BURNER OR BOILER ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE CONTROL

Abstract

A combustion system may include one or more electrodes configured for the application of a charge, voltage, and/or electric field to a flame. Combustion system may include a burner, combustion chamber, and ancillary equipment. In order to avoid high voltage discharges from the charged flame to ancillary equipment, combustion system may employ an insulating material between burner and flame, as well as safety insulation subsystems that may eliminate electrical path to ground. These safety insulation subsystems may include a battery or a motor-generator power conversion system, for example.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/079,310, entitled “BURNER OR BOILER ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE CONTROL”, filed Nov. 13, 2014, co-pending at the time of filing, (docket number 2651-260-02); which, to the extent not inconsistent with the description herein, is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Applying a voltage, charge, and/or electric field into a combustion zone may improve the control of flame shape and heat transfer. Moreover, this technique can also be used to optimize the complex chemical reactions that occur during combustion, minimizing harmful emissions, while also maximizing system efficiency.

A combustion system may include one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage, charge, and/or electric field to a flame. This combustion system may be connected to ancillary equipment such as computers, thermocouples, burning management equipment, and the like. However, the charged flame may contact different regions of the combustion system, discharging high voltages to ancillary equipment and ground. This high voltage discharge may damage ancillary equipment.

SUMMARY

A combustion system applies a charge, voltage, and/or electric field to a flame to improve combustion efficiency, emissions, and/or to control flame characteristics. The combustion system is operatively coupled to ancillary burner equipment that supports the application of a charge, voltage, and/or electric field to a flame, support control and measurement of flame characteristics, control pollutant output, control fuel delivery, control air delivery, and/or control flue gas delivery to the flame. To avoid unwanted high voltage discharges through the combustion system that can damage ancillary equipment or operational personnel, electrical isolation or an insulating material is placed between burner and flame, preventing the charging of the combustion chamber through burner, according to an embodiment.

In other embodiments, a safety insulation sub-system is employed as a power supply for ancillary burner equipment. Safety insulation sub-system includes a circuit of batteries that apply power to ancillary equipment.

In another embodiment, safety insulation sub-system includes a motor-generator power conversion system, whereby a motor drives a generator through a non-conductive transfer structure that avoids electrical discharges to ground. Motor can be replaced by another suitable mechanical power supply mechanism such as gasoline engine, steam turbine, compressed air turbine, and the like.

According to various embodiments, retrofitting is enabled since there is no necessity to build new equipment to accomplish effective discharge prevention in a combustion system.

Numerous other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention may be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. Unless indicated as representing the background art, the figures represent aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a combustion system, which insulates the burner structure from a charged flame using an insulating material, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of combustion system, whereby ancillary equipment can be insulated by a safety insulation sub-system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a safety insulation sub-system, which represents an embodiment of the safety insulation sub-system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a safety insulation sub-system for ancillary burner equipment, which can include a motor-generator power conversion system, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are embodiments of different approaches to insulate ancillary burner equipment from high voltage discharges. The present disclosure is hereby described in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale or to proportion, 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 present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting of the subject matter presented herein.

As used herein, “ancillary burner equipment” may refer to an apparatus employed in a combustion system to support the generation and control of a flame.

As used herein, “electrical insulation material” may refer to a material, which does not conduct electric current.

As used herein, “refractory material” may refer to a material, which may withstand high temperatures and may provide electrical insulation.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a combustion system 100. The combustion system 100 includes a burner 102 configured to provide fuel and air for the generation of a flame 108; an electrode 104 and an electrode 106 configured to apply a voltage, charge, and/or electric field to the flame 108; and a grounded combustion chamber 110 where combustion reactions can take place, according to an embodiment.

The burner 102 can be supported by ancillary equipment 112. In an embodiment, ancillary equipment 112 can include a blower, which can provide air to the burner 102 through an air inlet line 114. The ancillary equipment 112 can be connected to a suitable power supply. Other ancillary equipment 112 can include control equipment, burning management equipment, programmable logic controllers, computers, and/or thermocouples, among others.

