Magnetically Rotated Plasma Injection Module for Stable Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel injection systems in high-speed combustors face challenges in controlling fuel-oxidizer interaction, mixing, and ignition efficiency, particularly in supersonic environments, leading to dynamic instabilities and pressure losses due to complex shock wave structures and inefficient plasma filament generation.
Innovation Solution
The plasma injection module incorporates an insulator assembly, injection tube, and a nozzle with a voltage input connection to generate a plasma filament within the axial fluid pathway, enhanced by a magnetic field from permanent magnets, promoting efficient mixing and ignition by rotating the plasma filament to increase the reactive volume and reduce heat loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fuel injection systems are used in high-speed combustors, then fuel-oxidizer mixing and ignition can be achieved, but complex shock wave structures cause dynamic instabilities and pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the plasma generation function from conventional ignition systems and integrates it directly into the fuel injection module. The plasma generation means is positioned within the fuel injection module to generate plasma filaments that interact with fuel-oxidizer mixtures at the injection site, eliminating the need for separate ignition systems and reducing pressure losses associated with complex shock wave structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fuel injection function and plasma generation function into a single integrated module. The fuel injection module includes both fuel injection means and plasma generation means, allowing simultaneous fuel delivery and plasma-assisted ignition, which improves combustion stability while reducing the complexity and energy losses of conventional separate systems.
2Reliability
If plasma filaments are generated for ignition, then ignition reliability is improved, but heat loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning plasma generation means specifically at the fuel injection site where plasma filaments are generated locally to interact with the fuel-oxidizer mixture. This localized plasma generation improves ignition reliability at the critical mixing zone while avoiding excessive heat loads in other parts of the combustor, as the plasma energy is concentrated only where needed for ignition.
3Device complexity
If conventional ignition systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but ignition efficiency and flame stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fuel injection and plasma generation into a single integrated module, maintaining relatively simple system architecture while dramatically improving ignition efficiency. The fuel injection module includes fuel injection means and plasma generation means that work together to provide plasma-assisted ignition, achieving high ignition efficiency without the complexity of multiple separate ignition systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical ignition systems with plasma-based ignition. The plasma generation means uses electrical discharge to create plasma filaments that initiate combustion, substituting mechanical flame holders or pilot flames with a more efficient plasma-based ignition mechanism that improves ignition efficiency and flame stability.
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 plasma injection module improves ignition and mixing efficiency, extending the ignition kernel volume and reducing heat loads, thereby enhancing combustion stability and reducing pressure losses in high-speed combustors.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage input connection arranged between the insulator assembly and the injection tube assembly, the voltage input connection being configured to secure a voltage source to the injection tube to form a plasma filament within and adjacent to the axial fluid pathway
Implementation Method 2
enhanced by a magnetic field from permanent magnets, promoting efficient mixing and ignition by rotating the plasma filament
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma injection module includes a fuel receiving end, a discharge end opposite the fuel receiving end, and an axial fluid pathway extending between the fuel receiving end and the discharge end. An insulator assembly defines a first portion of the axial fluid pathway proximate to the fuel receiving end. An injection tube assembly having a permanent magnet is positioned downstream of the insulator. A voltage input connection is arranged downstream of the insulator assembly and upstream of the injection tube assembly. The voltage input connection secures a voltage source to the injection tube to form a plasma filament within and adjacent to the axial fluid pathway. During operation a permanent magnet produces a magnetic field that interacts with the plasma filament to rotate the plasma filament and increase an area of ignition between the plasma filament and the combustible material at the discharge end.