Fuel quantity control and / or air quantity control

Abstract

Fuel type detection and / or fuel quantity control and / or air quantity control with different fuel types using mass flow sensors. Method for estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) in a combustion device (1) with a mass flow sensor (11), wherein the mass flow sensor (11) is in fluid communication with the fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6), the method comprising: recording a heating power signal indicating a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); recording a first temperature signal indicating a first temperature of the fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) using a first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11);Recording a second temperature signal, indicating a second temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a second resistance element (27, 28) of the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the second resistance element (27, 28) is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26); and determining a heating power from the heating power signal, a first temperature from the first temperature signal, and a second temperature from the second temperature signal.

Description

background

[0001] The present disclosure relates to open-loop and / or closed-loop control systems used in combustion devices, for example, in gas burners, in conjunction with combustion sensors. Combustion sensors in combustion devices include, for example, ionization electrodes and / or oxygen sensors. The present disclosure particularly relates to the closed-loop and / or closed-loop control of combustion devices in the presence of hydrogen gas.

[0002] During operation of a combustion device, its combustion output must be known and / or adjusted. For the combustion of hydrocarbons or pure hydrogen, or a mixture of both, the air supply and fuel supply must be adjusted to each other. This ensures a correct air / fuel ratio (λ).

[0003] In addition, external influences can affect the air / fuel ratio and / or combustion performance. Examples of such external influences include the inlet pressure of the fuel, especially the fuel gas, and the fuel composition. Other examples of external influences include the ambient temperature, the ambient pressure, and changes in the intake air and exhaust gas paths of the combustion device.

[0004] In addition to the sensors mentioned above, sensors that monitor the flame for safety reasons can be integrated into the control of the combustion power and / or the air ratio of a combustion device. Currently, optical flame monitoring has been used for the combustion of pure hydrogen in a combustion device. Meanwhile, optical sensors for recording signals during combustion are complex.

[0005] A European patent application EP1154202A2 was filed on April 27, 2001, by SIEMENS BUILDING TECH AG. The application was published on November 14, 2001. EP1154202A2 relates to a control device for a burner. EP1154202A2 claims priority from May 12, 2000. A granted European patent EP1154202B1 exists for EP1154202A2.

[0006] EP1154202B2 distinguishes between fuel gases with low and high calorific values. Two characteristic curves are used to differentiate between the two fuel gases. Each characteristic curve relates to a control signal for an actuator of the combustion device versus a fan speed of the combustion device. Control signals corresponding to the characteristic curves are weighted to regulate the combustion device.

[0007] Furthermore, EP1154202B2 claims the use of additional sensors to control the combustion device. These additional sensors influence the positions of the combustion device's actuators based on their sensor readings. EP1154202B2 cites a change in the boiler temperature as an example of measurement data obtained from these additional sensors.

[0008] Another patent application, DE102004055716A1, was filed on November 18, 2004, by EBM PAPST LANDSHUT GmbH. The application was published on January 12, 2006. DE102004055716A1 deals with a method for regulating and controlling a combustion system. DE102004055716A1 claims priority from June 23, 2004.

[0009] DE102004055716A1 discloses a mixing area into which an air supply and a gas supply flow. A line leads from the mixing area. The line ends at a burner section. A flame is arranged above the burner section. A temperature sensor can be arranged, for example, in the area of ​​the flame, but also on the burner near the flame. For example, a thermocouple can also be used as a temperature sensor. DE102004055716A1 teaches the control of the temperature T actual generated by a combustion device to a target temperature T target . A characteristic curve is used which specifies the target temperature T target as a function of the mass flow of air and / or the load of the combustion device. As a further parameter, the air ratio λ remains constant.

[0010] During the combustion of pure hydrogen, no practically usable signal is generated at an ionization electrode. Therefore, ionization electrodes are hardly suitable for recording signals during the combustion of pure hydrogen. Consequently, an electronic system controlled by a flame signal is currently only technically feasible for hydrocarbon-containing fuel gases.

[0011] Furthermore, in the case of an electronic control system, the combustion output and air supply depend solely on the fan speed. In the case of combustion output, the air ratio λ must be kept constant for this purpose. If the use of other sensors is too complex, correcting for environmental influences is hardly possible. Such environmental influences include, for example, air temperature, air pressure, and changes in the supply air or exhaust gas path of the combustion device.

[0012] Another European patent, EP3301362B1, Method for controlling turbulent flows, was granted on March 25, 2020. The filing date of EP3301362B1 is September 30, 2016.

[0013] EP3301362B1 deals with the recording of an air supply flow using a mass flow sensor. The mass flow sensor can be arranged in a side channel of a combustion device's air supply duct. The air supply to the combustion chamber of the combustion device is measured using two actuators arranged in series. A first actuator receives a first signal, which is a function of a requested flow rate. A second actuator receives a second signal, which is a function of an output from the mass flow sensor. The combined control and regulation according to EP3301362B1 enables compensation for external influences on the air ratio and / or combustion performance.

[0014] Another European patent, EP2995861B1, also deals with mass flow sensors in the areas of valve actuation and diagnostics. The patent, EP2995861B1, was granted on August 7, 2019. The filing date of EP2995861B1 is September 10, 2014.

[0015] According to EP2995861B1, a mass flow sensor that detects a flow between 0.1 meters per second and 5 meters per second is used to detect a leak. First, one of at least two valves connected in series is closed. Then, another valve opens. This opening allows fluid flow.

[0016] A sensor for detecting air flow is disclosed in an article entitled "A 2D thermal flow sensor with sub-mW power consumption." This article was published in 2010 in the journal "Sensors and Actuators A: Physical," A163. The article was published on pages 449 to 456 of that journal.

[0017] The article discloses a two-dimensional thermal mass flow sensor with heating elements and thermistors. The disclosed mass flow sensor comprises at least three temperature sensors in the form of three thermistors. A first and a second temperature sensor in the form of a first and a second thermistor are arranged on opposite sides of the heating element. A connection from the first to the second temperature sensor defines a first direction. A third temperature sensor in the form of a third thermistor is arranged in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] The mass flow sensors of the aforementioned article are claimed in claim 12 of European patent EP3271655B1. EP3271655B1 was filed on March 17, 2016, and granted on November 6, 2019. EP3271655B1 claims priority from March 17, 2015.

[0019] The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a closed-loop and / or open-loop control system that enables the combustion of fuel gases of different compositions. The fuel gases may contain hydrogen gas. In particular, one aim of the present disclosure is to provide a closed-loop and / or open-loop control system that achieves a sufficient degree of modulation. Such a closed-loop control system can be used for hydrocarbon-containing fuel gases and / or for a mixture of hydrocarbon-containing fuel gases with hydrogen and / or for pure hydrogen and / or for hydrogen-containing fuel gases with an inert gas component. Hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas. Summary

[0020] Before regulating the air supply and / or power of a combustion device, the type of fuel and / or fuel gas must be estimated, determined, and / or calculated. For this purpose, a mass flow sensor is installed in a fuel supply channel of the combustion device. The mass flow sensor has a heating element. A heating power is then first determined from a signal from the mass flow sensor.

[0021] Furthermore, several temperatures are measured using resistance elements of the mass flow sensor. The difference between the measured temperatures is calculated. Both the heating output and the difference are then temperature compensated.

[0022] The temperature-compensated values ​​can be compared with reference values. Reference values ​​exist, for example, for methane as a fuel gas, for molecular hydrogen as a fuel gas, or for other fuel gas compositions. From this comparison, the type of fuel or fuel gas can be estimated, determined, and / or calculated.

[0023] The temperature compensation of the heating output is preferably carried out using a first, empirically determined calibration curve and / or a first, empirically determined calibration function. The temperature compensation of the difference is preferably carried out using a second, empirically determined calibration curve. The first, empirically determined calibration curve is advantageously different from the second, empirically determined calibration curve.

[0024] The estimation and / or determination and / or calculation of the type of fuel gas and / or combustible material is performed by determining the distance. Distances between pairs of values ​​from the temperature-compensated heat output and the temperature-compensated difference to the corresponding pairs of values ​​of the reference gases are determined. The fuel and / or combustible material is estimated based on the shortest distance to one of the reference gases, such as methane, ethane, or molecular hydrogen.

[0025] The combustion device is controlled based on the estimation and / or determination and / or calculation of the type of combustion gas and / or fuel. For this purpose, a minimum air requirement can be assigned to a type of combustion gas and / or fuel. The minimum air requirement and the required power can be used to determine the required air flow rate. The target air supply allows the combustion device to be controlled, for example, via at least one of its air actuators.

[0026] Likewise, a calorific value can be assigned to a type of combustible gas and / or fuel. The calorific value is compared with a set calorific value. For example, the set calorific value can be the calorific value set on the combustion device before the type of combustible gas and / or fuel is estimated and / or determined and / or calculated. A correction factor is determined by relating or standardizing the assigned calorific value to the set calorific value. This enables, for example, a change in the air supply to the combustion device in proportion to the correction factor.

[0027] A further essential objective of the invention is to determine the correct correlation between the measured value and the fuel supply based on the estimated or determined type of fuel gas or fuel. The current fuel supply is determined based on the measured value. The measured value is the heat output of the mass flow sensor and / or one or more of the temperature differences from the measured temperatures of the temperature sensors. The fuel supply can be the fuel mass flow, the fuel volume flow, or the fuel velocity. One of these values ​​can also be used with reference to specific ambient conditions.

[0028] The combustion device's control system can adjust the fuel supply and / or fuel gas supply based on the determined value for the current fuel supply and a correspondingly specified setpoint. The fuel supply and / or fuel gas supply are adjusted using a fuel actuator.

[0029] Furthermore, the current combustion output can be determined based on the estimated or determined type of fuel gas or fuel and the associated calorific value. Here, too, the combustion device's control system can adjust the combustion output using at least one fuel actuator based on the determined value for the current combustion output and a specified setpoint. Short description of the drawings

[0030] Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiments. The drawings accompanying the detailed description may be briefly described as follows: FIG 1 shows a combustion device with a mass flow sensor in the fuel supply channel. FIG 2 shows a flow-actuated sensor element with various resistance elements. FIG 3 shows the application of the resistance elements of the sensor element to a thin layer and / or foil. FIG 4 shows a sensor control unit in communicative connection with the resistance elements. FIG 5 shows a curve of a temperature difference over the supply of fuel and / or fuel gas. FIG 6a bis FIG 6c show temperature difference curves for different fuels and / or fuel gases. FIG 7a bis FIG 7c show curves of heating output over the supply of fuel and / or fuel gas for different fuels and / or fuel gases. Detailed description

[0031] FIG 1 shows a combustion device 1, such as a wall-mounted gas burner and / or a floor-standing gas burner. During operation, a flame of a heat generator burns in the combustion chamber 2 of the combustion device 1. The heat generator exchanges the thermal energy of the hot combustion gases into another fluid, such as water. The warm water is used, for example, to operate a hot water heating system and / or to heat drinking water. According to another embodiment, the thermal energy of the hot fuels and / or combustion gases can be used to heat a product, for example, in an industrial process. According to a further embodiment, the heat generator is part of a combined heat and power plant, for example, an engine of such a plant. According to another embodiment, the heat generator is a gas turbine. Furthermore, the heat generator can be used to heat water in a plant for the extraction of lithium and / or lithium carbonate.The exhaust gases are discharged from the combustion chamber 2, for example via a chimney 9.

