Low Temperature Plasma Flame Stabilization in a Porous Ceramic Medium

It is well known that a Low Temperature Plasma (LTP) can extend the operating envelope of flames, however scaling LTP systems has been identified as a challenge which has had limited technological advancement. Using LTP to enhance flame stability in industrial scale burners can lead to more robust operations while also providing a reduction in NOx emissions and increases in operating efficiencies. The major challenges to overcome for successful scaling and commercialization of the LTP system are: 1) maintaining LTP uniformity at scale, and 2) cheap, reliable power supplies. Scaling LTP plasma systems can be accomplished by incorporating pulsed power sources and utilizing a modular electrode design. The Phase 1 objective will result in a newly designed and tested flame stabilizing LTP module capable of generating a uniform plasma. This module will consist of a single porous ceramic tile containing an array of electrodes which are to be powered by a pulsed power source. Scaling the system will be possible by placing several modules side by side forming a flame stabilizing wall. Phase 1 work will begin with designing the LTP module which will integrate a porous ceramic flame holder with previously proved LTP systems capable of flame stabilization. Several pulsed power sources will be analyzed and acquired for testing appropriate plasma uniformity. The preliminary design will be fabricated and tested for plasma uniformity and flame stabilization at moderate temperatures. Lastly, high temperature tests will be carried out in a furnace to test the durability of materials and flame stabilizing capabilities at real world operating conditions. A fully scaled system can operate in industrial burner applications up to, and possibly greater than, 60 MBTU/hr, providing a new ultra low NOx solution to the industry. When combustion occurs within porous ceramic tiles the NOx production can be as low as 5 ppm, however flame stabilization can sometime be an issue. Incorporating the additional flame stabilizing effects of LTP will increase the operating envelope of the ultra low NOx system making it more robust and reliable.