Device and process for controlling a combustion plant

Abstract

A control process (100) is provided for a combustion plant (2) equipped with a burner (21) and an exhaust (22) for the discharge of the fumes produced by the burner (21); a temperature sensor (31) for measuring the temperature of the fumes; a pressure sensor (32) for measuring the pressure of the fumes; a reference database associating at least one optimal cycle with each identifier of said plant (2), describing the variation of said temperature and said pressure during optimal operation; a control unit (4) defines whether the plant (2) operates optimally according to the measured temperature and pressure.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a process for controlling a combustion plant of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] As is known, a combustion plant is a plant intended to produce heat, through combustion, in order to heat one or more spaces in a building.

[0003] The heating may be direct. In this case, the combustion plant (or simply plant) is, in summary, composed of a burner that produces heat, heating in this case one or more spaces, and a chimney that discharges the exhaust fumes to the external environment, optionally used to also heat other spaces.

[0004] Alternatively, the heating may be indirect. In this case, the combustion heats a liquid, usually water, which is circulated by the plant to heat one or more spaces and / or to be made available for utilities.

[0005] In particular, in the case of indirect heating, combustion transfers heat to a liquid without boiling it, with the aim of then distributing it appropriately to a space through a suitable system. In this case, the combustion generally consists of, in addition to a burner and a chimney, a containment chamber for the water in fluid connection with the rest of the plant, a tube bundle, or another system for heat exchange between the water and the combustion fumes.

[0006] The burner identifies the environment where a non-stoichiometric mixture is formed between carbon (or other oxidized element) contained in the fuel and the oxidizer (usually oxygen contained in the air), to create a flame that transmits heat by thermal conduction through the hot combustion fumes and / or radiation. It is thus configured to introduce fuel and oxidizer into this environment, ensuring proper combustion.

[0007] Boilers differ based on the type of fuel used. For example, pellet boilers, wood boilers, gas boilers, chip boilers, shell boilers, etc., may be available.

[0008] WO2023121479A1 discloses a control assembly for minimizing particle emission in a combustion process, wherein the fuel burning device is connected to a chimney and has a controller connected to temperature and pressure sensors and comprising a set of parameters reflecting specified pressure requirements of the fuel burning device.

[0009] The known technique described includes some important drawbacks. In particular, known boilers are subject to a relatively rapid degradation of their performance, resulting in lower heat production and higher consumption and pollutant production.

[0010] For this reason, maintenance is required by law to check the proper functioning of the plant, typically every two to four years.

[0011] Another drawback is that maintenance is often laborious to carry out (as only certified personnel can perform it) and relatively expensive.

[0012] It should be noted that, as is known, problems related to incorrect maintenance can lead to significant issues due to the formation of so-called "soot," which, if not removed promptly and adequately, can cause chimney fires, damaging the plant and / or the building.

[0013] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a device and a process for controlling a combustion plant capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0014] In the context of this technical task, an important objective of the invention is to achieve a combustion plant with optimal performance, thus low consumption, high heat production, and low pollutant production, while also improving air quality in the spaces where the plant is installed.

[0015] The technical task and the specified objectives are achieved by a device and a process for controlling a combustion plant, as claimed in the attached independent claims. Examples of preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims. The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clarified below in the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a control device for a combustion plant according to the invention; and Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a control process for a combustion plant, according to the invention, implemented by the device of Fig. 1.

[0016] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "approximately" or similar terms like "virtually" or "substantially," are to be understood as subject to measurement errors or inaccuracies due to manufacturing and / or production errors, and especially as subject to slight deviations from the value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference to which they are associated. For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation of no more than 2% from the value itself.

[0017] Additionally, when used, terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "primary," and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, priority of relation, or relative position but may simply be used to distinguish different components more clearly one from the other.

[0018] Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "perpendicular," "transverse," "parallel," or "normal," or other geometric positioning terms between geometric elements (e.g., axes, directions, and straight lines) are to be understood concerning their mutual geometric position between their corresponding projections. These projections are defined on a single plane parallel to the laying plane(s) of said geometric elements.

[0019] The measurements and data reported herein are considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, as is apparent from the following description, terms such as "processing," "computing," "determining," "computation," or similar refer to the actions and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computation device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities such as electronic magnitudes of records of a computing system and / or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, records, or other storage, transmission, or information display devices.

[0021] With reference to the Figures, the control device for a combustion plant according to the invention is generally denoted by number 1.

