CONTROL AND / OR REGULATION OF A COMBUSTION DEVICE AND COMBUSTION DEVICE

Description

background

[0001] The present disclosure relates to controls and / or regulations used in combustion devices, for example, in gas burners, in conjunction with combustion sensors. Combustion sensors in combustion devices are, for example, ionization electrodes and / or oxygen sensors and / or temperature sensors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the correction of such controls and / or regulations taking into account the delayed response of a combustion sensor.

[0002] In combustion devices, the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ can be determined during combustion using a combustion sensor. In particular, the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ can be determined using an ionization current through an ionization electrode. An alternating voltage is first applied to the combustion sensor, in particular to the ionization electrode. Due to the rectifying effect of a flame, an ionization current flows as a direct current in only one direction.

[0003] When controlling and / or regulating a combustion sensor in the flue gas duct, such as an oxygen sensor, the sensor signal reacts with a delay depending on the position of the combustion sensor in the flue gas duct. Furthermore, the size of the combustion device, the current modulation level, and the combustion sensor itself influence the combustion sensor's response to the combustion process. Due to these influencing factors, among others, the signal from a combustion sensor reacts with a dead time and / or delay to the combustion process in a combustion device.

[0004] This dead and / or delay time can be several tens of seconds. In some cases, this dead and / or delay time can even exceed a minute. The combustion sensor signal therefore indicates what was burned during the combustion process several tens of seconds or even more than a minute ago.

[0005] However, it is possible that the combustion process changes within that dead time and / or delay time, for example due to external influences. Furthermore, at the time the combustion sensor returns a signal, the combustion process may have changed more than the combustion sensor signal indicates. In particular, the combustion process may have changed to such an extent that normal intervention by a control and / or regulation system is too slow. As a result of the control and / or regulation intervention being too slow, it is then possible that critical combustion conditions can no longer be prevented. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the change in the combustion process has progressed so far that the combustion sensor signal reaches saturation. In this case, the combustion sensor signal is no longer a meaningful indicator of the combustion process.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a possibility that the ratio of combustion products has changed to such an extent that the flame is extinguished. The consequences are a brief escape of unburned fuel and / or an interruption of heat generation and / or the need to restart the combustion device.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a risk of increasingly unfavorable combustion conditions and / or an increasingly unfavorable combustion process. Due to the dead time and / or delay of the combustion device and / or the system runtime of the control and / or regulation, the control and / or regulation may not respond sufficiently quickly. In particular, the control and / or regulation may not respond sufficiently quickly to such unfavorable combustion conditions and / or to such an unfavorable combustion process.

[0008] Corresponding changes in the combustion process can be caused, for example, by a change in the supply of fuel, particularly fuel gas. Furthermore, a sudden inflow of air at a different temperature can rapidly alter the combustion process. This change occurs faster than a control and / or regulation system can intervene in the combustion process, taking into account its system runtime and / or the dead and / or delay time of the combustion device. Furthermore, inappropriately adjusted modulation curves of air or fuel actuators can lead to rapid changes in the combustion process. Such modulation curves can be particularly problematic during a transition from a high power output of the combustion device to a low power output.

[0009] A European patent application EP1510758A1 was filed on August 29, 2003, by SIEMENS BUILDING TECH AG. The application was published on March 2, 2005. EP1510758A1 describes a method for controlling a burner.

[0010] EP1510758A1 discloses a sensor that detects oxygen in the exhaust gas of a combustion device. A control and / or regulation system determines a control deviation from the actual value detected by the sensor and a corresponding setpoint. The control deviation is converted into a control variable that is independent of the combustion device's power. Based on the power-independent control variable and on the combustion device's parameters for its operating points, a power-dependent control variable is also determined. This power-dependent control variable is then converted into a control signal for influencing the combustion air ratio λ.

[0011] Another European patent, EP0644376B1, entitled "Method and device for controlling a burner," was granted to LANDIS & GYR BUSINESS SUPPORT on October 29, 1997. EP0644376B1 claims priority from September 22, 1993.

[0012] EP0644376B1 discloses an oxygen sensor used to measure the residual oxygen content in the exhaust gas of a combustion device. A controller determines a control deviation from the actual residual oxygen content value and a power-dependent setpoint value for the residual oxygen content. A proportional, integral, and derivative controller is used, whose proportional, integral, and derivative components are power-independent. This proportional, integral, and derivative controller first determines a power-independent manipulated variable. Finally, the power-independent manipulated variable is multiplied by a power-dependent control gain to produce a power-dependent manipulated variable.

[0013] European patent EP3301362B1, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TURBULENT FLOWS, was granted to SIEMENS AG on March 25, 2020. The filing date of EP3301362B1 is September 30, 2016.

[0014] EP3301362B1 discloses a table that compares an air supply through an air supply duct with a first flap position, a second flap position, and a flow through a side duct of the air supply duct. If an air supply is to be set that lies between two table values, a first flap position is approached that lies between the table values ​​for the corresponding flap positions. In particular, a target value corresponding to a distance of x% between two table values ​​for the air supply can be mapped to a distance of x% between the corresponding table values ​​for the flap position.

[0015] A patent application US2019 / 203936A1 was filed on July 11, 2018, by Honeywell International Inc. (Morris Plains, NJ). The application was published on July 4, 2019. US2019 / 203936A1 claims priority from December 29, 2017. US2019 / 203936A1 relates to a control system for a combustion device.

[0016] A European patent application EP3073195A1 was filed on March 23, 2015, by HONEYWELL TECHNOLOGIES SARL. The application was published on September 28, 2016. EP3073195A1 covers a method for calibrating a gas burner.

[0017] A patent application DE102004048986A1 was filed on October 2, 2004, by Vaillant GmbH, 42859 Remscheid. The application was published on May 4, 2005. DE102004048986A1 deals with a method for controlling a gas burner, particularly in heating systems with a fan. DE102004048986A1 claims priority from October 8, 2003. Summary

[0018] The invention is described in the appended set of claims.

[0019] Previous solutions require an on-site installer to ensure that the set modulation curves are adapted to the combustion device. The installer selects the control and / or regulation parameters on-site. A compromise must be made between fast control and / or regulation on the one hand and avoiding a tendency to oscillation on the other. Furthermore, overreaction of the control and / or regulation must be avoided.

