U.S. patent application number 10/465507 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-19 for catalyst combustion apparatus and fuel vaporizing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Fujita, Tatsuo, Kawasaki, Yoshitaka, Suzuki, Motohiro, Terashima, Tetsuo.
Application Number | 20040161717 10/465507 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26530739 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040161717 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suzuki, Motohiro ; et
al. |
August 19, 2004 |
Catalyst combustion apparatus and fuel vaporizing apparatus
Abstract
A catalyst combustion apparatus, includes: a fuel feed course
for feeding liquid fuel; an air feed course for feeding air; a
mixing unit for mixing fuel to be fed from the fuel feed course
with air to be fed from the air feed course; a vaporizing unit for
heating mixture obtained by mixing in the mixing unit to vaporize
the liquid fuel; a catalyst heating unit disposed on the downstream
side of the vaporizing unit in contact with or in close proximity
to the vaporizing unit in terms of conduction of heat, for carrying
an oxidation catalyst component; and a catalyst combustion unit
provided on the downstream of the catalyst heating unit, having a
multiplicity of conductive holes, and the vaporizing unit is
capable of utilizing heat from the catalyst heating unit.
Inventors: |
Suzuki, Motohiro; (Osaka,
JP) ; Fujita, Tatsuo; (Osaka, JP) ; Kawasaki,
Yoshitaka; (Nabari-shi, JP) ; Terashima, Tetsuo;
(Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RATNERPRESTIA
P O BOX 980
VALLEY FORGE
PA
19482-0980
US
|
Family ID: |
26530739 |
Appl. No.: |
10/465507 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10465507 |
Jun 19, 2003 |
|
|
|
09830054 |
May 22, 2001 |
|
|
|
6632085 |
|
|
|
|
09830054 |
May 22, 2001 |
|
|
|
PCT/JP00/05486 |
Aug 17, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/170 ;
431/160; 431/326 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23D 11/40 20130101;
F23D 11/402 20130101; F23C 13/00 20130101; F23C 13/02 20130101;
F23D 11/441 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/170 ;
431/326; 431/160 |
International
Class: |
F23D 021/00; F23D
011/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 19, 1999 |
JP |
H11-232923 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-076198 |
Claims
1. A catalyst combustion apparatus comprising: a fuel feed course
for feeding liquid fuel; an air feed course for feeding air; a
mixing unit for mixing fuel to be fed from said fuel feed course
with air to be fed from said air feed course; a vaporizing unit for
heating mixture obtained by mixing in said mixing unit to vaporize
said liquid fuel; a catalyst heating unit disposed on a downstream
side of said vaporizing unit in contact with or in close proximity
to said vaporizing unit in terms of conduction of heat, for
carrying an oxidation catalyst component; and a catalyst combustion
unit, provided on a downstream side of said catalyst heating unit,
having a multiplicity of conductive holes, and wherein said
vaporizing unit is capable of utilizing heat from said catalyst
heating unit.
2. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
between said vaporizing unit and said catalyst combustion unit,
there is provided restriction means of restraining a flow of said
mixture toward said catalyst combustion unit.
3. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said catalyst heating unit is integrally coupled to said vaporizing
unit in terms of conduction of heat, is box-shaped, and has a space
portion for communicating to internal space of said vaporizing
unit, and on a base portion of said box-shaped catalyst heating
unit, there are formed a plurality of holes, and existence of said
base portion restrains a flow of said mixture toward said catalyst
combustion unit.
4. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said mixture is further mixed in said space portion of said
box-shaped catalyst heating unit.
5. A catalyst combustion apparatus comprising: a fuel feed course
for feeding liquid fuel; an air feed course for feeding air; a
vaporizing unit for heating fuel to be fed from said fuel feed
course to vaporize; a mixing unit for mixing vaporized fuel fed
from said vaporizing unit with air fed from said air feed course; a
catalyst heating unit disposed on a downstream side of said mixing
unit in contact with or in close proximity to said vaporizing unit
in terms of conduction of heat, for carrying an oxidation catalyst
component; and a catalyst combustion unit, provided on a downstream
side of said catalyst heating unit, having a multiplicity of
conductive holes, and wherein said vaporizing unit is capable of
utilizing heat from said catalyst heating unit.
6. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
said vaporizing unit is coupled to said catalyst heating unit in
terms of conduction of heat, and said fuel feed course penetrates
said vaporizing unit.
7. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
said catalyst heating unit is box-shaped, and on a base portion of
said box-shaped catalyst heating unit, there are formed a plurality
of holes, and an air jet nozzle of said air feed course is disposed
to face so as to intersect the base portion of said box-shaped
catalyst heating unit at right angles, and a fuel jet port of said
fuel feed course which penetrates said vaporizing unit is located
within said air feed course.
8. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
air fed from said air feed course diverts, and a part is fed to
said mixing unit while the remaining part is fed to said catalyst
combustion unit.
9. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
at a position, where air jetted from said air jet nozzle collides,
of the base portion of said box-shaped catalyst heating unit, there
is provided a diverting air port with a larger diameter than said
plurality of holes, and a part of air jetted from said air jet
nozzle goes out of said diverting air port while the remaining part
circulates within the space portion of said box-shaped catalyst
heating unit.
10. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
the air jet nozzle of said air feed course penetrates said
vaporizing unit and is disposed in the vicinity of said catalyst
heating unit, and that the fuel jet port of said fuel feed course
is disposed in said vaporizing unit.
11. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
on the downstream side of air jetted from said diverting air port
flows, there is provided a current plate for changing a flow
direction of the air.
12. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 11,
wherein upstream of said catalyst combustion unit, a heater for
heating said catalyst combustion unit is provided in close
proximity, and said current plate is disposed in contact with said
heater.
13. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein said current plate carries an oxidation catalyst
component.
14. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 1 or 5,
wherein a vaporizing surface in said vaporizing unit is provided in
a substantially vertical direction, and at a lower position than
the tip end of said fuel feed course, there is provided a liquid
fuel diverting unit for diverting said liquid fuel.
15. A fuel vaporizing apparatus, characterized in that said
apparatus comprises: a fuel feed course for feeding liquid fuel; an
air feed course for feeding air; a vaporizing unit having a
vaporizing surface for heating fuel to be fed from said fuel feed
course to vaporize said liquid fuel; a first mixing space for
mixing air fed from said air feed course with fuel vaporized in
said vaporizing unit; and a second mixing space provided on the
downstream side of said first mixing space, and a tip end of said
air feed course penetrates said vaporizing surface to thereby cause
a part of air jetted from said tip end to flow out of said first
mixing space without being affected by heating in said vaporizing
unit, while the remaining air is mixed with said fuel vaporized
within said first mixing space, into mixture, to flow out of said
first mixing space, and in said second mixing space in the outside
of said first mixing space, said air flowed out is mixed with said
mixture.
16. The fuel vaporizing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
said vaporizing unit is box-shaped, said vaporizing surface is
formed on a tray-shaped base portion of said vaporizing unit, said
first mixing space is formed by a box-shaped case, which is
disposed so as to cover said box-shaped vaporizing unit, said
second mixing space is formed in the outside of said case, and a
case-shaped base portion of said first mixing space is facing the
tip end of said air feed course, and at a position of said base
portion, to which air to be jetted from said tip end collides,
there is formed an air diverting port which diverts the air, and a
part of air jetted from the tip end of said air feed course flows
out of said air diverting port without mixing with said fuel
vaporized, and the remaining one is mixed with said fuel vaporized
in said case-shaped first mixing space, to be flowed out of said
air diverting port, and air, which flows out of said air diverting
port, and said mixture are further mixed in said second air mixing
space.
