Method and system for controlling the operation of a burner

A method for controlling the operation of a burner, the burner including a control board with a first control unit and a first memory, which stores first values of operating parameters of the burner, and a display device, which displays one or more items of data relating to the functioning of the burner, the display device including a second memory, which stores second values of operating parameters of the burner, each first and second operating parameters being capable of being changed over time. The method includes setting for each operating parameter at least one first value in the first memory, and at least one second value in the second memory; comparing, for each operating parameter, a corresponding first value and second value; if the first value and the second value are different, changing one of the first or second values, so that the first and second values are the same.

Low-powered system for driving a fuel control mechanism

A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.

Control system for controlling feed of solid fuel in a combustion process

Disclosed is a control system for controlling the feed of a solid fuel in a combustion process. The system includes a control unit which is adapted to communicate by way of a communications link in the system, to receive from online measuring instruments online measurement data regarding a fuel coming from a fuel reception unit, and to control a feeding unit for delivering the measured fuel into a fuel silo on the basis of its content model and measurement data.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR HEATING OBJECT TO BE HEATED

One object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for heating an object to be heated which can uniformly heat the object to be heated in a shorter time than in the prior art, the amount of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and the like generated can be significantly reduced, and the object to be heated can be dried and heated efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner, and the present invention provides a method for heating an object to be heated by a flame which is produced by supplying a fuel fluid and a combustion supporting gas to a burner as a heat source, wherein a temperature rising rate is increased by gradually increasing an oxygen concentration in the combustion supporting gas supplied to the burner and a device for heating an object to be heated including a burner for heating the object to be heated, a flow rate control unit for controlling a flow rate of a fuel fluid and a combustion supporting gas, and a calculation unit for transmitting combustion information of the burner to the flow rate control unit, and the flow rate control unit increases a temperature rising rate of the object to be heated by increasing the oxygen concentration in the combustion supporting gas supplied to the burner. 1. A method for heating an object to be heated by a flame which is produced by supplying a fuel fluid and a combustion supporting gas to a burner as a heat source ,wherein a temperature rising rate is increased by gradually increasing an oxygen concentration in the combustion supporting gas supplied to the burner.2. The method for heating an object to be heated according to claim 1 , wherein a combustion state of the burner is a periodic oscillation state by gradually increasing the oxygen concentration in the combustion supporting gas supplied to the burner with periodical changes claim 1 , periodically changing at least one of a flow rate of the fuel fluid and a flow rate of the combustion supporting gas claim 1 , periodically ...

Water Heater Pilot Operation

A method of controlling water heater pilot flame ignition includes receiving, by a controller of a water heater, a user input and controlling a pilot gas valve to start a gas flow to a pilot burner in response to the user input. The method further includes, in response to the user input, controlling, by the controller, an igniter to generate an ignition spark for lighting a pilot flame. The method also includes controlling, by the controller, the pilot gas valve to maintain the gas flow to the pilot burner if the pilot flame is lit. 1. A method of controlling water heater pilot flame ignition , the method comprising:receiving, by a controller of a water heater, a user input;controlling, by the controller, a pilot gas valve to start a gas flow to a pilot burner in response to the user input;in response to the user input, controlling, by the controller, an igniter to generate an ignition spark for lighting a pilot flame at the pilot burner; andcontrolling, by the controller, the pilot gas valve to maintain the gas flow to the pilot burner if the pilot flame is lit.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining whether the pilot flame is out after being lit.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising controlling claim 1 , by the controller claim 1 , the pilot gas valve to stop the gas flow to the pilot burner if the pilot flame is out after being lit.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, by the controller, whether the pilot flame is lit; andproviding, by the controller, a notification indicating whether the pilot flame is lit.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the notification includes a visual notification or an audio notification.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the notification includes a notification message transmitted wirelessly or via a wired connection.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, by the controller, whether the pilot flame is out after being lit; andproviding a notification indicating whether the ...

Furnace accessory

In accordance with the principals of the present invention, a furnace unit adapted to be installed in-line with a fuel source of a furnace modulates natural gas or propane to reduce fuel consumption, minimize temperature overshoot, and reduce furnace short cycling. A modulator is contained with the furnace unit. The modulator is in gaseous communication with the in-line gas fuel source. A furnace sensor senses furnace criteria related to the operation of the furnace. A microcontroller receives from the furnace sensor furnace criteria and controls the modulator based on the furnace criteria. In a further aspect of the invention, an environmental sensor can be provided to sense environmental criteria related to the operation of the furnace. In a further aspect of the invention, a base unit in electrical communication with the furnace unit can be provided, the base unit determining energy consumption usage and savings. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims 1. A furnace unit adapted to be installed in-line with a fuel source externally of a furnace comprising means to modulate natural gas or propane to reduce fuel consumption , minimize temperature overshoot , and reduce furnace short cycling.2. A furnace accessory comprisinga furnace unit adapted to be installed in-line with a gas fuel source;a power supply in electronic communication with the furnace unit, the power source providing power to the furnace unit;a modulator contained with the furnace unit, the modulator in gaseous communication with the in-line gas fuel source, the modulator powered from the power supply;a furnace sensor powered by the power supply, the furnace sensor sensing furnace criteria related to the operation of the furnace;a microcontroller powered by the power supply, the microprocessor receiving from the furnace sensor furnace criteria, the microprocessor controlling the modulator based on the furnace ...

Method for controlled operation of a heated, in particular regeneratively heated, industrial furnace, open-loop and closed-loop control unit, and heatable industrial furnace

A method for controlled operation of a heated industrial furnace having a furnace chamber is provided. Fuel is conducted into the furnace chamber virtually without combustion air and a gaseous oxygen carrier is also conducted. The supply of fuel and the gaseous oxygen carrier is controlled by a control loop. A first adjustable manipulated variable in the form of a flow of fuel and/or a second adjustable manipulated variable in the form of a flow of the gaseous oxygen carrier is set by a final controlling element. In the control loop, an energy requirement is determined and fed to a quantitative control and to a quantitative fuel control for the fuel. The flow of the gaseous oxygen carrier is determined as a process value of a flow of the gaseous oxygen carrier and the flow of fuel is determined as a process value of a volumetric flow of fuel.

INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS SMART HEATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT PRODUCE AND USE HYDROGEN FUEL

An intelligent heating system device is provided with processing, communications, and other information technology components, for remote monitoring and control and various value added features and services, embodiments of which use a renewable energy-powered electrolyzer to produce hydrogen as an on-demand fuel stream for a heating element of the heating system. 1. A cooking system , comprising:an electrolyzer for producing hydrogen fuel from water; andat least one heating element, the heating element controlled by a processor and adapted to use the hydrogen fuel under control of the processor; wherein the processor is connected to a network to enable communication to a remote server, the remote server having at least one module for providing at least one of remote monitoring and control of the operation of the cooking system.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a low-pressure hydrogen storage system for storing the hydrogen fuel produced by the electrolyzer.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a renewable energy system for powering the electrolyzer to produce the hydrogen fuel.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the renewable energy system is at least one of a solar power system claim 3 , a wind power system and a hydro-power system.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a liquid propane fuel system for providing fuel to the cooking system claim 1 , wherein the cooking system includes a fuel control module in operative connection with the processor to control the use of the liquid propane fuel and the hydrogen fuel for use by the cooking system.6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one interface whereby a system external to the cooking system at least one of monitors the cooking system claim 1 , controls the cooking system and obtains data collected by the cooking system via interaction with the at least one remote server.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the interface is at least one of ...

REMOTE FLAME-PRODUCING APPLIANCE CONTROL

One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for controlling and managing one or more flame-producing devices, such as fire features, heating devices and/or cooking devices. Control of respective devices may be provided by a first communication component and a first controller component disposed locally on respective devices, in combination with one or more wireless remote control devices. Respective flame-producing devices may be communicatively coupled with a remote control device, allowing for commands to be sent wirelessly to the flame-producing device, and status information to be sent to the remote control device. 1. A system for managing one or more flame-producing devices , comprising:a first communication component engaged with a first flame-producing device to wirelessly receive data indicative of instructions for managing the first flame-producing device, and wirelessly transmit data indicative of status information for the first flame-producing device, the communication component comprising a first short-range, wireless networking component to exchange data wirelessly with a wirelessly coupled remote control device; a first relay to control operation of one or more connected components of the flame-producing device; and', 'a microcontroller to control operation of the first relay., 'a first controller component operably engaged with a first flame-producing device and operably coupled with the first communication component to control one or more operations of the first flame-producing device, and provide the data indicative of status information for the first flame-producing device, the first controller component comprising one or more of2. The system of claim 1 , the remote control device used to wirelessly couple with the first short-range claim 1 , wireless networking component to wirelessly communicate with the first communication component to transmit the data indicative of instructions for managing the first flame-producing device.3. The ...

Method for selection of optimal engine operating conditions for generating linearized models for on-board control and estimation

A system for generating a base point database for use by a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) to control a gas turbine engine includes a memory configured to store a model of the gas turbine engine. The system also includes a model generation processor coupled to the memory and designed to perform an initial simulation of the gas turbine engine using the model to determine ranges of sensitivity of desired engine parameters throughout an operating envelope, divide the operating envelope into a multiple regions based on the ranges of sensitivity of the desired engine parameters, select multiple combinations of base points within each of the multiple regions, perform an additional simulation of the gas turbine engine to determine an accuracy of interpolation between each of the multiple combinations of base points for each of the multiple regions, and select final base points from the multiple combinations of base points based on the accuracy.

FLAME DETECTOR WITH SIGNAL COLLECTOR AND FOCUSER

The present invention concerns a flame detector with optical sensors situated within a housing, which is coupled to a signal collector and focuser enclosure. The enclosure includes a reflective surface or reflective surfaces generally oriented outwardly and in optical communication with the sensors through a shield window exposing the sensors; the shield window is situated between the enclosure and the housing of the flame detector. The enclosure may have a conical shape, a parabolic shape, and may include convex or concave surfaces that reflect emission signals from an emission signal source to the sensors in optical communication with the reflective surfaces. The enclosure is thus adapted to collect emission signals and narrow or focus a field of view of the sensors, thereby increasing a detection range between the flame detector and an emission signal source such as a flame source. 1. A flame detector , comprising:a sealed housing with a shield window incorporated on a top side of the sealed housing;a sensing circuitry disposed within an internal space of the sealed housing, the sensing circuitry including one or more optical sensors directed up toward the shield window; anda reflective surface coupled to the sealed housing arranged about a space outwardly from the shield window and adapted to reflect emission signals from an emission signal source to the one or more optical sensors, wherein the sensing circuitry is configured to determine if a flame is present in a field of view outside of the shield window.2. The flame detector of claim 1 , wherein the sensing circuitry is further configured to generate a user detectable signal in response to determining that the flame is present in the field of view outside of the shield window.3. The flame detector of claim 1 , wherein a determination by the sensing circuitry of whether the flame is present in the field of view outside of the shield window includes:receiving, from the one or more optical sensors, a set of ...