[0032] The air supply 5 for combustion is supplied to the combustion chamber 2 via a motor-driven fan 3 via the air supply duct 10. The required combustion air quantity is determined by a control and / or regulation unit 13. The value is transmitted to the fan 3 via the control signal 15. It is assumed that the fan 3 also reaches the specified air flow level. This can be achieved, for example, by internal speed control and / or internal control via an air volume flow or air mass flow sensor (not shown here). The corresponding control unit can also be integrated into the control and / or regulation unit 13.

[0033] The control and / or regulation unit 13 advantageously comprises a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. In a specific embodiment, the control and / or regulation unit 13 is a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. The control and / or regulation unit 13 preferably comprises a memory, such as a non-volatile memory.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the air supply 5 can be set and / or regulated by an air damper 4. The controlled signal 14 is also actually set by the air damper 4. Furthermore, a requested signal 14 can also actually be regulated by the air damper 4. This can be done, for example, by position feedback implemented internally in the air damper 4 or via an air volume flow or air mass flow sensor. A control system for two air actuators is described in the aforementioned European patent EP3301362B1. However, the fan 3 can also have a fixed speed and only the air damper 4 can be adjustable and / or regulated. Furthermore, the air damper 4 can be omitted entirely.

[0035] The fuel 6 is supplied from the fuel source, preferably a gas network or a gas tank, via a mass flow sensor 11 and at least one motor-driven fuel valve 7, 8. Advantageously, the fuel 6 is supplied via a mass flow sensor 11 and two motor-driven fuel valves 7, 8. The fuel 6 is then combusted with the supplied air 5.

[0036] The at least one fuel valve 7, 8 is designed as a safety shut-off valve. Consequently, upon a shutdown signal from the control and / or regulation unit 13 based on signals 19 and / or 20, the supply of fuel 6 can be completely interrupted. Consequently, a flame in the combustion chamber 2 is extinguished.

[0037] Preferably, the two fuel valves 7, 8 are designed as safety shut-off valves. The two motor-driven shut-off valves 7, 8 are preferably arranged in series. Consequently, upon a shutdown signal from the regulating and / or control unit 13, the supply of fuel 6 can be completely interrupted based on signals 19 and / or 20. Consequently, a flame in the combustion chamber 2 is extinguished.

[0038] At least one motor-driven valve 7, 8 can also be adjusted and / or regulated from a fully closed state, either continuously or with intermediate positions, to a fully open state. The degree of opening of the fuel valve 7, 8 can be used to adjust the supply of fuel 6 based on the flow rate measured by the mass flow sensor 11. The adjustment is made to a predetermined setpoint. According to a further embodiment, the degree of opening of the fuel valve 7, 8 can be used to adjust the supply of fuel 6 based on the flow rate measured by the mass flow sensor 11. The adjustment is made to a predetermined setpoint.

[0039] Furthermore, two motor-driven valves 7, 8 can additionally be adjustable and / or regulated from a fully closed state, either continuously or with intermediate positions, to a fully open state. The two motor-driven fuel valves 7, 8 are preferably arranged in series. The supply of fuel 6 can be adjusted based on the measured flow rate of the mass flow sensor 11 by adjusting the opening degrees of the two fuel valves 7, 8. The adjustment is made to a predetermined setpoint. According to a further embodiment, the supply of fuel 6 can be adjusted based on the measured flow rate of the mass flow sensor 11 by adjusting the opening degrees of the fuel valves 7, 8. The adjustment is made to a predetermined setpoint.

[0040] The at least one adjustable fuel valve 7, 8 does not necessarily have to be designed as a safety shut-off valve. The supply of fuel 6 is then determined and / or regulated via an additional, adjustable fuel valve. The position of the additional, adjustable fuel valve is regulated by the control circuit in the control and / or regulation unit 13 using the signal from the mass flow sensor 11. The supply of fuel 6 is thus also regulated.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the two adjustable fuel valves 7, 8 do not necessarily have to be designed as safety shut-off valves. Two independent safety shut-off valves 7, 8 can also be used, which can only fully open and close. The supply of fuel 6 is then determined and / or regulated via another adjustable fuel valve. The position of the additional, adjustable fuel valve is regulated by the control circuit in the control and / or regulating unit 13 using the signal from the mass flow sensor 11. The supply of fuel 6 is thus also regulated.

[0042] The mass flow sensor 11 preferably comprises a measuring and control unit 12. The recorded measurement signals are processed in the measuring and control unit 12. Three signals 16, 17, and 18 are transmitted to the regulating and / or control unit 13. These signals contain information about the flow rate and the fuel composition and / or fuel gas composition. In a compact embodiment, the mass flow sensor 11 does not comprise the measuring and control unit 12. Instead, the measuring and control unit 12 can be partially or entirely integrated into the regulating and / or control unit 13.

[0043] The measuring and control unit 12 of the mass flow sensor 11 advantageously comprises a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. In a specific embodiment, the measuring and control unit 12 of the mass flow sensor 11 is a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. The measuring and control unit 12 of the mass flow sensor 11 preferably comprises a memory, such as a non-volatile memory.

[0044] The mass flow sensor 11 preferably comprises the measuring and control unit 12 and a sensor element 21. The structure of the sensor element 21 is shown in FIG 2 and in FIG 3 The sensor element 21 comprises a sensor substrate.

[0045] A thin layer and / or film 22 is applied to the sensor substrate. The sensor substrate, or part of it, is removed beneath surfaces 23 and 24. Consequently, the temperature-dependent resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 lie practically exclusively on the thin layer and / or film 22. This results in thermal decoupling of the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 from the sensor substrate. Preferably, good thermal decoupling of the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 from the sensor substrate results. Ideally, very good thermal decoupling of the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 from the sensor substrate results.

[0046] Changes in the temperatures of the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 occur quickly due to the low heat capacities of the resistance elements and the low heat dissipation. Preferably, changes in the temperatures of the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 occur very quickly due to the low heat capacities of the resistance elements and the low heat dissipation. A flowing medium, such as a fuel gas 6, flows over the surfaces 23 and 24 and thus over the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29. The resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 are arranged as in FIG 4 shown controlled by the measuring and control unit 12.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, the measuring and control unit 12 comprises one or more digital / analog converters for controlling the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29. The one or more digital / analog converters convert or change digital control signals to the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 into analog signals. The one or more digital / analog converters can be used, for example, to send an electrical current through one of the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29. The electrical current is preferably a predetermined electrical current. In a compact embodiment, the one or more digital / analog converters can be fully integrated into the measuring and control unit 12. In particular, the one or more digital / analog converters and the measuring and control unit 12 can form a single-chip system.Thus, the one or more digital-to-analog converters and a microcontroller of the measurement and control unit 12 can form a single-chip system. Furthermore, the one or more digital-to-analog converters and a microprocessor of the measurement and control unit 12 can form a single-chip system.

[0048] In a further specific embodiment, the measuring and control unit 12 comprises one or more analog / digital converters for reading the signals from the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29. The one or more analog / digital converters convert or convert analog signals at the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 into digital signals. The one or more analog / digital converters can be used, for example, to read an electrical voltage at one of the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29. In a compact embodiment, the one or more analog / digital converters can be fully integrated into the measuring and control unit 12. In particular, the one or more analog / digital converters and the measuring and control unit 12 can form a single-chip system. Thus, the one or more analog / digital converters and a microcontroller of the measuring and control unit 12 can form a single-chip system.Furthermore, the one or more analog / digital converters and a microprocessor of the measuring and control unit 12 may form a single-chip system.

[0049] The measuring and control unit 12 of the mass flow sensor 11 comprises a sensor control unit 32, such as a central sensor control unit 32. The sensor control unit 32 supplies the resistance elements 27, 28, and 29 located on the sensor element 21 with a constant electrical current. Furthermore, the sensor control unit 32 supplies a reference resistor 30 located in the measuring and control unit 12 with a constant electrical current.

[0050] The constant electric current is chosen to be so small that the resistance elements 27, 28, and 29 are practically not heated by this current. Using the known value of the reference resistor 30, the electric current through the resistance elements 27, 28, and 29 can be precisely determined based on a measured electric voltage 37. Based on the electric voltages 34, 35, and 36 and the measured electric current, the temperature-dependent values ​​of the resistance elements 27, 28, and 29 can be calculated. The calculation is preferably performed by the sensor control unit 32.

[0051] The sensor control unit 32 advantageously comprises a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. In a specific embodiment, the sensor control unit 32 is a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. The sensor control unit 32 preferably comprises a memory such as, for example, a non-volatile memory. In a central embodiment, the central sensor control unit 32 advantageously comprises a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. In a specific embodiment, the central sensor control unit 32 is a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. The central sensor control unit 32 preferably comprises a memory such as, for example, a non-volatile memory. Furthermore, the at least one analog / digital converter for reading the signals from the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 is preferably integrated into the sensor control unit 32.In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one analog / digital converter for reading the signals from the resistance elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 is implemented separately from the sensor control unit 32. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the signal from the at least one analog / digital converter is then transmitted to the sensor control unit 32 via a bus. A suitable bus can be, for example, an SPI bus or a CAN bus.

[0052] With a known resistance-temperature characteristic curve, the temperature of the respective resistance element 27, 28, and 29 can be determined based on the respective resistance value. The resistance-temperature characteristic curve for each of the three resistance elements 27, 28, and 29 is preferably determined by means of temperature calibration. The resistance-temperature characteristic curve for each of the three resistance elements 27, 28, and 29 is preferably stored in the sensor control unit 32. For example, the resistance-temperature characteristic curve for each of the three resistance elements 27, 28, and 29 can be stored in a non-volatile memory of the sensor control unit 32.

[0053] The resistance element 29 is thermally decoupled from the other resistance elements 26, 27 and 28 because it is located in its own thermal island.

[0054] The resistance element 29 can thus be used to determine and / or record a signal that practically exclusively indicates the temperature of the flowing fuel 6. Preferably, the resistance element 29 can thus be used to determine and / or record a signal that practically exclusively indicates the temperature of the flowing fuel gas 6. Preferably, the resistance element 29 can be used to determine and / or record a signal that very precisely indicates the temperature of the flowing fuel 6. Ideally, the resistance element 29 can be used to determine and / or record a signal that very precisely indicates the temperature of the flowing fuel gas 6.

[0055] The resistance element 26 serves as a heater and temperature sensor. Using the resistance element 26, a signal can be recorded that indicates the temperature TH of the resistance element 26, which is designed as a heating resistor 26. For heating, the voltage across the heating resistor 26 and the series resistor 31 is applied by the sensor control unit 32 to a driver 33. The driver 33 provides sufficient current and power to heat the resistance element 26.

