Device for transferring heat and a related means of triggering a controlled combustion

摘要

The present invention is a means of starting a controlled combustion reaction by introducing sodium borohydride or similar chemical to a liquid or gelatinous fuel. The present invention is also a device for transferring heat having a thermal conductor connected to a catalyst such that the thermal conductor is positioned within a liquid or gelatinous fuel held within a fuel container.

主权项

1. A method for triggering a controlled combustion of an alcohol-based fuel, the method comprising the steps of:
containing an alcohol-based primary fuel within a fuel container; providing a thermal conductor in thermal contact with the primary fuel; providing a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is thermally connected to the thermal conductor and fluidly connected to air; and introducing an initiator within the container such that the initiator provides a supply of hydrogen gas; wherein the initiator starts a controlled combustion of the primary fuel by:
(a) combusting the hydrogen gas with air on or near the catalyst; and(b) generating heat and vaporization of the primary fuel; wherein the fuel container and thermal conductor are configured such that (i) heat generated by the initiator is transferred to the primary fuel and (ii) vaporized primary fuel is delivered to the catalyst; and wherein the heat and vaporized primary fuel thereby support an environment for sustained combustion of the primary fuel by the catalyst in the absence of further supply of hydrogen gas from the initiator.