[0022] The device 1 is configured to monitor at least one combustion plant 2, and in particular multiple combustion plants 2. It may include at least one plant 2, and preferably more plants 2.

[0023] Plant 2 is configured to produce heat through combustion of a fuel, such as, by way of non-limiting example, pellets, wood, gas, wood chips, and shells.

[0024] It may be used to produce heat for heating a building (i.e., one or more rooms in the building) and / or a liquid such as water for domestic use and / or cooking food. Plant 2 and optionally the device 1 may be part of a residential building and thus configured to heat one or more rooms in said building.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the plant 2 and optionally the device 1 may be used in an industrial / commercial setting and thus be part of a building for industrial and / or commercial use.

[0026] The combustion plant 2 includes a burner 21 configured to produce heat, preferably through the combustion of a fuel, and an exhaust 22 for the combustion fumes. Optionally, it may include other elements, such as a chamber for collecting solid combustion residues or a tube bundle configured to maximize the heat exchange surface between the fumes and water.

[0027] The burner 21 may be configured to produce heat through the combustion of a fuel (for example, a gas, such as methane, or a solid, such as wood or pellets) with an oxidizer (such as air, specifically the oxygen in the air). The burner 21 is well-known in itself.

[0028] It defines an exhaust section for the fumes from the burner itself, meaning a section through which the fumes pass from the burner 21 to the exhaust 22.

[0029] The burner 21 can be housed at least partially, and in detail, entirely within the building. The building thus includes a primary room wherein the burner 21 is placed. Preferably, the burner 21 defines an air intake section in the burner itself, appropriately located and facing the primary room, so that the air from the primary room enters the burner 21 and is then used as an oxidizer.

[0030] The exhaust 22 is configured to expel the combustion fumes (hereinafter simply referred to as "fumes") outside the burner 21 and specifically outside the building in which the plant 2 is located. It may include a chimney 221 for discharging the fumes to the external environment (appropriately from the plant and thus the building, that is, into the atmosphere) and a duct 222 providing fluid connection between the chimney 221 and the burner 21. It can be identified as a flue.

[0031] The exhaust 22, particularly the chimney 221, defines an outlet section for the fumes from the plant 2.

[0032] The burner 21 and, therefore, the combustion plant 2 may include an identifier of at least the model of the plant 2 (specifically, the burner 21), and in particular, an additional identifier of the specific plant.

[0033] Each identifier may be an alphanumeric code.

[0034] It can define the model of burner 21 and additionally other information related to the burner, such as the fuel used.

[0035] The additional identifier may include geolocation and thus the geographic position of the plant 2.

[0036] Plant 2 may also include a fuel storage chamber.

[0037] The storage chamber may include a meter for the amount of fuel in the chamber. Plant 2 may also include combustion regulation means.

[0038] These means may be configured to regulate or vary the fuel flow (i.e., consumption) from the storage chamber into the burner 21. For example, they may be known regulation means for controlling the entry of pellets into the burner 21. Alternatively, or additionally, the regulation means may be configured to vary the flow of oxidizer entering the burner 21. For example, they may include an access duct for the oxidizer into the burner and a valve for regulating said duct.

[0039] The control device 1 may include, for each plant 2, a monitoring unit 3 for the fumes exiting the burner 21.

[0040] Preferably, each combustion plant 2 includes a unit 3.

[0041] The monitoring unit 3 may be at least partially integrated and thus placed in a section of the duct 222, preferably near the burner 21.

[0042] It is configured to detect and thus acquire at least one physical and / or chemical parameter of the fumes in said exhaust 22, particularly in said duct 222.

[0043] The monitoring unit 3 may include at least one temperature sensor 31 to measure the temperature of the fumes in said exhaust 22, specifically in said duct 222.

[0044] The temperature sensor 31 is integrated into the plant 2.

[0045] In particular, the temperature sensor 31 is configured to detect the temperature of the fumes entering the exhaust 22, appropriately unaffected by the combustion in the burner 21. It can thus be integrated and positioned in the exhaust 22 (specifically in the duct 222) near the burner 21. Preferably, the distance of the temperature sensor 31 from the exhaust section of the fumes from the burner 21 is at least twice the diameter of the duct 222, and in detail, between 40 cm and 100 cm.

[0046] The unit 3 may include at least one pressure sensor 32 to measure the pressure of the fumes in said exhaust 22, specifically in said duct 222.

[0047] The pressure sensor 32 is integrated into the plant 2.

