U.S. patent application number 14/061401 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-12 for system for safe power loss for an electrodynamic burner.
This patent application is currently assigned to CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION. Invention is credited to KRAIG ANDERSON, JOSEPH COLANNINO, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, ANDREW LEE, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF.
Application Number | 20140162195 14/061401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50881299 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140162195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; ANDREW ; et
al. |
June 12, 2014 |
SYSTEM FOR SAFE POWER LOSS FOR AN ELECTRODYNAMIC BURNER
Abstract
A system may be configured to modify one or more combustion
parameters responsive to a loss of application of electrical energy
to the combustion reaction.
Inventors: |
LEE; ANDREW; (ISSAQUAH,
WA) ; COLANNINO; JOSEPH; (BELLEVUE, WA) ;
KRICHTAFOVITCH; IGOR A.; (KIRKLAND, WA) ; ANDERSON;
KRAIG; (BURLINGAME, CA) ; WIKLOF; CHRISTOPHER A.;
(EVERETT, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION
CORPORATION
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
50881299 |
Appl. No.: |
14/061401 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61727103 |
Nov 15, 2012 |
|
|
|
61725095 |
Nov 12, 2012 |
|
|
|
61717371 |
Oct 23, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/2 ;
431/253 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23N 5/00 20130101; F23C
99/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/2 ;
431/253 |
International
Class: |
F23N 5/00 20060101
F23N005/00 |
Claims
1. A system for applying electrical energy to a combustion reaction
supported by a burner, comprising: a voltage source configured to
output a voltage; an electrodynamic system configured to receive
the voltage from the voltage source and apply electrical energy to
a combustion reaction; and a power loss control circuit configured
to modify one or more combustion parameters of the combustion
reaction responsive to a loss of the application of the electrical
energy to the combustion reaction by the electrodynamic system.
2. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, further comprising the
burner.
3. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, further comprising a
subsystem configured to receive heat from the combustion
reaction.
4. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, wherein the electrical
energy includes one or more of electric charge, electric voltage,
or an electric field
5. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, wherein the
electrodynamic system is configured to cause the combustion
reaction to operate according to an electrically-supported
combustion regime that would be unstable or unsustainable without
the application of the electrical energy.
6. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 5, wherein the
electrically-supported combustion regime includes combustion at
high fuel dilution.
7. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 5, wherein the
electrically-supported combustion regime includes combustion with
low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) output.
8. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 5, wherein the
electrically-supported combustion regime includes combustion of at
least one fuel with limited flammability.
9. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 5, wherein the instability
or unsustainability includes an increased probability of flame
blow-out.
10. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, wherein the power loss
control circuit further comprises: one or more actuators configured
to control the one or more combustion parameters; and control
circuitry configured to control the one or more actuators.
11. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 10, wherein the control
circuitry further comprises: an actuator drive circuit operatively
coupled to the one or more actuators; and a controller circuit
operatively coupled to the actuator drive circuit, the controller
circuit being configured to drive the actuator drive circuit
responsive to the loss of the application of electrical energy to
the combustion reaction.
12-14. (canceled)
15. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 11, further comprising: one
or more sensors configured to sense one or more combustion
parameters; wherein the controller circuit is operatively coupled
to the one or more sensors; and wherein the controller circuit is
configured to drive the actuator drive circuit responsive to a
sensed combustion parameter corresponding to the loss of
application of electrical energy to the combustion reaction.
16. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 10, wherein the power loss
control circuit further comprises an uninterruptable power source
operatively coupled to the control circuitry and configured to
provide power to the control circuitry to operate the one or more
actuators.
17-18. (canceled)
19. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 10, wherein the one or more
actuators comprises a fuel valve or fuel delivery mechanism.
20. (canceled)
21. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 10, wherein the one or more
actuators comprises an air or flue gas damper or oxidizer delivery
mechanism.
22. (canceled)
23. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 10, wherein the one or more
actuators comprises an aerodynamic flame holder actuator.
24. (canceled)
25. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 10, wherein the one or more
actuators comprises an igniter.
26. (canceled)
27. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, wherein the
electrodynamic system further comprises: a charging mechanism
operatively coupled to the voltage source and configured to apply a
first charge or voltage to the combustion reaction or a fuel stream
supporting the flame; one or more field electrodes operatively
coupled to the voltage source and disposed to apply an electric
field or second charges to the combustion reaction, the electric
field or second charges being selected to enhance combustion; and a
first flame support surface disposed adjacent to the fuel stream
configured to support the flame when the charge or voltage is
applied to the flame or the fuel stream.
28. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 27, further comprising: an
aerodynamic flame holder disposed adjacent to or away from the fuel
stream, the aerodynamic flame holder being configured, when
engaged, to hold the combustion reaction at a more stable location
than the location at which the combustion reaction is held by the
first flame support surface.
29. (canceled)
30. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, wherein the power loss
control circuit further comprises: an uninterruptable power source;
a controller circuit operatively coupled to the uninterruptable
power source; an actuator drive operatively coupled to the
controller circuit, the actuator drive including an igniter
controller; and an actuator including an igniter operatively
coupled to the igniter controller; wherein the controller circuit
is configured to sense the loss of application of electrical energy
to the combustion reaction or to a fuel stream supporting the
combustion reaction, and responsively cause the igniter controller
to drive the igniter to ignite the fuel stream adjacent to the
aerodynamic flame holder.
31. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 30, wherein the ignition of
the fuel stream adjacent to the aerodynamic flame holder is
selected to cause the combustion reaction to be held in a high
stability location by the aerodynamic flame holder.
32. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, wherein the power loss
control circuit further comprises: an uninterruptable power source;
a controller circuit operatively coupled to the uninterruptable
power source; an actuator drive operatively coupled to the
controller circuit; and an actuator operatively coupled to the
igniter controller; wherein the controller circuit is configured to
sense the loss of application of electrical energy to the
combustion reaction or to a fuel stream supporting the combustion
reaction, and responsively cause the actuator drive to drive the
actuator to control a combustion parameter to increase combustion
reaction stability.
33. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 32, wherein the controller
circuit includes a sensor configured to sense a voltage
proportional to a voltage output by the voltage source; and a
normally open switch configured to maintain an open circuit between
the uninterruptable power source and the actuator drive when a
non-zero voltage proportional to the voltage output by the voltage
source is sensed.
34-35. (canceled)
36. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 33, wherein the normally
open switch includes an insulated gate bipolar transistor
(IGBT).
37. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, further comprising a
fuel nozzle configured to deliver the fuel stream.
38. The system for applying electrical energy to a combustion
reaction supported by a burner of claim 1, wherein the power loss
control circuit includes a microcontroller configured to execute
computer executable instructions.
39. (canceled)
40. A method for controlling a combustion reaction, comprising:
sensing a feedback parameter corresponding to the application of
electrical energy to a combustion reaction; determining when the
application of electrical energy to the combustion reaction is
stopped or has a probability of being stopped; and causing a
modification of one or more combustion parameters of the combustion
reaction responsive to the stopping or probability of stopping the
application of electrical energy to the combustion reaction.
41. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
further comprising: transferring heat energy from the combustion
reaction to one or more of a chemical process, furnace, boiler,
propulsion system, or electrical power generation system.
42. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
further comprising: receiving back-up electrical power.
43. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 42,
further comprising: powering a power loss control circuit with the
back-up electrical power.
44. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
further comprising: supporting the combustion reaction.
45. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 44,
wherein supporting the combustion reaction includes providing one
or more of a gas, liquid, or solid fuel.
46. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
further comprising: applying the electrical energy to the
combustion reaction.
47-57. (canceled)
58. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein sensing the feedback parameter includes sensing a feed
forward parameter.
59. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein sensing the feedback parameter includes sensing a voltage
proportional to a voltage output by a voltage source to an
electrodynamic system, sensing a voltage proportional to a voltage
provided to a voltage source configured to power an electrodynamic
system, or sensing a voltage proportional to a voltage, electric
charge, or electric field applied to the combustion reaction.
60. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein sensing the feedback parameter includes operating a sensor
configured to sense the feedback parameter proximate to the
combustion reaction.
61. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein determining when the application of electrical energy to
the combustion reaction is stopped or has a probability of being
stopped includes closing a normally-open switch responsive to a
loss of voltage on a sense node.
62. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein determining when the application of electrical energy to
the combustion reaction is stopped or has a probability of being
stopped includes operating passive electrical circuitry.
63. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein determining when the application of electrical energy to
the combustion reaction is stopped or has a probability of being
stopped includes operating a microcontroller or microprocessor to
monitor the feedback parameter.
64. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein determining when the application of electrical energy to
the combustion reaction is stopped or has a probability of being
stopped consists essentially of determining when a voltage drops
below a threshold.
65. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein causing the modification of the one or more combustion
parameters includes stopping the combustion reaction.
66. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein causing the modification of the one or more combustion
parameters includes reducing a heat output of the combustion
reaction.
67. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein causing the modification of the one or more combustion
parameters includes causing the combustion reaction to continue
without the application of the electrical energy.
68. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein causing the modification of the one or more combustion
parameters includes causing the combustion reaction to occur in a
location different from a location where the combustion reaction
occurred while receiving the electrical energy.
69. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 40,
wherein causing the modification of one or more combustion
parameters includes operating an actuator to change the one or more
combustion parameters.
70. (canceled)
71. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 69,
wherein operating an actuator to change the one or more combustion
parameters includes operating an air or flue gas damper to reduce
an amount of fuel dilution.
72. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 69,
wherein operating an actuator to change the one or more combustion
parameters includes operating an oxidizer delivery mechanism to
change the amount of oxidizer delivery.
73. The method for controlling the combustion reaction of claim 69,
wherein operating an actuator to change the one or more combustion
parameters includes operating a flame position actuator to change
the location of the combustion reaction.
74-75. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority benefit from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/727,103, entitled "SYSTEM FOR
SAFE POWER LOSS FOR AN ELECTRODYNAMIC BURNER", filed Nov. 15, 2012;
and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/725,095, entitled
"FAIL-SAFE ELECTRODYNAMIC BURNER", filed Nov. 12, 2012; and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/717,371, entitled "LIFTED
FLAME FAIL-SAFE LOW NOx BURNER", filed Oct. 23, 2012; and each of
which, to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herein,
is incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY
[0002] According to an embodiment, a system for applying electrical
energy to a combustion reaction supported by a burner includes a
voltage source configured to output a voltage and an electrodynamic
system configured to receive the voltage from the voltage source
and apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction. A power loss
control circuit is configured to modify one or more combustion
parameters of the combustion reaction responsive to a loss of the
application of the electrical energy to the combustion reaction by
the electrodynamic system.
[0003] According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a
combustion reaction includes sensing a feedback parameter
corresponding to the application of electrical energy to a
combustion reaction, determining when the application of electrical
energy to the combustion reaction is stopped or has a probability
of being stopped, and causing a modification of one or more
combustion parameters of the combustion reaction responsive to the
stopping or probability of stopping the application of electrical
energy to the combustion reaction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a burner including an
electrodynamic system and a power loss control circuit, according
to an embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a burner including an
electrodynamic system and a power loss control circuit, according
to another embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a burner including an
electrodynamic system and a power loss control circuit, according
to another embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4A is a diagram of a burner including an electrodynamic
system and a power loss control circuit, according to an
embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 4B is a diagram of a burner including an electrodynamic
system and a power loss control circuit of FIG. 4A in a
configuration corresponding to a time after power loss, according
to an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for operating a power
loss control circuit for a burner including an electrodynamic
system, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used
and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a burner including an
electrodynamic system 108 and a power loss control circuit 110,
according to an embodiment. A system 100 for applying electrical
energy to a combustion reaction 102 includes a burner 104, a
voltage source 106, an electrodynamic system 108 and a power loss
control circuit 110. The voltage source 106 is configured to output
a voltage. The electrodynamic system 108 is configured to receive
the voltage from the voltage source 106 and apply electrical energy
to a combustion reaction 102. The power loss control circuit 110 is
configured to modify one or more combustion parameters of the
combustion reaction 102 responsive to a loss of the application of
the electrical energy to the combustion reaction 102 by the
electrodynamic system 108.
[0012] Various embodiments are contemplated for the voltage source
106. The voltage source can, for example, include a linear power
supply, a switching power supply, and/or a voltage multiplier. In
an embodiment, the voltage source includes linear and/or switched
mode power supply sections that output a chopped signal to a
voltage multiplier. For example, the power supply sections can
output a chopped DC waveform at 0 to +12 volts. The voltage source
106 can also include an 11-stage positive polarity voltage
multiplier that receives the chopped DC waveform and multiplies it
to about 24,000 volts for output to the charging mechanism 104. The
voltage source 106 can also include one or more power supply
sections that output a second chopped DC waveform at 0 to -12
volts. The voltage source 106 can include a second voltage
multiplier, for example a 10 stage negative polarity voltage
multiplier that receives the second chopped DC waveform and
multiplies it to about -12,000 volts for output to the flame
support electrode 122.
