Plasma catalytic fuel injector for enhanced combustion

Abstract

Apparatus and method for enhancing combustion comprises an enclosure defining an opening for introduction of a gas and openings for the introduction of air, with a nozzle in the opening for introduction of a fuel gas into the enclosure. First and second electrodes are located in the enclosure, the first and second electrodes being coated with dielectric material, and being connected to an electrical power supply. With electrical power applied to the first and second electrodes and with the fuel gas sprayed into the enclosure, an atmospheric pressure plasma created by a dielectric barrier discharge is produced in the enclosure that cracks the fuel gas prior to its mixing with air introduced through the openings for the introduction of air.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Combustion processes are involved in many aspects of modern life, and are, in large part, responsible for our current standard of living. Combustion provides the propulsion of our automobiles and airplanes, generates virtually all our electrical power, heats most of our homes and buildings, and provides much of our hot water. In this age of increasing energy costs, it is vitally important to assure that these combustion processes are carried out in the most efficient way possible, and to assure that fuel is conserved and that pollution is reduced. All combustion processes involve the breakdown of the fuel being burned into free radicals and other reactive species. It is this breakdown into reactive species that initiates a combustion process. In many applications, a spark plug produces a momentary high voltage spark discharge that breaks down an air / fuel mixture into the requisite free radical / ion reactive species so that combination with oxygen and / or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

In accordance with the objects and purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, apparatus for enhancing combustion comprises an enclosure defining an opening for introduction of a gas and openings for the introduction of air, with a nozzle in the opening for introduction of a fuel gas into the enclosure. First and second electrodes are located in the enclosure, the first and second electrodes being coated with dielectric material and being connected to an electrical power supply. Wherein, with electrical power applied to the first and second electrodes and with fuel gas sprayed into the enclosure, an atmospheric pressure plasma created by a dielectric barrier discharge is produced in the enclosure that cracks the fuel gas prior to its mixing with air introduced through the openin...

Problems solved by technology

As the reaction rate and temperature of the combustion process are increased, a related increase in detonations and pressure will occur.

However, this increase in temperature places increasing demands on material scientists to provide materials that can withstand such high temperatures.

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