[0056] Using the electrical voltage 39 across the series resistor 31, the current through the heating resistor 26 can be determined by the sensor control unit 32. Using the calculated current and the electrical voltage 38, the temperature-dependent value of the heating resistor 26 can be calculated. Preferably, the temperature-dependent value of the heating resistor 26 is calculated by the sensor control unit 32.

[0057] The temperature TH of the heating resistor 26 can be precisely determined using a resistance-temperature characteristic curve and the temperature-dependent value of the heating resistor 26. The resistance-temperature characteristic curve for the heating resistor 26 is also preferably determined by means of temperature calibration. The resistance-temperature characteristic curve for the heating resistor 26 is preferably stored in the sensor control unit 32. For example, the resistance-temperature characteristic curve for the heating resistor 26 can be stored in a non-volatile memory of the sensor control unit 32.

[0058] The temperature TH of the heating resistor 26 can thus be adjusted or regulated by the voltage level at the output of driver 33. The temperature TH of the heating resistor 26 can be measured and / or determined via voltages 38 and 39.

[0059] The heating resistor 26 is operated in the so-called CTA mode (Constant Temperature Anemometer mode). This means that the temperature of the heating resistor 26 is regulated to a constant overtemperature of ΔTH by means of a temperature controller. The overtemperature ΔTH refers to the difference between a temperature TH of the heating resistor 26 and a temperature of the fuel 6 TM: Δ TH = TH − TM A signal is recorded using the resistance element 29, which indicates a temperature TM of the fuel 6. The excess temperature ΔTH advantageously refers to a difference between a temperature TH of the heating resistor 26 and a temperature of the fuel gas 6 TM: Δ TH = TH − TM A signal indicating a temperature TM of the fuel gas 6 is recorded using the resistance element 29. Temperature control to a constant excess temperature is preferably performed by the sensor control unit 32. Temperature control to a constant excess temperature is ideally performed by a controller in the sensor control unit 32. The excess temperature ΔTH typically has values ​​of 20 Kelvin, 40 Kelvin, 60 Kelvin, or even 80 Kelvin.

[0060] As the fuel flows over the heating resistor 26, the heating resistor 26 is cooled to varying degrees depending on the flow velocity 25 and the composition of the fuel 6. Preferably, the fuel 6 is a fuel gas. In this case, the heating resistor 26 is cooled to varying degrees depending on the flow velocity 25 and the composition of the fuel 6. If the flow velocity 25 increases with the same fuel composition and / or fuel gas composition, the heating resistor 26 is also cooled to a greater extent.

[0061] To ensure that the excess temperature ΔTH remains constant, the temperature controller must increase the heating power PH accordingly when the overflow increases. The heating power PH is set in the Figuren 7a, 7b und 7c as signal 48 along the vertical axis. The signal 16 is a measure of a supply of fuel 6 and / or of the supply of fuel gas 6. In particular, signal 16 is a measure of a mass flow of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6.

[0062] The heating power PH is thus a measure of the flow velocity across the mass flow sensor 11. The heating power PH can be calculated from the measured voltages 38 and 39 using the known series resistance 21. The calculation of PH is preferably performed in the sensor control unit 32.

[0063] The resistance elements 27 and 28 are located to the side of the heating resistor 26. If the heating resistor 26 is heated by a value ΔTH above the fuel gas temperature TM, the two resistance elements 27 and 28 are also heated. The resistance elements 27 and 28 are heated because they are thermally coupled to the heating resistor 26 via the thin layer and / or foil 22 and the flowing fuel 6. The thermal coupling preferably occurs via the thin layer and / or foil 22 and the flowing fuel 6 and / or the flowing fuel gas 6.

[0064] Using the respective resistance-temperature characteristics of resistance elements 27 and 28, the respective resistance temperatures can be determined based on the measured resistance values ​​of 27 and 28. The resistance-temperature characteristics of resistance elements 27 and 28 are preferably stored in the sensor control unit 32. The resistance-temperature characteristics of resistance elements 27 and 28 are ideally stored in a non-volatile memory of the sensor control unit 32.

[0065] Resistance element 27 is located upstream of heating resistor 26. Therefore, an upstream resistance temperature TU is determined based on resistance element 27. Resistance element 28 is located downstream of heating resistor 26. Therefore, a downstream resistance temperature TD is determined based on resistance element 28.

[0066] Both temperatures TU and TD are caused by the excess temperature ΔTH relative to the temperature TM of the fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6. Consequently, two further differences Δ TU = TU − TM and Δ TD = TD − TM Preferably, the calculations of the differences ΔTU and ΔTD are performed by the sensor control unit 32. The difference ΔTU corresponds to signal 16. The difference ΔTD corresponds to signal 17. The heating power PH corresponds to signal 18. Advantageously, the difference ΔTD and the heating power PH are temperature-compensated by the control and / or regulation unit 13.

[0067] If the flow velocity is increased while maintaining the same fuel gas composition, ΔTU (signal 16) decreases. The reason for this is that the resistance element 27, which is used to determine ΔTU (signal 16), receives its heat exclusively through thermal conduction of the thin layer or foil 22. As soon as the medium flows over the sensor element 21, the heat is blown away by the resistance element 27. Consequently, little or no heat is transferred from the heating resistor 26 to the resistance element 27 via the fuel 6 and / or the fuel gas 6.

[0068] As the flow velocity 25 increases, the heat supplied to the resistance element 27 via the thin layer and / or foil 22 is increasingly carried away by the flowing fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6. Consequently, the resistance element 27 is increasingly cooled. The difference ΔTU (signal 16) therefore decreases with increasing flow velocity 25.

[0069] If the flow velocity 25 is kept constant and the composition of the fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 is changed, the heating resistor 26 is initially cooled more or less. However, the temperature value of the heating resistor 26 is kept constant via the temperature control. Temperature control is preferably carried out by the sensor control unit 32.

[0070] The resistance element 27 is also cooled to the same extent, more or less. Due to the strong thermal coupling of the resistance element 27 to the heating resistor 26 via the thin layer and / or foil 22, this loss is compensated for by the temperature control. Consequently, the difference ΔTU (signal 16) remains virtually unchanged when the fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 varies.

[0071] The medium is a fuel 6 and / or a fuel gas 6. The medium temperature TM is a temperature of the fuel 6 and / or the fuel gas 6. A change in the medium temperature TM has no direct effect due to the difference formation to the measured value of the medium temperature TM.

[0072] However, the change in the medium temperature TM also has an effect on selected material constants such as kinematic viscosity and / or the thermal conduction of the fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6. Thus, the change in the medium temperature TM has an influence similar to that of a change in the composition of the fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6.

[0073] Similar to a change in the fuel composition and / or fuel gas composition, a temperature change of the fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 does not affect the difference ΔTU (signal 41). The difference ΔTU (signal 16) is therefore largely independent of the temperature of the supplied fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6. The difference ΔTU (signal 16) depends, over a wide range of the fuel composition and / or fuel gas composition, only on the flow velocity or fuel supply 25 over the sensor element 21.

[0074] The mass flow sensor 11 with the sensor element 21 can be installed in a fixed geometry with a constant cross-sectional area. Then, ΔTU (signal 16) is largely independent of the fuel composition and / or fuel gas composition, as well as largely independent of the fuel temperature and / or fuel gas temperature, and depends only on the mass flow of the fuel 6 or fuel gas 6.

[0075] From ΔTU (signal 16), the corresponding flow velocity and / or fuel supply and / or fuel gas supply is determined via the characteristic curve 41. The course of a typical characteristic curve 41 is shown in FIG 5 The value 40 represents the flow velocity and / or fuel supply 25 for all temperatures and / or fuel compositions, calculated using the characteristic curve 41. Preferably, the sensor control unit 32 determines the signal 16. Preferably, the sensor control unit 32 transmits the signal 16 to the regulating and / or control unit 13. Preferably, the flow signal 40 is calculated using the characteristic curve 41 in the regulating and / or control unit 13. The flow signal 40 corresponds to the flow velocity 25 and / or fuel supply 6.

[0076] The characteristic curve 41 of signal 16 versus signal 40 is determined once based on a flow calibration. Preferably, the characteristic curve of signal 16 versus signal 40 is stored in the control and / or regulation unit 13. Ideally, the characteristic curve of signal 16 versus signal 40 is stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13.

[0077] FIG 6 shows three different diagrams for ΔTD (signal 17) at different temperatures for different fuels 6 and / or fuel gases 6 over the signal 42. The signal 42 represents the flow velocity 25 and / or the fuel supply 6, however, measured from the value ΔTD (signal 17). The dependence on the fuel gas composition arises from the fact that the heat from the heating resistor 26 does not only reach the resistance element 28 via the thin layer and / or foil 22. Instead, heat from the heating resistor 26 also reaches the resistance element 28 via the fuel 6 and / or the fuel gas 6. Therefore, the temperature of the resistance element 28 also depends on the material parameters of the fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6.

[0078] Characteristic curve 44 shows the behavior for methane as fuel gas 6. This fuel gas 6 was selected here as an example reference. Characteristic curve 45 shows the behavior for the reference gas methane with admixtures of higher-energy fuel gases 6, for example, ethane or propane. Characteristic curve 46 shows the behavior for a fuel gas with admixtures, for example, nitrogen as an inert gas. Characteristic curve 47 shows a mixture of methane as fuel gas 6 with hydrogen, while characteristic curve 48 shows a characteristic for pure hydrogen and / or pure hydrogen gas.

[0079] Because the material parameters of the fuels 6 and / or fuel gases 6 are temperature-dependent, there is an overall temperature dependence for all fuel mixtures and / or fuel gas mixtures. FIG 6b the characteristic curves of the described fuels 6 and / or combustion gases 6 are shown for a reference temperature such as 293 Kelvin.

[0080] FIG 6a shows the corresponding characteristics for a lower temperature, FIG 6c shows the characteristic curves at a higher temperature. Temperature compensation converts the characteristic curves from a lower or higher temperature to the corresponding characteristic curves at the reference temperature.

[0081] In the simplest case, this is achieved by shifting the characteristic curves based on a fixed rule previously determined by laboratory measurements on the reference gas. The fixed rule can, for example, be stored in the control unit 13. The fixed rule is preferably stored in a non-volatile memory of the control unit 13.

[0082] More complex calculation rules are also conceivable, for example, the interpolation between two stored characteristic curves at different temperatures for a reference gas. Temperature compensation is achieved by applying the compensation rule of the characteristic curves to a temperature difference ΔTD (signal 17). In all conversions, the ratios 44 to 48 between fuels 6 and / or combustion gases 6 are retained. In a further, preferred procedure, the conversion to the characteristic curves of the reference temperature is carried out by rotational stretching. The parameters of the rotational stretching are determined using measurements with reference gases. They are preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. For example, the relationships can be determined empirically in the laboratory using test specimens and are then valid for all sensor specimens.

[0083] In a further step, for various combustion gases, for example combustion gases 44 to 48, a mapping of the respective temperature-compensated value to the value for the reference gas is carried out. Here, too, this is achieved in the simplest case by shifting the characteristic curves based on a fixed rule that was previously determined by measurements on the reference gas in the laboratory. Alternatively, interpolation can be carried out between two characteristic curves. Particularly preferably, a rotational stretching can be carried out, in which the characteristic curves for each selected combustion gas are mapped to the characteristic curve of the reference gas. Here, too, the rules for the individual combustion gases are stored, for example, in the control and / or regulation unit 13. The fixed rules are advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. Here, too, they can be determined empirically in the laboratory and are then valid for all sensor specimens.