[0013] The system 100 may include a subsystem configured to receive
heat from the combustion reaction 102.
[0014] The electrical energy applied by the electrodynamic system
108 can include electric charge, electric voltage, and/or an
electric field. The electrodynamic system 108 can be configured to
cause the combustion reaction to operate according to an
electrically-supported combustion regime that would be unstable or
unsustainable without the application of the electrical energy. For
example, the electrically-supported combustion regime can include
combustion at high fuel dilution. Additionally or alternatively,
the electrically-supported combustion regime can include combustion
with low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) output. Additionally or
alternatively, the electrically-supported combustion regime can
include combustion of at least one fuel with limited flammability.
The instability or unsustainability can include an increased
probability of flame blow-out.
[0015] The power loss control circuit 110 can include one or more
actuators 112 configured to control the one or more combustion
parameters and control circuitry 114 configured to control the one
or more actuators 112. An actuator drive circuit 116 can be
operatively coupled to the one or more actuators 112. A controller
circuit 118 can be operatively coupled to the actuator drive
circuit 116, the controller circuit being configured to drive the
actuator drive circuit 116 responsive to the loss of the
application of electrical energy to the combustion reaction.
[0016] The controller circuit 118 can be operatively coupled to an
electrical energy source 120 configured to provide electrical
energy to the voltage source 106. The controller circuit 118 can be
configured to drive the actuator drive circuit 116 responsive to a
loss of electrical energy at the electrical energy source 120.
Additionally or alternatively, the controller circuit 118 can be
operatively coupled to the voltage source 106 and be configured to
drive the actuator drive circuit 116 responsive to a loss of
electrical energy from the voltage source 106.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a burner 200 including an
electrodynamic system 108 and a power loss control circuit 110,
according to another embodiment. The controller circuit 118 can be
operatively coupled to an output 202 from the voltage source to the
electrodynamic system 106, 108 or can be operatively coupled to the
electrodynamic system 108. The controller circuit 118 can be
configured to drive the actuator drive circuit 116 responsive to a
loss of electrical energy from the voltage source 106 or from the
electrodynamic system 108.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a burner 300 including an
electrodynamic system 108 and a power loss control circuit 110,
according to another embodiment. One or more sensors 302 can be
configured to sense one or more combustion parameters. The
controller circuit 118 can be operatively coupled to the one or
more sensors 302. The controller circuit 118 can be configured to
drive the actuator drive circuit 116 responsive to a sensed
combustion parameter corresponding to the loss of application of
electrical energy to the combustion reaction. For example, the
sensor(s) can include a voltage sensor. In another example, the
sensor(s) can include a pyrometer, an infrared sensor, an image
sensor, or another sensor configured to sense a parameter
correlated to flame 102 stability.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the power loss control circuit 110
can include an uninterruptable power source 124 operatively coupled
to the control circuitry 114 and configured to provide power to the
control circuitry 114 to operate the one or more actuators 112. The
uninterruptable power source 124 can include an energy storage
circuit, such as one or more batteries.
[0020] Various actuator 112 arrangements are contemplated. For
example, the actuator(s) 112 can include a fuel valve 126 or fuel
delivery mechanism. The control circuitry 114 can be configured to
cause the fuel valve 126 or fuel delivery mechanism to reduce a
rate of fuel delivery or stop fuel delivery to the combustion
reaction 102 responsive to a loss of the application of the
electrical energy to the combustion reaction by the electrodynamic
system 108. The actuator(s) 112 can additionally or alternatively
include an air or flue gas damper 128 or oxidizer delivery
mechanism. The control circuitry 114 can be configured to cause the
air or flue gas damper 128 or oxidizer delivery mechanism to reduce
a rate of oxidizer delivery or stop oxidizer delivery to the
combustion reaction 102 or to reduce an amount of dilution of a
fuel prior to combustion responsive to the loss of the application
of the electrical energy to the combustion reaction 102 by the
electrodynamic system 108. The actuator(s) 112 can additionally or
alternatively include an aerodynamic flame holder actuator 130. The
control circuitry 114 can be configured to cause the aerodynamic
flame holder actuator 130 to hold the combustion reaction at a high
stability location responsive to the loss of the application of the
electrical energy to the combustion reaction 102 by the
electrodynamic system 108. The actuator(s) can additionally or
alternatively include an igniter 132. The control circuitry 114 can
be configured to cause the igniter 132 to ignite the combustion
reaction 102 at a high stability location responsive to the loss of
the application of the electrical energy to the combustion reaction
102 by the electrodynamic system 108.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a diagram of a burner 400 including an
electrodynamic system and a power loss control circuit, according
to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram of a burner including an
electrodynamic system and a power loss control circuit of FIG. 4A
in a configuration 401 corresponding to a time after power loss,
according to an embodiment. A fuel nozzle 422 can be configured to
deliver a fuel stream 404 to support a combustion reaction 102. The
fuel stream 404 can include a diverging fuel stream 404 that
becomes successively more dilute with distance from the fuel nozzle
422. The divergence of the stream can typically correspond to
entrainment of air or flue gas adjacent to the fuel stream 404.