[0020] Furthermore, positioning a combustion sensor as close as possible to the hot area seems possible. This approach has its limitations depending on the design of the combustion device. Furthermore, it is possible that such positioning could reduce the sensor's service life. There is also a concern that the sensor's accuracy could decrease as a result of positioning it as close to the hot area as possible.

[0021] The present disclosure teaches a response of a control and / or regulation system to a rapid change in a combustion process. The present disclosure further teaches a return to normal control operation. First, the control and / or regulation system receives a signal from a sensor, for example, a combustion sensor. A measured value is generated from this signal. An analog-to-digital converter and / or a delta-sigma unit can advantageously be used for this purpose.

[0022] The control and / or regulation system can react by recalculating a setpoint for a measured value from the signal of a sensor and / or from the limit value of the measured value. The setpoint is then changed. Preferably, a setpoint for a measured value is recalculated and changed from the signal of a sensor in the combustion chamber or flue gas path and / or from the limit value of the measured value. Instead of a calculated value, the setpoint can also be set to a fixed value in the event that the limit value is exceeded or not reached, and thus changed. The control and / or regulation system then controls and / or regulates to the newly calculated or set and thus changed setpoint. This achieves an enhanced and / or faster response of the control and / or regulation system.On the one hand, the new setpoint is selected so that, after the combustion device's dead time and / or delay time has elapsed, newly recorded measured values ​​comply with the upper and / or lower limit values. In other words, critical emissions, especially critical emissions of carbon monoxide, are avoided. At the very least, their occurrence is significantly shortened. On the other hand, the newly calculated setpoint is selected so that the combustion device can operate stably.

[0023] The control and / or regulation can, on the other hand, react by directly intervening in the actuators of the combustion device. As a result of the direct intervention, the flow rates of the combustion products relative to one another are changed by a predetermined amount. In other words, the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ and / or the oxygen content are changed by direct intervention. The new combustion air ratio and / or the new air ratio λ is, on the one hand, selected such that, after the dead time and / or delay time of the combustion device has elapsed, newly recorded measured values ​​comply with the limit value. The new oxygen content can be selected such that, after the dead time and / or delay time of the combustion device has elapsed, newly recorded measured values ​​comply with the limit value. In particular, the upper and / or lower limit values ​​are complied with. Thus, critical emissions, in particular critical emissions of carbon monoxide, are avoided.At the very least, their occurrence is significantly shortened. On the other hand, the new combustion air ratio and / or the new air ratio λ and / or the new oxygen content are selected so that the combustion device can operate stably.

[0024] Preferably, the control and / or regulation system intervenes in the combustion process in such a way that the combustion device does not oscillate. This means that the actuators of the air and fuel supply are not controlled and / or regulated in an oscillating manner, or are controlled in a substantially non-oscillating manner. As a result, the measured values ​​recorded by a combustion sensor exhibit no or substantially no oscillating behavior.

[0025] Ideally, the control and / or regulation system intervenes in the combustion process in such a way that the combustion device operates stably. This means that the control signals for the actuators are within the actuators' valid value range. Furthermore, the combustion mixture is adjusted and / or regulated in such a way that the flame does not break off. Furthermore, the measurement signals recorded by a combustion sensor are within the valid range of the control and / or regulation input signals.

[0026] After such an intervention, the control and / or regulation returns to normal control and / or regulation operation depending on the timing of the combustion device. In the case of a changed setpoint, this setpoint is returned to the original setpoint depending on the timing. In the case of direct intervention on the actuators, the new ratio of the flow rates of the combustion products to each other is initially maintained unchanged. Once the effect of the intervention has become visible in the combustion sensor signal, the system returns to normal control and / or regulation operation. The combustion process is then adapted to the new ambient conditions.

[0027] Furthermore, optimization of the control and / or regulation system is provided using an additional computer. The additional computer is located remotely from the control and / or regulation system. The additional computer is advantageously connected to a plurality of similar control and / or regulation systems. The additional computer enables the optimization of control and / or regulation systems during operation, for example, using a statistical approach. Short description of the drawings

[0028] 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 combustion sensor in the form of an exhaust gas sensor. FIG 2 shows a combustion device with a combustion sensor in the form of an exhaust gas sensor and additionally with a sensor in or on the air duct and / or in or on the fuel duct. FIG 3 illustrates a relationship between a combustion air ratio and the emissions of a combustion device. FIG 4 shows a control and / or regulation in communication with another computer. Detailed description

[0029] FIG 1 shows a combustion device 1 such as a floor-standing gas burner and / or an oil 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 10 are discharged from the combustion chamber 2, for example via a chimney.

[0030] The air supply 5 for the combustion process is supplied via a (motor-driven) fan 3. A control and / or regulating device 12 supplies the air supply to the fan 3 via the signal line 14. V L which it is intended to convey. Thus, the fan speed becomes a measure of the air supply.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the fan speed is reported back to the control and / or regulating device 12 by the fan 3. For example, the control and / or regulating device 12 determines the speed of the fan 3 via the signal line 14.

[0032] The control and / or regulating device 12 preferably comprises a microcontroller. The control and / or regulating device 12 ideally comprises a microprocessor. The control and / or regulating device 12 can be a control device. The control device preferably comprises a microcontroller. The control device ideally comprises a microprocessor. The control device can comprise a proportional and integral controller. Furthermore, the control device can comprise a proportional and integral and derivative controller.

[0033] Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 12 may comprise a field-programmable (logic) gate arrangement. Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 12 may comprise an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0034] In one embodiment, the signal line 14 comprises an optical fiber. In a specific embodiment, the signal line 14 is embodied as an optical fiber. Optical fibers provide advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and explosion protection.

[0035] If the air supply 5 is adjusted via an air flap and / or a valve 4, the flap and / or valve position can be used as a measure for the air supply 5.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the air supply V L the value of the current air flow rate. The air flow rate can be measured and / or specified in cubic meters of air per hour. The air supply V L can be measured and / or stated in cubic meters of air per hour.

