Oxy-fuel Combustion Flame Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oxy-fuel combustion systems face inefficiencies due to fixed control systems that do not account for dynamic variables like flame temperature, leading to suboptimal radiant heat transfer and fuel usage, despite improvements in burner design and stoichiometric control.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic control system that optimizes flame temperature for each burner by using a closed-loop feedback mechanism to adjust oxygen and fuel flow based on real-time process conditions, maintaining stoichiometric ratios and monitoring flame temperature to maximize radiant heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed control systems are used for oxy-fuel combustion, then system simplicity is maintained, but radiant heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to inability to account for dynamic variables like flame temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiant heat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of oxygen and fuel flow rates that adapts to real-time flame temperature variations. The control system continuously adjusts stoichiometric ratios based on measured flame temperature, transforming the static control approach into a dynamic one that responds to changing combustion conditions, thereby maximizing radiant heat transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a closed-loop feedback control system where flame temperature is continuously measured and used to adjust the oxygen and fuel flow rates. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal combustion conditions by comparing actual flame temperature with target values and making real-time adjustments to fuel and oxidizer supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If stoichiometric control is optimized, then fuel efficiency improves, but flame temperature dynamics are not adequately controlled leading to suboptimal radiant heat transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidflame temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple combustion parameters including stoichiometric ratio, oxygen flow rate, fuel flow rate, and flame temperature. By coordinating control of these parameters rather than optimizing stoichiometry alone, the system achieves both high fuel efficiency and optimal flame temperature for maximum radiant heat transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If burner design is improved for larger flame surface, then radiant heat transfer improves, but overall system efficiency deteriorates due to lack of coordination with fuel and oxygen supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiant heat transferVSAvoidfuel waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically coordinates fuel and oxygen supply with burner operation to match the enhanced radiant heat transfer capability. By adjusting flow rates in real-time based on actual combustion conditions rather than relying on fixed design parameters, the system maximizes the effectiveness of improved burner design while minimizing fuel waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach significantly enhances the efficiency of oxy-fuel combustion systems by optimizing radiant heat transfer, reducing fuel waste, and maintaining consistent process temperatures, thereby improving overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the flame temperature of the combustion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

maximize the radiation heat transfer of the combustion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant heat transfer: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9353945B2Oxy-fuel combustion system with closed loop flame temperature control

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 JUPITER OXYGEN CORP

AI summary

A control system for an oxy-fuel combustion process is disclosed for use with a boiler or furnace which dynamically controls the flame temperature of each burner involved in the combustion process to dynamically maximize the flame temperature. The boiler or furnace used in conjunction with the combustion process in accordance with the present invention is configured with a radiant, i.e. line of sight, heat zone and a convective heat zone. By dynamically maximizing the flame temperature of the various burners within the boiler or furnace, the radiant heat transfer is optimized. By optimizing the radiant heat transfer within the boiler or furnace, the efficiency of the boiler or furnace is significantly improved.