Method and Apparatus for Controlling and Regulating Flow of Fuel Oil in Heating Systems

Abstract

A fuel oil burner for a heating system includes a nozzle having an inlet and outlet, and an electric solenoid valve having an inlet for receiving pressurized fuel oil from a fuel supply system and an outlet in communication with the inlet of the nozzle. The valve is configured to prevent flow of fuel oil through the valve to the nozzle in a closed state and to permit flow of fuel oil through the valve to the nozzle in an open state. A controller in communication with the valve is configured to intermittently switch the valve between the closed state and the open state at predetermined time periods so that pulses of fuel oil exit the outlet of the nozzle. The valve is intermittently in the closed state a time period so that the pulses of fuel oil exiting the outlet of the nozzle self-sustain a flame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 995,952 filed on Apr. 26, 2014, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not ApplicablePARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO APPENDIX[0004]Not ApplicableFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0005]The field of the present invention generally relates to heating systems and, more particularly, to heating systems having oil burners.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0006]Oil burners are employed in various types of heating systems such as, for example, home furnaces, water heaters, and the like. In such systems, the oil burner receives fuel oil (sometimes referred to as “heating oil”) and initiates combustion of the fuel oil to generate heat. The heat is then used in various manners to perform work such as, for example, to warm air or water to desired t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a furnace system that uses a special valve to control the flow of fuel oil from a tank to the engine. The valve is controlled by an electric solenoid, which opens and closes periodically to create pulses of fuel oil that help keep the engine running. This system can work with different types of fuel and can be used in either stationary or mobile engines. Its technical effect is to provide a consistent and reliable fuel supply for high-performance engines.

Problems solved by technology

As fuel oil prices rise, fuel oil consumers typically become more cost and efficiency conscious.

However, their options are typically limited to reducing heat within their house so that less fuel oil is burned, switching to a replacement fuel such as “blended oil”, or replacing their heating system with a heating system using another available type of fuel.

Obviously using reduced heat during the winter is not a very desirable option.

Additionally, using “blended oil” such as, for example, fuel oil blended with waste oils typically results in reduced efficiency and a higher level of pollution.

In some cases, the “blended oil” can create sludge which results in the necessary disassembly of the heating system for cleaning.

Furthermore, obtaining a heating system that utilizes a different type of fuel can be extremely costly and / or difficult if there is not a readily available alternative fuel at the geographic location of the homeowner.

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