VALVE POSITION CONTROL

A method for calibrating a position of a control valve within a gas valve assembly for controlling fuel flow to a combustion appliance. The method may include moving the control valve to a second end stop, moving the control valve from the second end stop to a first end stop while counting a number of steps traveled by a stepper motor driving the control valve, and comparing the counted number of steps traveled from the second end stop to the first end stop to a reference value stored in a memory of the controller. If the counted number of steps does not match the reference value, the gas valve assembly may be placed in a lockout mode. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:when the control valve is at the first end stop, the control valve is in a fully closed position; andwhen the control valve is at the second end stop, the control valve is in a fully open position.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein when moving the control valve from the second end stop to the first end stop claim 1 , the controller is configured to initially operate the stepper motor in a higher current mode for a predetermined number of motor steps before operating the stepper motor in an end stop detect mode whereby the control valve reaching the first end stop is detected by a sensed a higher current draw from the stepper motor.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein moving the control valve from the second end stop to the first end stop comprises moving the control valve a full valve stroke of the control valve plus a predetermined clearance margin claim 1 , wherein the predetermined clearance margin accounts for particular tolerances associated with the gas valve assembly.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the gas valve assembly further comprises a drive train from the stepper motor to the control valve claim 4 , and wherein the predetermined clearance margin accounts for particular tolerances associated with the drive train.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to initiate ...

DOUBLE SWIRL BURNER

A double swirl burner including an annular air nozzle, an annular fuel nozzle coaxially disposed within the annular air nozzle, and a central air nozzle coaxially disposed within the annular fuel nozzle. An annular air nozzle may include at least one first inlet port on a peripheral wall of the annular air nozzle, where the first inlet port may be configured to allow for tangentially injecting a first air stream into the annular air nozzle. A first air stream may be tangent to a circular cross-section of the exemplary annular air nozzle, and a first axial inlet that may be configured to allow for axially injecting a second air stream into the annular air nozzle along a centerline of the annular air nozzle. 1. A double swirl burner , comprising: at least one first inlet port on a peripheral wall of the annular air nozzle, the first inlet port configured to allow for tangentially injecting a first air stream into the annular air nozzle, the first air stream tangential to a circular cross-section of the annular air nozzle; and', 'a first axial inlet configured to allow for axially injecting a second airstream into the annular air nozzle along a centerline of the annular air nozzle;, 'an annular air nozzle, the annular air nozzle comprisingan annular fuel nozzle coaxially disposed within the annular air nozzle, the annular fuel nozzle comprising an axial fuel inlet, the axial fuel inlet configured to allow for axially injecting a fuel stream along a centerline of the annular fuel nozzle; and at least one second inlet port on a peripheral wall of the central air nozzle, the second inlet port configured to allow for tangentially injecting a third air stream into the central air nozzle, the third stream tangential to a circular cross-section of the central air nozzle; and', 'a second axial inlet configured to allow for axially injecting a fourth air stream into the central air nozzle along a centerline of the central air nozzle., 'a central air nozzle coaxially disposed ...

BURNER SYSTEM CONTROL

A controller for managing communication of a burner system. The controller may comprise a communication module to manage the exchange of messages between devices of the burner system. The controller may also incorporate a processing module to compose the messages that are exchanged between the devices, identify issues regarding the messages, determine that devices may not be operating properly, and lock-out the devices in response. The controller may also incorporate a timing module having a set of timing requirements and being configured to lock-out devices in response to violation of a timing requirement. 1. A controller for managing communication of a burner system , the controller comprising:a communication module configured to manage an exchange of messages between devices of a burner system; and compose the messages that are exchanged between the devices of the burner system;', 'identify issues regarding the messages exchanged between the devices of the burner system;', 'determine that a set of devices of the burner system may not be operating properly based on the identified issues regarding the messages; and', 'lock-out at least one device of the burner system in response to determining that the set of devices of the burner system may not be operating properly; and, 'a processing module configured towherein a timing module has a set of timing requirements and is configured to lock-out at least one device of the burner system in response to violation of a timing requirement from the set of timing requirements.2. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the messages comprise periodic messages and aperiodic messages.3. The controller of claim 2 , wherein the set of timing requirements includes a timing requirement that a predetermined number of the periodic messages received during a predetermined amount of time must be below a threshold.4. The controller of claim 2 , wherein the set of timing requirements includes a timing requirement that the periodic messages ...

EQUIPMENT AND METHOD FOR FURNACE VISUALIZATION USING VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE WINDOWS

A process is provided for analyzing and visualizing conditions of a combustion process in an enclosure, and includes steps of providing continuously updated images of the enclosure for visualization of the enclosure to a user, using a viewing device having a display representing a virtual window of the enclosure; detecting a viewing angle and a viewing position of the user relative to the enclosure; illustrating an interior prospect of the enclosure relative to the viewing angle and position of the user based on the images of the enclosure; and adjusting, in realtime, the illustration of the interior prospect of the enclosure as at least one of the viewing angle and position of the user is changed for reflecting a changed view of the user. 1. A process for analyzing and visualizing conditions of a combustion process in an enclosure , comprising:providing continuously updated images of the enclosure for visualization of the enclosure to a user, using a viewing device having a display representing a virtual window of the enclosure;detecting a viewing angle and a viewing position of the user relative to the enclosure;illustrating an interior prospect of the enclosure relative to the viewing angle and position of the user based on the images of the enclosure; andadjusting, in realtime, the illustration of the interior prospect of the enclosure as at least one of the viewing angle and position of the user is changed for reflecting a changed view of the user.2. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising capturing the images of the enclosure using a plurality of image-capturing devices connected to the enclosure.3. The process according to claim 2 , further comprising compiling the images received from the plurality of image-capturing devices claim 2 , and constructing a three-dimensional (3D) view of the interior prospect of the enclosure based on the compiled images.4. The process according to claim 3 , further comprising transmitting the 3D view of the ...

SINGLE VALVE FOR GAS GRILL WITH MULTIPLE BURNERS

A gas delivery system for gas grills is provided, the delivery system including one gas valve that controls the gas flow to a plurality of burner tubes. 1. A gas delivery system for a gas grill , the grill having a firebox with a front and a back portion , the system comprising:a plurality of burner tubes that extend into the firebox from the front portion to the back portion;a gas control valve, the control valve having a gas inlet and a plurality of gas outlets coinciding in number with the plurality of burner tubes;a gas line from each gas outlet of the control valve to a corresponding burner tube, whereby the amount of gas delivered to a particular burner tube is dependent upon the adjustment of the control valve.2. The gas delivery system of wherein the gas control valve includes a valve stem operably coupled to a control cone having a plurality of apertures claim 1 , such that the amount of gas delivered to a particular burner tube is adjusted by turning the valve stem and aligning the desired apertures of the control cone with the desired gas outlet of the valve.3. The gas delivery system of wherein adjustment of the gas control valve enables the plurality of burners to provide different gas flows.4. The gas delivery system of wherein adjustment of the gas control valve enables indirect cooking.5. The gas delivery system of wherein the plurality of burner tubes extend into the firebox from one side of the firebox to the other. The present inventions relate to gas grills. In particular, the present inventions relate to gas grills having a gas delivery system with one valve that controls multiple burners to easily enable a wide range of cooking conditions.Grilling is exceedingly popular. The use of gas grills is also extremely popular for a variety of reasons. For example, some grillers don't like the mess of charcoal and particularly, lighting or starting the charcoal. Some grillers also like the control and relative ease of use of gas grills.Typical gas ...

ATOMIZATION BURNER WITH FLEXIBLE FIRE RATE

A burner includes an atomizing chamber, a flame tube in front of the atomizing chamber adapted to direct combusting fuel introduced by the atomizing chamber along an interior of the flame tube, and a controller. The controller is programmed to independently control rate of fuel flow to the atomizing chamber, rate of atomizing air flow to the atomizing chamber, and rate of combustion air to the flame tub. The controller is also programmed to perform operations including regulating, based on output of a gas sensor, at least the rate of combustion air to the flame tube to substantially maintain a first predetermined amount of excess air in the flame tube. 1. A burner , comprising:an atomizing chamber;a flame tube in front of the atomizing chamber, adapted to direct combusting fuel introduced by the atomizing chamber along an interior of the flame tube; and 'regulating, based on output of a gas sensor, at least the rate of combustion air to the flame tube to substantially maintain a first predetermined amount of excess air in the flame tube.', 'a controller programmed to independently control rate of fuel flow to the atomizing chamber, rate of atomizing air flow to the atomizing chamber, and rate of combustion air to the flame tube, the controller being programmed to perform operations comprising2. The burner of claim 1 , the controller being further programmed to perform operations comprising:increasing, in response to an absence of reliable output from the gas sensor, the at least the rate of combustion air to the flame tube to transition to a second predetermined amount of excess air in the flame tube, the second predetermined amount of air being higher than the first predetermined amount of excess air.3. The burner of claim 2 , the controller being further programmed to perform operations comprising:regulating, after the increasing, at least the rate of combustion air to the flame tube to maintain the second predetermined amount of excess air in the flame tube.4. ...

Bubbling Fluidized Bed Combustion Device and Method for Monitoring the Fluidized Bed in Such a Combustion Device

A bubbling fluidized bed combustion device () comprising a fluidization vessel (), a fluidized sand bed () arranged in the fluidization vessel and an arrangement for monitoring the fluidized sand bed. The arrangement comprises at least one radar level gauge () arranged to repeatedly measure a distance (D) in the fluidization vessel from a reference point () to at least one portion () of the top surface of () the fluidized sand bed, and to provide a measurement signal (S) representative of the distance. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a fluidized bed in a bubbling fluidized bed combustion device. 1. A bubbling fluidized bed combustion device comprisinga fluidization vessel;a fluidized sand bed arranged in said fluidization vessel; andan arrangement for monitoring said fluidized sand bed, said arrangement comprising at least one radar level gauge arranged to repeatedly measure a distance in said fluidization vessel from a reference point to at least one portion of the top surface of the fluidized sand bed, and to provide a measurement signal representative of said distance.2. The bubbling fluidized bed combustion device according to claim 1 , wherein said arrangement further comprises evaluation means configured to repeatedly determine a bed state parameter based on said signal claim 1 , said state parameter being one of said distance claim 1 , a level of said fluidized sand bed or a height of said fluidized sand bed.3. The bubbling fluidized bed combustion device according to claim 2 , wherein said evaluation means is configured to repeatedly determine a variation of said bed state parameter including determining an amplitude and/or a frequency of said variation based on current and previously determined bed state parameter values.4. The bubbling fluidized bed combustion device according to claim 3 , wherein said evaluation means is configured to repeatedly store data in a memory claim 3 , said data including at least one of the determined bed ...

HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE FOR GAS VALVE

This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, a valve leakage test and/or other tests may be performed on a valve assembly including a valve body with a first valve and a second valve, where the valves may be positioned across a fluid path in the valve body with an intermediate volume between the valves. A human machine interface (HMI) may be in communication with the valve assembly to initiate and/or monitor tests on the valve assembly. The HMI may include a start button on a user interface for initiating the tests on valve assembly. The HMI may receive results of the tests (e.g., valve leakage tests) in real time during the test and display the results of the tests on a display of the HMI in real time. 1. A valve assembly having a gas inlet and a gas outlet , the valve assembly comprising:a first valve fluidly coupled to the gas inlet;a second valve downstream of the first valve, operatively coupled to the gas outlet;a pressure sensor positioned to sense a pressure in an intermediate volume between the first valve and the second valve,a controller operatively coupled to the first valve, the second valve and the pressure sensor;the controller is configured to open the first valve and the second valve to allow gas to flow from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, and close one or more of the first valve and the second valve to prevent gas from flowing from the gas inlet to the gas outlet; closing the first valve and opening the second valve;', 'with the first valve still closed, closing the second valve for a first predetermined amount of time;', 'monitoring for a first valve leak rate during the first predetermined amount of time; and, 'the controller is further configured to execute a valve leak test, which comprisesa human machine interface (HMI) operatively coupled to the controller, the human machine interface including a user interface with a display, the user interface including a start selection that ...

Apparatus for Oil Flow Control

The current invention discloses a method of controlling the flow rate of a heavy fuel oil in a fluid transfer apparatus having a point of use outlet to a boiler. It not only controls the flow rate of the fuel oil directly, but also indirectly control the viscosity of the fuel oil without measuring its viscosity. It relies on combustion curves established during the commissioning period using a typical fuel oil at a predetermined trim heater temperature. During normal operation, it sets the flow control valve according to the combustion curves, measures the flow rate and compares to the flow rate target. Instead of using the flow rate measurement feedback to control the flow control vale, it modulates the trim heater to vary the viscosity to arrive at the desired flow rate. 1. An apparatus for controlling a fuel oil , comprising{'b': '10', 'An oil pump for drawing the fuel oil from a source and raising a pressure of the fuel oil;'}{'b': '15', 'A pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the fuel oil downstream of the pressure regulator to a desired value;'}{'b': '20', 'A trim heater for controlling a temperature of the fuel oil;'}{'b': '30', 'A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature the fuel oil;'}{'b': '40', 'A flow control valve (FCV) for controlling a flow rate of fuel oil;'}{'b': '50', 'A flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the fuel oil;'}{'b': '70', 'A combustion controller ;'}{'b': '90', 'A heater controller ; and'}{'b': 70', '90', '40', '90', '30', '50', '20, 'A burner capable of burning said fuel oil in a boiler, wherein the combustion controller receives a call for heat signal from the boiler, and determines a target flow rate of the fuel oil for the heater controller and a target setting for the FCV ; the heater controller receives feedback signals from the temperature sensor and the flow meter , and controls the trim heater to drive the flow rate of the fuel oil toward the target flow rate of the fuel oil.'}2709040. The apparatus in ...

EXTENSION DEVICE FOR CLOSURE MECHANISM

An extension device for remotely opening and closing a valve from a user knob is described. The device includes a flexible connector that allows the user knob to be positioned in various places relative the valve. One use for the disclosed device is with a gas grill, wherein the gas tank is placed in a position that is not easily accessible or is difficult for some persons to access. The extension device may be mounted in various positions on or near the grill allowing the user to open and close the gas tank's valve before and after use of the grill. 120-. (canceled)21. A device for remotely operating a valve , the device comprising:an adaptor configured to engage a tri-point valve knob on a propane tank, the adaptor comprising an upper portion and a skirt that extends downward from the upper portion of the adaptor, wherein the skirt is discontinuous such that a bottom end of the skirt forms at least a first skirt portion and a second skirt portion,wherein the first skirt portion has a shorter depth than the second skirt portion; andwherein the second skirt portion includes at least one detent that is angled inwards towards a center of the adaptor and extends from an inner surface of the second skirt portion, and wherein the detent is configured to extend below a lower edge of the valve knob when the adaptor engages the valve knob.22. The device of claim 21 , further comprising a connector coupled to the adaptor claim 21 , the connector comprising a housing and a rod positioned within the housing.23. The device of claim 22 , wherein the housing is configured to be attached to a side of a grill at or near a user knob claim 22 , or the rod extends through a surface of the grill.24. The device of claim 22 , wherein the rod is a flexible shaft comprising metal and or plastic.25. The device of claim 22 , wherein the rod is metal comprising one or more layers of metal cable or wire.26. The device of claim 22 , wherein the connector is detachably coupled to the adaptor.27. ...

FLAME DETECTING SYSTEM

A sensitivity parameter storing portion stores, as known sensitivity parameters owned by a flame sensor, reference received light quantity, reference pulse width, probability of regular discharge, and probabilities of non-regular discharge in advance. The discharge probability is calculated based on the number of drive pulses applied to the flame sensor and the number of discharges determined to have occurred in the flame sensor having received the drive pulses. The calculated discharge probability and the known sensitivity parameters are used to calculate the received light quantity per unit time received by the flame sensor. 1. A flame detecting system comprising:a flame sensor configured to have a pair of electrodes and detect light generated from a flame;an applied voltage generating device configured to periodically generate a pulsed voltage and apply the pulsed voltage across the pair of electrodes of the flame sensor as drive pulses;a current detecting device configured to detect current flowing through the flame sensor;{'sub': 0', '0', '0', 'N', '0', '0, 'a storage device for storing, as known sensitivity parameters owned by the flame sensor, at least a reference received light quantity Qof the flame sensor, a reference pulse width Tof the drive pulses applied across the pair of electrodes of the flame sensor, a probability Pof a regular discharge generated between the pair of electrodes, and a probability Pof a discharge other than the regular discharge, a received light quantity of the flame sensor being the reference received light quantity Q, a pulse width of the drive pulses applied to the flame sensor being the reference pulse width T;'}a number-of-discharges counting portion configured to count a number n of discharges determined to have occurred across the pair of electrodes of the flame sensor based on the current detected by the current detecting device when the drive pulses generated by the applied voltage generating device are applied across the ...

Combustion appratus

A combustion apparatus ( 1 ) has a burner ( 11 ) configured to burn combustion gas, a heat exchanger ( 12 ) disposed below the burner ( 11 ), and a combustion fan ( 13 ) configured to supply air for combustion, wherein the combustion apparatus performs post-purge operation in which the combustion fan ( 13 ) is activated for a predetermined period of time after combustion operation of the burner ( 11 ) stops, and intermittent blower operation in which activation and deactivation of the combustion fan ( 13 ) is repeated a plurality of times at predetermined intervals after the post-purge operation ends.

APPARATUS FOR COMBUSTION OPTIMIZATION AND METHOD THEREFOR

An apparatus for combustion optimization is provided. The apparatus for combustion optimization includes a management layer configured to collect currently measured real-time data for boiler combustion, and to determine whether to perform combustion optimization and whether to tune a combustion model and a combustion controller by analyzing the collected real-time data, a data layer configured to derive learning data necessary for designing the combustion model and the combustion controller from the real-time data and previously measured past data for the boiler combustion, a model layer configured to generate the combustion model and the combustion controller through the learning data, and an optimal layer configured to calculate a target value for the combustion optimization by using the combustion model and the combustion controller, and to output a control signal according to the calculated target value. 1. An apparatus for combustion optimization , comprising:a management layer configured to collect currently measured real-time data for boiler combustion, and to determine whether to perform combustion optimization and whether to tune a combustion model and a combustion controller by analyzing the collected real-time data;a data layer configured to derive learning data necessary for designing the combustion model and the combustion controller from the real-time data and previously measured past data for the boiler combustion;a model layer configured to generate the combustion model and the combustion controller through the learning data; andan optimal layer configured to calculate a target value for the combustion optimization by using the combustion model and the combustion controller, and to output a control signal according to the calculated target value.2. The apparatus for combustion optimization of claim 1 ,wherein the management layer comprisesa combustion management configured to collect the real-time data, and to determine whether to perform the ...

Electronically controlled vent damper

A system for electronically controlling a vent damper for a gas oven.

Safety burner system with automatic shut-off

A gas burner safety system comprises dual sensor arrays, the first array positioned proximal to the gas burner and the second array positioned proximal to a control used to turn on and off and regulate the flame of the gas burner. The first array senses the flame components such that a flame signature is obtained when no object is placed on or above the flame and a flame image is obtained when an object is proximal to the flame. By comparing the flame signature and the flame image, a central control unit operatively connected to the sensor arrays can determine the presence or absence of an object proximal to the flame. The second sensor array is positioned to detect a human hand proximal to the control. In operation, if the flame image matches the flame signature and a human hand is not detected proximal to the control, the central control unit turns off the gas burner by causing the closure of a valve in the gas supply line to the gas burner.

System, device, and method for oven temperature control in tortilla and tortilla chip production

A heat controlled oven system includes a plurality of oven levels, including an oven belt and gas burners; a gas flow network, including a gas supply line, a variable flow control valve, and on/off flow control valves; and a heat control unit, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, and input/output component, a heat modeler, a heat manager, a feedback controller, and a valve controller, such that the heat control unit is configured to calculate an estimated heat demand to adjust to a temperature set point, based on a heat model of the at least one oven level, and further calculates an optimized heat demand using a control loop feedback algorithm. Also disclosed is a method of heat calculation for an oven, including defining a heat model, calculating and optimizing the estimated heat demand, calculating and setting a variable valve position for the gas burners.

Flame sense circuit with variable bias

A system for changing a bias level of a flame sensing circuit to identify leakage in the flame sensing circuit. The bias level may be varied in the positive or negative axis and the flame current may be noted to identify leakage. The bias level may be changed by a microcontroller. The bias level may be changed using an operational amplifier configuration which is used as a signal conditioner for interfacing the flame signal to the microcontroller.

