Design and Preliminary Test Results of the Plasma Assisted Tornado Combustor

Abstract

The plasma assisted Tornado combustor, which aerodynamics dramatically differs from a conventional direct vortex combustor has been developed and preliminary tested. This device combines several innovative solutions, such as recently developed double and triple vortex fluid apparatus, non-equilibrium plasma pilot and plasma chemical reactor. The plasma assisted Tornado combustor tests showed (1) possibility to incorporate spatial rotating non-thermal arc into a new device with complicated internal aerodynamics and (2) the spatial arc advantages in providing reliable ignition and flame control without any visible erosion employing several tested power sources from conventional automotive coil to nano-second pulse power generator. Results of this work could be used for further triple vortex combustor improvements and optimization, prospective burners and combustors prototyping for propulsion and power generation.