17. The fuel vaporizing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
said air feed course branches in its course, and another tip end,
which is different from said tip end, is directly disposed in said
second mixing space.
18. The fuel vaporizing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a
vaporizing surface located in said vaporizing unit is provided in a
substantially vertical direction, and at a lower position than the
tip end of said fuel feed course, there is provided a liquid fuel
diverting unit for diverting said liquid fuel.
19. A fuel vaporizing apparatus comprising: a fuel feed course for
feeding liquid fuel; an air feed course for feeding air; and a
vaporizing unit having a vaporizing surface for heating fuel to be
fed from said fuel feed course to vaporize said liquid fuel, and
wherein said vaporizing unit is formed into a box-shaped case;
within said case, a tip end of said fuel feed course and a tip end
of said air feed course are arranged; fuel is jetted through the
tip end of said fuel feed course toward the vaporizing surface
located in the base portion of said case; and within said case,
vaporized fuel and air jetted from the tip end of said air feed
course are mixed to flow out of an opening located on the side of
said case.
20. A catalyst combustion apparatus using the fuel vaporizing unit
according to claim 15, wherein said catalyst combustion apparatus
further comprises a catalyst combustion unit provided on the
downstream side of said second mixing space, having a multiplicity
of conductive holes, and said vaporizing unit is capable of
utilizing heat from said catalyst combustion unit.
21. A catalyst combustion apparatus using the fuel vaporizing
apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said catalyst combustion
apparatus further comprises a catalyst combustion unit provided on
the downstream side of said second mixing space, having a
multiplicity of conductive holes, and said vaporizing unit is
coupled to said case in terms of conduction of heat, and a surface
of said case on said catalyst combustion unit side is formed with
film of higher emissivity than other portions.
22. The catalyst combustion apparatus using the fuel vaporizing
apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a catalyst fuel
unit provided on the downstream side of said vaporizing unit,
having a multiplicity of conductive holes, and wherein a full or
partial surface of base portion having a vaporizing surface of said
case on said catalyst combustion unit side is formed with higher
emissivity film than other portions.
23. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 22,
wherein said apparatus comprises a radiation heat receptor disposed
to oppose to said catalyst combustion unit, and coupled to said
vaporizing unit in terms of conduction of heat, and said
case-shaped case is projectingly formed from said radiation heat
receptor on said catalyst combustion unit side.
24. The catalyst combustion apparatus according to claim 23,
wherein said full or partial radiation heat receptor is formed with
higher emissivity film than other portions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a catalyst combustion
apparatus using liquid fuel, and a vaporizing apparatus for liquid
fuel.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As a method for vaporizing liquid fuel, there have
conventionally been proposed a large number of methods. Of these
methods, a method for dropping liquid fuel in a vaporizing unit for
vaporizing, a method for jetting after vaporizing by way of a
vaporizing element provided within a vaporizing unit, or the like
have been utilized for household oil burning appliances and are
well known.
[0003] In any of those methods, from a heat of vaporization
recovery ring provided in a burner port portion of flames to be
formed, a heat receptor for recovery of heat of vaporization
arranged with its one part projecting into flames, or the like,
heat recovery is performed to the vaporizing unit through
conduction of heat.
[0004] In the above-described conventional vaporizing apparatus,
since flames to be formed and atmosphere in its vicinity have as
high temperature as 1100 to 1300.degree. C., heat recovery is
performed from a heat of vaporization recovery ring provided in the
burner port portion, a heat receptor for recovery of heat of
vaporization arranged with its one part projecting into flames, or
the like to the vaporizing unit by the conduction of heat, whereby
spontaneous combustion could be made.
[0005] In a catalyst combustion apparatus, however, since
temperature within a catalyst combustion unit is restricted on
900.degree. C., which is the heat limit, or less, a heat recovery
source at lower temperature is used, and therefore, the similar
configuration of vaporizing unit to the conventional one has had a
problem that a heater for the vaporizing unit requires a great deal
of power consumption in order to continue the catalyst
combustion.
[0006] In addition, it has had another problem that a part of the
fuel would re-condense if a sufficient amount of heat is not
given.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to solve the
above-described conventional problems concerning the catalyst
combustion apparatus.
[0008] The present invention is a catalyst combustion apparatus
comprising:
[0009] a fuel feed course for feeding liquid fuel;
[0010] an air feed course for feeding air;
[0011] a mixing unit for mixing fuel to be fed from said fuel feed
course with air to be fed from said air feed course;
[0012] a vaporizing unit for heating mixture obtained by mixing in
said mixing unit to vaporize said liquid fuel;
[0013] a catalyst heating unit disposed on a downstream side of
said vaporizing unit in contact with or in close proximity to said
vaporizing unit in terms of conduction of heat, for carrying an
oxidation catalyst component; and
[0014] a catalyst combustion unit, provided on a downstream side of
said catalyst heating unit, having a multiplicity of conductive
holes, and wherein
[0015] said vaporizing unit is capable of utilizing heat from said
catalyst heating unit.
[0016] The present invention is a catalyst combustion apparatus
comprising:
[0017] a fuel feed course for feeding liquid fuel; an air feed
course for feeding air;
[0018] a vaporizing unit for heating fuel to be fed from said fuel
feed course to vaporize;
[0019] a mixing unit for mixing vaporized fuel fed from said
vaporizing unit with air fed from said air feed course;
[0020] a catalyst heating unit disposed on a downstream side of
said mixing unit in contact with or in close proximity to said
vaporizing unit in terms of conduction of heat, for carrying an
oxidation catalyst component; and
[0021] a catalyst combustion unit, provided on a downstream side of
said catalyst heating unit, having a multiplicity of conductive
holes, and wherein
[0022] said vaporizing unit is capable of utilizing heat from said
catalyst heating unit.
[0023] The present invention is a fuel vaporizing apparatus,
characterized in that said apparatus comprises:
[0024] a fuel feed course for feeding liquid fuel;
[0025] an air feed course for feeding air;
[0026] a vaporizing unit having a vaporizing surface for heating
fuel to be fed from said fuel feed course to vaporize said liquid
fuel;
[0027] a first mixing space for mixing air fed from said air feed
course with fuel vaporized in said vaporizing unit; and
[0028] a second mixing space provided on the downstream side of
said first mixing space, and
[0029] a tip end of said air feed course penetrates said vaporizing
surface to thereby cause a part of air jetted from said tip end to
flow out of said first mixing space without being affected by
heating in said vaporizing unit, while the remaining air is mixed
with said fuel vaporized within said first mixing space, into
mixture, to flow out of said first mixing space, and
[0030] in said second mixing space in the outside of said first
mixing space, said air flowed out is mixed with said mixture.
[0031] The present invention is a fuel vaporizing apparatus
comprising:
[0032] a fuel feed course for feeding liquid fuel;
[0033] an air feed course for feeding air; and
[0034] a vaporizing unit having a vaporizing surface for heating
fuel to be fed from said fuel feed course to vaporize said liquid
fuel, and wherein
[0035] said vaporizing unit is formed into a box-shaped case;
within said case, a tip end of said fuel feed course and a tip end
of said air feed course are arranged; fuel is jetted through the
tip end of said fuel feed course toward the vaporizing surface
located in the base portion of said case; and within said case,
vaporized fuel and air jetted from the tip end of said air feed
course are mixed to flow out of an opening located on the side of
said case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional block diagram showing a
combustion apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
combustion apparatus according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 3 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
combustion apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 4 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
combustion apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 5 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
fuel vaporizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention and a catalyst combustion apparatus using the same;
[0041] FIG. 6 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
fuel vaporizing apparatus according to another embodiment of the
present invention and a catalyst combustion apparatus using the
same;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a partial block diagram showing the same fuel
vaporizing apparatus and a catalyst combustion apparatus using the
same; and
[0043] FIG. 8 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
fuel vaporizing apparatus according to another
[0044] Vaporizing surface
[0045] Heater
[0046] Air feed course
[0047] Case
[0048] Mixture space
[0049] Air diverting port
[0050] Catalyst combustion unit
[0051] High-emissivity film
[0052] Radiation heat receptor
[0053] Vaporizing unit opening
[0054] Mixture circulation port
[0055] Current plate
[0056] Liquid fuel diverting unit
[0057] Fuel vaporizing apparatus
[0058] Catalyst combustion apparatus
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0059] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the description
will be made of embodiments of the present invention.
