Abstract

The performance of a catalytically sustained microcombustor was investigated. The reactants for combustion were air and propane, which were mixed together and delivered to the end of a bayonet-style, heat recirculating combustor having a reaction volume measuring approximately 0.25 mm3. Platinum wire in the shape of a coil was used as an active surface to catalyze the exothermic reactions. Measurements of temperature and reactant flow rate were made during the study. Results show that propane can be burned in a self-sustaining fashion in the microcombustor with heat release rates as low as 1.0 Watt.

Volume Subject Area:
Micro and Mesoscale Energy Systems and Conversion Devices
Topics:
Combustion, Heat, Combustion chambers, Flow (Dynamics), Platinum, Shapes, Temperature, Wire
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 2001 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
You do not currently have access to this content.