Abstract: A combustion system includes a subsystem for electrically biasing or charging a flame and a virtual electrode launcher configured to launch a virtual electrode in proximity to the flame or combustion gas produced by the flame.

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 combustor may include a nonmetallic combustor body configured to hold a combustion reaction and one or more electrodes disposed outside the nonmetallic combustor body and configured to apply electrical energy to the combustion reaction.

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: A supersonic compressor including a rotor to deliver a gas at supersonic conditions to a diffuser. The diffuser includes a plurality of aerodynamic ducts that have converging and diverging portions, for deceleration of gas to subsonic conditions and then for expansion of subsonic gas, to change kinetic energy of the gas to static pressure. The aerodynamic ducts include vortex generating structures for controlling boundary layer, and structures for changing the effective contraction ratio to enable starting even when the aerodynamic ducts are designed for high pressure ratios, and structures for boundary layer control. In an embodiment, aerodynamic ducts are provided having an aspect ratio of in excess of two to one, when viewed in cross-section orthogonal to flow direction at an entrance to the aerodynamic duct.

Abstract: A gas turbine is configured to operate with a high temperature combustion gas stream. The gas turbine may include a combustor that provides a combustion gas stream including charged particles and at least one turbine stage including at least one high temperature surface that may be driven with a voltage selected to repel the charged particles. The at least one high temperature surface may output a film-cooling layer including cool air, the film-cooling layer being stabilized by Coulombic forces between the voltage and the charged particles.

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: A burner includes a porous flame holder configured to support a combustion reaction to achieve a very low output of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

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 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: 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: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by a fuel burner is reduced by anchoring the flame to a conductive anchor disposed a lift distance from a fuel nozzle, using a voltage applied to the flame.

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 burner includes a flame positioning mechanism. The flame positioning mechanism includes a flame charger, a plurality of electrodes placed a respective distances along a fuel stream propagation path, and an electrode switch configured to place a subset of the plurality of electrodes into electrical continuity with a holding voltage. Current flow between the flame charge and the holding voltage anchors the flame to an electrode placed into electrical continuity with the holding voltage.

Abstract: A gas turbine afterburner includes a gutter electrode that helps to hold an afterburner flame. A charge source applies a majority charge to be carried by a turbine exhaust gas. Electrical attraction between the majority charge and the gutter electrode helps to hold the afterburner flame.

Abstract: A gas turbine is configured to operate with a high temperature combustion gas stream. The gas turbine may include a combustor that provides a combustion gas stream including charged particles and at least one turbine stage including at least one high temperature surface that may be driven with a voltage selected to repel the charged particles. The at least one high temperature surface may output a film-cooling layer including cool air, the film-cooling layer being stabilized by Coulombic forces between the voltage and the charged particles.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a fuel nozzle and first and second electrodes. An electric charge is applied to a flame supported by the nozzle via the first electrode. An electrical potential applied to an aerodynamic surface of the second electrode. The electrically charged flame reacts to the electrical potential according to the respective magnitudes and polarities of the charge applied to the flame and the electrical potential applied to the aerodynamic surface. Where the polarities are the same, the flame is repelled by the aerodynamic surface, and where the polarities are in opposition, the flame is pulled into contact with the aerodynamic surface by the electrodynamic attraction.

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: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a combustion system including at least one fuel flow equalizer for reducing fuel flow velocity distribution and improving flame stabilization within a combustion space. Additionally, a charged flame anchoring apparatus may be positioned above the at least one fuel flow equalizer for attaching the flame thereto and improving flame stability.