Hydrogen-Coal Burner Layout for Low-Emission Boiler Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulverized coal boilers traditionally rely on diesel, propane, or natural gas for ignition, leading to undesired emissions and high operating costs, while plasma ignition systems have high capital costs and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A burner system utilizing hydrogen as a secondary fuel, combined with pulverized coal and oxidants, to initiate combustion, reducing particulate and NOx emissions and lowering maintenance and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If diesel or fuel oil is used for cold boiler light-off and heat up, then ignition is achieved, but particulate and CO emissions increase and operating costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the ignition fuel from traditional diesel/fuel oil to hydrogen-enriched pulverized coal. Hydrogen has higher reactivity and burns cleaner, fundamentally changing the combustion characteristics to reduce particulate and CO emissions while maintaining ignition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful hydrogen (which can cause embrittlement and requires careful handling) into a beneficial fuel component. By utilizing hydrogen as an enrichment agent for pulverized coal ignition, the patent transforms hydrogen's potential hazards into environmental benefits through cleaner combustion.
2Ease of manufacture
If plasma torches are used for ignition, then ignition capability is achieved, but capital cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex plasma torches with a simpler, more economical approach using hydrogen-enriched pulverized coal ignition. This substitution uses readily available materials and standard burner components, dramatically reducing capital cost and maintenance requirements while achieving the same ignition function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electrical plasma generation system with a chemical combustion-based ignition system. Instead of using high-voltage electricity to create plasma, the system uses the chemical reactivity of hydrogen-enriched coal to generate the necessary ignition temperature and flame.
3Ease of operation
If diesel or fuel oil storage tanks are installed onsite, then fuel availability for ignition is ensured, but environmental concerns and leak risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate diesel or fuel oil storage infrastructure by integrating hydrogen directly into the pulverized coal fuel stream. This consolidation removes the need for dedicated storage tanks, handling systems, and associated environmental protection measures for separate fuel supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pulverized coal fuel serve multiple functions: it is both the primary fuel for boiler operation and the ignition fuel when enriched with hydrogen. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ignition fuel storage and handling systems, reducing environmental risks associated with multiple fuel inventories.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional burners are used, then basic combustion function is provided, but turndown ratio and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability to the burner system by enabling variable hydrogen enrichment levels in the pulverized coal stream. This allows the system to adapt to different load conditions and maintain stable combustion across a wide turndown ratio, transforming a static combustion system into a dynamically adjustable one.
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 system achieves reduced emissions, lower operational costs, and improved durability with minimal maintenance, leveraging enhanced combustion kinetics for environmentally friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen output from an outlet of the inner hydrogen conduit passes through a portion of the hydrogen oxidant conduit to the outlet of the hydrogen oxidant conduit, and the hydrogen and the hydrogen oxidant combine to form a flame
Data Source
AI summary
A burner including a first pulverized coal entrained fluid flow conduit; an inner hydrogen conduit; and a hydrogen oxidant conduit positioned between the first pulverized coal entrained fluid flow conduit and the inner hydrogen conduit; an outlet of the inner hydrogen conduit positioned a first distance from an outlet of the hydrogen oxidant conduit such that hydrogen output from the outlet of the inner hydrogen conduit passes through a portion of the hydrogen oxidant conduit to the outlet of the hydrogen oxidant conduit; and the outlet of the hydrogen oxidant conduit being a second distance from an outlet of the first pulverized coal entrained fluid flow conduit such that the hydrogen and the hydrogen oxidant output from the outlet of the hydrogen oxidant conduit passes through a portion of the first pulverized coal entrained fluid flow conduit for being output from the burner.