[0037] The fuel supply V B is adjusted and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device 12 with the aid of a fuel actuator and / or a (motor-driven) adjustable valve 9. In the embodiment in FIG 1 The fuel 6 is a fuel gas. A combustion device 1 can then be connected to various fuel gas sources, for example, to sources with a high methane content and / or to sources with a high propane content. Likewise, the combustion device 1 is connected to a source of a gas or gas mixture, wherein the gas or gas mixture comprises hydrogen. In a special embodiment, it is provided that the gas or gas mixture comprises more than five percent, in particular more than five percent by mass, of hydrogen. The amount of fuel gas can be adjusted, for example, by a (motor-driven) adjustable fuel valve 9 of the control and / or regulating device 12. The control value, for example, a pulse-width-modulated signal, of the gas valve is a measure of the amount of fuel gas. It is also a value for the fuel supply. V B .

[0038] If a gas flap is used as the fuel actuator 9, the position of the flap can be used as a measure of the amount of fuel gas. According to a special embodiment, a fuel actuator 9 and / or fuel valve 9 are adjusted using a stepper motor. In that case, the step position of the stepper motor is a measure of the amount of fuel gas. The fuel valve and / or the fuel flap can also be integrated into a unit with at least one or more safety shut-off valves 7, 8. A signal line 17 connects the fuel actuator 9 to the control and / or regulating device 12. In a special embodiment, the signal line 17 comprises an optical fiber. Optical fibers offer advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and protection against explosions.

[0039] FIG 1 also shows a combustion device 1 with a combustion sensor 18 for detecting an air / fuel ratio λ. The combustion sensor 18 can, for example, comprise an oxygen sensor and / or an ionization electrode. The combustion sensor 18 can also be an oxygen sensor. The combustion sensor 18 is preferably arranged in the exhaust duct.

[0040] The combustion sensor 18 may be an exhaust gas sensor. The combustion sensor 18 may include an exhaust gas sensor.

[0041] A signal line 19 connects the combustion sensor 18 to the control and / or regulating device 12. In a special embodiment, the signal line 19 comprises an optical fiber. Optical fibers provide advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and protection against explosions.

[0042] FIG 2 shows opposite FIG 1 Additionally, a sensor 20 is provided in the air supply duct 11. If the air supply 5 is adjusted via an air damper and / or a valve, the damper and / or valve position can be used as a measure for the air supply 5. Furthermore, a measured value derived from the signal of a pressure sensor and / or mass flow sensor and / or volume flow sensor can be used. The sensor 20 is advantageously arranged in the duct 11 for the air supply 5. The sensor 20 advantageously provides a signal which is converted into a flow measurement value using a suitable signal processing unit.

[0043] Mass flow sensors allow measurements at high flow velocities, especially in conjunction with combustion devices during operation. Typical values ​​for such flow velocities lie in the ranges between 0.1 meters per second and 5 meters per second, 10 meters per second, 15 meters per second, 20 meters per second, or even 100 meters per second. Mass flow sensors that are suitable for the present disclosure are, for example, OMRON ®< D6F-W or SENSOR TECHNICS ®< WBA sensors. The usable range of these sensors typically begins at velocities between 0.01 meters per second and 0.1 meters per second and ends at a speed such as 5 meters per second, 10 meters per second, 15 meters per second, 20 meters per second, or even 100 meters per second. In other words, lower limits such as 0.1 meter per second can be combined with upper limits such as 5 meters per second, 10 meters per second, 15 meters per second, 20 meters per second, or even 100 meters per second.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the signal from sensor 20 is fed back via a signal line 21. In particular, a signal representing an air supply 5 can be fed back to the control and / or regulating device 12 via the signal line 21. The signal line 21 can comprise an optical fiber. Optical fibers provide advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and protection against explosions. A suitable signal processing device for processing the signal from sensor 20 ideally comprises at least one analog-to-digital converter. According to one embodiment, the signal processing device, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the control and / or regulating device 12. According to another embodiment, the signal processing device, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the sensor 20.The transmission of the sensor signals to the control and / or regulating device 12 then takes place via a communication interface with a predetermined communication bus protocol.

[0045] As a measure of the air supply V L The measured value of a pressure sensor and / or a mass flow sensor in a side channel of the air supply 5 can also be used. A combustion device with a supply channel and a side channel is disclosed, for example, in European patent EP3301364B1. European patent EP3301364B1 was filed on June 7, 2017, and granted on August 7, 2019. A combustion device with a supply channel and a side channel is claimed, with a mass flow sensor extending into the supply channel.

[0046] A pressure sensor and / or a mass flow sensor in the side channel detects a signal which corresponds to the air supply V L dependent pressure value and / or the air flow (particle and / or mass flow) in the side channel. Advantageously, the sensor provides a signal which is converted into a measured value using a suitable signal processing device. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the signals from several sensors are converted into a common measured value. A suitable signal processing device ideally comprises at least one analog-to-digital converter. According to one embodiment, the signal processing device, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the control and / or regulating device 12. According to another embodiment, the signal processing device, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the sensor(s).The transmission of the sensor signals to the control and / or regulating device 12 then takes place via a communication interface with a predetermined communication bus protocol.

[0047] Furthermore, the FIG 2 opposite FIG 1 additionally, a sensor 22 in the fuel supply channel. A measured value derived from the signal of a pressure sensor and / or mass flow sensor and / or volume flow sensor can be used as a measure of the fuel quantity. The mass flow sensor can also be designed as a thermal mass flow sensor. The volume flow sensor can be implemented, for example, as a turbine wheel meter and / or diaphragm meter and / or as a differential pressure sensor. The sensor 22 is advantageously arranged in the channel for the fuel supply. A signal line 23 connects the flow and / or pressure sensor 22 to the control and / or regulating device 12.

[0048] Furthermore, the fuel actuator 9 can be a valve controlled internally via a flow and / or pressure sensor. Such a fuel valve 9 receives a setpoint and regulates the actual value of the flow and / or pressure sensor to the setpoint. In addition, the fuel valve 9 can also be integrated into a unit with at least one or more safety shut-off valves 7, 8. Furthermore, the fuel valve 9 can be designed such that it also assumes the function of one of the safety shut-off valves 7, 8. The flow and / or pressure sensor can be implemented as a volume flow sensor, for example as a turbine wheel meter and / or as a bellows meter and / or as a differential pressure sensor. The flow and / or pressure sensor can also be designed as a mass flow sensor, for example as a thermal mass flow sensor.

