High intensity, low NO.sub.x matrix burner
US5711661A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF23M2900/13004
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multilayer matrix burner which has exceptionally low NO.sub.x emissions can be operated over a broad turndown range. The burner is, in effect, a three-dimensional matrix of spaced apart emissive layers. There is a first three-dimensional porous layer which acts to distribute a fuel/air mixture. There is a wider gap (which may be adjustable) between the distributive layer and one or more two-dimensional porous emissive layers. An exemplary emissive layer is a refractory wire screen. Preferably, there are multiple such emissive layers with a narrower gap between successive layers. Preferably, the porosity increases in each successive layer downstream from the preceding layer. This arrangement provides a stable flame wherein most of the combustion occurs adjacent to successive incandescent emissive layers. Preferably the successive layers in the downstream direction have a large open area for transmitting radiant energy from preceding emissive layers. Such high intensity burners, e.g. 1,500,000 BTU/h.multidot.ft.sup.2, may be used in water heaters or boilers or in a thermophotovoltaic apparatus which produces both electric energy and heated water. For a thermophotovoltaic applicatio…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.