Autonomous Power System Using Small Scale Vortex Combustor

Abstract

Micro and meso scale combustors have attracted considerable attention as one of energy conversion media of liquid (or liquefied) hydrocarbon fuels which possess almost 100 times larger energy density than the conventional batteries. Then, in this decade, combustion characteristics in micro and meso scale channels have been extensively studied fundamentally and practically. Based on the obtained knowledge, micro combustion power systems aimed practical use have appeared. Currently, the miniature combustion power system using vortex combustor combined with thermos electric device (TED) is the most powerful system which output attained 18.1W and conversion efficiency 3.0% with 600W thermal input by propane air mixture. As a final step, prototype "autonomous" vortex combustion power system to charge the mobile electrical devices has developed. Using 250g butane cartridge, 10W output can be obtained over 5 hours with running all assisting devices such as micro blower for the combustion air or fans for cooling air of TED.