Recent advances in microfabrication technologies have enabled the development of entirely new classes of small-scale devices with applications in fields ranging from biomedicine, to wireless communication and computing, to reconnaissance, and to augmentation of human function. In many cases, however, what these devices can actually accomplish is limited by the low energy density of their energy storage and conversion systems. This breakthrough book brings together in one place the information necessary to develop the high energy density combustion-based power sources that will enable many of these devices to realize their full potential. Engineers and scientists working in energy-related fields will find: • An overview of the fundamental physics and phenomena of microscale combustion; • Presentations of the latest modeling and simulation techniques for gasphase and catalytic micro-reactors; • The latest results from experiments in small-scale liquid film, microtube, and porous combustors, micro-thrusters, and micro heat engines; • An assessment of the additional research necessary to develop compact and high energy density energy conversion systems that are truly practical.

"Catalytic Microreactors for Portable Power Generation” addresses a problem of high relevance and increased complexity in energy technology. This thesis outlines an investigation into catalytic and gas-phase combustion characteristics in channel-flow, platinum-coated microreactors. The emphasis of the study is on microreactor/microturbine concepts for portable power generation and the fuels of interest are methane and propane. The author carefully describes numerical and experimental techniques, providing a new insight into the complex interactions between chemical kinetics and molecular transport processes, as well as giving the first detailed report of hetero-/homogeneous chemical reaction mechanisms for catalytic propane combustion. The outcome of this work will be widely applied to the industrial design of micro- and mesoscale combustors.

Energiegewinnung im Mikromaßstab -- eine Alternative zu Energiespeichern (Batterien, Akkumulatoren) für mobile elektrische Geräte? Durchaus, wie dieser Band eindrucksvoll zeigt. Die einzelnen Beiträge, verfasst von international anerkannten Fachleuten, befassen sich mit Grundlagen der Energiegewinnung, Strategien und Designfragen bis hin zur konkreten technischen Umsetzung. Ergänzend werden Themen wie die Verarbeitung und Bereitstellung von Brennstoffen, die Steuerung von Stoff- und Wärmeströmen sowie Fragen der Wirtschaftlichkeit und Qualitätssicherung besprochen.

Tubular combustors are cylindrical tubes where flame ignition and propagation occur in a spatially confined, highly controlled environment, in a nearly flat, elongated geometry. This allows for some unique advantages where extremely even heat dispersion is required over a large surface while still maintaining fuel efficiency. Tubular combustors also allow for easy flexibility in type of fuel source, allowing for quick changeover to meet various needs and changing fuel pricing. This new addition to the MP sustainable energy series will provide the most up-to-date research on tubular combustion--some of it only now coming out of private proprietary protection. Plentiful examples of current applications along with a good explanation of background theory will offer readers an invaluable guide on this promising energy technology. Highlights include: * An introduction to the theory of tubular flames * The "how to" of maintaining stability of tubular flames through continuous combustion * Examples of both small-scale and large-scale applications like steel making, chemical processing, flexible-fuel-source heaters, efficient boilers, and other similar uses