[0049] Advantageously, the sensor 22 provides a signal which is converted into a flow measurement value (measured value of the particle and / or mass flow and / or volume flow) by means of a suitable signal processing unit.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the signal from sensor 22 is fed back via a signal line 23. In particular, a signal that is a measure of a fuel supply 6 can be fed back to the control and / or regulating device 12 via the signal line 23. The signal line 23 can comprise an optical fiber. Optical fibers provide advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and protection against explosions. A suitable signal processing device for processing the signal from sensor 22 ideally comprises at least one analog-to-digital converter. According to one embodiment, the signal processing device, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the control and / or regulating device 12. According to another embodiment, the signal processing device, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the sensor 22.The transmission of the sensor signals to the control and / or regulating device 12 then takes place via a communication interface with a predetermined communication bus protocol.

[0051] In FIG 3 For example, for a performance such as the most critical performance, the emissions 25 of a combustion device 1 are plotted against the combustion air ratio and / or the air number 24. Likewise, in FIG 3 For example, for a performance such as the most critical performance, the emissions 25 of a combustion device 1 can be plotted against the oxygen content. Emissions 25 of the combustion device 1 are, for example, emissions in the form of carbon monoxide. A horizontal line 27 indicates a threshold value above which the emissions 25 of the combustion device 1, in particular the emissions 25 of the combustion device 1 in the form of carbon monoxide, are critical. In a special embodiment, the emissions 25, in particular the emissions 25 of carbon monoxide, are above a critical value from line 27 onwards. Such critical values ​​can be specified, for example, by standards and / or regulations and / or laws.

[0052] The vertical lines in FIG 3 Each corresponds to a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content. The relationship between the lines can best be expressed using the combustion ratio and / or the air ratio λ. For simplicity, the terms combustion air ratio and / or air ratio λ will be used predominantly in the following description.

[0053] The oxygen content is preferably an oxygen content in an exhaust gas duct of the combustion device 1. Ideally, the oxygen content is an oxygen content in the exhaust gas 10, for example in the exhaust gas 10 of the combustion device 1.

[0054] A first vertical line 28 in FIG 3 indicates a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ, below which or below which the emissions 25 become critical according to curve 26. In particular, the vertical line 28 can indicate a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ, below which or below which the emissions 25 of carbon monoxide are critical. Furthermore, the vertical line 28 can indicate a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ, below which or below which the emissions 25 exceed one of the above-mentioned critical values. Furthermore, the vertical line 28 can indicate a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ, below which or below which the emissions 25 of carbon monoxide exceed one of those critical values.

[0055] A second vertical line 29 indicates a further combustion air ratio and / or a further air ratio λ. The further combustion air ratio and / or the further air ratio λ has been multiplied by a factor compared to the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ according to line 28. This factor is preferably greater than 1, especially preferably greater than 1.02. This factor can also be greater than 1.05. A larger factor shifts the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ according to line 28 significantly towards the non-critical emissions according to line 29. In particular, a larger factor can shift the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ according to line 28 significantly towards the non-critical emissions of carbon monoxide according to line 29.Furthermore, a larger factor can shift the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ according to line 28 significantly towards emissions below the critical value according to line 27.

[0056] Preferably, this factor is less than or equal to 1.41. A factor of 1.41 corresponds to a change in the Wobbe index when switching from a low-calorie fuel to a higher-calorie fuel. In particular, a factor of 1.41 corresponds to a change in the Wobbe index when switching from a low-calorie fuel gas to a higher-calorie fuel gas. In a special embodiment, switching from L-gas to E-gas is envisaged.

[0057] Thus, one skilled in the art will recognize that the multiplicative factor used to change the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ depends on the fuels in question. Preferably, one skilled in the art will recognize that the multiplicative factor used to change the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ depends on the fuel gases in question. Therefore, the factor can be both smaller and larger than the aforementioned value.

[0058] In general, the control setpoint for normal operation, which is FIG 3 illustrated as line 30, have a positive distance from the limit according to line 28. This means that the control setpoint lies at a higher combustion air ratio and / or at a higher air ratio λ than a lower limit value. Reactions to expected changes due to a single disturbance source, in particular the fuel, are thus guided to a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ around the control setpoint in normal operation. Reactions to expected changes due to a single disturbance source, in particular the fuel, do not unilaterally lead to a higher combustion air ratio and / or a higher air ratio λ.

[0059] Furthermore, in the event of a jump in the target value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ, the person skilled in the art takes the limits of the combustion device 1 into account. In particular, the person skilled in the art selects the multiplicative factor by means of which the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ is changed so that the combustion device 1 continues to operate stably. In this case, it is provided to change this multiplicative factor so that the control and / or regulation of the combustion device 1 remains stable. The control and / or regulation of the combustion device 1 should in particular not oscillate. In a special embodiment, the control and / or regulation can control and / or regulate the combustion device 1 in a permanently stable manner using at least one actuator 3, 4, 9.

[0060] Furthermore, it is provided to change this multiplicative factor such that the control and / or regulating device 12 of the combustion device 1 remains stable. In particular, the control and / or regulating device 12 of the combustion device 1 should not oscillate. Within this range, the control and / or regulating device 12 can stably control and / or regulate the combustion device 1 using at least one actuator 3, 4, 9. In a specific embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 12 can permanently and stably control and / or regulate the combustion device 1 using at least one actuator 3, 4, 9.

[0061] Furthermore, the multiplicative factor used to change the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ is selected such that no flame loss is provoked in the combustion device 1. In particular, the multiplicative factor is selected such that no flame loss is provoked in the combustion chamber 2 of the combustion device 1. Furthermore, the multiplicative factor can be selected such that no flame loss is provoked at the combustion chamber 2 of the combustion device 1.

[0062] According to a specific embodiment, the multiplicative factor used to change the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ is selected such that no flame loss occurs in the combustion device 1. In particular, the multiplicative factor is selected such that no flame loss occurs in the combustion chamber 2 of the combustion device 1. Furthermore, the multiplicative factor can be selected such that no flame loss occurs at the combustion chamber 2 of the combustion device 1.

[0063] In the event of a rapid change, for example as a result of a change in a fuel gas, the control and / or regulating device 12 reacts according to the present disclosure. Such a rapid change can be brought about, among other things, by a change to a higher-calorific fuel gas. The control and / or regulating device 12 accordingly receives a signal, for example a signal from a combustion sensor 18. It processes this signal to produce a first measured value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ and / or the oxygen content. The control and / or regulating device 12 then checks by comparison whether the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ and / or the oxygen content is below the limit according to line 28. If this is the case, the target value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ or the limit value according to line 28 is multiplied by one of the aforementioned factors.The measured value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air number λ can also be multiplied by one of the aforementioned factors.

