SPRAY TRIODE electrostatic fuel atomizers are ideally suited for use in portable power systems. Spray droplet formation and dispersion being purely electrical in nature is achieved at low fuel pressures (>= 1/2 atmosphere). Auxiliary air or mechanical assistance is not needed. Moreover, these firefly sized atomizers typically require a few milliwatts to blue flame logistics fuels. However, to do so requires operation close to the maximum voltage defined by electrical breakdown whereinutter disruption of spray development and dispersion occurs. A means for circumventing breakdown and permitting stable, autonomous and optimal spray development under all operating conditions is proposed. Detailed knowledge of the breakdown process permits the design of a feed back control system that maintains operating voltage close to, but never exceeding the breakdown limit. A key element of this compact, low power and cost effective control system is an agile DC-DC converter whose high voltage (~5 kV) output faithfully mimics the low voltage (~5 V)controller manipulated input on a kHz basis. When implemented, SPRAY TRIODE electrostatic atomizer operation will be Transparent insofar asthe nozzle will operate optimally with all fuels and valve settings.
Benefits: The controller represents enabling technology for the introduction of electrostatic fuel preparation for carbureted, manifold and direct injected gas and diesel IC and gas turbine engines, heaters, boilers, cook stoves.
