Microchannel Combustor
There is a need for compact heating, cooling and power generation systems. When compared to batteries, hydrocarbon fuels have an energy density (Wt/kg or Wt/m3) a factor of 100 higher. The microchannel combustor takes advantage of the energy density of these fuels and the heat exchange efficiency of microchannels to produce a "palm-sized" combustor, capable of producing as much as a kilowatt of thermal power. These combustors can be used for distributed and man-portable applications include room by room home heating, air conditioning for a soldier, or power generation for a backpacker.
Because of the large surface area created by the microchannels, heat fluxes greater than 25 W/cm2 with thermal efficiencies of greater than 80% have been obtained (as measured by the fraction of the higher heating value of the fuel going to heat the coolant). Because of the small size of these units, they heat up quickly and can be carried easily. Additionally, these combustors can be designed to produce low emissions such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and carbon monoxide.