[0084] The last two steps can be combined into one mapping. In the case of rotational stretching, a rotational stretch is obtained for each fuel gas 44 to 48, which is a function of the fuel temperature. Here, too, the rules are preferably stored in the control unit 13. The fixed rules are advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control unit 13. All relationships or mappings can also be determined through empirical measurements in the laboratory and are then valid for all sensor specimens.

[0085] A calibration curve is also included in the compensation in the form of a rotational stretch. The result of the compensation, taking into account a calibration curve, is the flow value 25 for the fuel supply 6 and / or the combustion gas supply 6. In particular, the result of the compensation, taking into account a calibration curve, can be the flow value 25 for the fuel supply 6 and / or the combustion gas supply 6.

[0086] The calibration curve indicates the relationship between the determined value ΔTD and the flow rate 25 of the fuel supply 6 for the reference gas at the reference temperature. The calibration curve does not include fuel-specific properties or temperature dependence, but only the specific properties of a particular sensor.

[0087] This approach is advantageous because the temperature dependence of the fuel gas and the dependence of the fuel gas composition as material parameters can be determined empirically in the laboratory. The empirical determination in the laboratory is carried out on multiple sensors, independent of the sensor specimen. Figure 41 can be stored as a fixed figure for each fuel gas composition and as a function of the medium temperature TM. The calibration curve with the geometric properties therefore only needs to be determined for one fuel, namely a reference fuel. The calibration curve with the geometric properties therefore only needs to be determined for one gas, namely the reference gas.

[0088] Signal 42 is obtained from signal 17 as a result and / or as a starting point. Signal 42 is temperature-compensated. Signal 42 is preferably independent of the fuel composition and / or the fuel gas composition. Signal 42 represents the flow velocity 25 converted to the reference fuel, calculated from the signal ΔTD (signal 17). For each fuel characteristic curve 44 to 48, a rotational stretch as a function of the fuel temperature is preferably stored in the control and / or regulation unit 13. In addition to the rotational stretch, the calibration characteristic curve for TD is stored, preferably in the control and / or regulation unit 13. The characteristic curve or parameters for the rotational stretch or mapping for temperature and fuel gas compensation are preferably stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13.The calibration characteristic curve for each sensor is also advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. Signal 17 is preferably transmitted from the sensor control unit 32 to the control and / or regulation unit 13.

[0089] As an alternative to the difference ΔTD (signal 17), derived values ​​such as Δ TDU = TD − TU You will then get values ​​similar to those in Fig 6a,6b und 6c The mapping of signal 17 to reference signal 42 occurs in the same way. The mapping is performed using, for example, empirically determined functions 44 to 48 for each fuel gas and the measured fuel gas temperature. Here, too, the empirically determined functions 44 to 48 are preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of the regulating and / or control unit 13. Furthermore, the calibration curve from the reference gas to the flow value 25 of the fuel supply 6 is preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of the regulating and / or control unit 13.

[0090] The power value PH (signal 18) resulting from the heating control is processed in the same way as signal 17 (signal ΔTD or signal ΔTDU). FIG 7 The curves of power values ​​PH (signal 18) versus the supply of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 for three different fuel gas temperatures are shown. The characteristic curves apply to the same fuel compositions and / or fuel gas compositions as in FIG 6 described. FIG 7b shows the characteristic curves for an average temperature selected as the reference temperature. The selected reference temperature could, for example, be 293 Kelvin. FIG 7a shows the characteristics at a lower fuel temperature and / or combustion gas temperature. FIG 7c shows the characteristics for a higher fuel temperature and / or combustion gas temperature.

[0091] Temperature compensation to the reference temperature is most easily achieved through factorial correction. A correction factor is recorded for different temperatures in the laboratory. The correction factor can be stored, for example, in the sensor control unit 32 or, preferably, in the regulation and / or control unit 13. The correction factor is advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the sensor control unit 32 or the regulation and / or control unit 13.

[0092] More complex temperature compensation rules are also possible, for example, through linear interpolation between two characteristic curves for different reference gas temperatures. The two characteristic curves can be stored, for example, in the control and / or regulation unit 13. The two characteristic curves are advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. Other more complex rules are also possible, for example rules taking signal 16 into account. Alternatively, rotational stretching for temperature compensation is possible. As part of the rotational stretching, a conversion is also carried out using a calibration characteristic curve. The rotational stretching parameters can be determined from signal 18 to signal 43 by measurements with reference gases 49 to 53. They are preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13.Temperature compensation is achieved by applying the compensation rule of the characteristic curves to the measured power value PH (signal 18). Here, too, relationships 49 to 53 can be determined empirically in the laboratory using test samples and are valid for all sensor samples.

[0093] Curve 49 shows the behavior for methane as fuel gas 6. This fuel gas 6 was selected here as an example reference. Curve 50 shows the behavior for the reference gas methane with admixtures of higher-energy fuel gases 6, such as ethane or propane. Curve 51 shows the behavior for a fuel gas with admixtures of, for example, nitrogen as an inert gas. Curve 52 shows a mixture of methane as fuel gas 6 with hydrogen, while curve 53 shows a characteristic curve for pure hydrogen.

[0094] In a further step, for various fuel gases, for example fuel gases 49 to 53, a mapping of the respective temperature-compensated value to the value for the reference gas is carried out. Here, too, this is achieved in the simplest case by shifting the characteristic curves based on a fixed rule that was previously determined by measurements on the reference gases in the laboratory. Alternatively, interpolation can be carried out between two characteristic curves. Particularly preferably, rotational stretching can be carried out, in which the characteristic curves for each selected fuel gas are mapped to the characteristic curve of the reference gas. This compensation based on rotational stretching is consistent with the existing thermo-fluid dynamic model of the sensor. Here, too, the rules for the individual fuels and / or fuel gases are stored, for example, in the regulating and / or control unit 13.The fixed rules are advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. They can, for example, be determined empirically in the laboratory and are then valid for all sensor units.

[0095] As with the ΔTU or ΔTDU signals, the last two steps for the power value PH can be combined into one mapping. In the case of rotational stretching, a rotational stretching is then obtained as a function of fuel temperature for each fuel gas 49 to 53. The mapping rules 49 to 53 for the power value are preferably stored in the control and / or regulation unit 13. The fixed mapping rules are advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. All relationships or mappings 49 to 53 can also be determined through empirical measurements in the laboratory. They are then valid for all sensor specimens.

[0096] In order to estimate the correct fuel and / or fuel gas, characteristic curves 49 to 53 must correspond to fuel gases 44 to 48. This means that the fuel gas for characteristic curve 44 is the same as for characteristic curve 49 (here, for example, methane). The fuel gas for characteristic curve 45 is the same as for characteristic curve 50 (here, for example, methane with a propane content). The fuel gas for characteristic curve 46 is the same as for characteristic curve 51 (here, for example, methane with a nitrogen content). The fuel gas for characteristic curve 47 is the same as for characteristic curve 52 (here, for example, methane with a hydrogen content). The fuel gas for characteristic curve 48 is the same as for characteristic curve 53 (here, for example, pure hydrogen). The characteristic curves 43 to 48 and 49 to 53 shown here can of course be expanded for other fuel gas compositions with other characteristics.

[0097] As part of the compensation, a calibration characteristic curve for the power PH and / or the power value PH for the reference gas is also stored here, preferably in the control and / or regulation unit 13. In particular, as part of the rotational stretching, a calibration characteristic curve for the power PH and / or the power value PH for the reference gas is stored, preferably in the control and / or regulation unit 13. The characteristic curve or the parameters for the rotational stretching or mapping for temperature and fuel gas compensation are preferably also stored for PH in the control and / or regulation unit 13. The storage takes place, for example, in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. The calibration characteristic curve for each sensor instance is also advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13.

[0098] You get a value from the measured signals 16 (for ΔTU), 17 (for ΔTD or ΔTDU) and 18 (for PH) as well as the medium temperature TM for each fuel gas.

[0099] This value corresponds to the respective measured value for ΔTU, ΔTD / ΔTDU, and PH for the reference gas. The flow velocity / fuel gas supply 40, 42, and 43 can now be determined for each fuel gas. The determination is carried out using a calibration curve of the reference gas for ΔTU, ΔTD / ΔTDU, and PH. The calibration curve(s) are determined individually for each sensor. If the respective fuel gas actually flows over sensor 21, all three values ​​40, 42, and 43 correspond to flow velocity 25. These values ​​40, 42, and 43 also correspond to fuel supply 6 and / or fuel gas supply 6.

[0100] If the fuel gas is known, one of the signals 16, 17, or 18 can be selected. Based on the medium temperature, the calibration curve, and the known mapping rule 41 or 43 to 48 or 49 to 53, the value 40 or 42 or 43 is determined. The determination is based on the assumption of a known fuel gas and / or a known fuel. The value 40 or 42 or 43 is a measure of the flow velocity 25. The fuel supply can also be determined in this way.

[0101] Signals 16, 17, and 18 differ in quality because they were recorded with different sensors. Signal 16 (ΔTU) is largely temperature-independent and, to a large extent, also independent of the fuel gas composition. Thus, using a characteristic curve 41, the flow velocity 25 or the fuel supply can be determined for almost all fuel gases and all fuel gas temperatures. Should a deviation exist for one or more special gases, different characteristic curves can also be stored and selected in the control and / or regulation unit 13. This is shown above for ΔTD.

[0102] Signal 17 (ΔTD or ΔTDU) is very accurate for small flow values ​​less than 0.1 m / s down to 20 m / s. In contrast, signal 18 (PH) has a wide measuring range, so that flow values ​​from 0.5 m / s to 100 m / s can be measured with sufficient accuracy. Furthermore, depending on the determined flow value, signal 41, 42 or 43 can be selected. For small values, for example values ​​less than 5 m / s, signal 42 can be selected. For larger values, for example values ​​greater than 5 m / s, signal 43 can be selected. It is common practice to incorporate a hysteresis at the switchover point. For example, when approaching from below, the switchover occurs from signal 42 to signal 43 at, for example, 5.5 m / s or around 5.5 m / s. When approaching from above, the switchover occurs from signal 43 to signal 42 at, for example, or around 4.5 m / s.

[0103] It is also particularly advantageous to include air as an additional gas and select it as the reference gas. This allows the calibration curve to be very easily determined using air, and the flow velocity of the fuel gas or fuel supply for each fuel gas can be determined using the respective mapping rule.

[0104] If you want to calibrate a sensor to a fuel gas, you can select a mapping rule by selecting the fuel gas through the control program. The mapping rule is preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13. The flow value 40, 42, or 43 is determined from the measured value 16, 17, or 18 and the calibration curve for the reference gas. This value 40, 43, or 43 then corresponds to the correct flow velocity 25 or the correct fuel supply.

