Pulse combustor ignitor system

摘要

A pulse combustor ignitor comprising a small combustion chamber located external to the pulse combustion chamber. A spark ignition source such as a spark plug is associated with the chamber and separate inlets for fuel and air are provided. The fuel/air mixture is ignited by the spark plug and the ignited mixture is directed into the combustion chamber of the pulse combustor until a steady state operation of the pulse combustor is achieved. An air preheater may be used for the air delivered to the ignitor combustion chamber. The flow pattern of the fuel/air mixture and the flame may be controlled by an adjustable passage element located between the respective ignitor and pulse combustor combustion chambers. A flame scanner positioned external to the pulse combustor may be used to sense the entrance of the ignited mixture from the ignitor into the pulse combustor.