HEATING FURNACE USING GAS PULSE MODULATION TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODE

A heating control system that includes a heating unit with a constant burner and a pulsed burner. The constant burner is configured to remain active during operation. The pulsed burner is configured to toggle between an active mode and an inactive mode. The heating control system further includes a memory operable to store a temperature map that maps temperatures to percentages of a period that the pulsed burner is active and a microprocessor operably coupled to the heating unit and the memory. The microprocessor is configured to transmit a first electrical signal to activate the constant burner, obtain a temperature set point, determine the percentage of the period that the pulsed burner is active using the temperature set point and the temperature map, and transmit a second electrical signal to toggle the pulsed burner based on the determination of the percentage of the period that the pulsed burner is active. 1. A heating control system comprising: the constant burner is configured to remain active during operation, and', 'the pulsed burner is configured to toggle between an active mode and an inactive mode;, 'a heating unit comprising a constant burner and a pulsed burner, whereina memory operable to store a temperature map that maps temperatures to percentages of a period that the pulsed burner is active; transmit a first electrical signal to activate the constant burner;', 'obtain a temperature set point;', 'determine the percentage of the period that the pulsed burner is active using the temperature set point and the temperature map; and', 'transmit a second electrical signal to toggle the pulsed burner based on the determination of the percentage of the period that the pulsed burner is active., 'a microprocessor operably coupled to the heating unit and the memory, and configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor is configured to adjust the speed of an air circulation fan based on the temperature set point.3. The system of claim 1 , ...

CLOSED-LOOP PROGRAMMING AND CONTROL OF A COMBUSTION APPLIANCE

Methods and systems for programming and controlling a control system of a gas valve assembly. The methods and systems include programming a control system in an automated manner to establish an air-fuel ratio based at least in part on a burner firing rate. The established air-fuel ratio may be configured to facilitate meeting a combustion constituent set point of combustion constituents in the combustion exhaust. The methods and systems include controlling operation of a combustion appliance based on closed-loop control techniques and utilizing feedback from a sensor measuring combustion constituents in exhaust from a combustion chamber in the combustion appliance. The combustion constituents on which control of the combustion appliance may be determined include oxygen and/or carbon dioxide. 1. A valve for supplying a fuel flow to a combustion chamber , wherein a fan provides an air flow to the combustion chamber , the valve comprising:a housing;a controller housed by the housing, the controller configured to control an air-fuel ratio of a fluid flow to the combustion chamber by adjusting the fuel flow and/or air flow to the combustion chamber;an input/output port in communication with the controller; receive via the input/output port a measure of a combustion constituent exiting the combustion chamber;', 'compare the measure of the combustion constituent exiting the combustion chamber to a set point; and', 'control the air-fuel ratio of the fluid flow to the combustion chamber based at least in part on the comparison of the measure of the combustion constituent exiting the combustion chamber to the set point., 'wherein the controller is configured to2. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to:determine a difference between the measure of the combustion constituent exiting the combustion chamber and the set point;when the difference reaches or goes beyond a threshold, adjust the air-fuel ratio in the fluid flow to the combustion chamber; ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING BURNER FLAME CONDITIONS IN A FURNACE

Systems and methods for using at least one sensor for monitoring a condition in a furnace are disclosed. The at least one sensor can be an optical fiber acoustic sensor. The at least one sensor can be coupled to at least one processor that can be configured to receive at least one measurement from the sensor, convert the at least one measurement into a digital format, and determine a condition associated with at least one burner based at least in part on the digital format. The digital format can be, for example, a sound waveform or a frequency spectrum. 1. A method for detecting an instability in a furnace having one or more burners , the method comprising:obtaining from at least one sensor a plurality of first measurements related to the one or more burners when the furnace is operating in a stable condition;determining, based at least in part on the plurality of first measurements from the at least one sensor, a stable signal component representation for the furnace;obtaining from the at least one sensor a plurality of second measurements related to the one or more burners when the furnace is operating in an unknown state;determining, based at least in part on the plurality of second measurements and the stable signal component representation, an unstable signal component representation for the furnace; anddetecting, using at least one processor, an instability in the furnace based at least in part on the unstable signal component representation and an instability threshold.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is an optical fiber acoustic sensor.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first measurements correspond to a stable combustion frequency.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the obtaining from at least one sensor a plurality of first measurements is at a constant sampling rate that is at least twice the stable combustion frequency.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stable signal component comprises a sound waveform.6. The method of ...

Alert Sensing Stove Assembly

An alert sensing stove assembly includes a stove that includes a plurality of burners. A plurality of valves is provided and each of the valves is in fluid communication with an associated one of the burners. A processor is coupled to the stove and the processor is electrically coupled to each of the valves. A sensor array is coupled to the stove to detect a variety of alert agents. The processor sends a shut down signal to each of the valves when the sensor array detects one of the alert agents. Thus, the sensor array enhances safety with respect to unattended operation of the stove. A communication unit is provided and the communication unit is coupled to the stove. The communication unit transmits an alert signal to an extrinsic communication network when the processor sends the shut off signal to alert a user to a potentially dangerous situation. 1. An alert sensing stove assembly being configured to detect an alert agent and notify a user of a potential danger , said assembly comprising:a stove including a plurality of burners;a plurality of valves, each of said valves being rotatably coupled to said stove, each of said valves being in fluid communication with an associated one of said burners, each of said valves being configured to be fluidly coupled to a gaseous fuel source thereby facilitating each of said valves to deliver a gaseous fuel to said associated burner for combustion;a processor being coupled to said stove, said processor being electrically coupled to each of said valves, said processor selectively sending a shut off signal to each of said valves;a sensor array being coupled to said stove, said sensor array being in fluid communication with each of said burners wherein said sensor array is configured to detect a variety of alert agents, said sensor array being electrically coupled to said processor, said processor sending said shut down signal to each of said valves when said sensor array detects one of the alert agents wherein said sensor array ...

METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR FLAME SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC

A method of determining presence of a flame in a furnace of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The method comprises determining, using a controller, whether a processor signal (G) is active, responsive to a determination that the processor signal (G) is active, determining, using the controller prior to assertion of a flame-test input control signal, an output state of a first comparator, responsive to a determination that the output state of the first comparator is high, determining, using the controller prior to assertion of the flame-test input control signal, an output state of a second comparator, and responsive to a determination that the output state of the second comparator is low, transmitting, using the controller, a notification that a flame is present. 1. A method of determining presence of a flame in a furnace of a heating , ventilation , and air conditioning (HVAC) system , the method comprising:determining, using a controller, whether a processor signal (G) is active;responsive to a determination that the processor signal (G) is active, determining, using the controller prior to assertion of a flame-test input control signal, an output state of a first comparator;responsive to a determination that the output state of the first comparator is high, determining, using the controller prior to assertion of the flame-test input control signal, an output state of a second comparator; andresponsive to a determination that the output state of the second comparator is low, transmitting, using the controller, a notification that a flame is present.2. The method of further comprising:asserting the flame-test input control signal;determining, using the controller, whether the output state of the first comparator flips from high to low and the output state of the second comparator flips from low to high;responsive to a determination that the output state of the first comparator does not flip from high to low or the output state of the ...

INTEGRATED SMOKE MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FLARING OPERATIONS

A flare monitoring and control system monitors parameters that affect the amount of smoke generated during a flaring operation. The system receives data relating to the parameters, and analyzes the data relating to the parameters. The system predicts an impending increase in the amount of smoke generated during the flaring operation, and varies a value of one or more parameters to prevent the impending increase in the amount of smoke generated during the flaring operation. 1. A flare monitoring and control system comprising: monitor a plurality of parameters, the parameters affecting an amount of smoke generated during a flaring operation;', 'receive data relating to the plurality of parameters;', 'analyze the data relating to the plurality of parameters;', 'predict an impending increase in the amount of smoke generated during the flaring operation; and', 'vary a value of one or more parameters to prevent the impending increase in the amount of smoke generated during the flaring operation., 'a computer processor operable to2. The flare monitoring and control system of claim 1 , wherein the computer processor is operable to suggest preventative actions to eradicate or decrease the impending increase in the amount of smoke generated during the flaring operation.3. The flare monitoring and control system of claim 1 , wherein the prediction of the impending increase in the amount of smoke generated during the flaring operation is based on an identification of a valve failure claim 1 , a compressor problem claim 1 , or a suboptimal gas composition with respect to combustibility.4. The flare monitoring and control system of claim 3 , wherein the identification of the compressor problem comprises one or more of a shaft failure claim 3 , a bearing failure claim 3 , a blade failure claim 3 , a surge failure claim 3 , a motor failure claim 3 , and a gear failure.5. The flare monitoring and control system of claim 4 , wherein the compressor problem comprises a time lag between ...

METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING COMBUSTION IN FUEL GAS BURNER APPARATUS, AND COMBUSTION CONTROL SYSTEM OPERATING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID METHOD

A method is provided for monitoring and controlling combustion in a burner of a fuel gas apparatus, having a sensor with an electrode able to be supplied by a voltage generator and connected to an electronic circuit for measuring the resultant potential. The method includes acquiring and processing data from experimental conditions and a second phase of evaluating the desired combustion characteristic, under an actual operating condition of the burner. A plurality of experimental combustion conditions for the burner are preselected, applying to the burner, in each condition, a power and a further significant parameter of the combustion characteristics, under each of the experimental conditions applying an electrical voltage signal to said electrode and carrying out a sampling of the response signal, calculating, based on the sequence of sampled values, the characteristic parameters of the waveform of the signal for each of the experimental conditions. 11811. Method for monitoring and controlling combustion in a burner () of a fuel gas apparatus , of the type comprising a sensor () with an electrode (E) located in or close to a flame and configured to be supplied by a voltage generator and also connected to an electronic circuit suitable for measuring the resultant potential at the electrode (E) ,the method comprising: [{'b': '1', 'identifying a plurality of experimental combustion conditions for the burner (), for each of said conditions'}, {'b': 1', '2', '1', '2, 'applying to the burner a respective power (P, P, . . . , Pn) of a number n of preselected power levels and a further significant parameter of the combustion characteristics (K, K, . . . , Km), at a number m of levels, associating with each level n of power the respective levels m of said further parameter,'}], 'a first phase of acquiring and processing data from experimental conditions comprising the following steps [{'b': '1', 'applying, in each of said (n*m*r) experimental conditions, an electrical ...

