In situ membrane-based oxygen enrichment for direct energy conversion methods

a direct energy conversion and oxygen enrichment technology, applied in the direction of indirect carbon-dioxide mitigation, fuel supply regulation, combustion regulation, etc., can solve the problems of difficult to achieve temperature without oxygen enrichment, achieve improved fuel-to-electric efficiency, increase combustion efficiency, and improve combustion efficiency.

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-06-22
ARMY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS BY THE DEPT OF THE
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  • Abstract
  • Description
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  • Application Information

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Benefits of technology

[0011] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved fuel-to-electric efficiency by increasing combustion efficiency. Combustion efficiency generally increases with higher combustion temperatures (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,013). Oxygen enrichment provides the means to directly achieve higher flame and exhaust gas temperatures (FIG. 2). In addition, power density can be increased through oxyg

Problems solved by technology

These temperatures are sometimes difficult to attain without oxygen enrichment, with

Method used

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  • In situ membrane-based oxygen enrichment for direct energy conversion methods
  • In situ membrane-based oxygen enrichment for direct energy conversion methods
  • In situ membrane-based oxygen enrichment for direct energy conversion methods

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Embodiment Construction

[0019] With reference to FIG. 1, ambient air 1 flows into a membrane apparatus 2, wherein a portion of the flow permeates a membrane 3 as oxygen enriched air 4. Oxygen enriched flow 4 from the membrane apparatus enters an adjustable flow blower / pump 5 where it is fed to a diesel / JP-8 burner assembly 8. Diesel / JP-8 fuel 6 is fed through an adjustable flow fuel pump 7 to the same diesel / JP-8 burner assembly 8. The fuel is ignited in the burner assembly 8. The flame and hot combustion gases flow through the combustion chamber 9 while heating an emitter surface 10. Energy 11 (electromagnetic or electric) is transmitted to surface 12. All components are housed in enclosure 13.

[0020] Though not shown, nitrogen enriched flow 5 from the membrane can be used for cooling the thermophotovoltaic cells, cooling the hot exhaust surfaces, or for other cooling needs.

[0021] Membrane apparatus 2 can consist of a single membrane element or more than one membrane elements configured in series, parall...

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Abstract

A method for combusting a diesel or JP-8 fuel at high temperatures enabling efficiency and power density improvements for portable direct energy conversion systems such as thermophotovoltaics and thermionics is provided. Oxygen enriched air is processed in situ using membrane separation methods. A blower or pump downstream from the membrane provides oxygen enriched air to a fuel burner where high temperature oxidation of a diesel or JP-8 fuel is then enabled in a burner assembly. The hot combustion gases in the burner heat an emitter specifically designed for a thermophotovoltaic or thermionic device. A second blower or pump provides nitrogen enriched air for auxiliary cooling purposes.

Description

GOVERNMENT INTEREST [0001] The invention described herein may be manufactured, used, sold, imported, and / or licensed by or for the Government of the United States of America.FIELD OF INTEREST [0002] The invention relates to oxygen enriched combustion of diesel and JP-8 fuels. In particular, the oxygen enrichment of the fuel raises combustion temperatures beyond that which is possible with ambient air, thereby enabling various improvements and design flexibility for soldier-portable direct energy conversion devices such as Thermionic and Thermophotovoltaic power systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The U.S. Army has invested considerable research in the area of direct energy conversion. The appeal of these technologies is that they are characterized by solid-state designs and they utilize burner systems that can be readily adapted to logistics fuels, diesel or JP-8. Further, these technologies offer lower noise and vibration than conventional reciprocating internal combustion ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): F23N1/00
CPCF23L7/007F23M2900/13004Y02E20/344Y02E20/34
Inventor COOMBE, H. SCOTT
Owner ARMY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS BY THE DEPT OF THE
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