Perforated Flame Holder Combustion Efficiency NOx Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combustion systems operate below theoretical maximum efficiency and produce pollutants like NOx, which negatively impact the environment.
Innovation Solution
Upgrading conventional combustion systems with a perforated flame holder and modifying fuel nozzle assemblies to remove vortex generating structures, allowing fuel and oxidant to mix and combust near the perforated flame holder, which reduces NOx production and improves efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional combustion systems operate with traditional fuel nozzle assemblies containing vortex generating structures, then combustion can be maintained, but the systems operate below theoretical maximum efficiency and produce pollutants like NOx
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vortex generating structures (swirl vanes) from the fuel nozzle assembly, extracting the harmful element that causes inefficient combustion and high NOx emissions, while retaining the essential fuel delivery function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the combustion parameters by introducing a perforated flame holder that modifies the fuel-air mixture distribution and combustion zone, enabling leaner burn ratios and lower combustion temperatures that reduce NOx formation while improving efficiency
2Reliability
If fuel nozzle assemblies with vortex generating structures are used, then combustion can be sustained, but operational efficiency is reduced and pollutant production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated flame holder acts as an intermediary component between the fuel nozzle and the combustion zone, mediating the fuel-air mixing process and enabling more efficient energy conversion while maintaining reliable combustion
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated flame holder uses a porous structure to distribute fuel and air more uniformly throughout the combustion zone, enhancing mixing efficiency and energy conversion while maintaining stable combustion
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 upgraded combustion systems achieve improved operational efficiency and reduced NOx emissions by promoting leaner fuel mixtures and lower combustion temperatures, minimizing pollutant output.
Implementation Method 1
The perforated flame holder includes a body having a plurality of through-holes extending between an upstream side thereof and a downstream side thereof... allowing fuel and oxidant to mix and combust near the perforated flame holder
Implementation Method 2
The fuel mixes with an oxidant (e.g., air) and, after mixing, the fuel and oxidant mixture is ignited and combusted in the combustion chamber to generate heat
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods of upgrading a conventional combustion system into an upgraded combustion system that includes a perforated flame holder. For example, the perforated flame holder may improve operational efficiency of the combustion system and/or reduce pollutants such as NOx output by the upgraded combustion system.