COMBUSTION CONTROLLING SYSTEM

A combustion controlling system according to the present invention provides a signal path for transmitting an ignition preparation signal SA output from a master device to a transmission line through cascade-connected slave devices. Then, each of the slave devices determines whether each of the slave devices outputs the ignition preparation signal to a subsequent device, or not, based on whether there is a flame of the corresponding burner, or not, at the time of igniting the burners, and the master device opens a safety shutoff valve on the condition that an ignition preparation signal SAo has been input from the transmission line. 1. A combustion controlling system comprising:a master device that controls opening and closing of a common safety shutoff valve collectively switching supply and shutoff of a fuel to a plurality of burners and generates a predetermined signal;a plurality of slave devices that are provided corresponding to the respective burners, determine whether there is a flame in the corresponding respective burners, control an ignition of the corresponding respective burners, and output the input predetermined signal when it is determined that there is no flame before the ignition of the corresponding respective burners, and output no predetermined signal when it is determined that there is the flame before the ignition of the corresponding respective burners; anda transmission line connected to the master device for transmitting the predetermined signal, whereinthe plurality of slave devices are connected in cascade, when all of the plurality of slave devices determine that there is no flame before the ignition of the corresponding respective burners, the predetermined signal input to an initial-stage slave device from the master device is sequentially output and output from a final-stage slave device to the transmission line, when any one of the plurality of slave devices determines that there is the flame before the ignition of the corresponding ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING PASSIVE CONTROL OF OSCILLATORY INSTABILITIES IN TURBULENT FLOWS

The invention discloses a system for effecting a control strategy in a reactive flow field of a turbulent flow system. The system is configured to analyze flow field properties such as velocity, heat release rate, or mixture fraction of a device during the onset of the oscillatory instability using measures from complex network theory such as betweenness centrality, degree, or closeness. The system identifies critical regions in the flow field responsible for the oscillatory instability. Further, the system also identifies optimal control strategies to avoid the onset of oscillatory instabilities by analyzing the relative strength of various network parameters and thereby controlling oscillatory instabilities which are detrimental to the fluid dynamic system. The disclosed method and system provide for optimization of control of oscillatory instabilities in fluid dynamic systems. 1. A computer implemented method for effecting a control strategy in a reactive flow field of a turbulent flow system , comprising the steps of:a) receiving data from a sensing element connected to the turbulent system incorporating a control strategy comprising at least a passive control strategy in the reactive flow field;b) obtaining one or more flow field characteristics for the turbulent flow system selected from velocity, local reaction rate, temperature, and mixture fraction;c) constructing a complex network from a plurality of nodes and a plurality of links based on the flow field characteristics;d) obtaining an adjacency matrix of size N×N describing the complex network;e) finding network measures to characterize one or more topological features of the network selected from betweenness centrality, degree, closeness centrality, transitivity and local clustering coefficient;f) identifying one or more critical regions of the reactive flow field using topological features of the constructed complex network; andg) applying one or more modifications to the control strategy based on the ...

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE PILOT FLAME OF A COMBUSTIBLE GAS DEVICE

Control system for controlling the pilot flame of a combustible gas device, which includes a pilot burner, a main burner, and a valve assembly, which includes a pilot valve that allows/intercepts a flow of gas directed towards the pilot burner, and a main valve that allows/intercepts a gas flow to the main burner, the valve assembly moveable between a closed OFF state, a PILOT state, and an ON state, where gas flows to the main burner. The control system includes a detection device that generates a state signal, and a control unit including a timer, the control unit is operatively connected to the detection device to receive a state signal and to an actuator to close the valve. The control unit starts the timer when the state signal represents the PILOT state, and actuates the actuator for the pilot valve to close it when the timer reaches a preset limit. 1200. Control system for controlling the pilot flame of a combustible gas device , said gas device () comprising:{'b': '1', 'a pilot burner () for generating a pilot flame,'}{'b': '2', 'a main burner () for generating a main flame, and'}{'b': 300', '3', '1', '1', '4', '2', '2, 'a valve assembly (), comprising a pilot valve () that is arranged upstream of said pilot burner () in order to allow/intercept a flow of gas directed towards said pilot burner (), and a main valve () that is arranged upstream of said main burner () in order to allow/intercept a flow of gas directed towards said main burner (),'}{'b': 300', '3', '3', '4', '2', '3', '4', '2', '100, 'wherein the state of said valve assembly () can be moved between an OFF state, in which said pilot valve () is closed, a PILOT state, in which said pilot valve () is open and said main valve () is disabled to allow a flow of gas to flow towards said main burner (), and an ON state, in which said pilot valve () is open and said main valve () is enabled to allow a flow of gas to flow towards said main burner (), said control system () comprising{'b': 19', '300', '300 ...

Combustion system with flame location actuation

A combustion system includes an electrically actuated flame location control mechanism.

Control System And Method For A Solid Fuel Combustion Appliance

Techniques for controlling a solid fuel combustion appliance, e.g., a wood burning stove, are disclosed. A control system measures an exhaust gas temperature of airflow through an outlet of the solid fuel combustion appliance. The control system determines a derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time. The derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time is compared to a predetermined threshold. The control system modulates the inlet damper in response to determining that the derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time reaches the predetermined threshold. 13-. (canceled)5. The solid fuel combustion appliance of claim 4 , wherein the predetermined threshold is zero or approximately zero.6. The solid fuel combustion appliance of claim 4 , wherein said controller is further configured to determine the derivative in response to determining that no predetermined time is specified to maintain the inlet damper at a predetermined position.7. The solid fuel combustion appliance of claim 4 , further comprising a surface temperature sensor coupled to said controller and being configured to produce measurements of a surface temperature of said housing.8. The solid fuel combustion appliance of claim 4 , further comprising a door operatively connected to said housing and positionable in a closed position to block said opening.10. The solid fuel combustion appliance of claim 9 , further comprising a surface temperature sensor coupled to said controller and being configured to produce measurements of a surface temperature of said housing.11. The solid fuel combustion appliance of claim 9 , further comprising a door operatively connected to said housing and positionable in a closed position to block said opening.13. The solid fuel combustion appliance of claim 12 , further comprising a surface temperature sensor coupled to said controller and being configured to produce measurements of a surface temperature of said housing.14. The ...

FEEDBACK WARNING SYSTEM USING INDUCER PULSE WIDTH MODULATION SIGNAL

In an aspect, an HVAC system includes an inducer motor to provide combustion airflow, and a pressure sensor to measure an output airflow pressure of the inducer motor. The HVAC system may initiate the inducer motor, and receive a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal from the inducer motor, wherein the PWM signal indicates a PWM signal of the inducer motor corresponding to a predetermined airflow pressure of the inducer motor and measured by the pressure sensor. The HVAC system may compare the PWM signal to a baseline value, and control the inducer motor based on the comparing of the PWM signal to the baseline value. The HVAC system may also generate a status notification of the combustion airflow of the HVAC system in response to the comparing the PWM signal to the baseline value.

Remote Burner Monitoring System and Method

A remote burner monitoring system including one or more burners each including integrated sensors, a data collector corresponding to each of the burners for receiving and aggregating data from the sensors of the corresponding burner, and a local transmitter corresponding to each of the data collectors for transmitting the data, a data center configured and programmed to receive the data from the local transmitters corresponding to the one or more burners, and a server configured and programmed to store at least a portion of the data, to convert the data into a display format, and to provide connectivity to enable receipt and transmission of data and the display format via a network including at least one of a wired network, a cellular network, and a Wi-Fi network.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A COMBUSTION CHAMBER

A method for operating a combustion chamber is provided. The method includes introducing a fuel into the combustion chamber via a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle having an associated stoichiometry for an output end of the nozzle. The method further includes measuring the stoichiometry of each nozzle via one or more sensors to obtain stoichiometric data, and determining that at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of spectral line fluctuations derived from the stoichiometric data has exceeded a threshold. The method further includes adjusting the stoichiometry of at least one of the nozzles based at least in part on the stoichiometric data so as to maintain a flame stability of the combustion chamber. 1. A method for operating a combustion chamber comprising:introducing a fuel into the combustion chamber via a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle having an associated stoichiometry for an output end of the nozzle;measuring the stoichiometry of each nozzle via one or more sensors to obtain stoichiometric data;determining that at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of spectral line fluctuations derived from the stoichiometric data has exceeded a threshold; andadjusting the stoichiometry of at least one of the nozzles based at least in part on the stoichiometric data so as to maintain a flame stability of the combustion chamber.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein introducing a fuel into the combustion chamber via a plurality of nozzles is in accordance with a reduced load for the combustion chamber.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the reduced load is less than or equal to 20% of the maximum operating load.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the frequency and the amplitude of the spectral line fluctuations are associated with the flame stability of the combustion chamber.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stoichiometry of the at least one nozzle is adjusted such that the stoichiometries of all of the nozzles are substantially uniform with respect to each ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING FURNACE FLOODING

A method includes identifying a first steady-state gain associated with a relationship between a characteristic of a furnace and a setpoint used by a controller that is configured to control the characteristic of the furnace, The first steady-state gain is identified using data collected when the furnace is not suffering from flooding. 1. A method comprising:identifying a first steady-state gain associated with a relationship between a characteristic of a furnace and a setpoint used by a controller that is configured to control the characteristic of the furnace, the first steady-state gain identified using data collected when the furnace is not suffering from flooding;identifying a second steady-state gain associated with the relationship during operation of the furnace;comparing the first and second steady-state gains; andidentifying actual or potential flooding of the furnace based on the comparison.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the second steady-state gain is identified using data collected when the controller is operating in a closed-loop mode to control the characteristic of the furnace; andthe controller is configured to receive measurements from one or more sensors and generate one or more actuator control signals when operating in the closed-loop mode.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the setpoint comprises a temperature setpoint;the characteristic of the furnace comprises a flow rate of fuel gas into the furnace; andthe controller is configured to control the flow rate of fuel gas into the furnace based on the temperature setpoint.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second steady-state gain is identified using data collected after one or more perturbations in the setpoint.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein:the setpoint comprises a temperature setpoint; andthe one or more perturbations in the setpoint comprise one or more changes in the temperature setpoint.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second steady-state gain is identified repeatedly ...

Method and apparatus for controlling combustion in a furnace

This paper presents a model predictive control (MPC) strategy for BioGrate boiler, compensating the main disturbances caused by variations in fuel quality such as the moisture content of fuel, and variations in fuel flow. The MPC utilizes models, the fuel moisture soft-sensor to estimate water evaporation, and the fuel flow calculations to estimate the thermal decomposition of dry fuel, to handle these variations, the inherent large time constants, and long time delays of the boiler. The MPC strategy is compared with the method currently used in the BioPower 5 CHP plant. Finally, the results are presented, analyzed and discussed. 1. A method , comprising:receiving sensor input concerning a thermal decomposition rate and water evaporation rate of fuel moisture;based at least in part on the sensor input and a mathematical model, modelling a performance of a boiler, anddetermining, based at least in part on the modelling, control instructions to control functioning of the boiler, the control instructions being configured to cause compensation for disturbances caused by variations in at least one of a fuel quality and a fuel bed in the boiler.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the control instructions are configured to cause controlling of at least one of a primary air supply and a stoker speed claim 1 , when supplied to the boiler.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the control instructions are configured to cause controlling of a secondary air supply.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the modelling comprises determining a fuel bed height claim 1 , and the determining comprises determining control instructions that increase the primary air supply responsive to a determination that a fuel bed height in the boiler has increased.5. The method according to the claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , after determination of water evaporation claim 1 , estimating the amount of moisture in boiler so that the moment when the moisture begins to evaporate from ...

