Combustion system, particle separator and feed system for combined heat and power system

Abstract

A combustion system, particle separator and feed system for a combined heat and power system is provided. The system includes a combustion chamber configured to directly combust solid organic material. A combustion system is provided having a pressure vessel and a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is disposed within the pressure vessel with a space therebetween. A conical plenum is disposed within the combustion chamber that distributes fuel to a perimeter of the combustion chamber. Plenum tubes extend from the conical plenum are configured to lift and suspend the solid organic material and induce a cyclonic flow within the combustion chamber. A port is coupled between an air source and the space, wherein during operation, air flows from the air source through the port and into the space to provide a thermal break between the combustion chamber and the pressure vessel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A combustion system comprising:
 a pressure vessel;   a combustion chamber disposed within the pressure vessel, the combustion chamber being configured to combust solid organic material, wherein the combustion chamber and the pressure vessel are arranged to define a space therebetween;   a conical plenum disposed within the combustion chamber, the conical plenum being configured to distribute fuel to a perimeter of the combustion chamber;   a plurality of plenum tubes extending from the conical plenum and oriented tangentially to a radius of the combustion chamber, the plurality of plenum tubes being configured to lift and suspend the solid organic material and induce a cyclonic flow within the combustion chamber; and   a port fluidly coupled between an air source and the space, wherein during operation, air flows from the air source through the port and into the space to provide a thermal break between the combustion chamber and the pressure vessel.   
     
     
         2 . The combustion system of  claim 1 , further comprising a particle separator pressure vessel fluidly coupled to receive air flow from the space. 
     
     
         3 . The combustion system of  claim 2 , further comprising a uni-flow cyclone fluidly coupled to receive combustion gases from the combustion chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The combustion system of  claim 3 , further comprising a first insulation layer disposed about the combustion chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The combustion system of  claim 4 , further comprising a second insulation layer about the uni-flow cyclone. 
     
     
         6 . The combustion system of  claim 5 , wherein the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer are a spray refractory or a blanket insulation. 
     
     
         7 . A particle separator comprising:
 a pressure vessel;   at least one uni-flow cyclones disposed within the pressure vessel, the at least one uni-flow cyclone being configured to remove particles larger than 10 microns;   a plenum disposed about the at least one uni-flow cyclone within the pressure vessel, the plenum defining a thermal insulation break between the at least one uni-flow cyclone and the pressure vessel; and   an ash bin disposed within the pressure vessel adjacent an outlet of at least one of uni-flow cyclone.   
     
     
         8 . The particle separator of  claim 7 , further comprising a cyclone ash valve operably coupled to an ash bin outlet, the cyclone ash valve being configured to pneumatically isolate the at least one uni-flow cyclone. 
     
     
         9 . The particle separator of  claim 7 , further comprising a water-cooled jacket disposed about the outlet of the ash bin. 
     
     
         10 . The particle separator of  claim 9 , further comprising a conduit coupled between the cyclone ash valve and the ash bin. 
     
     
         11 . A pressurized feed system comprising:
 a fuel hopper having a hollow interior and configured to hold material under pressure;   a gas valve configured to seal the pressurized feed system;   a metering device configured to meter the material flowing therethrough;   a pressurized auger operationally coupled between the fuel hopper and the rotary feed valve;   a feed tube operably coupled to the rotary feed valve opposite the pressurized auger.   
     
     
         12 . The pressurized feed system of  claim 11 , further comprising a solenoid air valve fluidly coupled to the fuel hopper, the solenoid air valve being configured to selectively release pressurized air from the fuel hopper. 
     
     
         13 . The pressurized feed system of  claim 12 , further comprising a cyclone ash valve fluidly coupled to the solenoid air valve. 
     
     
         14 . The pressure feed system of  claim 11 , wherein metering device is a rotary feed valve.