[0060] In order to carry out the present invention, in addition to
a catalyst body having a multiplicity of conductive holes and
oxidative activity to various fuel, and a vaporizing unit for
liquid fuel, an ignition device and a flow rate control device, or,
as required, a temperature detection device, a driving unit or the
like are required. As the catalyst body, a honeycomb carrier for
metal or ceramics, or a plaiting body of ceramic fiber, a porous
sintered body or the like carrying an active constituent mainly
composed of noble metal such as platinum and palladium can be used.
Also, as air-introduction porous body, there can be used honeycomb
structure of ceramics, or a plaiting body of ceramic fiber, porous
sintered body or the like. Further, in order to control air flow
rate, a manual needle valve or a motor-driven solenoid valve or the
like are used, and in order to control flow rate of liquid fuel, an
electromagnetic pump or the like is used. For the other driving
portions, manual lever operation, automatically-controlled motor
driving or the like can be used. As an ignition device, an electric
heater, a discharging igniter or the like can be used. In this
respect, they have all been means widely used conventionally, and
any other known means can be used.
[0061] (First Embodiment)
[0062] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional block diagram showing a
catalyst combustion apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0063] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a fuel tank; 2, a
fuel feed pump; 3, a fuel feed course; 4, a fuel jet port; 5, an
air feed fan; 6; an air feed course; 7, an air jet port: 8, a
vaporizing unit, whose inner side is coated with black
heat-resisting paint; 9, a vaporizing unit heater; and 10, a
catalyst heating unit obtained by causing metallic base material to
carry noble metal of platinum group, which is provided so as to
come into contact with the vaporizing unit 8.
[0064] Further, reference numeral 11 denotes a combustion chamber;
12, a catalyst combustion unit obtained by causing a ceramic
honeycomb having a multiplicity of conductive holes to carry noble
metal of platinum group; 13, a catalyst heater; and 11, a
combustion gas discharge port.
[0065] Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the description will be made
of an operation and characteristics of the present embodiment.
Liquid fuel (kerosene is used here) within the fuel tank 1 is
jetted into the air feed course 6 from the fuel jet port 4 by way
of the fuel feed course 3 after its flow rate is controlled at the
fuel feed pump 2.
[0066] Also, air is fed by the air feed fan 1, to which voltage is
applied so as to provide an adequate air flow rate, and is jetted
into the vaporizing unit 8 from the air jet port 7 after mixed with
liquid fuel by way of the air feed course 6.
[0067] Further, premixed mixture to be jetted from the air jet port
7 collides against a wall, which is opposed thereto, in the
vaporizing unit 8, which is controlled to exceed 250.degree. C.
under the ON-OFF control of the vaporizing unit heater 9, and the
liquid fuel is vaporized there.
[0068] Also, the greater part of the premixed mixture consisting of
the liquid fuel thus vaporized and air is directly fed to the
catalyst combustion unit 12.
[0069] In this case, an amount of feed is adjusted by the fuel feed
pump 2 correspondingly to the amount of combustion, whereby the gas
on the upstream surface in the catalyst combustion unit 12 has
excellent combustion exhaust gas characteristics and its
temperature is controlled to exceed 500.degree. C., at which the
combustion is allowed to be continued, and not to exceed
900.degree. C., which is a heat limit.
[0070] At this time, an amount of heat equal to 50 to 60% of an
calorific value of the liquid fuel to be fed is emitted on the
upstream side of the catalyst combustion unit 12. Also, a part of
the premixed mixture comes into contact with the catalyst heating
unit 10, which has been arranged in contact with the vaporizing
unit 8, to perform a catalyst reaction (however, contact frequency
of the premixed mixture with the catalyst heating unit 10 varies
with the amount of combustion). At this time, because of heat to be
generated by this catalyst reaction, and radiation heat to be
flowed back from the catalyst combustion unit 12, the catalyst
heating unit 10 is maintained at temperatures of 400 to about
600.degree. C., at which lowered catalyst activity is not
noticeably affected.
[0071] Further, a part of heat of reaction generated at the
catalyst heating unit 10 is transmitted to the vaporizing unit 8
arranged in contact by conduction of heat. Also, a part of
radiation heat of the catalyst heating unit 12 on the upstream side
is directly flowed back to the vaporizing unit 8 by way of an
opening of the catalyst heating unit 10.
[0072] Further, in the vaporizing unit 8, heat of conduction from
the catalyst heating unit 10, and radiation heat from the catalyst
combustion unit 12 are utilized together with heat of vaporization
from the liquid fuel for preheating of the premixed mixture, and
therefore, a part of these heat is flowed back to the catalyst
combustion unit 12 again.
[0073] As described above, due to flow-back effect of heat of
reaction in the catalyst heating unit 10 and the catalyst
combustion unit 12 to the vaporizing unit 8, power consumption of
the vaporizing unit heater 9 required to control the vaporizing
unit 8 to exceed 250.degree. C. can be greatly reduced, and due to
preheating effect of the premixed mixture, it becomes possible to
reduce the fuel consumption, that is, to realize high heat
utilization efficiency. Therefore, it is possible to provide a
catalyst combustion apparatus having high heat utilization
efficiency, excellent in energy-saving property and cost
effectiveness.
[0074] (Second Embodiment)
[0075] The description will be made of a second embodiment
according to the present invention. The present embodiment is the
same in basic configuration as the first embodiment, but is
different in that between the vaporizing unit 8 and the catalyst
combustion unit 12, there is provided restriction means 210 of
restraining the flow of mixture to the catalyst combustion unit 12.
Accordingly, the description will be mainly made of this point of
difference.
[0076] FIG. 2 is an essential sectional view showing the present
embodiment. In FIG. 2, a reference numeral 15 denotes a space
portion of mixture, provided between a vaporizing unit 8 and a
catalyst heating unit 10, which is space in which the mixture
circulates. Also, a reference numeral 16 denotes conductive holes
provided in the catalyst heating unit 10. The catalyst heating unit
10 is box-shaped, and is arranged to couple to the vaporizing unit
8 in terms of conduction of heat so as to cover it. On the base
portion and the side portions of the catalyst heating unit 10,
catalyst heating unit conductive holes 16 are provided, through
which the mixture flows out of the catalyst heating unit 10. Such a
catalyst heating unit 10 constitutes the full or partial
restriction means 210 according to the present invention.
[0077] In this respect, the box-shape written in the present
specification includes a cylindrical shape, to say nothing of a
rectangular parallelepiped shape and widely includes not only 90
degrees in shape of the angle portion, but also any round
shapes.
[0078] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the description will be made
of an operation and characteristics of the present embodiment.
[0079] In the same way as the first embodiment, premixed mixture to
be jetted from the air jet port 7 collides against a wall, which is
opposed thereto, in the vaporizing unit 8, which is controlled to
exceed 250.degree. C. under the ON-OFF control of the vaporizing
unit heater 9, and the liquid fuel is vaporized here.