[0064] If the multiplicative factor is applied to the control setpoint during normal operation, the ratio of the limit value to the control setpoint during normal operation can also be taken into account. This means that the multiplicative factor is reduced. The control and / or regulating device 12 then regulates the combustion device to the setpoint of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ obtained by multiplication. The control and / or regulating device 12 can regulate to the setpoint of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ obtained by multiplication, for example, using at least one actuator 3, 4, 9.

[0065] In another embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 12 also checks whether the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ is below the limit according to line 28. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device 12 preferably compares the measured combustion air ratio and / or the measured air ratio λ with the limit according to line 28. If this is the case, a summand is added to the target value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ and / or to the limit value according to line 28.

[0066] That summand is preferably greater than 0, especially preferably greater than 0.02. That summand can also be greater than 0.05. A larger summand shifts the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ according to line 28 significantly towards the non-critical emissions according to line 29. In particular, a larger summand can shift the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ according to line 28 significantly towards the non-critical emissions of carbon monoxide according to line 29. Furthermore, a larger summand can shift the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ according to line 28 significantly towards the emissions below the critical value according to line 27.

[0067] Following the addition, the control and / or regulating device 12 regulates the combustion device to the setpoint value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ obtained by addition. The control and / or regulating device 12 can regulate to the setpoint value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ obtained by addition, for example, using at least one actuator 3, 4, 9.

[0068] In a further embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 12 also checks whether the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ is below the limit according to line 28. If this is the case, the setpoint is set to a fixed value stored for this case. The control and / or regulating device 12 then regulates the combustion device 1 to the set setpoint of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ. The control and / or regulating device 12 can regulate to the set setpoint of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ, for example, using at least one actuator 3, 4, 9.

[0069] As a result of the control and / or regulation to the mathematically obtained or set target value, several cases must be distinguished. Firstly, it may happen that the rapid change is temporary in nature. In particular, the rapid change may be due to a fault. In the event of a fault, there is no change in the fuel and / or the fuel mixture and / or the fuel composition and / or other ambient conditions. In such a case, emissions 25 result as a result of the control and / or regulation to the mathematically obtained target value corresponding to the intersection point of curve 26 and line 29. Emissions 25 are below the critical emissions according to line 27. In particular, emissions 25 may be below the critical value designated by line 27. Furthermore, emissions 25 of carbon monoxide may be below the critical emissions according to line 27.Furthermore, emissions 25 of carbon monoxide may be below the critical value indicated by line 27.

[0070] Furthermore, it is possible that the rapid change is persistent. For example, there may be a permanent change from a low-calorie fuel gas to a higher-calorie fuel gas. Furthermore, there may be a permanent change from the lowest-calorie fuel gas to the highest-calorie fuel gas within the range covered by the factor. In those cases, as a result of the control and / or regulation, emissions 25 are at the intersection point of curve 26 and line 28. Emissions 25 are at or below the critical emissions according to line 27. In particular, emissions 25 may be at or below the critical value designated by line 27. Furthermore, emissions 25 of carbon monoxide may be at or below the critical emissions according to line 27. Furthermore, emissions 25 of carbon monoxide may be at or below the critical value designated by line 27.

[0071] Furthermore, a rapid change from a low-calorific fuel gas to a medium-range fuel gas can occur. Due to the control and / or regulation, this change leads to a state whose emissions 25 correspond to a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ between lines 28 and 29. Emissions 25 are again below the critical emissions according to line 27. In particular, emissions 25 may be below the critical value indicated by line 27. Furthermore, emissions 25 of carbon monoxide may be below the critical emissions according to line 27. Furthermore, emissions 25 of carbon monoxide may be below the critical value indicated by line 27.

[0072] According to a variant of the present disclosure, the control and / or regulating device 12 reacts to a rapid change by directly intervening in at least one first actuator 3, 4, 9. The control setpoint remains unchanged. Such a rapid change can be brought about, among other things, in response to a change to a higher-calorific fuel gas. The control and / or regulating device 12 accordingly receives a signal, for example a signal from a combustion sensor 18. It processes this signal to produce a first measured value of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ. The control and / or regulating device 12 then checks by comparison whether the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ is below the limit according to line 28. If this is the case, a signal is generated to at least one of the actuators 3, 4, 9. In the case of an air actuator 3, 4, this signal includes an increase in the air supply by a factor.In the case of a fuel actuator 9, that signal involves a reduction in the fuel supply, in particular the supply of fuel gas, by that factor. The signal is sent to the at least one actuator 3, 4, 9. The actuator 3, 4, 9 receives the signal. In the case of an air actuator 3, 4, the air actuator 3, 4 increases the air supply by that factor in response to the signal. In the case of a fuel actuator 9, the fuel actuator 9 decreases the fuel supply by that factor in response to the signal.

[0073] Furthermore, one signal can be sent to more than one actuator 3, 4, 9. In this way, a first signal is generated to at least one air actuator 3, 4. In addition, a second signal is generated to at least one fuel actuator 9. The first signal contains an increase in the air supply. The second signal contains a reduction in the fuel supply, in particular the fuel gas supply. The combined effect of increasing the air supply according to the first signal and reducing the fuel supply, in particular the fuel gas supply, causes an increase in the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ. The increase in the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ occurs by the aforementioned factor.

[0074] In addition, one signal can be sent to more than one air actuator 3, 4. In this way, a third signal is generated to at least one first air actuator 3, 4. In addition, a fourth signal is generated to at least one second air actuator 4, 3. The third signal includes an increase in the air supply through the first air actuator 3, 4. The fourth signal also includes an increase in the air supply through the second air actuator 4, 3. The combined effect of increasing the air supply according to the third signal and increasing the air supply according to the fourth signal causes the combustion air ratio to increase by the aforementioned factor. The combined effect of increasing the air supply according to the third signal and increasing the air supply according to the fourth signal can also cause the air ratio λ to increase by the aforementioned factor.

