Ultra-lean combustion sustained by pulsed subcritical microwaves

The extension of the lean combustion limit in methane/air mixtures is achieved using pulsed microwave energy deposition. Energy deposition is localized to the region between the reaction zone and the post- flame zone. Lean limit extension from equivalence ratio of 0.6 to 0.3 and flame speed increases of approximately 25 percent are achieved with a kHz rate microwave pulse train. Energy deposition in methane/air flame fronts from microwave pulses is estimated based on filtered Rayleigh scattering temperature measurements and microwave power measurements. The extension of the lean limit for combustion has wide- ranging applications for engines and combustors with potential benefits in fuel efficiency and pollutant production. 2011 by Princeton University. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.

Ultra-lean combustion sustained by pulsed subcritical microwaves Conference Paper