Analysis of the pulse combustion burner

The analysis presented attempts to establish the manner in which pulse combustion burner performance is influenced by the principal design parameters (combustion chamber volume, exhaust pipe length and diameter, gas valve flow parameters and air/fuel ratio). The analytical model developed defines the unique operating point of the burner in terms of these parameters. Specifically, the frequency, peak pressure and firing rate are predicted by the model. Comparisons of predicted results with experimental data from AGA are presented; the frequency agreement is good, the firing rate relationships are qualitatively in agreement, and the peak pressure comparisons are partially successful. The limitations of the model and suggestions for its improvement are discussed. The results suggest that the combustion chamber and tailpipe dimensions have a significant effect on burner frequency, while the air and gas valve sizes have the greatest effect on burner firing rate and, through their effect on air-fuel ratio, on the peak pressure in the combustion chamber.