[0105] Furthermore, the gas composition for an unknown fuel gas can also be estimated. To do so, starting from signals 16 and / or 17 and / or 18, the flow value 40 is determined for each possible fuel gas composition using mapping rule 41 and the reference characteristic curve. The reference characteristic curve is a characteristic curve of the calibration gas for ΔTU. Furthermore, all flow values ​​42 are determined for each fuel gas using all assignments 44 to 48 and the reference characteristic curve of the calibration gas for ΔTD / ΔTDU. Furthermore, the flow value 43 is determined for each fuel gas using all assignments 49 to 53 and the reference characteristic curve of the calibration gas for PH.

[0106] For each fuel gas, the difference between the determined flow values ​​(signal 40 - signal 42) and (signal 40 - signal 43) and (signal 42 - signal 43) is calculated. The result is then squared. A sum of the squares σ is calculated for each fuel and / or each fuel gas. The sum of the squares σ can be used as a measure to determine the gas composition by selecting the composition with the smallest value σ. The sum of the squares can be calculated not only by simply adding them together, but also by weighting the individual squares by a factor before addition. This allows the different influences of the fuel gas compositions on signals 40, 42, and 43 to be taken into account.

[0107] The selected gas composition can then be processed by selecting one of the three values ​​40, 42, or 43 for the known gas composition. Depending on the determined value, different result values ​​40, 42, or 43 can be selected, and hysteresis is also possible when switching between the values.

[0108] One can also calculate the square of only one difference for the values ​​of all gas compositions. The only difference is chosen from one of the differences: Signal 40 - Signal 42, Signal 40 - Signal 43, Signal 42 - Signal 43. The measure σ for each gas composition then corresponds to the squared difference value of each gas composition.

[0109] Here, too, the gas composition with the minimum value of σ is selected. Depending on the type of gas composition, an estimate based on only one squared difference may be sufficient. However, in general, better discrimination is achieved by using the difference of the sum of two or even three squared differences.

[0110] The measuring and control unit 12 transmits the signals 16 and / or 17 and / or 18 to the regulating and / or control unit 13. The measuring and control unit 12 is advantageously part of the mass flow sensor 11. In a further, compact embodiment, the measuring and control unit 12 can be integrated into the regulating and / or control unit 13.

[0111] The fineness of the gas composition can be selected by varying the number of gas compositions and thus the number of mapping rules 41, 44 to 48, and 49 to 53, respectively. To suppress the influence of noise, signals 16 and / or 17 and / or 18 can be averaged over a shorter or longer period. A short period of time can be considered 0.2 seconds. A longer and recommended period is 5 seconds. A very long period of time can be considered 30 seconds or even 60 seconds.

[0112] With the selected gas composition, the gas mixture and thus the material parameters of the selected fuel gas are known. This also means that, for example, the calorific value Hu and / or the minimum air requirement Lmin of the selected fuel gas is known. The material parameters, for example Hu and / or Lmin, are preferably stored in the regulating and / or control unit 13, as per mapping instructions 41, 44 to 48, 49 to 53. They are assigned to a fuel gas. Once the fuel gas has been selected, the stored material parameters, for example Hu and / or Lmin, can be selected in the same way as the assignment. The material parameters, for example Hu and / or Lmin, are preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of the regulating and / or control unit 13.

[0113] The supply of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 is corrected using the currently determined correction factor of Hu in relation to the correction factor under set conditions. The correction is preferably carried out by the regulating and / or control unit 13. For this purpose, the selected signal 40, 42 and / or 43 can be multiplied by the inverse of the currently determined correction factor. The selected signal is a measure of the flow velocity 25 and / or the supply of fuel 6 and / or the supply of fuel gas 6. Likewise, the setpoint for the supply of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 can be multiplied by the currently determined correction factor. In general, the supply of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 is changed in proportion to the correction factor.

[0114] This allows a fuel control circuit in the control and / or regulation unit 13 to correct the at least one fuel valve 7, 8. As a result of the correction, a correct supply of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 is set and / or regulated. This also corrects the performance of the combustion device 1.

[0115] Using the known, corrected supply of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 and its associated signal 16, the air supply can be corrected. A composite curve is used for the correction. The composite curve can be stored, for example, in the control and / or regulation unit 13. The composite curve is advantageously stored in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit 13.

[0116] The control and / or regulation unit 13 changes the setpoint for the air supply 5 assigned in the compound curve using the currently determined correction factor of Lmin in relation to the correction factor under setting conditions. An air control circuit corrects the air supply 5 via the motor-driven fan 3 and / or the motor-driven air damper 4.

[0117] Alternatively, the measured value for the air supply 5 can be corrected first. The supply of fuel 6 and / or fuel gas 6 allocated via the network is then corrected, which leads to the same result.

[0118] In the context of the present disclosure, compensation of a first value as a function of a second value means that the influence of the second value on the first value is reduced and / or suppressed. In other words, the first value is compensated by the second value. This means that the first value is compensated as a function of the second value. The same applies to dependencies on third and further values.

[0119] In the context of the present disclosure, the compensability of a first value as a function of a second value means that the influence of the second value on the first value is reduced and / or suppressed. In other words, the first value is compensable by the second value.

[0120] This means that the first value can be compensated for by the second value. The same applies to dependencies on third and subsequent values.

[0121] In other words, the present disclosure relates to a method for estimating a flow value (25) for fuels (6) and / or fuel gases (6) of different compositions, which are supplied via a fuel supply channel and / or fuel gas supply channel to a combustion device (1), wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a mass flow sensor (11), wherein the mass flow sensor (11) is in fluid communication with the fuel (6) and / or with the fuel gas (6), the method comprising the steps: Recording a first temperature signal, which indicates a first temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the first temperature signal to a first temperature (TM); determining a compensable value by recording a heating power signal, which indicates a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the heating power signal to a heating power; determining the compensable value as heating power;and estimating a flow value (25) for the fuel supply and / or for the fuel gas supply by compensating the value that can be compensated as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one stored mapping rule that is dependent on the first temperature (TM) and / or on the fuel composition and / or on the fuel gas composition and using a calibration characteristic curve stored for a reference gas. ;

[0122] The present disclosure further relates to a method for estimating a type of fuel (6) and / or a type of fuel gas (6) in a combustion device (1) having a mass flow sensor (11), wherein the mass flow sensor (11) is in fluid communication with the fuel (6) and / or with the fuel gas (6), the method comprising the steps: Recording a heating power signal indicating a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); Recording a first temperature signal indicating a first temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) using a first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11); Recording a second temperature signal indicating a second temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) using a second resistance element (27, 28) of the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the second resistance element (27, 28) is different from the first resistance element (29) and the second resistance element (27, 28) is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26); Processing the heating power signal to a heating power (PH), the first temperature signal to a first temperature (TM), and the second temperature signal to a second temperature (TD, TU);Calculating a difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between the first and second temperatures; determining a temperature-compensated heating output from the processed heating output (PH) and a temperature-compensated difference from the calculated difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU); and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or the type of fuel gas (6) in the combustion device (1) as a function of the temperature-compensated heating output and the temperature-compensated difference.

[0123] The mass flow sensor (11) is preferably in contact with the fuel (6) and / or with the fuel gas (6).

[0124] The method for estimating a type of fuel (6) and / or a type of combustion gas (6) in a combustion device (1) having a mass flow sensor (11) is preferably a method for determining a type of fuel (6) and / or a type of combustion gas (6) in a combustion device (1) having a mass flow sensor (11). Accordingly, the method comprises the step of determining the type of fuel (6) and / or the type of combustion gas (6) in the combustion device (1) as a function of the temperature-compensated heat output and the temperature-compensated difference. The method for estimating a type of fuel (6) and / or a type of combustion gas (6) in a combustion device (1) having a mass flow sensor (11) is preferably a method for calculating a type of fuel (6) and / or a type of combustion gas (6) in a combustion device (1) having a mass flow sensor (11).Accordingly, the method comprises the step of calculating the type of fuel (6) and / or the type of fuel gas (6) in the combustion device (1) as a function of the temperature-compensated heating power and the temperature-compensated difference.

[0125] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the step of: recording a second temperature signal, which indicates a second temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a second resistance element (27, 28) of the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the second resistance element (27, 28) is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26), wherein a supply of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) to the combustion device (1) defines a flow direction.

[0126] The second temperature signal is preferably recorded simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the first temperature signal.

[0127] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Determining the temperature-compensated heating power from the processed heating power (PH) using a first, empirically determined calibration curve and / or a first, empirically determined calibration function; and determining the temperature-compensated difference from the calculated difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) using a second, empirically determined calibration curve.

[0128] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Determining a first difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from a temperature-compensated difference specified for a first fuel (6) and / or for a first fuel gas (6); Determining a second difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from a temperature-compensated heating output specified for the first fuel (6) and / or for the first fuel gas (6); Determining a third difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from a temperature-compensated difference specified for a second fuel (6) and / or for a second fuel gas (6); Determining a fourth difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from a temperature-compensated heating output specified for the second fuel (6) and / or for the second fuel gas (6); Determining a first distance between the first and the second difference value;Determining a second distance between the third and the fourth difference value; and if the first distance is smaller than the second distance: estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or the type of combustion gas (6) in the combustion device (1) as the first fuel (6) and / or as the first combustion gas (6). ;

[0129] The present disclosure also deals with one of the aforementioned methods including a first difference value, the method comprising the step: if the first distance is smaller than the second distance: determining the type of fuel (6) and / or the type of fuel gas (6) in the combustion device (1) as the first fuel (6) and / or as the first fuel gas (6).

[0130] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned methods including a first difference value, the method comprising the step of: if the second distance is smaller than the first distance: estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or the type of fuel gas (6) in the combustion device (1) as the second fuel (6) and / or as the second fuel gas (6).

[0131] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods involving a first difference value, the method comprising the steps: Calculating a first difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from a temperature-compensated difference specified for a first fuel (6) and / or for a first fuel gas (6); calculating a second difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from a temperature-compensated heating output specified for the first fuel (6) and / or for the first fuel gas (6); calculating a third difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from a temperature-compensated difference specified for a second fuel (6) and / or for a second fuel gas (6); and calculating a fourth difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from a temperature-compensated heating output specified for the second fuel (6) and / or for the second fuel gas (6).

[0132] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods including a first difference value, the method additionally comprising the step of comparing the first distance with the second distance.

[0133] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods including a first difference value, the method additionally comprising the step of: numerically comparing the first distance with the second distance.

[0134] The present disclosure also deals with one of the aforementioned methods involving a first difference value, the method comprising the step: if the second distance is smaller than the first distance: determining the type of fuel (6) and / or the type of fuel gas (6) in the combustion device (1) as the second fuel (6) and / or as the second fuel gas (6).

[0135] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a minimum air requirement (Lmin); and controlling at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0136] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method additionally comprising the step of: regulating at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) to the associated minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0137] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method additionally comprising the steps: Assigning the specific type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a minimum air requirement (Lmin); and controlling at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0138] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method additionally comprising the steps: Assigning the calculated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a minimum air requirement (Lmin); and controlling at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0139] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method additionally comprising the steps: Assigning the specific type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a minimum air requirement (Lmin); and regulating at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) to the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0140] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method additionally comprising the steps: Assigning the calculated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a minimum air requirement (Lmin); and regulating at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) to the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0141] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); determining a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

[0142] The air supply (5) is preferably an air supply (5) to a combustion chamber (2) of the combustion device (1).

