Active Electric Control of Emissions from Swirling Combustion

The DC electric field effect on the nonpremixed swirling flame dynamics, flame temperature and composition profiles is studied experimentally with the aim of establishing the feasibility of electric control of swirling combustion and formation of polluting emissions. The results testify that the electric field-enhanced mass transfer inside the internal recirculation zone disturbs the balance between the axial fuel flows and the reverse axial motion of the combustion products. The DC field effect on the fuel/air mixing rate and the residence time of reactions is responsible for soot growth and carbon burnout, thereby providing electric control of swirling combustion and formation of polluting emissions. The influence of applied voltage and polarity of the axially inserted electrode on the swirling combustion and composition of polluting emissions is shown and analyzed.