Abstract: Technologies are described for applying electrical energy according to a physical extent of a combustion reaction, which may include: supporting a combustion reaction at a fuel source; sensing a physical extent of the combustion reaction with respect to a plurality of different locations of a plurality of electrodes; and applying electrical energy to the combustion reaction via at least one of the plurality of electrodes responsive to the physical extent of the combustion reaction. Sensing the physical extent of the combustion reaction may include receiving a sensor signal corresponding to the physical extent of the combustion reaction.

Abstract: A fire tube boiler includes a perforated flame holder configured to hold a combustion reaction that produces very low oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Abstract: An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element.

Abstract: Technologies are provided for applying energy to a combustion reaction. For example, a method may include supporting a combustion reaction; applying energy to the combustion reaction via one or more control signals; detecting a change in one or more parameters associated with the combustion reaction; comparing the change in the one or more parameters to a database; determining whether the change in the one or more parameters corresponds to a change in the combustion reaction; selecting a change in the one or more control signals from the database; and applying the change in the one or more control signals to change the a value of the energy applied to the combustion reaction responsive to changes in the one or more parameters associated with in the combustion reaction.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically controlling a position of a combustion reaction and/or for protecting a flame controller by decoupling an ionizer from a power supply.

Abstract: A combustion system includes an electrically actuated flame location control mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically charging a combustion flame with a power supply.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a combustion system is provided, which includes a nozzle configured to emit a diverging fuel flow, a flame holder positioned in the path of the fuel flow and that includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, and a preheat mechanism configured to heat the flame to a temperature exceeding a startup temperature threshold.

Abstract: A combustion system includes an electrically actuated flame location control mechanism.

Abstract: A combustor may include a nonmetallic combustor body configured to hold a combustion reaction. The combustor may include and one or more electrodes disposed outside the nonmetallic combustor body and configured to apply electrical energy to the combustion reaction. The combustor may include a power supply operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes.

Abstract: A high voltage can be applied to a combustion reaction to enhance or otherwise control the combustion reaction. The high voltage is switched on or off by a grid electrode interposed between a high voltage electrode assembly and the combustion reaction.

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 down-fired flame burner includes a flame holder positioned below the burner. The flame holder includes a plurality of perforations that collectively confine a combustion reaction of the burner to the flame holder.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a combustion system is provided, which includes a nozzle configured to emit a diverging fuel flow, a flame holder positioned in the path of the fuel flow and that includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, and a preheat mechanism configured to heat the flame to a temperature exceeding a startup temperature threshold.

Abstract: A combustion system includes an electrically actuated flame location control mechanism.

Abstract: A high voltage can be applied to a combustion reaction to enhance or otherwise control the combustion reaction. The high voltage is switched on or off by a grid electrode interposed between a high voltage electrode assembly and the combustion reaction.

Abstract: An oscillating combustor can support a time-sequenced combustion reaction having rich and lean phases by applying a variable voltage charge to a fuel stream or flame that flows adjacent to a conductive or semiconductive flame holder held in electrical continuity with an activation voltage.

Abstract: A burner supporting primary and secondary combustion reactions may include a primary combustion reaction actuator configured to select a location of the secondary combustion reaction. A burner may include a perforated flame holder structure configured to support a secondary combustion reaction above a partial premixing region. The secondary flame support location may be selected as a function of a turndown parameter. Selection logic may be of arbitrary complexity.

Abstract: A perforated flame holder and burner including a perforated flame holder provides reduced oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during operation. The perforated flame holder includes a pattern of elongated apertures extending between a proximal and a distal surface of the flame holder relative to a fuel nozzle. The perforated flame holder can provide a significantly reduced flame height while maintaining heat output from the burner.

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.