Low-powered system for driving a fuel control mechanism

A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.

MANAGING EMISSION PRODUCED BY A COMBUSTION DEVICE

Described embodiments include a system, method, and apparatus. The system includes a sensor device configured to measure an unburned fuel component in an exhaust stream from a gas-fueled combustion device. The system includes a feedback controller configured to generate a combustion management signal responsive to the measured unburned fuel component and to a target value for the measured unburned fuel component. The system includes a combustion controller configured to regulate an aspect of a combustion component delivered to a burner of the gas-fueled combustion device in response to the combustion management signal. In an embodiment, the system includes a user interface configured to display a quality of combustion information responsive to the measured unburned fuel component in a human perceivable format. 1. A system comprising:a sensor device configured to measure an unburned fuel component in an exhaust stream from a gas-fueled combustion device;a feedback controller configured to generate a combustion management signal responsive to the measured unburned fuel component and to a target value for the measured unburned fuel component; anda combustion controller configured to regulate an aspect of a combustion component delivered to a burner of the gas-fueled combustion device in response to the combustion management signal.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor device includes a sensor device configured to optically measure an unburned fuel component in an exhaust stream.36-. (canceled)7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the measured unburned fuel component includes an unburned methane claim 1 , natural gas claim 1 , ethane claim 1 , butane or a propane component in the exhaust stream.8. (canceled)9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the feedback controller configured to generate a combustion management signal responsive to a measured unburned fuel component claim 1 , a target value for the measured unburned fuel component claim 1 , and a measured level of ...

High efficiency heater with condensate collection and humidification

A heater having a burner, a first heat exchanger associated with the burner, a second heat exchanger above the first heat exchanger in fluid cooperation with the first heat exchanger and an ambient air intake blower above the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger comprises angularly disposed finned section so condensate within the second heat exchanger flows to a collection point and is collected in a trap. The trap includes a sensor to sense buildup of fluid in the trap with feedback to the heater controls. The heater may include a collection pan below the heat exchangers in fluid communication with the trap. In one aspect the collection pan may include a heating element to vaporize the fluid so that heated, humidified air is expelled through vents adjacent the base of the heater. In another aspect, the pan includes an ultrasonic vaporization element to vaporize fluid in the pan.

Flame Sensing System

This invention relates to the field of sensing flames in equipment using a combustion burner such as gas furnaces by using the electrical properties of flames. In a first group of embodiments flame rectification is used to cause distortion of a signal having a selected waveform. A harmonic of the distorted waveform is detected thereby providing flame proof. In a second group of embodiments flame rectification is used as a mixer to cause two signals having selected waveforms to produce sum and difference signals. The sum and/or difference signals are detected thereby providing flame proof. 2. The system of whereby said signal source having a selected waveform is selected from a group consisting of an approximately symmetrical square wave and a low distortion sine wave.3. The system of whereby said harmonic signal detector comprises a phase locked loop tuned to the frequency of said harmonic signal.4. The system of further comprising a master clock configured to produce said signal having a selected waveform and a reference signal having the same frequency as said harmonic signal claim 1 , and said harmonic signal detector comprises a simple synchronous detector comprising:a. a multiplier having a first input connected to the output of said high impedance buffer and a second input connected to said reference signal;b. a threshold detector having an input connected to the output of said multiplier, and which is configured to produce an output when a selected threshold is exceeded.5. The system of further comprising a master clock configured to produce said signal having a selected waveform claim 1 , a first reference signal having the same frequency as said harmonic signal claim 1 , and a second reference signal having the same frequency as said first reference signal but is approximately 90 degrees out of phase with said first reference signal claim 1 , and said harmonic signal detector comprises a quadrature synchronous detector comprising:a. a first multiplier ...

Flame detecting system

A flame detecting system includes a flame sensor to detect light and a calculating device, in which the calculating device includes an applied voltage generating portion configured to generate a pulse to drive the flame sensor, a voltage detecting portion configured to measure an electric signal flowing in the flame sensor, a storing portion configured to store sensitivity parameters of the flame sensor in advance, and a central processing unit configured to obtain a quantity of received light of flame using parameters of a known quantity of received light, a pulse width, and a discharge probability of the sensitivity parameters, and a discharge probability obtained from an actual pulse width and the measured number of discharge times, and in which a difference in sensitivity of individual flame sensors is corrected from sensitivity parameters related to a first flame sensor and sensitivity parameters related to a second flame sensor.

FLAME DETECTING SYSTEM

A flame detecting system capable of easily performing a deterioration diagnosis of a flame sensor without being provided with a shutter mechanism. The flame detecting system comprising a flame sensor to detect light, a calculating device, and a reference light source, in which the calculating device, by operations of a central processing unit CPU, is configured to execute a first mode at which the discharge probability in the flame sensor is measured when the reference light source is turned off and a second mode at which the discharge probability in the flame sensor is measured when the reference light source is turned on, and calculate a current discharge probability of the flame sensor from data obtained at the first mode and the second mode. 1. A flame detecting system comprising:a flame sensor configured to detect light;a calculating device; anda reference light source,wherein the calculating device comprises:an applied voltage generating portion configured to generate a pulse to drive the flame sensor,a voltage detecting portion configured to measure an electric signal flowing in the flame sensor,a storing portion configured to store sensitivity parameters of the flame sensor in advance, anda central processing unit configured to obtain a quantity of received light of flame using parameters of a known quantity of received light, a pulse width, and a discharge probability of the sensitivity parameters, and a discharge probability obtained from an actual pulse width and the measured number of discharge times, andwherein the central processing unit is configured to execute a first mode at which the discharge probability in the flame sensor is measured when the reference light source is turned off and a second mode at which the discharge probability in the flame sensor is measured when the reference light source is turned on, and calculate a current discharge probability of the flame sensor from data obtained at the first mode and the second mode.2. The flame ...

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A PROCESS WITHIN A SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY A COMBUSTION PROCESS IN A BOILER OR FURNACE

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a process within a system, particularly a combustion process in a boiler or furnace, comprising the following steps: capturing of state variables (s) of the system; creating an interference model, which describes the effects of interference-based system changes (v) on the state variables (s) of the system; creating a process model, which describes the effects of setting actions (a) on the state variables (s) of the system; and controlling the process within the system by performing setting actions (a) by considering the process model, the interference model and predetermined controlling goals. 1. A method for controlling a process within a system , particularly a combustion process in a boiler or furnace , comprising the following steps:{'sub': 't', 'capturing of state variables (s) of the system;'}{'sub': t', 't, 'creating an interference model, which describes the effects of interference-based system changes (v) on the state variables (s) of the system;'}{'sub': t', 't, 'creating a process model, which describes the effects of setting actions (a) on the state variables (s) of the system; and'}{'sub': 't', 'controlling the process within the system by performing setting actions (a) by considering the process model, the interference model and predetermined controlling goals.'}2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the state variables (s) are captured by sensors of the system or a manual and/or automatic sample evaluation.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein during the creation of the interference model past interference-based system changes (v) are considered for integration in a temporal context and/or wherein during the creation of the process model past effects of setting actions (a) on the state variables (s) of the system are considered for integration in a temporal context.4. The method according one of claim 1 , wherein the interference model is adapted continuously by effects of ...

COMBUSTION SYSTEM WITH A GRID SWITCHING ELECTRODE

A high voltage can be applied to a combustion reaction to enhance or otherwise control the combustion reaction. The high voltage is switched on or off by a grid electrode interposed between a high voltage electrode assembly and the combustion reaction. 1. A combustion system configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction , comprising:a flame holder disposed in a combustion volume defined at least partially by a combustion volume wall, and configured to hold a combustion reaction;a power supply including a first output node configured to carry a first voltage;a first electrode assembly including a first electrode operatively coupled to the first output node of the power supply and configured to carry the first voltage;a grid electrode disposed between the first electrode assembly and the flame holder; andan electrical switch operatively coupled to the grid electrode, the electrical switch being configured to selectably couple and decouple the grid electrode to a shield voltage;wherein the shield voltage is selected to prevent the combustion reaction from receiving electrical energy from the first electrode assembly.2. The combustion system configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the shield voltage is different than the first voltage.3. The combustion system configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction of claim 2 , wherein the shield voltage is voltage ground.4. The combustion system configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode assembly includes the first electrode and a counter electrode;wherein the first electrode and counter electrode are operatively coupled to respective first and second nodes of the power supply; andwherein the power supply is configured to output respective voltages on the first and second nodes selected to cause an ionic wind to stream from the first electrode toward the grid electrode.5. The combustion system ...

Process optimization by grouping mixed integer nonlinear programming constraints

Real-time dynamic optimization of a process model in an online model-based process control computing environment. A mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) solver utilizes grouping of first-principle model units to implement constraints of the underlying process. A group identifier parameter and a group complement parameter enable the grouping behavior through association with the first-principles model units.

GAS APPLIANCE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

A gas appliance includes a burner, a gas valve, an igniter, a thermocouple, and a control device. The control device is adapted to execute a control method comprising the following steps: controlling the igniter to ignite and controlling the gas valve to open; receiving a detected voltage output from the thermocouple; controlling the igniter to stop igniting and keeping the gas valve open when the detected voltage reaches a first voltage value; receiving the detected voltage output from the thermocouple continuously, and controlling the gas valve to close the gas pipe when the detected voltage above a second voltage falls below the second voltage. The second voltage value is higher than the first voltage value. As such, an ignition procedure may be speeded up and the supply of the fuel gas may be interrupted more quickly when the flame is extinguished. 1. A control method for a gas appliance , wherein the gas appliance includes a burner , a gas valve , an igniter , and a thermocouple; the burner includes at least one flame port; the gas valve is installed on a gas pipe communicating with the burner and is controlled to open or close the gas pipe; the igniter is adjacent to the at least one flame port of the burner and is controlled to ignite a fuel gas flowing out of the at least one flame port; and the thermocouple is adjacent to the burner , is adapted to detect a flame , and generates a detected voltage with respect to a detection period of time; comprising the following steps:A. controlling the igniter to ignite and controlling the gas valve to open;B. receiving the detected voltage generated by the thermocouple;C. controlling the igniter to stop igniting and keeping the gas valve open when the detected voltage reaches a first voltage value; andD. receiving the detected voltage from the thermocouple continuously; and controlling the gas valve to close the gas pipe when the detected voltage above a second voltage value falls below the second voltage value, ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN INTERMITTENT PILOT WATER HEATER SYSTEM

A water heater may include a water tank, a burner, a pilot for igniting the burner, an ignitor for igniting the pilot, a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with a flame of the pilot, a controller for controlling an ignition sequence of the pilot using the ignitor, and a rechargeable power storage device for supplying power to the ignitor and the controller. The rechargeable power storage device may be rechargeable using the energy produced by the thermoelectric device. The controller is configured to selectively run only the pilot for at least part of a heating cycle to increase the recharge time of the rechargeable power storage device while still heating the water in the water heater. 1. A method for controlling a water heater , the water heater including a water tank , a burner , a pilot for igniting the burner , an ignitor for igniting the pilot , a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with a flame of the pilot , a controller , and a rechargeable power storage device for supplying power to the ignitor and the controller , the rechargeable power storage device is rechargeable using energy produced by the thermoelectric device , the method comprising: running the pilot and the burner to heat the water in the water tank when the temperature of the water in the water tank falls to a lower temperature setpoint threshold;', 'not running the pilot or the burner when the temperature of the water in the water tank rises to an upper temperature setpoint threshold;, 'when the rechargeable power storage device is detected to have a charge that has not fallen below a charge threshold 'when the temperature of the water in the water tank is at or above the lower temperature setpoint threshold and below the upper temperature setpoint threshold, running the pilot but not the burner to heat the water in the water tank for a first heating segment toward the upper temperature setpoint threshold, and running the pilot and the burner to heat the water in the ...