[0075] Furthermore, a mixed open-loop and closed-loop control operation is possible. The control and / or regulating device 12 first generates a setpoint for an air supply through the air supply duct 11 based on the aforementioned factor. The control and / or regulating device 12 then generates a setpoint signal for an air supply through the air supply duct 11 based on the setpoint for the air supply through the air supply duct 11. Based on the setpoint signal for the air supply, a fifth signal is generated for at least one first air actuator 3, 4. Optionally, the fifth signal can also be generated based on the setpoint for the air supply through the air supply duct 11. The control and / or regulating device 12 sends the fifth signal to the at least one first air actuator 3, 4.

[0076] The first air actuator 3, 4 receives the fifth signal. The first air actuator 3, 4 adjusts the air supply according to the fifth signal, i.e., is controlled. Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 12 receives a signal from a sensor 20 in the air supply duct 11. The control and / or regulating device 12 generates a first control signal from the signal from the sensor 20 in the air supply duct 11 and the setpoint signal for the air supply. Optionally, the control and / or regulating device 12 can also generate a first control signal from the signal from the sensor 20 in the air supply duct 11 and the setpoint signal for the air supply.

[0077] The control and / or regulating device 12 sends the first control signal to at least one second air actuator 4, 3. The control and / or regulating device 12 uses the second air actuator 4, 3 to regulate the air supply through the air supply duct 11 to the setpoint signal for the air supply through the air supply duct 11. Preferably, the at least one first air actuator 3, 4 and the at least one second air actuator 4, 3 are arranged in series. The combination of controlling the first air actuator 3, 4 and regulating the second air actuator 4, 3 results in an increase in the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ by the aforementioned factor.

[0078] Furthermore, a mixed controlled and regulated operation involving at least one fuel actuator 9 and at least one air actuator 3, 4 is possible. The control and / or regulating device 12 first generates a setpoint based on the aforementioned factor. Subsequently, the control and / or regulating device 12 generates a sixth signal based on the generated setpoint. The control and / or regulating device 12 sends the sixth signal to the at least one fuel actuator 9.

[0079] The at least one fuel actuator 9 receives the sixth signal. The at least one fuel actuator 9 adjusts a fuel supply, in particular a fuel gas supply, according to the sixth signal, i.e., is controlled. Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 12 receives a signal from a sensor 20 in the air supply duct 11. The control and / or regulating device 12 generates a second control signal from the signal from the sensor 20 in the air supply duct 11 and the generated setpoint.

[0080] The control and / or regulating device 12 sends the second control signal to the at least one air actuator 3, 4. The control and / or regulating device 12 regulates the air supply through the air supply channel 11 using the at least one air actuator 3, 4. The combination of control of the fuel actuator 9 and regulation of the air actuator 3, 4 causes an increase in the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ by the aforementioned factor.

[0081] Furthermore, the following mixed controlled and regulated operating modes are possible: Control of at least one air actuator 3, 4 and regulation of at least one fuel actuator 9; the control signal is generated from the signal from sensor 22 and the generated setpoint. Control of at least one actuator 3, 4, 9 and subsequent regulation and / or fine regulation of at least one actuator 3, 4, 9. The control signal is generated from the signal from sensor 20 and / or 22 and the generated setpoint.

[0082] If a limit value is violated, the control and / or regulation system changes the actuator control signals more strongly and / or more clearly than would be the case if the control were in normal operation. Generally, if a limit value is violated, the control and / or regulation system changes the signals to the actuators more strongly and / or more clearly than would be the case if the control were in normal operation. Consequently, the combustion air ratio and / or the air factor λ is immediately moved into the range between lines 28 and 29 as a result of the change. This applies to changes within the range covered by the factor. However, this will only be fully visible in the measurement signal of the combustion sensor 18 after the dead and delay time of the combustion device 1 has elapsed.

[0083] For this reason, the control and / or regulation system is configured so that after a detected violation of a limit value, intervention only occurs once. Subsequently, such strong rectified reactions are blocked until the measured value again complies with the limit that was violated. This should be the case at the latest after the dead and delay time of combustion device 1 has expired. This is not the case if the change in the combustion air ratio and / or the air factor λ is greater than covered by the factor. After the dead and delay time of combustion device 1 has expired, normal control is enabled again in any case.

[0084] Blocking further reactions in the same direction can also be achieved indirectly. If the effect of a change in the control of the actuator(s) on the feed quantity in the corresponding channel is known, the achieved change in the combustion values ​​can be calculated from this. This change in the combustion values ​​is subsequently added to the next measured values ​​of the combustion sensor 18. It is possible that the dead time and / or delay time of the combustion device 1 is known or has been determined. Therefore, it is also known when and / or in what form the change in the combustion values ​​becomes visible in the measurement signal. The amount added to the measured value must then be reduced accordingly. The measured value calculated or corrected in this way is subsequently compared with the setpoint obtained by multiplication or summation or with the setpoint.This means that only further, additional changes are taken into account and corrected as control deviations in the next sampling steps.

[0085] Ideally, the setpoint obtained by multiplication or summation or the setpoint is not kept constant after a limit value violation. Instead, the obtained setpoint is immediately returned to the control setpoint in normal operation according to the dead time and / or delay time of the combustion device. A violation of a limit value by the measurement signal means that the cause of the change in the combustion process occurred some time ago. This time corresponds at least to the dead time and / or delay time of combustion device 1. Therefore, it is advantageous to return the control setpoint to the control setpoint in normal operation using only the dead time and / or delay time. This minimizes overreactions.

[0086] If the uncorrected measurement signal returns to the previously violated limit, the control setpoint can be reset to the setpoint for normal operation. Since the combustion values ​​are always below critical values, the remaining control deviation can be compensated for using the reaction speed given during normal operation.

[0087] If, during one of the control and / or regulation steps, an actuator cannot fully follow the control signal, the following strategies are conceivable. The change can be distributed among several actuators or a different distribution can be chosen so that each actuator can follow the newly determined control. If this is not possible or is desired by the control strategy, the change in the control of this actuator must be divided into several steps. However, this division increases the response time of the control and / or regulation.

[0088] According to a specific embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 12 is optimized using an additional computing unit 31. The additional computing unit 31 is arranged remotely from the control and / or regulating device 12. For example, the additional computing unit 31 is arranged at least one kilometer, at least two kilometers, or at least five kilometers from the control and / or regulating device 12.

