 system is configured to apply a voltage, charge, and/or an electric field to a combustion reaction responsive to acoustic feedback from the combustion reaction.