A charge, voltage, and/or electric field can be applied to the flame 108 using a variety of electrode configurations, depending on the application. In an embodiment, the electrode 104 can go through a suitable aperture in a region of the combustion chamber 110, thus avoiding direct contact with the combustion chamber 110. The electrode 106 can enter the combustion chamber 110 through the burner 102. The electrode 106 can be coated with an insulation material 116 such as dielectric ceramic, refractory and the like; or may alternatively be supported with a dielectric gap between the electrode 106 and portions of the burner 102 held at a different electrical potential.

The electrode 104 and the electrode 106 can be connected to an amplifier, which can be fed by a power source 118 for charging the electrode 104 and the electrode 106 with AC or DC voltage. In addition, the power source 118 can be managed by a programmable controller.

If the burner 102 is charged by the flame 108, an electrical discharge can flow through the ancillary equipment 112 and ground, damaging ancillary equipment 112 and possibly representing a potential hazard to operational personnel. As a result, an electrical insulator can be placed between the burner 102 and the flame 108 to prevent the burner 102 from being charged when a voltage, charge, and/or electric field is applied to the flame 108. According to an embodiment, a non-conductive gasket 120 can be employed as electrical insulator between the burner 102 and the flame 108. Suitable materials for the non-conductive gasket 120 can include neoprene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Viton fluoroelastomer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, fiberglass, and/or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, among others.

Moreover, to prevent contact between the interior walls of the combustion chamber 110 and the flame 108, the combustion chamber 110 can be coated with an electrically insulating refractory material 122. Suitable refractory materials 122 can include aluminum oxides, silicon oxides and/or magnesium oxides.

In applications where refractory materials 122 cannot be used, different configurations of electrodes can be employed to prevent the flame 108 from contacting the internal walls of the combustion chamber 110. For example, one or more electrodes can be properly attached to an interior wall of the combustion chamber 110 so that if the flame 108 is charged positively, then electrodes can also be charged positively to repel the flame 108.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a combustion system 200, where ancillary equipment 112 can be connected to a safety insulation sub-system 202 which can supply required power for operation, while also providing suitable electrical insulation to ancillary equipment 112. The safety insulation sub-system 202 can eliminate the path to ground of potential high voltage discharges from the charged flame. In some embodiments, a safety insulation sub-system 202 can be operatively coupled between the ancillary equipment 112 and ground, as shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, a safety insulation sub-system 202 can be operatively coupled between the power source 118 and the ancillary equipment 112. According to an embodiment, a safety insulation sub-system 202 can be made similarly to embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,063, incorporated by reference herein. According to another embodiment, a safety insulation sub-system 202 can be made similar to embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,364, incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a safety insulation sub-system 300, which represents an embodiment of the safety insulation sub-system 202. The safety insulation sub-system 300 can include a motor 302, a non-conductive transfer structure 304 and a floating generator 306. The motor 302 can be energized by a suitable AC power source 308, and can be connected to the generator 306 through the non-conductive transfer structure 304. As the motor 302 operates, the non-conductive transfer structure 304 can transfer mechanical energy to the generator 306. The generator 306 can convert this mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of AC voltage at a current level suitable for operation of ancillary equipment 112.

The insulating properties of the non-conductive transfer structure 304 can eliminate electrical path to ground in the second safety insulation sub-system 300, protecting ancillary equipment 112 from potential high voltage discharges from the charged flame. In an embodiment, the non-conductive transfer structure 304 can include one or more non-conductive shafts 310 along with corresponding non-conductive couplings 312. In other embodiments, the non-conductive transfer structure 304 can employ magnetic couplings.

The motor 302 can be replaced by a suitable mechanical power supply mechanism, including internal combustion engines such as a gasoline engine. For example, the motor 302 can be replaced by a steam turbine, a compressed air turbine and the like.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner, according to an embodiment. The method 400 includes step 402, a voltage, charge, or electric field is applied to a combustion reaction. Proceeding to step 404, an electrically-powered ancillary apparatus to affect the combustion reaction is operated. Continuing to step 406, electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus is substantially prevented.

