Boiler

Open flame burners in boilers are the most straightforward systems for retrofitting. Currently burners must operate with oxygen levels 8 – 10% above stoichiometric values in order to mitigate NOx production. However, each percentage point of excess air over stoichiometry reduces the cycle efficiency by one percent. The new reaction kinetics accompanying the unipolar discharges allows for reductions in the excess air while maintaining low NOx profiles.  Similar arguments are made for combustion turbines. Turbine providers are currently examining plasma assisted operation with limited success. The unipolar approach will sustain the catalytic properties throughout the combustion sequence.