Electronic edition ISSN 1574-0579

The impact of EM field on combustion

J. Valdmanis , I. Barmina , M. Zaķe , R. Valdmanis , A. Cipijs

Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera str., Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia

Abstract
The effects of DC and AC electric field at 50 Hz and 13.56 MHz and 41 MHz frequencies on the combustion characteristics of biomass pellets have been investigated using an experimental setup of average power 20-40 kW with continuous pellet feed into the setup at average rates 1.5-3 g/s by applying AC voltage to the flame base, where thermal decomposition of biomass pellets produces the axial flow of volatiles (CO, H₂) determining the formation of the flame reaction zone. The AC and DC electric field effects on the flame composition and combustion efficiency are studied with account of field effects on thermal decomposition of biomass, ignition and combustion of volatiles. Main aspects of EM electric field-induced variations of the combustion characteristics and the formation of field-induced combustion instability are discussed and analyzed. Figs 6, Refs 23.