[0080] The premixed mixture consisting of the liquid fuel thus
vaporized and air passes through mixture space 15, and thereafter,
comes into contact with the catalyst heating unit 10 for reaction,
which has been arranged in contact with the vaporizing unit 8, and
is fed to the catalyst combustion unit 12 by way of catalyst
heating unit conductive holes 16.
[0081] At this time, heat generated by this catalyst reaction and
radiation heat to be flowed back from the catalyst combustion unit
12 maintain the catalyst heating unit 10 at temperatures of 600 to
800.degree. C.
[0082] Further, a part of heat of reaction to be generated in the
catalyst heating unit 10 is transmitted to the vaporizing unit 8
due to conduction of heat from a portion installed in contact and
heat radiation from a surface opposite to the vaporizing unit
8.
[0083] Also, in the vaporizing unit 8, heat of conduction and
radiation heat from the catalyst heating unit 10 are also utilized
for preheating of premixed mixture together with heat of
vaporization of liquid fuel, and therefore, a part of these heat is
flowed back to the catalyst combustion unit 12 by way of the
catalyst heating unit 10 again.
[0084] As described above, due to flow-back effect of heat of
reaction in the catalyst heating unit 10 and the catalyst
combustion unit 12 to the vaporizing unit 8, the power consumption
of the vaporizing unit heater 9 required to control the vaporizing
unit 8 to exceed 250.degree. C. can be greatly reduced, and due to
preheating effect of the premixed mixture, it becomes possible to
reduce the fuel consumption, that is, to realize high heat
utilization efficiency.
[0085] Also, since the catalyst heating unit 10 is box-shaped,
there is an advantage that the mixture is sufficiently fed to the
catalyst heating unit 10, and the reaction of the catalyst heating
unit 10 occurs more actively.
[0086] Also, since the catalyst heating unit 10 is box-shaped,
there is an advantage that the mixture is sufficiently mixed
within, and is discharged toward outside.
[0087] Therefore, it is possible to provide a catalyst combustion
apparatus having high heat utilization efficiency, excellent in
energy-saving property and cost effectiveness.
[0088] Further, since the greater part of heat recovery from the
catalyst heating unit 10 to the vaporizing unit 8 is performed as
described above, even when the catalyst combustion unit 12 is not
provided downstream, that is, it is also applicable to a flame
combustion apparatus, and a widely applicable vaporizing apparatus
can be provided.
[0089] In this respect, in the present embodiment, the catalyst
heating unit 10 has entirely been made of metallic base material,
but the neighborhood of the catalyst heating unit conductive holes
16 may be replaced with a ceramic honeycomb having a multiplicity
of conductive holes carrying noble metal of platinum group, and the
same effect as described above can be obtained. In the case where
lower catalytic activity when used for a long term is taken into
consideration, a better tendency can be obtained.
[0090] (Third Embodiment)
[0091] The description will be made of a third embodiment according
to the present invention. The present embodiment is the same in
basic configuration as the second embodiment, but is different in
that an air jet port at the tip end of the air feed course is
caused to penetrate the vaporizing unit in order to prevent air to
be fed from the air feed course from coming into contact with the
vaporizing unit for being heated as far as possible, and that part
of the fuel feed course is provided within the vaporizing unit.
Accordingly, the description will be mainly made of these points of
difference.
[0092] FIG. 3 is an essential sectional view showing the present
embodiment.
[0093] In FIG. 3, a reference numeral 17 denotes a vaporizing unit
through-hole, and an air jet port 7 at the tip end of the air feed
course 6 is caused to penetrate the vaporizing unit.
[0094] Liquid fuel within the fuel tank 1 passes through the fuel
feed course 3 embedded and provided within the vaporizing unit 8
after the flow rate of the liquid fuel is controlled at the fuel
feed pump 2.
[0095] In the fuel feed course 3, the liquid fuel is controlled to
exceed 250.degree. C. under the ON-OFF control of the vaporizing
unit heater 9, and therefore, the liquid fuel is vaporized while
passing through the interior of the vaporizing unit 8, and
thereafter, is jetted from a fuel jet port 4 into the air feed
course 6.
[0096] Since the periphery of a portion where the fuel feed course
3 has been arranged within the vaporizing unit 8 is covered with a
vaporizing unit heater 9, there is also provided an insulation
effect for restraining radiation of heat from the vaporizing unit
8.
[0097] Also, air is fed by the air feed fan 1, to which voltage is
applied so as to provide an adequate air flow rate, and is jetted
into mixture space 15 from the air jet port 7 after mixed with fuel
gas by way of the air feed course 6.
[0098] Also, since the air jet port 7 at the tip end of the air
feed course 6 is set up so as to penetrate the vaporizing unit 8,
premixed mixture of vaporized liquid fuel and air flows into air
mixture space 15 without coming into direct contact with the
vaporizing unit 8, and after passing through the space 15, comes
into contact with a catalyst heating unit 10 arranged in contact
with the vaporizing unit 8 for reaction, and is fed to a catalyst
combustion unit 12 by way of catalyst heating unit through-holes
16. In this respect, although it is written that the air jet port 7
is caused to penetrate the vaporizing unit 8, in the present
embodiment, strictly speaking, the air jet port 7 is in contact
with part of the vaporizing unit 8. However, since the jet
direction of air is set to right above, it can be said that it is
hardly affected by the heating in the vaporizing unit 8, and that
the air jet port 7 completely penetrates the vaporizing unit 8
really.
[0099] At this time, heat generated by this catalyst reaction and
radiation heat to be flowed back from the catalyst combustion unit
12 maintain the catalyst heating unit 10 at temperatures of 600 to
800.degree. C.
[0100] Further, part of heat of reaction to be generated in the
catalyst heating unit 10 is transmitted to the vaporizing unit 8
due to conduction of heat from a portion installed in contact and
heat radiation from a surface opposite to the vaporizing unit
8.
[0101] Also, in the vaporizing unit 8, heat of conduction and
radiation heat from the catalyst heating unit 10 are only utilized
to vaporize the liquid fuel, and therefore, the amount of heat to
be fed to the vaporizing unit 8 can be reduced to one eighth to one
sixth when vaporized as premixed mixture.
[0102] As described above, the power consumption of the vaporizing
unit heater 9 required to control the vaporizing unit 8 to exceed
250.degree. C. can be reduced to substantially zero, and
spontaneous combustion can be implemented.
[0103] Therefore, it is possible to provide a catalyst combustion
apparatus excellent in cost effectiveness with low running
cost.
[0104] Further, since the greater part of heat recovery from the
catalyst heating unit 10 to the vaporizing unit 8 is performed as
described above, even when the catalyst combustion unit 12 is not
provided downstream, that is, it is also applicable to a flame
combustion apparatus, and a widely applicable vaporizing apparatus
can be provided.
[0105] In this respect, in the prevent embodiment, the liquid fuel
vaporized is once jetted into the air feed course 6 from the fuel
jet port 4, but it may be possible to mix with air after directly
jetted into the mixture space 15, and the same effect as described
above can be obtained.
[0106] (Fourth Embodiment)
[0107] The description will be made of a fourth embodiment
according to the present invention. The present embodiment is the
same in basic configuration as the third embodiment, but is
different in that a diverting air port 18 is provided at a
downstream position of the air jet port 7 of the catalyst heating
unit 10 in such a manner that part of air does not come into
contact with the catalyst heating unit 10, that a current plate 19
for promoting mixture of diverted air and mixture is provided at a
position close to the catalyst combustion unit 12 downstream of the
diverting air port 18 in the state of contacting with the heater
13, and that there is provided a fuel jet port 4 at the tip end of
the fuel feed course 3 so that liquid fuel provided from the fuel
feed course 3 collide with the vaporizing unit 8.