Accordingly, the term "fuel stream" can refer to substantially pure
fuel or diluted fuel.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electrodynamic system 108
can include a charging mechanism 402 operatively coupled to the
voltage source 106. The charging mechanism 402 can be configured to
apply a first charge or voltage to the combustion reaction 102 or a
fuel stream 404 supporting the combustion reaction. One or more
field electrodes 406 can be operatively coupled to the voltage
source 106 and disposed to apply an electric field or second
charges to the combustion reaction 102. The electric field or
second charges can be selected to enhance combustion. A first flame
support surface 408 can be disposed adjacent to the fuel stream 404
and be configured to support the flame 102 when the charge or
voltage is applied to the flame 102 or the fuel stream 404.
[0023] An aerodynamic flame holder 410 can be disposed adjacent to
or away from the fuel stream 404. The aerodynamic flame holder 410
can be configured, when engaged, to hold the combustion reaction
102 at a more stable location than the location at which the
combustion reaction is held by the first flame support surface 408.
A flame position actuator can be configured to selectively engage
the aerodynamic flame holder 410 with the fuel stream 404 to cause
the aerodynamic flame holder 410 to support the combustion reaction
102 when the charge or voltage is not applied to the combustion
reaction 102 or fuel stream 404. A power loss control circuit 110
can be configured to drive the flame position actuator to cause the
combustion reaction to be supported by the aerodynamic flame holder
when the charge or voltage is not applied to the combustion
reaction or fuel stream.
[0024] The power loss control circuit 110 can include an
uninterruptable power source 124 and control circuitry 118
operatively coupled to the uninterruptable power source 124. An
actuator drive 116 can be operatively coupled to the control
circuitry 118. The actuator drive 116 can include an igniter
controller. An actuator 112 including an igniter 132 can be
operatively coupled to the igniter controller 116. The control
circuitry 118 can be configured to sense the loss of application of
electrical energy to the combustion reaction 102 or to a fuel
stream 404 supporting the combustion reaction 102, and responsively
cause the igniter controller 116 to drive the igniter 132 to ignite
the fuel stream 404 adjacent to the aerodynamic flame holder 410.
Ignition of the fuel stream 404 adjacent to the aerodynamic flame
holder 410 can be selected to cause the combustion reaction 102 to
be held in a high stability location by the aerodynamic flame
holder 410 (see FIG. 4B).
[0025] The control circuitry 118 can include a sensor 412
configured to sense a voltage proportional to a voltage output by
the voltage source 106 and a normally open switch 414 configured to
maintain an open circuit between the uninterruptable power source
124 and the actuator drive 116 when a non-zero voltage proportional
to the voltage output by the voltage source 106 is sensed. The
sensor 412 can include a node of a voltage divider including at
least two resistors 416, 418 forming a path to ground 420 for an
output 202 from the voltage source 106. The normally open switch
can include a field effect transistor (FET) or an insulated gate
bipolar transistor (IGBT), for example.
[0026] The power loss control circuit 110 can additionally or
alternatively include a microcontroller configured to execute
computer executable instructions. Additionally or alternatively,
the power loss control circuit 110 can include a microprocessor
(not shown); and a computer memory (not shown) operatively coupled
to the microprocessor. The computer memory can include a
non-transitory computer-readable medium carrying computer
executable instructions. The microprocessor can be configured to
execute the computer executable instructions to cause the to cause
the modification of the one or more combustion parameters of the
combustion reaction responsive to the loss of the application of
the electrical energy to the combustion reaction 102 by the
electrodynamic system 108.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method 500 for operating a
power loss control circuit for a burner including an electrodynamic
system, according to an embodiment. Heat energy can be transferred
from the combustion reaction to one or more of a chemical process,
furnace, boiler, propulsion system, and/or electrical power
generation system, for example.
