Flame Electrodynamics

Controlling combustion chemistry for enhanced energy production.

The objective of this research is to develop new innovative and more efficient technologies for the use of fossil or renewable fuel resources. The commercialization of such devices is driven by a better understanding of the effect of externally applied perturbations on the chemistry of a flame. 

We have developed an experimental set up allowing us to apply high electric field (up to 50,000 V/m) to premixed and diffusion  flames. The changes in flame chemistry are observed using non-intrusive spectroscopic techniques. Data are collected using hydrogen flame and compared to computational models. This will allow the development of a prototype for the control of combustion chemistry toward higher energy efficiency.