Real-time combustion controls and diagnostics sensors (CCADS)

Patent · Tue May 03 04:00:00 EDT 2005

OSTI ID:947166

Thornton, Jimmy D.; Richards, George A.; Dodrill, Keith A.; Nutter, Jr., Roy S.; Straub, Douglas

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the monitoring of the combustion process within a combustion system. The apparatus comprises; a combustion system, a means for supplying fuel and an oxidizer, a device for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in order to initiate combustion, and a sensor for determining the current conducted by the combustion process. The combustion system comprises a fuel nozzle and an outer shell attached to the combustion nozzle. The outer shell defines a combustion chamber. Preferably the nozzle is a lean premix fuel nozzle (LPN). Fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the fuel nozzle at separate rates. The fuel and oxidizer are ignited. A sensor positioned within the combustion system comprising at least two electrodes in spaced-apart relationship from one another. At least a portion of the combustion process or flame is between the first and second electrodes. A voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes and the magnitude of resulting current between the first and second electrodes is determined.

• Research Organization: United States Department of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): 6,887,069
• Application Number: 09/955,582
• OSTI ID: 947166
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English