Referring to step 402, a voltage, charge, or electric field applied to the combustion reaction can include operating at least one high voltage source to apply 1000 volts or more to the combustion reaction. In another embodiment, applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction can include operating at least one high voltage source to apply 10,000 volts or more to the combustion reaction, for example.

Additionally or alternatively, applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction can include operating at least one high voltage source to apply 1000 volts or more to one or more electrodes proximate to the combustion reaction. In another embodiment, applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction can include operating at least one high voltage source to apply 10,000 volts or more to one or more electrodes proximate to the combustion reaction, for example.

Step 402 can include operating at least one high voltage source to apply a positive voltage or charge to or proximate to the combustion reaction.

Additionally or alternatively, applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction can include operating at least one high voltage source to apply a negative voltage or charge to or proximate to the combustion reaction. Step 402 can include operating at least one high voltage source to apply a substantially constant voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction.

Referring to step 404, operating the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus can include operating ancillary equipment, operating one or more fan motors, one or more pumps, a fuel valve actuator, a damper actuator, and/or a digital computer or controller

Proceeding to step 406, substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus can include preventing an electrical arc from forming between the combustion reaction and the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and can include preventing damage to the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

Substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus can include allowing current to flow through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus at a rate less than 10% of an intended current flow path. In another embodiment, step 406 can include allowing current to flow through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus at a rate less than 1% of an intended current flow path.

Step 406 can include providing at least one of electrical isolation and/or insulation disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and one or more electrical discharge paths from the combustion reaction to the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

Step 406 can include providing a safety isolation system disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus or between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus. Providing the safety isolation system can include providing at least a pair of insulated gate field effect transistors (IGFET) connected in a cascade across a DC power supply for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus, a junction between the IGFETs forming an output terminal of a self-biasing amplifier for powering the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus. Providing a safety isolation system can include an inductive coupling to an output from the high voltage source and a step-down voltage transformer from the inductive coupling to power the electrically-powered ancillary equipment. Additionally or alternatively, step 406 can include providing an inductive coupling from the electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

In step 406, substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus can further include providing an electrically insulated motor-generator pair, powering the motor from an external power source, providing rotational energy from the motor to the generator, and generating a voltage with the generator to run the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

Step 406 can include allowing a voltage to run the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus to electrically float on a voltage operatively coupled to the combustion reaction. Step 406 can further include operating a high voltage source to generate the voltage, charge, or electric field.

The method 400 can include providing a safety isolation system disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

Substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus can include providing electrical insulation, electrical isolation, or electrical insulation and electrical isolation disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments may be contemplated. The spirit and scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to any type of combustion system regardless of the type of fuel, application, among others. 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 burner system, comprising:

a burner, boiler, or furnace body configured to support a combustion reaction;

at least one high voltage source configured to apply one or more of a charge, a voltage, or an electric field to the combustion reaction;

an electrically-powered ancillary apparatus operatively coupled to the burner, boiler, or furnace and the combustion reaction; and

at least one of electrical isolation or insulation operatively coupled to the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus, the electrical isolation or insulation being configured to reduce or prevent electrical discharge through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

2. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of electrical isolation or insulation includes a safety isolation system disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and one or more electrical discharge paths from the combustion reaction to the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

3. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of electrical isolation or insulation includes electrical insulation, electrical isolation, or electrical insulation and electrical isolation disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and one or more electrical discharge paths from the combustion reaction to the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

4. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of electrical isolation or insulation includes a safety isolation system disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus or between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

5. The burner system of claim 4, wherein the safety isolation system includes at least a pair of insulated gate field effect transistors (IGFET) connected in a cascade across a DC power supply for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus, a junction between the IGFETs forming an output terminal of a self-biasing amplifier for powering the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

6. The burner system of claim 4, wherein the safety isolation system includes an inductive coupling to an output from the high voltage source and a step-down voltage transformer configured to power the electrically-powered ancillary equipment.

7. The burner system of claim 4, wherein the safety isolation system includes an inductive coupling from the electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

8. The burner system of claim 4, wherein the safety isolation system includes an electrically insulated motor-generator pair, the motor being operatively coupled to an electrical power source and the generator being configured to receive rotational energy from the motor and being operatively coupled to a tap from the high voltage source.

