Method and device for influencing combustion processes involving combustibles

Abstract

A method and device are for influencing combustion processes, and include an electrical device. The electrical device engages with the flame front so that the electrical field thus produced, only penetrates areas of the flame front in which a stabilizing and harmful-substance-reducing effect is produced. The electrodes of the burner are arranged outside the region of the flame in the associated device.

1 - 23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . A method for influencing a combustion operation, comprising: 
 exerting an electric force on charge carriers produced by a flame in the combustion operation;    arranging field-generating electrodes for generating an electric field on a side of a burner opening which is opposite to the direction of the flame, such that there is no straight connecting line can be drawn between electrodes of opposite polarity which passes through the flame; and    exposing the electric field to the flame during a combustion operation by passing the electric field through only those areas of the flame in which the electric field has a stabilizing, pollutant-reducing effect.    
   
   
       25 . The method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein premixed gases are used.  
   
   
       26 . The method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein thermo-acoustic emissions are reduced.  
   
   
       27 . A device for carrying out the method as claimed in  claim 24 , comprising field-generating electrodes for generating an electric field which is adapted to influence a flame during a combustion operation, the electrodes being arranged outside an area of the flame by exerting an electric force on charge carriers produced by the flame and being arranged on a side of a burner opening which is remote from the flame, wherein there is no straight connecting line between electrodes of opposite polarity which passes through the flame.  
   
   
       28 . The device as claimed in  claim 27 , further comprising at least one annular electrode, surrounding the burner.  
   
   
       29 . The device as claimed in  claim 28 , further comprising an annular electrode directly on the burner, on the side of the burner opening which is remote from the flame.  
   
   
       30 . The device as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein a rod electrode is arranged coaxially inside the burner.  
   
   
       31 . The device as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the burner is surrounded by a plurality of electrodes arranged on the circumference around the flame.  
   
   
       32 . The device as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the electrodes are arranged symmetrically around the burner.  
   
   
       33 . The device as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein the electrodes are rod electrodes directed centrally at the burner.  
   
   
       34 . The device as claimed in  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 sensors for recording the frequency and amplitude of at least one of combustion oscillations and pollutant concentration in an exhaust-gas stream, the sensors, via at least one control device, being adapted to control frequency, amplitude and phase of an applied voltage in such a way that at least one of the combustion oscillations and pollutant concentration in the exhaust gas are minimized.    
   
   
       35 . The device as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein a rod electrode is arranged coaxially inside the burner.  
   
   
       36 . The device as claimed in  claim 30 , wherein the burner is surrounded by a plurality of electrodes arranged on the circumference around the flame.  
   
   
       37 . The device as claimed in  claim 36 , wherein the electrodes are arranged symmetrically around the burner.  
   
   
       38 . The device as claimed in  claim 37 , wherein the electrodes are rod electrodes directed centrally at the burner.  
   
   
       39 . A device for influencing a combustion operation, comprising: 
 field-generating electrodes for generating an electric field which is adapted to influence a flame by exerting an electric force on charge carriers produced by the flame during a combustion operation, the electrodes being arranged outside an area of the flame and being arranged on a side of a burner opening which is opposite to the direction of flame propagation, wherein there is no straight connecting line between electrodes of opposite polarity which passes through the flame.    
   
   
       40 . The device as claimed in  claim 39 , further comprising at least one annular electrode, surrounding the burner.  
   
   
       41 . The device as claimed in  claim 39 , further comprising an annular electrode directly on the burner, on the side of the burner opening which is remote from the flame.  
   
   
       42 . The device as claimed in  claim 39 , wherein a rod electrode is arranged coaxially inside the burner.  
   
   
       43 . The device as claimed in  claim 42 , wherein the burner is surrounded by a plurality of electrodes arranged on the circumference around the flame.  
   
   
       44 . The device as claimed in  claim 39 , wherein the electrodes are arranged symmetrically around the burner.  
   
   
       45 . The device as claimed in  claim 44 , wherein the electrodes are rod electrodes directed centrally at the burner.  
   
   
       46 . The device as claimed in  claim 39 , further comprising: 
 sensors for recording the frequency and amplitude of at least one of combustion oscillations and pollutant concentration in an exhaust-gas stream, the sensors, via at least one control device, being adapted to control frequency, amplitude and phase of an applied voltage in such a way that at least one of the combustion oscillations and pollutant concentration in the exhaust gas are minimized.