[0108] Accordingly, the description will be mainly made of these
points of difference.
[0109] FIG. 4 is an essential sectional view showing the present
embodiment. In FIG. 4, an opening provided at the center of the
catalyst heating unit 10 is an diverting air port 18, through which
diverted air passes.
[0110] A current plate 19 is arranged downstream of the diverting
air port 18, and this current plate 19 is arranged in contact with
a heater 13 for heating the catalyst combustion unit 12. The
current plate 19 is configured by causing metallic base material to
carry noble metal of platinum group.
[0111] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the description will be made
of an operation and characteristics of the present embodiment.
[0112] Liquid fuel within the fuel tank 1 is jetted into the
mixture space 15 from the fuel jet port 4 by way of the fuel feed
course 3 after its flow rate is controlled at the fuel feed pump
2.
[0113] Further, liquid fuel to be jetted from the fuel jet port 4
collides against a wall, which is opposed thereto, in the
vaporizing unit 8, which is controlled to exceed 250.degree. C.
under the ON-OFF control of the vaporizing unit heater 9, and
within the vaporizing unit 8, the liquid fuel is vaporized.
[0114] Also, air is fed by the air feed fan 1, to which voltage is
applied so as to provide an adequate air flow rate, and is jetted
into the mixture space 15 from the air jet port 7 by way of the air
feed course 6, but the air jet port 7 at the tip end of the air
feed course 6 is provided to penetrate the vaporizing unit 8.
Therefore, the air flows straight toward the catalyst combustion
unit 12 without coming into direct contact with the vaporizing unit
8, and part of the air is fed to outside of the diverting air port
18, directly into the combustion chamber 11 without mixing with the
liquid fuel vaporized.
[0115] The air which did not flow out at the diverting air port 18
is mixed with the liquid fuel which has collided with the wall, to
which the vaporizing unit 8 is opposed, and has been vaporized,
within the mixture space 15, and thereafter, comes into contact
with the catalyst heating unit 10 arranged so as to contact the
vaporizing unit 8 for reaction (however, condition of insufficient
air for the adequate air flow rate) and passes through the catalyst
heating unit conductive holes 16.
[0116] On the other hand, the air which has passed through the
diverting air port 18 forms a flow toward a flow of the premixed
mixture to be formed in the circumference of the center of the
combustion chamber 11 because of collision with a current plate 19,
and after mixed with the premixed mixture, is fed to the catalyst
combustion unit 12.
[0117] At this time, due to heat to be generated by this catalyst
reaction, and radiation heat to be flowed back from the catalyst
combustion unit 12, a condition that air is insufficient for the
adequate air flow rate is met, and therefore, the temperature of
the catalyst heating unit 10 is lower than that of the third
embodiment, and is maintained at temperatures of 500 to 700.degree.
C., at which lowered catalyst activity is not noticeably
affected.
[0118] Further, since the current plate 19 is provided in the
vicinity of the catalyst combustion unit 12 although it comes into
contact with diverted air at as low temperatures as about
50.degree. C., it becomes possible to restrain tar from adhering
thereto.
[0119] Even when tar adheres, by the passage of electric current
through the catalyst combustion unit heater 13 before commencement
of catalyst combustion, the current plate 19 also rises in
temperature, and decomposition reaction of tar is performed on the
surface of catalyst carried on the current plate 19. Therefore,
there is no possibility that problems such as malodor due to
accumulation of tar is raised.
[0120] Further, since the catalyst combustion unit 12 has excellent
combustion exhaust gas characteristics, the same degree of mixture
characteristics as when premixed mixture is fed can be realized
with the provision of the current plate 19.
[0121] Further, part of heat of reaction to be generated in the
catalyst heating unit 10 is transmitted to the vaporizing unit 8
due to conduction of heat from a portion installed in contact and
heat radiation from a surface opposite to the vaporizing unit
8.
[0122] Also, in the vaporizing unit 8, heat of conduction and
radiation heat from the catalyst heating unit 10 are only utilized
to vaporize the liquid fuel, and therefore, the amount of heat to
be fed to the vaporizing unit 8 can be reduced to one eighth to one
sixth when it is vaporized as premixed mixture.
[0123] In addition, air is diverted and flow rate of the premixed
mixture, which comes into contact with the catalyst heating unit
10, is reduced, whereby an amount of heat recovery from the
catalyst heating unit 10 to the premixed mixture is reduced, and
therefore, the power consumption of the vaporizing unit heater 9
required to control the vaporizing unit 8 to exceed 250.degree. C.
can be reduced to zero over all the combustion amount areas as
described above, and spontaneous combustion can be realized.
[0124] Therefore, it is possible to provide a catalyst combustion
apparatus excellent in cost effectiveness with low running
cost.
[0125] Further, since the greater part of heat recovery from the
catalyst heating unit 10 to the vaporizing unit 8 is performed as
described above, even when the catalyst combustion unit 12 is not
provided downstream, that is, it is also applicable to a flame
combustion apparatus, and a widely applicable vaporizing apparatus
can be provided.
[0126] In this respect, in the present embodiment, the current
plate 19 is provided so as to contact the catalyst combustion unit
heater 13, but it may be possible to isolate for setting up, and if
the current plate 19 is arranged in the vicinity of the catalyst
combustion unit 12, the same effect as described above can be
obtained.
[0127] Also, air diverted from the diverting air port 18 opened in
the catalyst heating unit 10 has been circulated, but it may be
possible to feed air into the combustion chamber 11 after the air
is diverted upstream of the vaporizing unit 8 in advance (See 6 in
FIG. 4), and the same effect as described above can be obtained
although the configuration of the combustion apparatus becomes
slightly complicated.
[0128] Further, as ignition means, there has been used a heat
rising system from upstream of a catalyst combustion unit using the
catalyst combustion unit heater 12, but when a piezo-electric
igniter is used as an igniter to be used when catalyst combustion
is started by flame combustion, a catalyst combustion apparatus
without power supply can be realized.
[0129] In the foregoing, the description has been made of an
example in which the present invention is applied to a catalyst
combustion apparatus using liquid fuel, but the present invention
is not limited thereto as a matter of course. In other words, the
following cases are also included in the present invention.
[0130] For the carrier of the catalyst combustion unit, ceramic
honeycomb is used, but as long as it has a multiplicity of
conductive holes in which premixed mixture can be circulated, it is
not limited to its material and shape, but a sintered body of, for
example, ceramics and metal, metallic honeycomb and metallic
nonwoven material, a plaiting body of ceramic fiber or the like can
be utilized, the shape is also not limited to a flat plate, but a
curved shape, a cartridge shape or a corrugated panel shape or the
like can be arbitrarily set in accordance with processability and
applications of the material.
[0131] As active constituent, there are generally noble metal of
platinum group such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and their
mixing body, other metals and their oxide, and their mixing
composition may be used, and the active constituent responsive for
type of fuel and conditions for use can be selected.
[0132] On the outer peripheral wall of the combustion chamber,
there may be provided a heat ray permeating window made of
crystallization glass, quartz glass, or the like, through which
heat ray is permeated, or in place of the heat ray permeating
window, a secondary radiator configured by material with excellent
thermal conductivity having high surface emissivity, a radiation
heat receptor, or the like added with heating medium passage made
of copper pipe or the like may be provided, and in either case, the
same effect as described above can be obtained.
