This device burns fossil fuels more efficiently by using plasma-induced vortex generators that create uniform mixing of fuel and air. Fuel combustion -- the sequence of chemical reactions between a fuel and oxidant that leads to the creation of energy -- is today’s number-one source of power. It is used in everything from cars and planes to everyday household appliances, and yet inefficiencies within the combustion process still cost companies millions of dollars each year. Not only are these losses costly in the financial sense, but these by-products also contribute to carbon-dioxide emissions associated with climate change. The aerospace industry alone would save millions of dollars with even the slightest improvement on these inefficiencies. Researchers at the University of Florida have created a device that reduces this loss of potential energy and could lead to advancements in the combustion industry as a whole. The device uses plasma generators to create patterns of uniform air flow to reduce drag and friction. Useful in everything from propulsion systems to even the most primitive of steam engines, this product offers unparalleled advantages in providing the industry with cheaper, cleaner energy sources for years to come.
Improved mixing of fluids for more efficient combustion in propulsion systems
The device generates highly turbulent air flow in order to reduce drag and friction across the mixing surface inside the combustor. Plasma generators are arranged in a chamber, which are controlled by a firing actuator system. When air enters the chamber, the air is accelerated upon contact with the plasma generators. Depending on the physical location, electrode arrangement and firing of the plasma generators and the shape of the chamber, different patterns of air flow can be created. This is an improvement over mechanical designs, which require much larger chambers with swirler-type arrangements and could not produce rapidly mixed leaner air-fuel mixture. The increased efficiencies allow for substantial savings during the combustion process and decreased production of harmful by-products. The device also offers potential improvements in noise control, heat transfer losses, and necessary air-fuel mixing process preceding combustion.