[0089] The control and / or regulating device 12 and the further computing unit 31 are coupled to one another via a bidirectional data connection. For example, the control and / or regulating device 12 and the further computing unit 31 can be coupled to one another via an Internet connection. A corresponding arrangement is illustrated FIG 4. Preferably, the Internet connection between the control and / or regulating device 12 and the further computing unit 31 is encrypted, for example using a Diffie-Hellman key exchange.

[0090] The control and / or regulating device 12 sends signals from the combustion sensor 18 to the additional processing unit 31. Optionally, the control and / or regulating device 12 can also send measured values ​​obtained from the signals from the combustion sensor 18 to the additional processing unit 31. It is possible for the additional processing unit 31 to receive signals from the combustion sensor 18 and / or measured values ​​from the combustion sensor 18 from multiple combustion devices 1. For example, the additional processing unit 31 can receive signals and / or measured values ​​from at least one hundred, at least two hundred, or even at least five hundred such combustion devices.

[0091] The further computing unit 31 determines suitable factors for the calculated change of the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ from the received signals and / or measured values. The further computing unit 31 can use, for example, a neural network and / or fuzzy logic and / or a statistical method for this purpose.

[0092] The further computing unit 31 transmits at least one suitable factor to the control and / or regulating device 12. The control and / or regulating device 12 receives the at least one suitable factor.

[0093] The further computing unit 31 preferably comprises a microcontroller. The further computing unit 31 ideally comprises a microprocessor. The further computing unit 31 can be a control device. The control device preferably comprises a microcontroller. The control device ideally comprises a microprocessor. The control device can comprise a proportional and integral controller. Furthermore, the control device can comprise a proportional and integral and derivative controller.

[0094] The control and / or regulating device 12 can use the factor to determine a target value for a signal from the combustion sensor 18 or for a measured value from the combustion sensor 18. In this case, the change in the combustion air ratio and / or the air ratio λ occurs indirectly via a control to a target value corrected by the factor. The control and / or regulating device 12 can also use the at least one suitable factor as the basis for direct intervention in at least one first actuator 3, 4, 9. This means that the control and / or regulating device 12 changes a combustion air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content by directly intervening in the at least one first actuator 3, 4, 9. This change occurs as a function of the at least one suitable factor.

[0095] Parts of a control and / or regulating device 12 according to the present disclosure can be implemented as hardware and / or as a software module. The software module is executed by a computing unit, optionally with the addition of container virtualization. Furthermore, there is the possibility of execution using a cloud computer and / or using a combination of the aforementioned options. The software may comprise firmware and / or a hardware driver executed within an operating system and / or container virtualization and / or an application program. The present disclosure therefore also relates to a computer program product that contains the features of this disclosure or executes the required steps. When implemented as software, the described functions can be stored as one or more instructions on a computer-readable medium.Some examples of computer-readable media include random access memory (RAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and / or electronically programmable read-only memory (EPROM). Some other examples of computer-readable media include electronically programmable and erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers of a computing device, a hard disk, and / or a removable storage device. Furthermore, computer-readable media includes optical storage and / or any suitable medium accessible by a computer or other IT devices and applications.

[0096] In other words, the present invention teaches a device (12) for controlling and / or regulating a combustion device (1) according to claim 1.

[0097] The control and / or regulating device (12) has at least read access to the memory. A memory that is exclusively readable but not writable protects the system against tampering with the control and / or regulating device (12). A memory with read and write access, on the other hand, enables configuration changes during operation. The memory of the control and / or regulating device (12) is a non-volatile memory.

[0098] As a result of the transmission of the first output signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9), the at least one actuator (3, 4, 9) causes a change in at least one variable in an exhaust gas of the combustion device (1). The at least one variable in the exhaust gas of the combustion device (1) is preferably selected from a combustion air ratio, an air ratio λ, an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of the combustion device (1). Reference symbol

[0099] 1: Combustion device 2: Combustion chamber 3: Fan with (optional) variable speed 4: Air damper with actuator 5: Combustion air 6: Fuel for combustion or fuel supply duct 7: Safety shut-off valve 8: Safety shut-off valve 9: Fuel actuator with actuator for changing the fuel supply 10: Exhaust gas 11: Air supply duct 12: Control and / or regulating device 13: Control signal for air damper (setting angle) 14: Control signal for fan speed (optional) 15: Open / close signal for safety shut-off valve 16: Open / close signal for safety shut-off valve 17: Control signal for fuel actuator (e.g. setting angle / step position / etc.) 18: Sensor for detecting the air ratio λ (oxygen sensor, etc.) 19: Measurement signal from the air ratio sensor for detecting the air ratio 20: Sensor for detecting the air supply (Speed ​​sensor / volume flow sensor / mass flow sensor / etc.)

[0100] 21: Measurement signal from the air supply sensor 22: Sensor for detecting the fuel supply (volume flow sensor / mass flow sensor / etc.) 23: Measurement signal from the fuel supply sensor 24: Axis for the combustion air ratio and / or air ratio λ and / or oxygen content 25: Axis for emissions 26: Curve of emissions, e.g. carbon monoxide, against the combustion air ratio and / or air ratio λ and / or oxygen content 27: Threshold of critical emission / carbon monoxide values ​​28: Critical combustion air ratio and / or critical air ratio λ and / or critical oxygen content = limit value 29: Combustion air ratio and / or air ratio λ and / or oxygen content: Control setpoint after the limit value is undershot 30: Combustion air ratio and / or air ratio λ and / or oxygen content: Control setpoint in normal operation 31: Additional computing unit

Claims

1. Apparatus (12) for control and / or regulation of a combustion apparatus (1), the control and / or regulation apparatus (12) comprising a non-volatile memory in which at least one limit value and at least one factor and / or a correction value are stored, wherein the apparatus (12) is able to be communicatively coupled with at least one first sensor (18) and to at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9), wherein the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9) is selected from a fan (3), an air flap (4) with setting drive and a fuel actuator (9) with setting drive for changing a fuel supply, and wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to: receive a first input signal from the at least one first sensor (18); process the first input signal to form a first measured value, which specifies a fuel air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content; load the at least one limit value from the non-volatile memory and compare the first measured value with the at least one limit value; if the first measured value is less than the at least one limit value or is greater than the at least one limit value, produce a produced correction value by precisely one of the following ways i or ii: i. load the at least one factor from the memory and determine the produced correction value computationally as a function of the at least one limit value and as a function of the at least one factor and as a function of the first measured value; ii. load the stored correction value from the non-volatile memory; create a first output signal as a function of the stored correction value and send the first output signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9).

