Compact and Reliable Burner that Operates on Military Logistic Fuels

Compact burners, capable of using a range of logistics fuels, are needed in support of fuel cell reformer systems. High efficiency, rapid startup and long term reliability are key criteria. Current spray burner and other designs have difficulty in meeting these objectives as a result of heat driven fuel transformations that clog small passages and cause flame instability, and even burner shutdown. Altex has identified the Compact and Reliable Burner that can address heat capacity needs from 0.5 to 15 kW, without the degradation problems associated with conventional burners. Preliminary tests have shown the potential of the concept. Under the proposed effort, the innovative burner technology will be adapted to the Air Force application of interest, and feasibility will be proven through analysis and tests on several military fuels, including JP-8. Lastly, the performance and cost benefits of the concept will be quantified and the advantages of the concept over alternatives will be determined.