[0133] Further, as ignition means, there has been used a heat
rising system from the upper stream of the catalyst combustion unit
using an electric heater, but as an igniter for starting flame
combustion, the use of a piezo-electric igniter is effective means
for completing the equipment without power supply.
[0134] Next, with reference to the drawings, the description will
be made of embodiments of the present invention.
[0135] (Fifth Embodiment)
[0136] FIG. 5 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
fuel vaporizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention and a catalyst combustion apparatus using the same. A
reference numeral 101 denotes a fuel feed course; 102, a fuel jet
port; 103, a vaporizing surface of a vaporizing unit 103'; 104, a
heater; and 105, an air feed course, the tip end of which is caused
to penetrate part of the vaporizing surface 103. The vaporizing
unit 103' has a box shape, and the under surface thereof is mounted
with a heater 104.
[0137] A reference numeral 107 denotes mixture space as an example
of first mixture space; 107', second mixture space; 108, an air
diverting port; and 109, a catalyst combustion unit, which is
arranged downstream of the mixture space 107, carrying platinum
group catalytic component in the ceramic honeycomb. A reference
numeral 110 denotes high-emissivity film, which covers the surface
of a case 106 forming the mixture space 107 on the catalyst
combustion unit 109 side. The first mixture space 107 is formed by
a box-shaped case 106, and is arranged to covet the vaporizing unit
103'. Further, the case 106 is coupled to the vaporizing unit 103'
in terms of conduction of heat.
[0138] Further, in the base portion (exists above in the figure) of
the case 106 for forming the mixture space 107, there is formed an
air diverting port 108. An edge 60 of the air diverting port 108
protrudes toward the interior of the mixture space 107.
[0139] The tip end of the fuel feed course 101 is oriented toward
the vaporizing surface 103 of the vaporizing unit 103' so that the
liquid fuel collides with the vaporizing surface 103. Further, the
air feed course 105 is arranged such that the air can be jetted
toward the center of the base portion of the case 106. As described
above, there is opened the air diverting port 108 at the center of
the base portion.
[0140] The fuel vaporizing apparatus 120 is configured by the fuel
feed course 101, the fuel jet port 102, the vaporizing surface 103,
the air feed course 105, the first mixture space 107, the second
mixture space 107' and the air diverting port 108, and the fuel
vaporizing apparatus 120 is combined with the catalyst combustion
unit 109 to constitute a catalyst combustion apparatus 121. The
heater 104 is used when the temperature on the vaporizing surface
103 is so insufficient that vaporization cannot be sufficiently
performed such as during rising.
[0141] Next, the description will be made of an operation of the
present embodiment.
[0142] Liquid fuel (kerosene is used here) to be fed is jetted
toward the vaporizing surface 103 through the fuel jet port 102 at
the tip end by way of the fuel feed course 101. In this case,
during starting and when insufficient in amount of heat, the
temperature of the vaporizing surface 103 is controlled to maintain
the temperature of vaporization of the fuel or higher (250.degree.
C. or higher in kerosene) under the ON-OFF control of the heater
104 provided, and the liquid fuel is vaporized here. Of course,
even if no electric power is given to the heater 104, vaporization
will be performed if the temperature on the vaporizing surface 103
is high.
[0143] Air for combustion to be fed by way of the air feed course
105, whose tip end is caused to penetrate the vaporizing surface
103, flows straight upward, and the greater part thereof is
discharged out of the air diverting port 108, and part flows into
the mixture space 107.
[0144] This part of air diverted is circulated on the vaporizing
surface 103 and within the mixture space 107, is mixed with the
liquid fuel vaporized on the vaporizing surface 103 here, further
is mixed while mounting on a flow of air to be fed from the air
feed course 105, and thereafter, is discharged out of the mixture
space 107 by way of the air diverting port 108.
[0145] With such a configuration, part of air to be fed from the
air feed course 105 is discharged out of the mixture space 107
without coming into contact with the vaporizing unit 103' as it is,
that is, without being heated by means of heat for heating the
vaporizing unit 103', and remaining air is mixed with fuel
vaporized while flowing within the mixture space 107 to leave the
mixture space 107 in the course of time.
[0146] Thereby, it becomes possible to realize excellent mixture
characteristics, and the flow rate of air which circulates within
the mixture space 107 to come into contact with the vaporizing
surface 103 becomes smaller than when there is no air directly
leaving the mixture space 107 from the air feed course 105. As a
result, during vaporization, air is not heated wastefully, but its
heating energy is effectively used for vaporizing the liquid fuel,
and there is provided an effect that the amount of heat required to
vaporize can be greatly reduced.
[0147] The mixture discharged out of the air diverting port 108 is
further mixed in the second mixture space 107', and is fed to a
catalyst combustion unit 109 provided downstream thereof, in which
oxidation reaction is performed.
[0148] Due to this heat of reaction, the temperature on the surface
of the upper stream of the catalyst combustion unit 109 is
maintained at 500.degree. C. or to exceed 500.degree. C. capable of
continuing the combustion and at 900.degree. C., which is
temperature limit at which durability is taken into consideration,
or lower.
[0149] At this time, an amount of heat corresponding to 50 to 60%
of calorific value of the liquid fuel to be fed by means of
catalyst combustion on the catalyst combustion unit 109 is radiated
on the upstream side of the catalyst combustion unit 109.
[0150] Since the case 106 of the first mixture space 107 is covered
with the high-emissivity film 110, of radiation heat for reaching
from the catalyst combustion unit 109, 90% or higher radiates
secondary heat from the surface opposing to the vaporizing surface
103 of the case 106 after absorbed by the high-emissivity film 110.
Further, the heat of the case 106 is transmitted to the vaporizing
surface 103 of the vaporizing unit 103' from a portion contiguous
to the case 106 by conduction of heat to be used for vaporizing the
liquid fuel.
[0151] As a result, the fuel is vaporized through heat of
combustion from the catalyst combustion unit 109 and there is
obtained the effect that the electric power for the heater 109 will
be hardly needed. Further, since the radiation heat from the
catalyst combustion unit 109 is utilized for preheating the
premixed mixture together with vaporization of the liquid fuel,
part of these is flowed back to the catalyst combustion unit 109
again, and there is obtained the effect that the energy will not be
used wastefully.
[0152] In the foregoing, it has been shown that it is possible to
provide a catalyst combustion apparatus having high heat
utilization efficiency, excellent in energy-saving property and
cost effectiveness.
[0153] In this respect, in the present embodiment, the surface of
the case 106 on the catalyst combustion unit 109 side has been
covered with the high-emissivity film 110, but it may be possible
to configure the case 106 itself by base material with
high-emissivity.
[0154] Also, when the case 106 is configured by base material
having high thermal conductivity such as copper and aluminum, or
when integrally configured with the vaporizing surface 103 so as to
restrain the contact thermal resistance, it becomes possible to
more effectively transmit radiation heat from the surface of the
upper stream of the catalyst combustion unit 109 to the vaporizing
surface 103, and further the effect equal to or better than the
above-described one can be expected.
[0155] The present invention may also be applied to such a
configuration that the air feed course 105 is diverged on the
upstream side and one 105' of them is caused not to pass through
the first mixture space 107 at all as shown in the figure, but is
directly conducted to the second mixture space 107'.
[0156] (Sixth Embodiment)
[0157] FIG. 6 is an essential sectional block diagram showing a
fuel vaporizing apparatus according to another embodiment of the
present invention and a catalyst combustion apparatus using the
same, and FIG. 7 is a partial block diagram showing the same
apparatus.