9. The burner system of claim 8, wherein the generator is configured to generate a voltage to run the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

10. The burner system of claim 1, wherein a voltage to run the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus are configured to electrically float on a voltage operatively coupled to the high voltage source.

11. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of electrical isolation or insulation includes a safety isolation system disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

12. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of electrical isolation or insulation includes electrical insulation, electrical isolation, or electrical insulation and electrical isolation disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

13. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes ancillary equipment.

14. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes one or more fan motors.

15. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes one or more pumps.

16. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes a fuel valve actuator.

17. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes a damper actuator.

18. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes a digital computer or controller.

19. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply 1000 volts or more to the combustion reaction.

20. The burner system of claim 19, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply 10,000 volts or more to the combustion reaction.

21. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply 1000 volts or more to one or more electrodes proximate to the combustion reaction.

22. The burner system of claim 21, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply 10,000 volts or more to one or more electrodes proximate to the combustion reaction.

23. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply a positive voltage or charge to or proximate to the combustion reaction.

24. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply a negative voltage or charge to or proximate to the combustion reaction.

25. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply a substantially constant voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction.

26. The burner system of claim 1, wherein the at least one high voltage source is configured to apply a time-varying voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction.

27. A method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner, comprising:

applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to a combustion reaction;

operating an electrically-powered ancillary apparatus to affect the combustion reaction; and

substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

28. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes preventing an electrical arc from forming between the combustion reaction and the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

29. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes preventing damage to the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

30. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes allowing current to flow through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus at a rate less than 10% of an intended current flow path.

31. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 30, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes allowing current to flow through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus at a rate less than 1% of an intended current flow path.

32. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes providing at least one of electrical isolation or insulation disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and one or more electrical discharge paths from the combustion reaction to the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

33. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes providing a safety isolation system disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus or between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical ground.

34. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 33, wherein providing the safety isolation system includes providing at least a pair of insulated gate field effect transistors (IGFET) connected in a cascade across a DC power supply for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus, a junction between the IGFETs forming an output terminal of a self-biasing amplifier for powering the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

35. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 33, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes providing a safety isolation system including an inductive coupling to an output from the high voltage source and a step-down voltage transformer from the inductive coupling to power the electrically-powered ancillary equipment.

36. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 33, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes providing an inductive coupling from the electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

37. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 33, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus further comprises:

providing an electrically insulated motor-generator pair;

powering the motor from an external power source;

providing rotational energy from the motor to the generator; and

generating a voltage with the generator to run the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

38. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes allowing a voltage to run the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus to electrically float on a voltage operatively coupled to the combustion reaction.

39. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 38, further comprising:

operating high voltage source to generate the voltage, charge, or electric field.

40. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes providing a safety isolation system disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

41. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein substantially preventing electrical discharge from the combustion reaction through the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes providing electrical insulation, electrical isolation, or electrical insulation and electrical isolation disposed between the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus and an electrical power source for the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus.

42. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein operating the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes operating ancillary equipment.

43. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein operating the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes operating one or more fan motors.

44. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein the operating the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes operating one or more pumps.

45. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein operating the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes operating a fuel valve actuator.

46. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein operating the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes operating a damper actuator.

47. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein operating the electrically-powered ancillary apparatus includes operating a digital computer or controller.

48. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply 1000 volts or more to the combustion reaction.

49. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 48, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply 10,000 volts or more to the combustion reaction.

50. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply 1000 volts or more to one or more electrodes proximate to the combustion reaction.

51. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 50, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply 10,000 volts or more to one or more electrodes proximate to the combustion reaction.

52. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply a positive voltage or charge to or proximate to the combustion reaction.

53. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply a negative voltage or charge to or proximate to the combustion reaction.

54. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply a substantially constant voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction.

55. The method for operating electrical equipment operatively coupled to an electrodynamic burner of claim 27, wherein applying a voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction includes operating at least one high voltage source to apply a time-varying voltage, charge, or electric field to the combustion reaction.