[0143] The present disclosure also covers one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the specific type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); determining a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

[0144] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the calculated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); determining a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

[0145] The present disclosure also covers one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); calculating a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

[0146] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the specific type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); calculating a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

[0147] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the calculated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); calculating a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

[0148] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Correcting an operating characteristic curve based on the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or based on the estimated type of fuel gas (6), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16); determining a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic curve and based on a further variable selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output or the temperature-compensated difference; and regulating at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) of the combustion device (1) as a function of the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply.

[0149] Preferably, the additional size is selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0150] Ideally, the additional size is selected exclusively from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0151] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); correcting an operating characteristic curve based on the assigned calorific value (Hu), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16); determining a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic curve and based on a further variable selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output or the temperature-compensated difference; and regulating at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) of the combustion device (1) as a function of the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply.

[0152] Preferably, the additional size is selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0153] Ideally, the additional size is selected exclusively from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0154] The present disclosure also relates to a combustion device (1) comprising a combustion chamber (2), a fuel supply channel for supplying a fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to the combustion chamber (2), a mass flow sensor (11) in or on the fuel supply channel and a regulating and / or control unit (13) in communicative connection with the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a heating element (26), a first resistance element (29) and a second resistance element (27, 28), wherein the second resistance element (27, 28) is different from the first resistance element (29), wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: to record a heating power signal indicating a heating power of the heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); to record a first temperature signal indicating a first temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) using the first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11); to record a second temperature signal indicating a second temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) using the second resistance element (27, 28); to process the heating power signal to a heating power (PH), the first temperature signal to a first temperature (TM), and the second temperature signal to a second temperature (TD, TU); to calculate a difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between the first and second temperatures; to determine a temperature-compensated heating power from the processed heating power (PH) and a temperature-compensated difference from the calculated difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU);and to estimate a type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) as a function of the temperature-compensated heating power and the temperature-compensated difference. ;

[0155] The mass flow sensor (11) is preferably in contact with the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6). The mass flow sensor (11) is ideally in fluid communication with the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6).

[0156] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1), wherein a supply of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) through the fuel supply channel towards the combustion chamber (2) defines a flow direction; and wherein the second resistance element (27, 28) is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26). The second temperature signal is preferably recorded simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the first temperature signal.

[0157] It is envisaged that the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) is determined. It is further envisaged that the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) is calculated.

[0158] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1), wherein the control and / or regulation unit (13) has a non-volatile memory and a first, empirically determined calibration characteristic curve is stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit (13), wherein the control and / or regulation unit (13) is designed: to read the first, empirically determined calibration curve from the non-volatile memory; and to determine the temperature-compensated heating power from the processed heating power (PH) using the first, empirically determined calibration curve.

[0159] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1), wherein the control and / or regulation unit (13) has a or the non-volatile memory and a second, empirically determined calibration characteristic curve is stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation unit (13), wherein the control and / or regulation unit (13) is designed: to read the second, empirically determined calibration curve from the non-volatile memory; and to determine the temperature-compensated difference from the calculated difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) using the second, empirically determined calibration curve.

[0160] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1), wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) has a or the non-volatile memory, and a first temperature-compensated difference predetermined for a first fuel (6) and / or for a first fuel gas (6) is stored in the non-volatile memory of the regulating and / or control unit (13), and a second temperature-compensated difference predetermined for a second fuel (6) and / or for a second fuel gas (6) is stored in the non-volatile memory of the regulating and / or control unit (13), and a first temperature-compensated heating power predetermined for the first fuel (6) and / or for the first fuel gas (6) is stored in the non-volatile memory of the regulating and / or control unit (13), and a second,a temperature-compensated heating power predetermined for the second fuel (6) and / or for the second fuel gas (6) is stored, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: , to determine a first difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from the first, predetermined temperature-compensated difference; to determine a second difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from the first, predetermined temperature-compensated heating output; to determine a third difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from the second, predetermined temperature-compensated difference; to determine a fourth difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from the second, predetermined temperature-compensated heating output; to determine a first distance between the first and the second difference value; to determine a second distance between the third and the fourth difference value; and if the first distance is smaller than the second distance: to estimate the type of fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) as the first fuel (6) and / or as the first fuel gas (6).

[0161] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) taking into account a first difference value, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: if the first distance is smaller than the second distance: to determine the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) as the first fuel (6) and / or as the first fuel gas (6).

[0162] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) taking into account a first difference value, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: if the second distance is smaller than the first distance: to estimate the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) as second fuel (6) and / or as second fuel gas (6).

[0163] The first distance is preferably a first distance measurement. The second distance is preferably a second distance measurement.

[0164] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) taking into account a first difference value, wherein the control and / or regulation unit (13) is designed: to calculate a first difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from the first, predetermined temperature-compensated difference; to calculate a second difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from the first, predetermined temperature-compensated heating output; to calculate a third difference value of the determined temperature-compensated difference from the second, predetermined temperature-compensated difference; and to calculate a fourth difference value of the determined temperature-compensated heating output from the second, predetermined temperature-compensated heating output.

[0165] In one embodiment, the first distance is determined by adding the first and second difference values. Similarly, the second distance is determined by adding the third and fourth difference values. Ideally, the first distance is calculated by adding the first and second difference values. Similarly, the second distance is calculated by adding the third and fourth difference values.

[0166] In a further embodiment, the first distance is determined as a function of a squared first difference value and as a function of a squared second difference value. Similarly, the second distance is determined as a function of a squared third difference value and as a function of a squared fourth difference value. Ideally, the first distance is calculated as a function of a squared first difference value and as a function of a squared second difference value. Similarly, the second distance is calculated as a function of a squared third difference value and as a function of a squared fourth difference value.

[0167] Particularly preferably, the first distance is determined as the root of a first sum, wherein the first sum is determined by adding a squared first difference value and a squared second difference value. Correspondingly, the second distance is determined as the root of a second sum, wherein the second sum is determined by adding a squared third difference value and a squared fourth difference value. Ideally, the first distance is calculated as the root of a first sum, wherein the first sum is calculated by adding a squared first difference value and a squared second difference value. Correspondingly, the second distance is calculated as the root of a second sum, wherein the second sum is calculated by adding a squared third difference value and a squared fourth difference value.

[0168] The first fuel (6) and / or the first fuel gas (6) is preferably a first predetermined fuel (6) and / or a first predetermined fuel gas (6). The second fuel (6) and / or the second fuel gas (6) is preferably a second predetermined fuel (6) and / or a second predetermined fuel gas (6).

[0169] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) taking into account a first difference value, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed to compare the first distance with the second distance.

[0170] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) taking into account a first difference value, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed to numerically compare the first distance with the second distance.

[0171] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) taking into account a first difference value, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: if the second distance is smaller than the first distance: to determine the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) as second fuel (6) and / or as second fuel gas (6).

[0172] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1), wherein the combustion device (1) comprises an air supply channel for an air supply (5) to the combustion chamber (2) and at least one air actuator (3, 4) acting on the air supply channel, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is in communicative connection with the at least one air actuator (3, 4) and is designed: to assign a minimum air requirement (Lmin) to the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6); and to regulate the at least one air actuator (3, 4) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0173] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) including an air supply duct, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed to regulate the at least one air actuator (3, 4) to the associated minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0174] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) including an air supply duct, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: to assign a minimum air requirement (Lmin) to the specific type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6); and to regulate the at least one air actuator (3, 4) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0175] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) including an air supply duct, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: to assign a minimum air requirement (Lmin) to the calculated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6); and to regulate the at least one air actuator (3, 4) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0176] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) including an air supply duct, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: to assign a minimum air requirement (Lmin) to the specific type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6); and to regulate the at least one air actuator (3, 4) to the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0177] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) including an air supply duct, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed: to assign a minimum air requirement (Lmin) to the calculated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6); and to regulate the at least one air actuator (3, 4) to the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0178] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1), wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a fuel supply channel for a fuel supply and / or a fuel gas supply to the combustion chamber (2) and at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) acting on the fuel supply channel, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is in communicative connection with the at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) and is designed: to correct an operating characteristic curve based on the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or based on the estimated type of fuel gas (6), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16); to determine a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic curve and based on a further variable selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output or the temperature-compensated difference; and to regulate the at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) as a function of the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply.

[0179] Preferably, the additional size is selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0180] Ideally, the additional size is selected exclusively from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0181] Advantageously, the fuel supply channel includes a fuel gas supply channel. Ideally, the fuel supply channel is a fuel gas supply channel.

[0182] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1), wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a fuel supply channel for a fuel supply and / or a fuel gas supply to the combustion chamber (2) and at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) acting on the fuel supply channel, wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is in communicative connection with the at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) and is designed: to assign a calorific value (Hu) to the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or the estimated type of fuel gas (6); to correct an operating characteristic curve based on the assigned calorific value (Hu), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16);

[0183] Determining a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic and on another variable selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output, or the temperature-compensated difference; and to regulate the at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) depending on the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply.

[0184] Preferably, the additional size is selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0185] Ideally, the additional size is selected exclusively from: the temperature-compensated heating output in case the first operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic, or the temperature-compensated difference in case the second operating characteristic is selected as the operating characteristic.

[0186] Advantageously, the fuel supply channel includes a fuel gas supply channel. Ideally, the fuel supply channel is a fuel gas supply channel.

[0187] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that cause one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) to carry out one of the aforementioned methods.

[0188] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which cause one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) with stored heating outputs for first and second fuels to carry out one of the aforementioned methods taking into account one or more distances.

[0189] The present disclosure further teaches a method for estimating a flow value (25) for fuels (6) and / or fuel gases (6) of different compositions, which are supplied via a fuel supply channel and / or fuel gas supply channel to a combustion device (1), wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a mass flow sensor (11), wherein the mass flow sensor (11) is in fluid communication with the fuel (6) and / or with the fuel gas (6), the method comprising the steps: Recording a first temperature signal, which indicates a first temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the first temperature signal to a first temperature (TM); determining a compensable value either by recording a heating power signal, which indicates a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the heating power signal to a heating power; determining the compensable value as heating power;or by recording a second temperature signal, which indicates a second temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a second resistance element (27, 28) of the mass flow sensor (11) and / or recording a third temperature signal, which indicates a third temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a third resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the second and / or the third resistance element is different from the first resistance element (29); processing the second temperature signal to a second temperature (TD, TU) and / or the third temperature signal to a third temperature (TU, TD); determining the compensable value as a first temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different, preferably pairwise different, temperatures selected from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the third temperature (TU, TD);and estimating a flow value (25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating the value that can be compensated as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one stored mapping rule that is dependent on the first temperature (TM) and / or on the fuel composition and / or on the fuel gas composition and using a calibration characteristic curve stored for a reference gas. ;

[0190] Preferably, the second and / or the third resistance element is arranged upstream or downstream of one or of the heating element (26).