[0028] A combustion reaction is supported in step 502. Supporting
the combustion reaction may include providing one or more of a gas,
liquid, and/or solid fuel.
[0029] In step 504, electrical energy is applied to the combustion
reaction. Application of electrical energy to the combustion
reaction can include operating an electrodynamic system.
Additionally or alternatively, applying electrical energy to the
combustion reaction can include applying an electrical field to the
combustion reaction, applying a voltage to the combustion reaction,
and/or applying electrical charges to the combustion reaction. The
application of the electrical energy to the combustion reaction can
include causing enhanced mixing of an oxidizer and fuel and/or can
include causing an enhanced rate of reaction.
[0030] In step 504, according to an embodiment, application of
electrical energy to the combustion reaction can cause the
combustion reaction to produce reduced oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
Additionally or alternatively, the application of electrical energy
to the combustion reaction can cause an increase in thermal
radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the application of
electrical energy to the combustion reaction can cause flattening
the combustion reaction with an electric field. Additionally or
alternatively, the application of electrical energy to the
combustion reaction can cause the combustion reaction to occur at a
location where the combustion reaction would not occur without the
application of the electrical energy. Additionally or
alternatively, the application of electrical energy to the
combustion reaction can cause the combustion reaction to be stable
under a condition that would cause the combustion reaction to be
unstable without the application of the electrical energy.
[0031] Proceeding to step 506, a feedback parameter corresponding
to the application of electrical energy to a combustion reaction is
sensed. Sensing the feedback parameter can include sensing a feed
forward parameter. Step 506 can include sensing a voltage
proportional to a voltage output by a voltage source to an
electrodynamic system, sensing a voltage proportional to a voltage
provided to a voltage source configured to power an electrodynamic
system, or sensing a voltage proportional to a voltage, electric
charge, and/or electric field applied to the combustion reaction.
Sensing the feedback parameter can include operating a sensor. The
sensor can be configured to sense the feedback parameter proximate
to the combustion reaction.
[0032] In step 508 it is determined when the application of
electrical energy to the combustion reaction is stopped or has a
probability of being stopped. Step 508 can include closing a
normally-open switch responsive to a loss of voltage on a sense
node.
[0033] Step 508 can include operating passive electrical circuitry,
or can include operating a microcontroller and/or microprocessor to
monitor the feedback parameter. Determining when the application of
electrical energy to the combustion reaction is stopped or has a
probability of being stopped can, in some embodiments, consist
essentially of determining when a voltage drops below a
threshold.
[0034] The method 500 can include step 510, back-up electrical
power is received. Step 510 can include powering a power loss
control circuit with back-up electrical power.
[0035] Proceeding to step 512, a modification of one or more
combustion parameters of the combustion reaction is caused
responsive to the stopping or probability of stopping the
application of electrical energy to the combustion reaction.
Modification of the one or more combustion parameters can include
stopping the combustion reaction and/or can include reducing a heat
output of the combustion reaction. Step 512 can include causing the
combustion reaction to continue without the application of the
electrical energy. Step 512 can include causing the combustion
reaction to occur in a location different from a location where the
combustion reaction occurred while receiving the electrical
energy.
[0036] Step 512 can include operating an actuator to change the one
or more combustion parameters. Operating an actuator to change the
one or more combustion parameters can include operating a fuel
valve and/or fuel delivery mechanism 126 to change a delivery rate
of fuel to the combustion reaction. Additionally or alternatively,
operating an actuator to change the one or more combustion
parameters can include operating an air or flue gas damper to
reduce an amount of fuel dilution and/or can include operating an
oxidizer delivery mechanism to change the amount of oxidizer
delivery. Additionally or alternatively, operating an actuator to
change the one or more combustion parameters can include operating
a flame position actuator to change the location of the combustion
reaction. For example, an aerodynamic flame holder actuator and/or
a fuel nozzle actuator can be operated to bring a fuel stream 404
into close proximity with or contacting an aerodynamic flame holder
410. Additionally or alternatively, operating an actuator to change
the one or more combustion parameters can include operating an
igniter 132 to ignite a fuel stream. For example, the fuel stream
can be ignited in a location that is more stable than a location
used during operation of the electrodynamic system.
[0037] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various
aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of
illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true
scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
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