Detecting combustion anomalies in gas turbines using audio output

In one embodiment, a turbine system includes a combustion system comprising a plurality of combustion cans, a number of sensors, each of the number of sensors coupled to a respective combustion can of the number of combustion cans, and a controller. The controller includes a memory storing one or more processor-executable routines and a processor configured to access and execute the one or more routines encoded by the memory. The one or more routines, when executed cause the processor to receive one or more signals from the number of sensors, convert the one or more signals to audio output, and output the converted audio output via one or more audio output devices.

System And Method For Safer Venting Of Hydrogen Or Other Combustible Gases

A system and process for intermittently venting combustible gas (c-gas) from a continuous source to the atmosphere are presented. The system may include a c-gas storage tank, an admission valve located upstream of the c-gas storage tank for regulating the flow of c-gas from the continuous source to the storage tank; an inert gas storage tank and an inert gas valve for regulating flow of inert gas to the c-gas storage tank, the inert gas diluting the c-gas within the c-gas storage tank below a flammable level; a vent valve for atmospheric venting located downstream of the c-gas storage tank, and a PIC that opens the vent valve when pressure in the c-gas storage tank reaches a pre-determined PIC vent point. The system may also include an auxiliary system to receive and vent c-gas diluted below the flammable level while the primary admission valve is closed.

GAS TURBINE

A non-transitory computer readable medium with instructions stored thereon, the instructions executable by one or more processors for selecting infrequent or frequent autotuning of a combustor; and determining the health of a combustor. Also, a method of monitoring a combustor within a gas turbine engine system, comprising providing a gas turbine engine system, wherein the gas turbine engine includes an autotuning system; selecting infrequent or frequent autotuning of the combustor; and determining the health of the combustor; wherein said determining the health of a combustor comprises receiving real-time fuel gas temperature data from at least one thermocouple. 1. A non-transitory computer readable medium with instructions stored thereon , the instructions executable by one or more processors for:selecting infrequent or frequent autotuning of a combustor; anddetermining the health of a combustor.2. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 , wherein said determining the health of a combustor comprises receiving real-time combustor fuel split data and fuel gas temperature data.3. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein said determining the health of a combustor comprises comparing the real-time combustor fuel split data and fuel gas temperature data with data in a reference database claim 2 , wherein the reference database comprises at least one data set selected from the group consisting of normalized load data claim 2 , wheelspace temperature data claim 2 , compressor discharge temperature data claim 2 , dynamics amplitude data claim 2 , and dynamics frequency data.4. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 3 , wherein said determining the health of a combustor comprises comparing the real-time combustor fuel split data and fuel gas temperature data with data in a reference database claim 3 , wherein the reference database comprises normalized load data claim 3 , wheelspace temperature data claim 3 , compressor ...

Low-powered system for driving a fuel control mechanism

A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.

Combustion system with flame location actuation

A combustion system includes an electrically actuated flame location control mechanism.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FLAME SIGNAL DETECTION

The invention proposes a method for the flame signal detection by means of an ionization electrode () protruding into a combustion zone of a burner, comprising the steps: detecting a first signal, which is dependent on an ionization current flowing off the ionization electrode (), generating a second signal which has a predetermined periodic course, generating a third signal by adding the first signal and the second signal, comparing the third signal with a first threshold value and generating a fourth signal on the basis of the comparison of the third signal with the first threshold value, comparing the third signal with a second threshold value different from the first threshold value and generating a fourth signal on the basis of the comparison of the third signal with the second threshold value, and determining an operating variable of the burner on the basis of at least one of the fourth signal and the fifth signal. The invention additionally proposes a corresponding device for the flame signal detection. 1. A method for flame signal detection by means of an ionization electrode protruding into a combustion zone of a burner , comprising the steps:detecting a first signal which is dependent on an ionization current flowing off the ionization electrode;generating a second signal which has a predetermined periodic course;generating a third signal by adding the first signal and the second signal;comparing the third signal with a first threshold value;comparing the third signal with a second threshold value different from the first threshold value;generating a fourth signal on the basis of the comparison of the third signal with the first threshold value;generating a fifth signal on the basis of the comparison of the third signal to the second threshold value; anddetermining an operating variable of the burner on the basis of at least one of the fourth signal and the fifth signal.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined course of the second ...

Method for controlling a heating unit as well as a heating unit and a computer program product for carrying out the control method

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a heating unit comprising a burner (1) with a burner housing (2), an ionization electrode (7) associated with the burner (1), and a voltage supply (8) for applying an alternating voltage between the ionization electrode (7) and the burner housing (2), said method comprising the method steps: applying an alternating voltage between the ionization electrode (7) and the burner housing (2) by means of the voltage supply (8) and correcting the output of the voltage supply (8) in the event of parasitic leakage flows. The object of the present invention is in particular to improve the reliability when ascertaining the air-fuel ratio via the ionization current.

Gas turbine combustor control system for stoichiometric combustion in the presence of a diluent

In one embodiment, a gas turbine system includes a controller configured to receive fuel composition information related to a fuel used for combustion in a turbine combustor; receive oxidant composition information related to an oxidant used for combustion in the turbine combustor; receive oxidant flow information related to a flow of the oxidant to the turbine combustor; determine a stoichiometric fuel-to-oxidant ratio based at least on the fuel composition information and the oxidant composition information; and generate a control signal for input to a fuel flow control system configured to control a flow of the fuel to the turbine combustor based on the oxidant flow information, a target equivalence ratio, and the stoichiometric fuel-to-oxidant ratio to enable combustion at the target equivalence ratio in the presence of an exhaust diluent within the turbine combustor.

Simulation apparatus for flame scanner

The present invention relates to a simulation apparatus for a flame detecting apparatus, and a technical problem to be solved is to substantially reproduce the actual flame state of the flame detecting apparatus by virtually reproducing the actual flame state of the burner power plant burner, In order to improve the performance of the system. To this end, one embodiment of the present invention includes a light emitting module in which a thermal power plant burner emits light at the same brightness and frequency as a flame generated during ignition; An information setting module for setting frequency information and brightness information of the light emitting module; A communication module connected to the flame detection device and the wired / wireless communication network and receiving measurement information from the flame detection device that measures the brightness and frequency of the light source emitted from the light emission module; A comparison module for comparing the brightness and frequency measurement information of the received light source with the brightness and frequency setting information of the light source set by the information setting module; And controlling the operations of the light emitting module, the information setting module, the communication module, and the comparison module, wherein the slope of the brightness and frequency measurement information of the received light source and the slope of the brightness and frequency setting information of the set light source, And a control module for determining whether or not the flame detecting device is faulty according to whether or not the difference between the values is out of the reference value.

Human-machine interface for gas valve

This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, a valve leakage test and/or other tests may be performed on a valve assembly including a valve body with a first valve and a second valve, where the valves may be positioned across a fluid path in the valve body with an intermediate volume between the valves. A human machine interface (HMI) may be in communication with the valve assembly to initiate and/or monitor tests on the valve assembly. The HMI may include a start button on a user interface for initiating the tests on valve assembly. The HMI may receive results of the tests (e.g., valve leakage tests) in real time during the test and display the results of the tests on a display of the HMI in real time.

Method and system for use in combustion product control

A combustion product control system includes a first sensing device that measures a concentration of NO x in a fluid stream and a second sensing device that measures NH 3 slip in the stream. The system also includes at least one combustion product control element. The system further includes at least one processor coupled to the sensing devices and the control element. The processor is programmed to generate predetermined parameters for NO x values in the stream at least partially as a function of transient stream conditions. The processor is also configured to use model predictive control (MPC) processing to generate predetermined values for a NH 3 injection rate during stream transients. The predetermined values vary at least partially as a function of modeled stream characteristics. The processor is further configured to regulate the control element to facilitate simultaneous regulation of the NO x and NH 3 slip in the stream within respective predetermined parameters.

Selectable efficiency versus comfort for modulating furnace

A furnace controller for a modulating furnace that helps provide a balance between energy efficiency and occupant comfort across various burner firing rates and/or across various circulating blower speeds. In some cases, the furnace controller can be configured to permit a user to customize operation of the furnace in accordance with their particular needs and/or desires with respect to efficiency and comfort. A selection may be made between an energy efficiency setting and a user comfort setting. Then, a plenum parameter such as a discharge air temperature (DAT) or discharge air flow (DAF) may be regulated in accordance with the selected setting.

Method for operating cement plant

There is provided a method for operating a cement plant capable of simultaneously optimizing both combustion in a calciner and a heat consumption rate. The method for operating a cement plant includes: feeding first fuel to a calciner; feeding second fuel for maintaining the inside at a burning temperature to a cement kiln along with combustion primary air, and introducing air for cooling cement clinker to a cooler; and feeding a part of the air as secondary air to the cement kiln, feeding as tertiary air to the calciner, and discharging the rest of the air from the cooler, wherein relation between a first oxygen concentration at an exhaust gas outlet of the calciner and a heat consumption rate determined by the first fuel and the second fuel, and relation between a second oxygen concentration at an exhaust gas outlet of the preheater and the heat consumption rate are beforehand obtained, and amounts of the secondary air and the tertiary air are adjusted such that both the first oxygen concentration and the second oxygen concentration fall within a range including values of the oxygen concentrations at which the heat consumption rate becomes at its minimum.

Smart gas burner system for cooking appliance

A cooking appliance having a gas burner operable to generate a quantity of heat is disclosed. The cooking appliance also includes a pressure sensor operable to measure the pressure of gas supplied to the gas burner from a gas valve. The gas valve is programmed to adjust the supply of gas to the gas burner based on the measured pressure of the gas.