[0158] The present embodiment is the same in basic configuration as
the fuel vaporizing apparatus of (the fifth embodiment) and the
catalyst combustion apparatus using the same, but is different in
that a case 106 is formed with mixture circulation ports 113 for
discharging the mixture out, which is circulated within the mixture
space 107, that a current plate 100 is provided downstream of an
air diverting port 108, that a vaporizing surface 103 is provided
in a substantially vertical direction and the low end thereof is
set to a lower position than the fuel jet port 102, that a liquid
fuel diverting unit 115 is provided at a lower position than a fuel
jet port 102, and that a heater 104 is provided along the back
surface of the vaporizing surface 103. Accordingly, the description
will be mainly made of these points of difference.
[0159] A fuel vaporizing apparatus 120 is configured by a fuel feed
course 101; the fuel jet port 102; the vaporizing surface 103; an
air feed course 105; the case 106; a first mixture space 107; a
second mixture space; and the air diverting port 108, and the fuel
vaporizing apparatus 120 is combined with the catalyst combustion
unit 109 to constitute a catalyst combustion apparatus 121. The
heater 104 is used when the temperature on the vaporizing surface
103 is so insufficient that vaporization cannot be sufficiently
performed such as during rising.
[0160] Liquid fuel to be fed is jetted to the vaporizing surface
103 from the fuel jet port 102 at the tip end by way of the fuel
feed course 101 from the fuel pump 21. In this case, during
starting and when insufficient in amount of heat, the vaporizing
surface 103 is controlled to maintain the temperature of
vaporization of the fuel or higher (250.degree. C. or higher in
kerosene) by the heater 104 provided.
[0161] Of course, even if no electric power is given to the heater
104, vaporization will be performed if the temperature on the
vaporizing surface 103 is high. If small in amount of combustion,
the whole quantity of the liquid fuel will be vaporized in a moment
after collides with the vaporizing surface 103.
[0162] If large in amount of combustion, the liquid fuel will not
be vaporized in the whole quantity in a moment after the collision,
but, as shown in FIG. 7, part of the fuel in a liquid state will
flow down along the vaporizing surface 103 to collide with the
liquid fuel diverting unit 115 projectingly provided on the
vaporizing surface 103.
[0163] Since the liquid fuel diverting unit 115 is projectingly
arranged, the liquid fuel is dispersed immediately. When dispersed,
the area, in which the liquid fuel comes into contact with the
vaporizing surface 103, is increased to be prone to obtain
heat.
[0164] As described above, the liquid fuel obtains heat from the
vaporizing surface 103 to vaporize the fuel in the liquid
state.
[0165] With such a configuration as to disperse the liquid fuel
along the vaporizing surface 103 for vaporization, it becomes
possible to uniformly heat the liquid fuel for vaporization, and
part of the fuel can be prevented from re-condensing.
[0166] The heater 104 is arranged along the vaporizing surface 103.
With this configuration to arrange the heater 104 along the
vaporizing surface 103, heat generated by the heater 104 is
effectively utilized as heat of vaporization of the liquid fuel,
and power consumption in the heater 104 can be reduced.
[0167] Air for combustion to be fed from a blower fan 22 by way of
the air feed course 105, whose tip end is caused to penetrate the
vaporizing surface 103, is diverted by a diverting port 108, part
of air circulates within a first mixture space 107, and after mixed
with the fuel vaporized on the vaporizing surface 103, passes
through the mixture circulation port 113 provided in the case 106
to be discharged out of the mixture space 107.
[0168] Also, the greater part of the remaining air is directly
discharged out of the mixture space 107 by way of the air diverting
port 108 without coming into direct contact with the vaporizing
surface 103.
[0169] Further, the air which has directly been discharged out of
the mixture space 107 by way of the air diverting port 108 collides
with the current plate 114 provided downstream of the air diverting
port 108, thereafter is dispersed, and forms a flow for circulating
around the air diverting port 108 and going toward the mixture
discharged out of the mixture circulating port 113, and then is
mixed with the mixture. Therefore, since the temperature drop is
low within the mixture space 107, the liquid fuel vaporized does
not re-condense.
[0170] With such a configuration as to divert air through the use
of the diverting port 108, and to directly discharge a part of air
out of the mixture space 107 to reduce a flow rate to be brought
into contact with the vaporizing surface 103 as described above, it
becomes possible to greatly reduce the amount of heat required for
vaporization.
[0171] Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel vaporizing
apparatus 120 excellent in cost effectiveness with low running
cost.
[0172] Further, with the configuration to cause the air thus
diverted to collide with the current plate 114 for mixing, it is
possible to feed uniform mixture, and therefore, it is also
possible to install any combustion unit such as flame combustion
and catalyst combustion on the downstream side, and to provide a
widely applicable fuel vaporizing apparatus 120.
[0173] Mixture uniformly premixed burns by catalysis in the
catalyst combustion unit 109 to emit radiation heat. The heat is
conducted to a heat-receiving tube 25 by way of heat-receiving fins
26a and a combustion barrel 26, and is recovered by a medium
flowing therein.
[0174] Also, a part of the radiation heat is effectively absorbed
by the case 106 made of high-emissivity material, conducts to the
vaporizing surface 103 and is utilized for vaporization of the
fuel. Further, from combustion gas to be discharged from the
catalyst combustion unit 109, the heat is recovered by the
heat-receiving fins 26a before emitted from an exhaust flue 27, and
is recovered by the medium by way of the heat-receiving tube
25.
[0175] The medium is circulated by the operation of a pump 24, and
when it is carried to an external radiator 23, the medium gives off
the heat here and it is utilized as a heat source outside.
[0176] A fuel vaporizing apparatus and a catalyst combustion
apparatus using the same are configured as described above, whereby
it is possible to provide a fuel vaporizing apparatus and a
catalyst combustion apparatus which reduce electric power required
to vaporize the fuel and do not re-condense.
[0177] In this respect, in the present embodiment, the place for
diverting air for combustion has been provided on the downstream
side of the vaporizing surface 103, but it may be possible to
provide it on the upstream side of the vaporizing surface 103, and
to feed air for combustion after diverting in advance. Although the
configuration of the fuel vaporizing apparatus 120 becomes slightly
complicated, the same effect as described above can be obtained
(See 105' of FIG. 5).
[0178] (Seventh Embodiment)
[0179] FIG. 8 is an essential sectional view showing a catalyst
combustion apparatus according to another embodiment of the present
invention. The present embodiment is the same in basic
configuration as the fuel vaporizing apparatus of (the fifth
embodiment) and the catalyst combustion apparatus using the same,
but is different in that the vaporizing surface 103 and a radiation
heat receptor 111 are integrally configured, that the catalyst
combustion unit 109 is arranged to oppose to the radiation heat
receptor 111, that the radiation heat receptor 111 is covered with
high-emissivity material 10, that the vaporizing surface 103 is
protruded from the radiation heat receptor 111 on the catalyst
combustion unit 109 side, and that the back surface of the
vaporizing surface 103 is covered with high-emissivity material 10.
The description will be mainly made of these points of
difference.
[0180] The fuel vaporizing apparatus 120 is configured by a fuel
feed course 101, a fuel jet port 102, a vaporizing surface 103 of a
box-shaped vaporizing unit 103' and an air feed course 105, and the
fuel vaporizing apparatus 120 is combined with the catalyst
combustion unit 109 to constitute a catalyst combustion apparatus
121, and high-emissivity film 110 is further provided in order to
provide at least the back surface of the vaporizing surface 103,
which is the surface on the catalyst combustion unit 109 side, with
high emissivity. This is used in order to improve the performance
of the fuel vaporizing apparatus 120. The heater 104 is used when
the temperature of the vaporizing surface 103 is insufficient. The
vaporizing unit 103' is box-shaped, and its base portion forms the
vaporizing surface 103, and its side surface 3a is formed with a
vaporizing unit opening 112.
