Apparatus for high-frequency electromagnetic initiation of a combustion process

摘要

Apparatus for providing electromagnetic radiation to a combustor (100) during a combustion process is disclosed. An electromagnetic radiation source (200) delivers electromagnetic radiation through a first waveguide (210) to a second waveguide that includes an electromagnetic radiation outlet (232) positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation to the interior of the combustor (112). Electromagnetic radiation is delivered to low temperature regions of a combustor (100) to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions. In addition, the electromagnetic radiation stimulates the combustion process so that lean air-fuel mixtures and low BTU gases can be burned at lower combustion temperatures leading to reduced NO X emissions.