Equipment and method for furnace visualization using virtual interactive windows

A process is provided for analyzing and visualizing conditions of a combustion process in an enclosure, and includes steps of providing continuously updated images of the enclosure for visualization of the enclosure to a user, using a viewing device having a display representing a virtual window of the enclosure; detecting a viewing angle and a viewing position of the user relative to the enclosure; illustrating an interior prospect of the enclosure relative to the viewing angle and position of the user based on the images of the enclosure; and adjusting, in realtime, the illustration of the interior prospect of the enclosure as at least one of the viewing angle and position of the user is changed for reflecting a changed view of the user.

Control system for space heater/hearth

A fuel burning space or zone heating appliance or heater rated or decorative fireplace (hearth appliance) and a method of operating a heater including a gas valve, a pressure transducer, a second pressure measurement device, a combustion fan, and a control. The control compares the signal from the pressure transducer to the signal from the second pressure measurement device. If the signals do not sufficiently correspond, the control prevents the gas valve from opening. If the signals sufficiently correspond, the control performs an ignition sequence and opens the gas valve. The control also compares the signal from the pressure transducer to a desired value based on a current input gas rate through the gas valve. If the signal is greater than the desired value, the control decreases power to the combustion fan. If the signal is less than the desired value, the control increases power to the combustion fan. If the signal is less than the desired value, the control turns the gas valve off to cease ignition.

Method for monitoring and controlling combustion in fuel gas burner apparatus, and combustion control system operating in accordance with said method

A method is provided for monitoring and controlling combustion in a burner of a fuel gas apparatus, having a sensor with an electrode able to be supplied by a voltage generator and connected to an electronic circuit for measuring the resultant potential. The method includes acquiring and processing data from experimental conditions and a second phase of evaluating the desired combustion characteristic, under an actual operating condition of the burner. A plurality of experimental combustion conditions for the burner are preselected, applying to the burner, in each condition, a power and a further significant parameter of the combustion characteristics, under each of the experimental conditions applying an electrical voltage signal to said electrode and carrying out a sampling of the response signal, calculating, based on the sequence of sampled values, the characteristic parameters of the waveform of the signal for each of the experimental conditions.

Selectable efficiency versus comfort for modulating furnace

A furnace controller for a modulating furnace that helps provide a balance between energy efficiency and occupant comfort across various burner firing rates and/or across various circulating blower speeds. In some cases, the furnace controller can be configured to permit a user to customize operation of the furnace in accordance with their particular needs and/or desires with respect to efficiency and comfort. A selection may be made between an energy efficiency setting and a user comfort setting. Then, a plenum parameter such as a discharge air temperature (DAT) or discharge air flow (DAF) may be regulated in accordance with the selected setting.

Fuel submetering using firing rate signals

A fuel sub-metering mechanism for appliances that consume fuel. Each appliance may have a firing rate indicator. An individual fuel line may be connected to each appliance. A main fuel line may be connected to individual fuel lines. A meter may be connected to the main fuel line. A processor may be connected to the firing rate indicators and to the meter. The meter may measure total fuel consumption by the appliances. The processor may provide a sub-meter estimate of fuel consumed by each appliance. The sub-meter estimate may be based at least in part on a firing rate of the respective appliance and the total fuel consumption as indicated by the meter.

Electronic valve control method for gas range

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic valve of a gas stove. According to the present invention, when a plurality of evaporation valves supplying/blocking gas in a gas stove including a plurality of burners, e.g., a main electronic valve supplying/blocking entire gas supplied to each burner and an electronic valve for each burner are opened, the power level of the gas stove electronic valve operation signal is changed in a way of dropping and gradually increasing a duty ratio of a PWM power control signal, which changes a power level of the gas stove electronic valve operation signal whenever the electronic valve for each of the remaining burners is opened while the first selected electronic valve (hereinafter, referred to as a first electronic valve) is opened, to control an opening speed when the electronic valve for each of the remaining burner is opened. Accordingly, when the gas stove electronic valve operation signal is changed in the gas stove including burners in the way of dropping and gradually increasing the PWM power control signal to control the opening speed upon opening the electronic valve for each of the remaining burners after selection of the first electronic valve, the noise generated when a plunger is pulled and collides with a contact surface whenever the electronic valve for each of the remaining burners is opened can be reduced.

Fluid instrument information providing device

A fluid instrument information providing device comprises a gas usage amount integrating section for integrating the usage amount of a gas for each of the kinds of gas instruments which is determined by a gas instrument determiner section, based on a change in the flow of the gas which is measured by the flow measuring section; an instrument information generating section for generating a plurality of gas instrument information including charge information relating to the gas instrument corresponding to the integrated usage amount for each kind of the gas instrument which is integrated by the gas usage amount integrating section, based on the integrated usage amount; an information selecting section operated by a user to select gas instrument information from among the gas instrument information generated by the gas instrument information generating section; and an output section for outputting instrument information selected by the information selecting section.

Combustion resonance suppression

Methods, devices, and systems for combustion resonance suppression are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive a number of operating conditions of a burner, determine whether resonance characteristics are present in a combustion chamber housing the burner based on the number of operating conditions of the burner, and modify at least one of an air supply and a fuel supply to the burner upon determining resonance characteristics are present in the combustion chamber.

Combustion system with flame location actuation

A combustion system includes an electrically actuated flame location control mechanism.

Exhaust temperature versus turbine pressure ratio based turbine control method and device

Gas turbine, software and method for controlling an operating point of the gas turbine that includes a compressor, a combustor and at least a turbine is provided. The method includes determining a turbine exhaust pressure at an exhaust of the turbine; measuring a compressor pressure discharge at the compressor; determining a turbine pressure ratio based on the turbine exhaust pressure and the compressor pressure discharge; calculating an exhaust temperature at the exhaust of the turbine as a function of the turbine pressure ratio; identifying a reference exhaust temperature curve in a plane defined by the exhaust temperature and the turbine pressure ratio; and controlling the gas turbine to maintain the operating point on the reference exhaust temperature curve.

Real-time burner efficiency control and monitoring

A method for real-time burner monitoring and control of a flare system, including analyzing a flare gas and/or flare exhaust gas by one or more analytical techniques and determining the flare gas and/or flare exhaust gas composition. The method may also include an ash particle monitoring system. The method further includes an analytical control unit for real-time adjustment of process conditions.

버너

본 발명은 비례 제어형 버너의 기계 부품을 최대한 생략하고 소비 전력을 억제할 수 있으며, 더구나 연도를 경유하여 버려지고 있는 열량을 가능한 한 줄일 수 있는 버너의 제공을 목적으로 하고 있다. 이를 위해 본 발명은 고속 전자 밸브(11)가 연료 공급 시스템(Lf)에 제공되며, 상기 고속 전자 밸브(11)는 입력되는 펄스 신호가 ON일 때 열리고, 상기 펄스 신호가 OFF일 때 닫히는 기능을 구비하고 있으며, 또 연소 배기 측에 배치되어 연소 가스의 산소 농도를 계측하는 산소 농도 센서(80)와, 그 산소 농도 센서(80)의 계측 결과가 송출되는 제어장치(60)를 설치하고 있으며, 상기 제어 장치(60)는 인버터(50)의 주파수를 변화하도록 조절하며 또한 산소 농도 센서(80)에서 검출된 연소 가스 중의 산소 농도가 거의 영(0,제로)에 근접하도록 연소 공기량을 조절하는 기능을 가지게 구성되어 있다.

버너용 제어 패널

본 발명은 예비 구역 및 하나 이상의 가열 구역에 열을 가하는 복수 개의 버너를 제어하는 제어부를 포함하는 제어 패널로서, 제어부는 예비 구역을 미리 설정한 기준 온도까지 가열하며 걸린 가열 시간을 측정하는 시운전 모드 및 시운전 모드 이후 측정된 가열 시간을 기반으로 가열 구역을 가열하는 가열 모드를 포함하고, 제어부는 기준 가열 시간 및 측정된 가열 시간을 비교한 결과에 따라 상기 버너의 출력을 설정한다. 본 발명에 따르면, 릴레이 없이도 버너를 제어할 수 있어 PLC 구성을 간소화할 수 있으므로 설치 공간이 협소한 장소에서도 용이하게 사용될 수 있고, 제어부를 통해 버너의 제어를 자동으로 수행할 수 있어 작업 편의성을 증대시킬 수 있으며, 시운전 모드에서 버너의 출력에 대한 조정 작업이 수행된 이후 가열 모드에서 조정된 출력을 갖는 버너를 통한 제1 구역 및 제2 구역의 가열이 수행되므로, 제1 구역 및 제2 구역의 과열을 최소화할 수 있다.

Metod för maximering av effektuttaget med hänsyn till bränslekvaliteten vid eldning av fasta bränslen

기포 유동화된 베드 연소 디바이스 및 이러한 연소 디바이스의 유동화된 베드 모니터링 방법

기포 유동화된 베드 연소 디바이스(1)는 유동화 용기(2), 상기 유동화 용기 내에 배치된 유동화된 샌드 베드(3) 및 유동화된 샌드 베드를 모니터링하는 장치를 포함한다. 상기 장치는 기준점(5)에서 유동화된 샌드 베드의 탑 표면(7)의 적어도 일 부분(6)까지의 유동화 용기 내의 거리(D)를 반복적으로 측정하고, 거리를 나타내는 측정 신호(S)를 제공하도록 배치된 적어도 하나의 레이더 레벨 게이지(4)를 포함한다. 본 발명은 또한 기포 유동화된 베드 연소 디바이스 내의 유동화된 베드를 모니터링하는 방법에 관한 것이다.

Metod för maximering av effektuttaget med hänsyn till bränslekvaliteten vid eldning av fasta bränslen

Combustion instability control method

A gas turbine combustion instability control device has a combustion unit provided with a hollow combustion chamber, a gas turbine connected to the inside of the combustion chamber and a dynamic pressure sensor which is provided to the inside of the combustion chamber and measures the combustion dynamics of the inside of the combustion chamber; a diagnosis module which processes combustion dynamic pressure signals (p) according to the combustion dynamics measured by the dynamic pressure sensor to calculate the kurtosis value (k) of the dynamic pressure signals, and compares the same with a kurtosis reference value (k th ) to evaluate the combustion instability; and a combustion control unit for controlling the operation of the combustion part according to the determination of the diagnosis module.

Fire pit gas delivery and pay-station system providing gas service on a pay-per-use basis

Embodiments of the invention relate to a gas fire pit delivery and pay-station system for providing a gas service on a pay-per-use basis. The system provides a multi pay-station or a single pay-station configuration connected to a main gas supply of pressurized gas whereby a control signal is provided by the pay-station to a plurality of electronically controlled gas valves for disabling or enabling the pressurized gas to flow to one or more fire pit stations.