[0191] In one embodiment, the first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a first electrical resistance, for example a first electrical, ohmic resistance. In a specific embodiment, the first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11) is a first electrical resistance, for example a first electrical, ohmic resistance. In one embodiment, the second resistance element (27, 28) of the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a second electrical resistance, for example a second electrical, ohmic resistance. In a specific embodiment, the second resistance element (27, 28) of the mass flow sensor (11) is a second electrical resistance, for example a second electrical, ohmic resistance.In one embodiment, the third resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a third electrical resistance, for example, a third electrical ohmic resistance. In a specific embodiment, the third resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11) is a third electrical resistance, for example, a third electrical ohmic resistance.

[0192] In particular, the present disclosure relates to an estimation of a flow value (25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating the flow value (25) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and as a function of at least one first variable selected from: the fuel composition, the fuel gas composition compensable value based on at least one stored value and selected from the first temperature (TM) and at least one second value: the fuel composition, the fuel gas composition dependent mapping rule and based on a calibration curve stored for a reference gas.

[0193] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an estimation of a flow value (25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating the flow value (25) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and as a function of at least one first variable selected exclusively from: the fuel composition, the fuel gas composition compensable value based on at least one stored value selected from the first temperature (TM) and at least one second value exclusively from: the fuel composition, the fuel gas composition dependent mapping rule and based on a calibration curve stored for a reference gas.

[0194] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned methods comprising the step of: determining the compensable value as a first temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between the first (TM) and the second temperature (TD, TU) or as a temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between the second and the third temperature (TU, TD).

[0195] The present disclosure further deals with one of the aforementioned methods comprising the step of: determining the compensable value as the first temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different, preferably pairwise different, temperatures selected exclusively from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the third temperature (TU, TD).

[0196] In the context of this disclosure, an exclusive function is one that depends only on the specified arguments. This means that the specified list of arguments of a function is exhaustive. The same applies to an exclusive selection.

[0197] The present disclosure teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the reference gas for the calibration characteristic curve is methane gas. Advantageously, a flow value (25) of the fuel supply (6) and / or the combustion gas supply (6) is estimated.

[0198] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the reference gas for the calibration curve is air.

[0199] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the step of: storing the calibration characteristic curve in the regulating and / or control unit (13).

[0200] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a regulating and / or control unit (13) with an operating unit, and wherein a plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) dependent on the first temperature (TM) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the step: when the combustion device (1) is set, selecting, when the combustion device (1) is set, the stored mapping rule dependent on the first temperature (TM) from the plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) using the operating unit.

[0201] The present disclosure additionally teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a regulating and / or control unit (13) with an operating unit, and wherein a plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) dependent on the first temperature (TM) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the step: when the combustion device (1) is put into operation, selecting, when the combustion device (1) is set up, the stored mapping rule dependent on the first temperature (TM) from the plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) using the operating unit.

[0202] The present disclosure additionally teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a regulating and / or control unit (13) with an operating unit, and wherein a plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) dependent on the first temperature (TM) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the step: during maintenance of the combustion device (1), selecting, during adjustment of the combustion device (1), the stored mapping rule dependent on the first temperature (TM) from the plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) using the operating unit.

[0203] It is intended that the dependent mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) each include a stored calibration characteristic curve and / or a model function.

[0204] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a control and / or regulating unit (13) and a plurality of first mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), and a plurality of second mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), the method comprising the steps: Recording the heating power signal, which indicates a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the heating power signal to obtain the heating power; determining a plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply and / or for the fuel gas supply by compensating the heating power as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of first stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a first stored calibration characteristic; recording a second temperature signal and / or a third temperature signal; processing the second temperature signal to a second temperature (TD, TU) and / or the third temperature signal to a third temperature (TU, TD);Determining the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different temperatures selected from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the third temperature (TU, TD); determining a plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply and / or for the fuel gas supply by compensating the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of second stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a second stored calibration characteristic curve; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) using the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25). ;

[0205] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a control and / or regulating unit (13) and a plurality of first mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), and a plurality of second mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), the method comprising the steps: Recording the heating power signal, which indicates a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the heating power signal to obtain the heating power; determining a plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating the heating power as a function of the first temperature (TM) and as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of first stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a first stored calibration characteristic; recording the second temperature signal and / or the third temperature signal; processing the second temperature signal to a second temperature (TD, TU) and / or the third temperature signal to a third temperature (TU, TD);Determining the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different temperatures selected from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the third temperature (TU, TD); determining a plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating for the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of second stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a second stored calibration characteristic curve; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) based on the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25). ;

[0206] In particular, it can be provided that a plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) are determined by compensating the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and as a function of a third variable selected from: the fuel composition, the fuel gas composition to be determined using at least one mapping rule of the plurality of second, stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a second, stored calibration characteristic curve.

[0207] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a control and / or regulating unit (13) and a plurality of first mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), and a plurality of second mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), the method comprising the steps: Recording the heating power signal, which indicates a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the heating power signal to obtain the heating power; determining a plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating the heating power as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using each mapping rule of the plurality of first stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a first stored calibration characteristic curve; recording the second temperature signal and / or the third temperature signal; processing the second temperature signal to a second temperature (TD, TU) and / or the third temperature signal to a third temperature (TU, TD);Determining the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different temperatures selected from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the third temperature (TU, TD); determining a plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating for the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using each mapping rule of the plurality of second stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a second stored calibration characteristic curve; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) based on the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25). ;

[0208] Preferably, the above-mentioned method comprises the step of: determining the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different temperatures selected exclusively from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the third temperature (TU, TD).

[0209] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned methods including a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Forming distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25); selecting a smallest distance from the formed distances; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or combustible gas (6) by assigning the smallest distance to a fuel (6) and / or a combustible gas (6).

[0210] Preferably, the distances formed are differences formed or difference amounts formed.

[0211] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods involving a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Forming difference amounts between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25); selecting the smallest difference amount from the formed difference amounts; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) by assigning the smallest difference amount to a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6).

[0212] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods including a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, wherein a plurality of third mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) dependent on the first temperature (TM) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable fuel gases (6) are stored in the regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the steps: Recording a fourth temperature signal, which indicates a fourth temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a fourth resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is different from the first resistance element (29) and the second resistance element (27, 28), and wherein the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) opposite to the second resistance element (27, 28); processing the fourth temperature signal to a fourth temperature (TU, TD); calculating a second temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different, preferably pairwise different, temperatures selected from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the fourth temperature (TU, TD);Determining a plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating for the second temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of third stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and a third stored calibration characteristic; Estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) using the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) and / or the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25).

[0213] Preferably, the above-mentioned method comprises the step of calculating a second temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different, preferably pairwise different, temperatures selected exclusively from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the fourth temperature (TU, TD);

[0214] In one embodiment, the fourth resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a fourth electrical resistance, for example, a fourth electrical ohmic resistance. In a specific embodiment, the fourth resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11) is a fourth electrical resistance, for example, a fourth electrical ohmic resistance.

[0215] Furthermore, the fourth temperature signal may be the same as the third temperature signal. On the other hand, the fourth temperature signal and the third temperature signal may also be different.

[0216] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods including a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, wherein a plurality of third mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) dependent on the first temperature (TM) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable fuel gases (6) are stored in the regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the steps: Recording a fourth temperature signal, which indicates a fourth temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a fourth resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is different from the first resistance element (29) and the second resistance element (27, 28), and wherein the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) opposite to the second resistance element (27, 28); processing the fourth temperature signal to a fourth temperature (TU, TD); calculating a second temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different, preferably pairwise different, temperatures selected from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the fourth temperature (TU, TD);Determining a plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply (6) and / or for the fuel gas supply (6) by compensating for the second temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or the fuel composition and / or the fuel gas composition using each mapping rule of the plurality of third stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and a third stored calibration characteristic; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) using the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25).

[0217] Preferably, the above-mentioned method comprises the step of calculating a second temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different, preferably pairwise different, temperatures selected exclusively from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the fourth temperature (TU, TD).

[0218] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned methods involving a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Forming first differences between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25); Forming first squared differences by squaring the first differences; Forming second differences between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25); Forming second squared differences by squaring the second differences; Forming third differences between flow values ​​of the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25); Forming third squared differences by squaring the third differences;Forming sum values ​​by summing a first squared difference selected from the formed first squared differences, a second squared difference selected from the formed second squared differences, and a third squared difference selected from the formed third squared differences; selecting the smallest sum value from the formed sum values; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) by assigning the smallest sum value to a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6). ;

[0219] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods involving a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Forming first distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25); Forming first squared distances by squaring the first distances; Forming second distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25); Forming second squared distances by squaring the second distances; Forming third distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25); Forming third squared distances by squaring the third distances;Forming summed values ​​by summing a first squared distance selected from the formed first squared distances, a second squared distance selected from the formed second squared distances, and a third squared distance selected from the formed third squared distances; selecting the smallest summed value from the formed summed values; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) by assigning the smallest summed value to a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6). ;

[0220] In one embodiment, the first, second, and third distances are first, second, and third differences. In another embodiment, the first, second, and third distances are first, second, and third difference amounts.

[0221] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods involving a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the step of: selecting a value as a measure of a flow of the fuel (6) or fuel gas (6) from the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and from the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25).

[0222] The present disclosure further teaches the aforementioned method including a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the step of: selecting a value as a measure of a flow of the fuel (6) or fuel gas (6) from the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and from the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) as a function of numerical values ​​of the first estimated flow values ​​(25) from the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and as a function of numerical values ​​of the second estimated flow values ​​(25) from the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25).

[0223] The present disclosure teaches one of the aforementioned methods, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the step of storing the mapping rule dependent on the first temperature (TM) in the regulating and / or control unit (13).

[0224] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods involving a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a minimum air requirement (Lmin); and controlling at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

[0225] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned methods involving a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); determining a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

[0226] A correction of the air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) based on the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in relation to the correction factor comprises a correction of the air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) based on the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) by forming a ratio, wherein the correction factor is included in the ratio. This means that the formed ratio is a function of the correction factor. The ratio can, in particular, be a quotient.

[0227] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods including a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Correcting an operating characteristic curve based on the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or based on the estimated type of fuel gas (6), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16); determining a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic curve and based on a further variable selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output or the temperature-compensated difference; and regulating at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) of the combustion device (1) as a function of the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply.

[0228] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned methods involving a fuel estimation and / or fuel gas estimation, the method comprising the steps: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); correcting an operating characteristic curve based on the assigned calorific value (Hu), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16); determining a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic curve and based on a further variable selected from: the temperature-compensated heating output or the temperature-compensated difference; and regulating at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) of the combustion device (1) as a function of the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply.

