Layered Gas Burner Membrane for Hydrogen Flashback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas burners face challenges in efficiently controlling the combustion process, particularly with alternative fuels like hydrogen, which can lead to flashback issues and inefficient flame formation due to variations in fuel mixtures and combustion dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A gas burner membrane design comprising alternating layers with inlets and outlets, along with an internal flashback chamber, to manage the flow of combustible gas mixture and prevent flashback by impeding and deflecting the gas flow, ensuring controlled flame formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gas burner membrane with through holes is used, then efficient burning and flame retention can be achieved, but flashback issues occur when using alternative fuels like hydrogen
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple layers (first layer with inlets, second layer with outlets, third layer with barriers) separated by spacing. This segmentation creates a multi-stage flow path that prevents flashback by breaking up the continuous gas flow path into discrete controlled segments, each performing a specific function in the flame stabilization process
Solution Approach 2:
The second layer acts as an intermediary between the first layer (inlets) and third layer (barriers). It provides outlets that allow controlled gas egress while the spacing between layers serves as an intermediary space that prevents direct flame propagation from the combustion side to the inlet side, thereby mediating the flashback prevention function
2Ease of manufacture
If the membrane structure is simplified to a single layer, then manufacturing is easier, but flame stability and flashback control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple layers (first layer with inlets, second layer with outlets, third layer with barriers) separated by spacing. This segmentation creates a multi-stage flow path that prevents flashback by breaking up the continuous gas flow path into discrete controlled segments, each performing a specific function in the flame stabilization process
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane layers are designed with through holes and outlets that create a porous structure. The first layer has inlets with specific hole patterns, the second layer has outlets, and the spacing between layers creates additional flow paths. This porous architecture enables controlled gas distribution and flame stabilization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized hole patterns
3Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen-rich fuels are used in gas burners, then energy efficiency is improved, but combustion control becomes difficult due to variations in fuel mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure parameters (layer spacing, hole size, outlet configuration) are specifically designed to accommodate hydrogen-rich fuel characteristics. The multi-layer construction with controlled spacing creates appropriate flow resistance and residence time for hydrogen combustion, while the outlet configuration in the second layer optimizes flame formation for high-energy-density fuels
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane are designed with locally optimized characteristics: the first layer has inlets with specific hole patterns for uniform distribution, the second layer has outlets positioned to create appropriate flow dynamics, and the third layer has barriers strategically placed to stabilize the flame front. This local quality optimization enables effective control of hydrogen-rich fuel combustion across different mixture compositions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances flame stability and prevents flashback, providing efficient combustion control and safety by containing flashback within the membrane's internal chamber, allowing for safer operation with hydrogen-rich fuels.
Implementation Method 1
Each first layer may be aligned with adjoining second layers such that an escape path is formed between the inlet of the first layers and adjoining outlets. The escape path may allow the received combustible gas mixture to flow from the inlet of the first layer to the adjoining outlets.
Implementation Method 2
The internal flashback chamber may comprise at least one barrier arranged to impede the flow of combustible gas mixture that has been received by the plurality of inlets, and arranged to deflect the received combustible gas mixture towards the plurality of outlets.
Implementation Method 3
The mixture is ignited on an outer side, i.e., a combustion side, of the gas burner membrane.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas burner membrane is provided. The gas burner membrane comprises a plurality of first layers, each first layer comprises at least one inlet formed therein for receiving a combustible gas mixture, and a plurality of second layers. Successive first layers are separated by a second layer, and at least one outlet is formed between successive first layers.