2. The apparatus (12) according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to: create the first output signal as an exclusive function of the determined or stored correction value and / or as a function of current output signals.

3. The apparatus (12) according to claim 1, wherein the first output signal is a first regulation signal and the apparatus (12) is configured to: determine the first regulation signal as a function of the determined or stored correction value and as a function of at least one variable selected from: - the first input signal, - the first measured value; and send the first regulation signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9).

4. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one factor is greater than one and the at least one limit value is at least a lower limit value and the apparatus (12) is configured to: if the first measured value is less than the at least one lower limit value: determine the correction value computationally through augmentation of the first measured value or through augmentation of the at least one lower limit value in accordance with the at least one factor.

5. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one factor is greater than one and the at least one limit value is at least an upper limit value and the apparatus (12) is configured to: if the first measured value is greater than the at least one upper limit value: determine the correction value computationally by division of the first measured value or of the at least one upper limit value by the at least one factor.

6. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one factor is greater than zero and the at least one limit value is at least a lower limit value and the apparatus (12) is configured to: if the first measured value is less than the at least one lower limit value: determine the correction value computationally by increasing the first measured value or by increasing the at least one lower limit value by the at least one factor.

7. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one factor is greater than zero and the at least one limit value is at least an upper limit value and the apparatus (12) is configured to: if the first measured value is greater than the at least one upper limit value: determine the correction value computationally by reduction of the first measured value or by reduction of the at least one upper limit value by the at least one factor.

8. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a map of correction values and / or current output signals to first output signals is additionally stored in the memory, wherein the apparatus (12) is additionally able to be communicatively coupled with at least one second sensor (20, 22) and to at least one second actuator (4, 3, 9), wherein the at least one first sensor (18) is different from the at least one second sensor (20, 22), wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to: load the map from the memory; use the map to create the first output signal as an exclusive function of the determined or stored correction value and / or of the current output signals and send it to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9); receive a second input signal from the at least one second sensor (20, 22), wherein the second input signal specifies a flow rate; process the second input signal to form a second measured value; determine a second regulation signal as a function of the determined or stored correction value and as a function of at least one variable selected from: - the second input signal, - the second measured value; and send the second regulation signal to the at least one second actuator (4, 3, 9).

9. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a map of correction values and / or current output signals to first output signals is additionally stored in the memory, wherein the apparatus (12) is additionally able to be communicatively coupled with at least one second sensor (20, 22) and to at least one second actuator (4, 3, 9), wherein the at least one first sensor (18) is different from the at least one second sensor (20, 22), wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to: load the map from the memory; use the map to create the first output signal as an exclusive function of the determined or stored correction value and / or of the current output signals and send it to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9); create a first setpoint value, which specifies a flow rate, from the correction value and at least one variable selected from - the first output signal, - the first input signal, - the first measured value; receive a second input signal from the at least one second sensor (20, 22), wherein the second input signal specifies a flow rate; process the second input signal to form a second measured value; determine a third regulation signal as a function of the first setpoint value and as a function of at least one variable selected from: - the second input signal, - the second measured value; and send the third regulation signal to the at least one second actuator (4, 3, 9).

10. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first index for a first fuel and a second index for a second fuel are stored in the memory of the apparatus (12) and the apparatus (12) is configured to: determine the at least one factor computationally as a function of the first index and as a function of the second index; and store the at least one factor in the memory of the apparatus (12).

11. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to: after the sending of the first output signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9), receive a third input signal from the at least one first sensor (18); process the third input signal to form a third measured value, which specifies a fuel air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content; compare the third measured value with the at least one lower limit value; if the third measured value is greater than the at least one lower limit value: on the basis of the third measured value and / or on the basis of a dead time and / or delay time of the combustion apparatus (1), create an output value, which is different from the determined or stored correction value; and create a second output signal as a function of the output value and send the second output signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9).

12. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to: after the sending of the first output signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9), receive a fourth input signal from the at least one first sensor (18); process the fourth input signal to form a fourth measured value, which specifies a fuel air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content; add to the fourth measured value a change to be expected of an input signal of the at least one first sensors (18) because of previous output signals, while taking into account a dead time and / or delay time of the combustion apparatus (1); create a second setpoint regulation value, which specifies a fuel air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content, as a function of the determined or stored correction value and as a function of the dead time and / or delay time; and regulate the combustion apparatus (1) with the aid of the second setpoint regulation value.

13. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus (12) is communicatively coupled with at least one or to at least the one second sensor (20, 22) and is configured to: after the sending of the first output signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9), receive a fifth input signal from the at least one second sensor (20, 22), wherein the fifth input signal specifies a flow rate; process the fifth input signal to form a fifth measured value; receive a sixth input signal or a number of sixth input signals from the at least one first sensor (18); create a third setpoint regulation value, which specifies a fuel air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content, as a function of the fifth measured value and as a function of the sixth input signal or of the number of sixth input signals and / or as a function of a dead time and / or delay time of the combustion apparatus (1); and regulate the combustion apparatus (1) with the aid of the third setpoint regulation value.

14. The apparatus (12) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the apparatus (12) is communicatively coupled with at least one safety shutoff valve (7, 8), wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to: after the sending of the first output signal to the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9) and after a dead time and / or delay time of the combustion apparatus (1) has elapsed, receive a seventh input signal from the at least one first sensor (18); process the seventh input signal to form a seventh measured value, which specifies a fuel air ratio and / or an air ratio λ and / or an oxygen content; compare the seventh measured value with the at least one lower or the at least one upper limit value; if the seventh measured value is less than the at least one lower limit value or is greater than the at least one upper limit value: create a closure signal; and send the closure signal to the at least one safety shutoff valve (7, 8).

15. Combustion apparatus (1) comprising at least one combustion chamber (2), an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 14, the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9), which acts on the fuel supply or the air supply to the at least one combustion chamber (2), and the at least one first sensor (18), wherein the apparatus (12) is communicatively coupled with the at least one first actuator (3, 4, 9); and wherein the apparatus (12) is communicatively coupled with the at least one first sensor (18).