Hybrid combustion device and system therefor

Abstract

A hybrid burner system is disclosed which incorporates features of continuous burners and pulse combustion devices. A combustion chamber is fitted with one-way air inlet valves, an orificed or small sized exhaust outlet valve and a pressurized, gas inlet which is externally actuated in a periodic manner to produce combustion pulses during operation. The combustion pulses generate heat, force the products of combustion from the burner chamber and cause combustion air to periodically enter the chamber in a self-aspirating manner. Combustion occurs silently during the entire time the fuel is externally pulsed because of the way a fuel/air mixture is developed in a chamber which is filled with combustion air prior to fuel introduction. A spark plug electrode-stabilizing rod arrangement insures consistent ignition while a flame front is stabilized and propagated. The burner arrangement is self-contained in a recirculating heat exchange application where a pulse opening is provided at a precise position relative to the heat combustion chamber. A pulse line taps the pressure pulses produced during the burner operation to provide a fairly constant fluid flow for use in a closed-loop system where the burner supplies the heat input to the system.