[0181] Also, the fuel feed course 101 and the air feed course 105
are both adapted to blow off the fuel or air horizontally
respectively, for causing it to collide with the vaporizing surface
103.
[0182] The radiation heat receptor 111 is integrally configured
with the vaporizing surface 103 in terms of conduction of heat, and
the catalyst combustion unit 109 is arranged downstream of the
radiation heat receptor 111. In other words, the plate-shaped
radiation heat receptor 111 is in an opposed state to the catalyst
combustion unit 109, and further at the center of the radiation
heat receptor 111, the box-shaped vaporizing unit 103' is arranged,
and protrudes on the catalyst combustion unit 109 side.
[0183] Liquid fuel to be fed is jetted onto the vaporizing surface
103 through the fuel jet port 102 at the tip end by way of the fuel
feed course 101. Air for combustion is also jetted onto the
vaporizing surface 103 by way of the air feed course 105 arranged
around the fuel feed course 101. The vaporizing surface 103 is
vertical.
[0184] In this case, the vaporizing surface 103 is controlled to
exceed the temperature of vaporization of the fuel (250.degree. C.
or higher in kerosene), the liquid fuel is vaporized after it
collides with the vaporizing surface 103, the fuel vapour vaporized
is dispersed to form a flow on the air side to be circulated over
this periphery, and is mixed with air into mixture.
[0185] Liquid fuel, which could not be vaporized on the vaporizing
surface 103 at this time, also flows down along the vaporizing
surface 103 because the vaporizing surface 103 is vertical, and is
accumulated on the underside of a member 3a for joining the
vaporizing surface 103 to the radiation heat receptor 111, where
heat is obtained to vaporize.
[0186] This mixture is fed to the catalyst combustion unit 109
provided downstream by way of the vaporizing unit opening 112, and
oxidation reaction is performed here. Due to this heat of reaction,
the temperature on the surface of the upper stream of the catalyst
combustion unit 109 is maintained to exceed 500.degree. C. capable
of continuing the combustion and at 900.degree. C., which is
temperature limit at which durability is taken into consideration,
or lower.
[0187] At this time, an amount of heat corresponding to 50 to 60%
of calorific value of the liquid fuel to be fed is radiated on the
upstream side of the catalyst combustion unit 109. Since the
radiation heat receptor 111 is integrally configured with the
vaporizing surface 103 and the catalyst combustion unit 109 is
arranged downstream of the radiation heat receptor 111, the back
surface of the vaporizing surface 103 and the radiation heat
receptor 111 are opposed to the catalyst combustion unit 109, and
those are further entirely or partially covered with
high-emissivity film 110.
[0188] As a result, of radiation heat to be emitted from the
catalyst combustion unit 109, 90% or higher, that is, 50% or higher
of the calorific value is absorbed by the back surface of a
radiation surface 3 and the radiation heat receptor 111.
[0189] Further, since the vaporizing surface 103 is caused to
protrude from the radiation heat receptor 111 on the catalyst
combustion unit 109 side, radiation heat from a wider range reaches
the back surface thereof. The heat of absorption here is not
radiated to the outside, but is directly utilized as heat of
vaporization of the liquid fuel, and therefore, it is possible to
prevent a part of the fuel from re-condensing, and there is the
effect that the power consumption of the heater 104 is reduced at
the same time. Further, the radiation heat from the catalyst
combustion unit 109 is also utilized to preheat the premixed
mixture, and is flowed back to the catalyst combustion unit 109
again.
[0190] With the configuration in which the vaporizing surface 103
is caused to protrude from the radiation heat receptor 111 on the
catalyst combustion unit 109 side as described above, there is the
effect that the power consumption of the heater 104 can be greatly
reduced with further simple configuration without discretely
installing a channel controller or the like.
[0191] Therefore, it is possible to provide a catalyst combustion
apparatus 121 having high heat utilization efficiency, excellent in
energy-saving property and cost effectiveness. Further, even if the
vaporizing unit opening 112 is used as a flame port, radiation heat
from flames heats the radiation heat receptor 111 and the
vaporizing unit opening 112 to heat the vaporizing surface 103
through conduction of heat, and therefore, it is applicable as a
fuel vaporizing apparatus 120 for a flame combustion apparatus, and
a widely-applicable fuel vaporizing apparatus 120 can be
provided.
[0192] In this respect, in the present embodiment, the surface of
the radiation heat receptor 111 on the catalyst combustion unit 109
side has been covered with high-emissivity film 110, but it may be
possible to use the radiation heat receptor 111 itself made of base
material having high-emissivity, and the similar effect to the
above-described one can be obtained.
[0193] In the case where the radiation heat receptor 111 is
configured by base material having high thermal conductivity such
as copper and aluminum, it becomes possible to more effectively
conduct radiation heat from the surface of the upper stream of the
catalyst combustion unit 109 to the vaporizing surface 103, and
further the effect equal to or better than the above-described one
can be expected.
[0194] In this respect, in the above-described fifth to seventh
embodiments, the description has been made of the catalyst
combustion apparatus and the fuel vaporizing apparatus for liquid
fuel, but the present invention is, of course, not limited thereto.
In other words, the following cases are also included in the
present invention.
[0195] For the carrier in the catalyst combustion unit, ceramic
honeycomb is used, but as long as it has a multiplicity of
conductive holes in which premixed mixture can be circulated, it is
not limited to its material and shape, but a sintered body of, for
example, ceramics and metal, metallic honeycomb and metallic
nonwoven material, a plaiting body of ceramic fiber or the like can
be utilized, the shape is also not limited to a flat plate, but a
curved shape, a cartridge shape or a corrugated panel shape or the
like can be arbitrarily set in accordance with processability and
applications of the material.
[0196] As active constituent, there are generally noble metal of
platinum group such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and their
mixing body, other metals and their oxide, and their mixed
composition may be used, and the active constituent responsive for
type of fuel and conditions for use can be selected.
Industrial Applicability
[0197] As described above, a catalyst combustion apparatus
according to the present invention is capable of greatly reducing
power consumption of a vaporizing unit heater required to control
the vaporizing unit to exceed a fixed temperature. Therefore, it is
possible to provide a catalyst combustion apparatus having high
heat utilization efficiency, excellent in energy-saving property
and cost effectiveness.
[0198] With the configuration in which the air to be fed from the
air feed course is caused not to be brought into contact with the
vaporizing unit as far as possible, heat of conduction and
radiation heat from the catalyst heating unit are mainly utilized
to vaporize the liquid fuel, and therefore, the amount of heat to
be fed to the vaporizing unit can be reduced to one eighth to one
sixth when vaporized as premixed mixture.
[0199] The power consumption of the vaporizing unit heater required
to control the vaporizing unit to exceed a fixed temperature can be
reduced to substantially zero over all the combustion amount area
as described above, and spontaneous combustion can be realized.
[0200] Therefore, it is possible to provide a catalyst combustion
apparatus excellent in cost effectiveness with low running
cost.
[0201] Further, since the greater part of heat recovery from the
catalyst heating unit to the vaporizing unit is performed as
described above, even when no catalyst combustion unit is provided
downstream, that is, it is also applicable to a flame combustion
apparatus, and a widely applicable vaporizing apparatus can be
provided.
[0202] Further, in the case where a piezo-electric igniter is used
as an igniter to be used when catalyst combustion is started by
flame combustion, a catalyst combustion apparatus without power
supply having a high degree of freedom in terms of installation
place or the like can be realized.
* * * * *