Gas fireplace monitoring and control system

Abstract

A monitoring and control system for use with a decorative heating appliance such as a fireplace, stove, or fireplace insert. The monitoring and control system includes a sensor module, a computer system, a controller, and a communication system. The sensor module is configured to monitor a burner, gas valve, and ignition system of the heating appliance and generate monitoring signals. The controller is configured to generate fault condition signals based on the monitoring signals. The communication system is configured to communicate the fault condition signals to the computer system, wherein the computer system is located remotely from a living space within which the heating appliance resides. The computer system is configured to generate control signals in response to predetermined fault condition signals and communicate those signals to the controller via the communication system for control of at least one of the burner, gas valve, and ignition system or other functions of the heating appliance.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to monitoring and control systems, and more specifically relates to systems and methods for monitoring and control systems heating appliances such as fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] Gas, electric, and wood burning heating appliances such as fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts are an efficient method for providing warmth and creating the appeal of a fire within a room. Fireplaces have become commonplace in today's building trades for both residential and commercial applications. Most new home construction designs include at least one, and often several fireplaces. Further, a significant number of remodeling projects are focused on fireplaces. [0005] Most known heating appliances include some type of heat control system that facilitates on / off control, the level of heat output, and possibly thermostatic control. In the case of a gas p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a monitoring and control system for use with a heating appliance. The heating appliance includes a burner, a gas valve configured to control fuel flow to the burner, and an ignition system configured to ignite a flame at the burner. The system includes a sensor module, a computer system, a controller, and a communication system. The sensor module is configured to monitor the burner, gas valve, and ignition system and generate monitoring signals. The controller is configured to generate fault condition signals based on the monitoring signals. The communication system is configured to communicate the fault condition signals to the computer system, wherein the computer system is located remotely from the heating appliance. The computer system is configured to generate control signals in response to predetermined fault condition signals. The communication system is configured to communicate the control signals to the controller for control of at least one of the

Problems solved by technology

Providing a flame generated from gas can involve safety and maintenance issues different from burning fibrous products.

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