[0229] The present disclosure further teaches a combustion device (1) comprising a combustion chamber (2), a fuel supply channel for supplying a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6) to the combustion chamber (2), a mass flow sensor (11) in or on the fuel supply channel and a regulating and / or control unit (13) in communicative connection with the mass flow sensor (11); wherein the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a heating element (26), a first resistance element (29) and a second resistance element (27, 28) and / or a third resistance element (28, 27), wherein the second and / or the third resistance element is different from the first resistance element (29) and the second and / or the third resistance element is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26); wherein the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a fourth resistance element (28, 27), wherein the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is different from the first resistance element (29) and the second resistance element (27, 28); wherein the second resistance element (27, 28) and the fourth resistance element (28, 27) are arranged oppositely upstream or downstream of the heating element (26); and wherein the control and / or regulation unit (13) is designed to carry out one of the aforementioned methods.

[0230] The present disclosure also teaches a combustion device (1) comprising a combustion chamber (2), a fuel supply channel for supplying a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6) to the combustion chamber (2), a mass flow sensor (11) in or on the fuel supply channel and a regulating and / or control unit (13) in communicative connection with the mass flow sensor (11); wherein the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a heating element (26), a first resistance element (29) and a second resistance element (27, 28) which is different from the first resistance element (29) and arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) and / or a third resistance element (28, 27) which is different from the first resistance element (29) and arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) and / or a fourth resistance element (28, 27) which is different from the first (29) and the second (27, 28) resistance element and is located upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) opposite the second resistance element (27, 28), wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed to carry out one of the aforementioned methods.

[0231] The present disclosure also teaches a combustion device (1) comprising a combustion chamber (2), a fuel supply channel for supplying a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6) to the combustion chamber (2), a mass flow sensor (11) in or on the fuel supply channel and a regulating and / or control unit (13) in communicative connection with the mass flow sensor (11);wherein the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a heating element (26), a first resistance element (29) and a second resistance element (27, 28) which is different from the first resistance element (29) and arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) and / or a third resistance element (28, 27) which is different from the first resistance element (29) and arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) and / or a fourth resistance element (28, 27) which is different from the first (29) and the second (27, 28) resistance element and is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) opposite the second resistance element (27, 28), wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed to carry out one of the aforementioned methods.;

[0232] The control and / or regulation units (13) of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) may comprise an operating unit, for example, a screen and a keyboard. Such devices (1) are suitable, for example, for executing a method involving the operating unit.

[0233] In one embodiment, the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is identical to the third resistance element (28, 27). In another embodiment, the fourth resistance element (28, 27) and the third resistance element (28, 27) are different.

[0234] The present disclosure further teaches a computer program product comprising instructions that cause the aforementioned combustion device (1) to carry out the method steps according to an aforementioned method.

[0235] The present disclosure also teaches a computer program product comprising instructions which cause the regulating and / or control unit (13) of one of the aforementioned combustion devices (1) to carry out the method steps according to an aforementioned method.

[0236] The present disclosure further teaches a computer-readable medium on which the aforementioned computer program product is stored.

[0237] The above relates to individual embodiments of the disclosure. Various modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the underlying idea and without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The subject matter of the present disclosure is defined by the claims. Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. Reference symbol

[0238] 1: Combustion device 2: Combustion chamber 3: Fan 4: Damper 5: Air supply 6: Fuel and / or fuel gas 7, 8: Fuel valves 9: Chimney 10: Air supply duct 11: Mass flow sensor 12: Measuring and control unit 13: Regulating and / or control unit 14: Control signal to the air damper 15: Control signal for motor-driven fan 16: Differential temperature ΔTU 17: Differential temperature ΔTD or ΔTDU 18: Heat output PH of the mass flow sensor 19, 20: Control signals for motor-driven fuel valves 21: Sensor element 22: Thin layer and / or foil 23, 24: Surfaces 25: Flow velocity 26 - 29: Resistance elements 30: Reference resistor 31: Series resistor 32: Sensor control unit 33: Driver 34 - 39: electrical voltages 40: flow signal, calculated from ΔTU 41: assignment, characteristic curve between ΔTU and fuel gas flow 42: flow signal, calculated from ΔTD or ΔTDU 43: flow signal, calculated from the heating power PH 44 - 48: assignments,Characteristic curves between ΔTD / ΔTDU and fuel gas flow for different gas compositions 49 - 53: Assignments, Characteristic curves between ΔTD / ΔTDU and fuel gas flow for different gas compositions,

Claims

1. A method for estimating a flow value (25) for fuels (6) and / or fuel gases (6) of different compositions, which are supplied to a combustion device (1) via a fuel supply channel and / or fuel gas supply channel, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a mass flow sensor (11), wherein the mass flow sensor (11) is in fluid communication with the fuel (6) and / or with the fuel gas (6), the method comprising the steps of: recording a first temperature signal, which indicates a first temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6), using a first resistance element (29) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the first temperature signal to a first temperature (TM); determining a compensable value by recording a heating power signal, which indicates a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); processing the heating power signal to a heating power;Determining the compensable value as heating power; and estimating a flow value (25) for the fuel supply and / or for the fuel gas supply by compensating the value compensable as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one stored mapping rule dependent on the first temperature (TM) and / or on the fuel composition and / or on the fuel gas composition, and using a calibration characteristic curve stored for a reference gas.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a control and / or regulating unit (13) and a plurality of first mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), and a plurality of second mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the control and / or regulating unit (13), the method comprising the steps of: recording the heating power signal which indicates a heating power of a heating element (26) of the mass flow sensor (11); Processing the heating power signal to the heating power;Determining a plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply and / or for the fuel gas supply by compensating the heating output as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of first stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a first stored calibration characteristic curve; recording a second temperature signal and / or a third temperature signal; processing the second temperature signal to a second temperature (TD, TU) and / or the third temperature signal to a third temperature (TU, TD); determining the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different temperatures selected from: - the first temperature (TM), - the second temperature (TD, TU), - the third temperature (TU, TD);Determining a plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply and / or for the fuel gas supply by compensating the temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of second stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and a second stored calibration characteristic; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) using the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25).

3. The method according to claim 2, the method comprising the steps of: forming distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25); selecting a smallest distance from the formed distances; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or combustible gas (6) by assigning the smallest distance to a fuel (6) and / or a combustible gas (6).

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of third mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the steps of: recording a fourth temperature signal, which indicates a fourth temperature of the fuel (6) and / or the combustion gas (6), using a fourth resistance element (28, 27) of the mass flow sensor (11), wherein the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is different from the first resistance element (29) and the second resistance element (27, 28), and wherein the fourth resistance element (28, 27) is opposite to the second resistance element (27, 28) with respect to the heating element (26). is arranged upstream or downstream; processing the fourth temperature signal to a fourth temperature (TU, TD);Calculating a second temperature difference (ΔTD, ΔTU, ΔTDU) between two different temperatures selected from: the first temperature (TM), the second temperature (TD, TU), the fourth temperature (TU, TD); determining a plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25) for the fuel supply and / or for the fuel gas supply by compensating the second temperature difference (ΔTD, ATU, ATDU) as a function of the first temperature (TM) and / or as a function of the fuel composition and / or as a function of the fuel gas composition using at least one mapping rule from the plurality of third stored mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) and using a third stored calibration characteristic curve;and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) based on the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) and / or the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25); 5. The method according to claim 4, the method comprising the steps of: forming first distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25); forming first squared distances by squaring the first distances; forming second distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25); forming second squared distances by squaring the second distances; forming third distances between flow values ​​of the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) and the plurality of third estimated flow values ​​(25); forming third squared distances by squaring the third distances;Forming sum values ​​by summing a first squared distance selected from the formed first squared distances, a second squared distance selected from the formed second squared distances, and a third squared distance selected from the formed third squared distances; selecting the smallest sum value from the formed sum values; and estimating the type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) by assigning the smallest sum value to a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6).

6. The method according to one of claims 2 to 5, the method comprising the step of: selecting a value as a measure of a flow of the fuel (6) or fuel gas (6) from the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and from the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25).

7. The method according to claim 6, the method comprising the step of: selecting a value as a measure of a flow of the fuel (6) or fuel gas (6) from the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and from the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25) as a function of numerical values ​​of the first estimated flow values ​​(25) from the plurality of first estimated flow values ​​(25) and as a function of numerical values ​​of the second estimated flow values ​​(25) from the plurality of second estimated flow values ​​(25).

8. The method according to one of claims 2 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a minimum air requirement (Lmin); and controlling at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) depending on the assigned minimum air requirement (Lmin).

9. The method according to one of claims 2 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); determining a correction factor from the assigned calorific value (Hu) and a set calorific value of the combustion device (1); and correcting an air supply (5) of the combustion device (1) using at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) or using the at least one air actuator (3, 4) of the combustion device (1) in proportion to the correction factor.

10. The method according to one of claims 2 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: correcting an operating characteristic curve based on the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or based on the estimated type of fuel gas (6), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: - a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or - a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16); determining a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic curve and based on a further variable selected from: - the temperature-compensated heating output, or - the temperature-compensated difference; and regulating at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) of the combustion device (1) as a function of the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply.

11. The method according to one of claims 2 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: Assigning the estimated type of fuel (6) and / or the fuel gas (6) to a calorific value (Hu); Correcting an operating characteristic curve based on the assigned calorific value (Hu), wherein the operating characteristic curve is selected from: - a first operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated heating output and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16), or - a second operating characteristic curve between temperature-compensated difference and fuel supply (16) and / or fuel gas supply (16); Determining a current fuel supply and / or a current fuel gas supply based on the corrected operating characteristic curve and based on a further variable selected from: - the temperature-compensated heating output, or - the temperature-compensated difference;and controlling at least one fuel actuator (7, 8) of the combustion device (1) as a function of the current fuel supply and / or the current fuel gas supply; 12. The method according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the combustion device (1) comprises a or the regulating and / or control unit (13) with an operating unit and wherein a plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) dependent on the first temperature (TM) for selectable fuels (6) and / or for selectable combustion gases (6) are stored in the regulating and / or control unit (13), the method comprising the step: when setting the combustion device (1), selecting the stored mapping rules dependent on the first temperature (TM) and / or on the fuel composition and / or on the combustion gas composition from the plurality of mapping rules (40, 44 / 49, 45 / 50, 46 / 51, 47 / 52, 48 / 53) using the operating unit.

13. Combustion device (1) comprising a combustion chamber (2), a fuel supply channel for supplying a fuel (6) and / or a fuel gas (6) to the combustion chamber (2), a mass flow sensor (11) in or on the fuel supply channel and a regulating and / or control unit (13) in communicative connection with the mass flow sensor (11);wherein the mass flow sensor (11) comprises a heating element (26), a first resistance element (29) and a second resistance element (27, 28) which is different from the first resistance element (29) and arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) and / or a third resistance element (28, 27) which is different from the first resistance element (29) and arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) and / or a fourth resistance element (28, 27) which is different from the first (29) and the second (27, 28) resistance element and is arranged upstream or downstream of the heating element (26) opposite the second resistance element (27, 28), wherein the regulating and / or control unit (13) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 11; 14. Computer program product comprising instructions which cause the combustion device (1) according to claim 13 to carry out the method steps according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to claim 14 is stored.