[0048] In particular, the pressure sensor 32 is configured to detect the pressure of the fumes entering the exhaust 22, appropriately unaffected by the combustion in the burner 21. It can thus be integrated and positioned in the exhaust 22 (specifically in the duct 222) near the burner 21. Preferably, the distance of the pressure sensor 32 from the exhaust section of the fumes from the burner 21 is at least twice the diameter of the duct 222, and in detail, between 40 cm and 100 cm.

[0049] The unit 3 may include at least one chemical sensor 33 configured to detect the chemical composition of the fumes in the exhaust 22, particularly in the duct 222. The chemical sensor 33 is integrated into the plant 2.

[0050] In particular, the chemical sensor 33 is configured to detect the chemical composition of the fumes entering the exhaust 22, appropriately unaffected by the combustion in the burner 21. It can thus be integrated and positioned in the exhaust 22 (specifically in the duct 222) near the burner 21. Preferably, the distance of the chemical sensor 33 from the exhaust section of the fumes from the burner 21 is at least twice the diameter of the duct 222, and in detail, between 40 cm and 100 cm. The monitoring unit 3 may include at least one optical sensor 34 configured to detect the presence and / or content of suspended particles in the fumes in the exhaust 22, particularly in the duct 222.

[0051] Specifically, the optical sensor 34 is configured to detect particles, for example, detecting at least one of the following, and in detail, the totality of molecular structure, fluorescence, and spectrum composition.

[0052] The optical sensor 34 is integrated into the plant 2.

[0053] In particular, the optical sensor 34 is configured to detect said particles in the fumes entering the exhaust 22, appropriately unaffected by the combustion in the burner 21. It can thus be integrated and positioned in the exhaust 22 (specifically in the duct 222) near the burner 21. Preferably, the distance of the optical sensor 34 from the exhaust section of the fumes from the burner 21 is at least twice the diameter of the duct 222, and in detail, between 40 cm and 100 cm.

[0054] The monitoring unit 3 may also be configured to detect and thus acquire at least one environmental parameter, i.e., external to the plant 2. In particular, it may include environmental sensors 35 configured to detect one or more environmental parameters.

[0055] One of the environmental parameters may be the external temperature, and the environmental sensors 35 may thus include an additional temperature sensor configured to detect the external temperature that is near the chimney 221.

[0056] An environmental parameter may be the external pressure, and the environmental sensors 35 may thus include an additional pressure sensor configured to detect the external pressure (i.e., atmospheric pressure) that is near the chimney 221.

[0057] An environmental parameter may be the external air humidity, and the environmental sensors 35 may thus include an external air humidity sensor near the chimney 221.

[0058] An environmental parameter may be the wind (direction and / or speed), and the environmental sensors 35 may thus include an anemometer configured to detect the wind near the exhaust 22, appropriately near the chimney 221. Specifically, this anemometer may measure wind speed and / or direction.

[0059] The environmental sensors 35 may be placed outside the exhaust 22, appropriately near the outlet section.

[0060] The monitoring unit 3 may also be configured to detect and thus acquire one or more internal parameters, i.e., parameters of one or more rooms of the building equipped with the plant 2 and thus the device 1. Preferably, the monitoring unit 3 may be configured to detect and thus acquire at least one internal parameter of the primary room.

[0061] For this purpose, the unit 3 may include internal sensors 36 configured to detect one or more parameters related to the primary room.

[0062] One of the internal parameters may be the internal temperature of the primary room, and the internal sensors 36 may thus include an additional temperature sensor configured to detect the internal temperature, i.e., the air temperature in the primary room and thus entering the burner 21.

[0063] One of the internal parameters may be the presence / concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in the primary room, and the internal sensors 36 may thus include an additional chemical sensor configured to detect the presence and, in particular, the concentration of carbon monoxide in the primary room.

[0064] The monitoring unit 3 may include additional sensors 37 configured to detect one or more exhaust parameters, i.e., one or more parameters and thus the physical-chemical characteristics of the fumes exiting the exhaust 22.

[0065] The additional sensors 37 may be configured to detect the exhaust pressure of the fumes from the exhaust 22. Alternatively, or additionally, they may be configured to detect the exhaust temperature of the fumes from the exhaust 22.

[0066] They may be located near the chimney 221. For example, they may be integrated and placed in the exhaust 22 (specifically in the duct 222) near the chimney 221. Alternatively, they may be within the chimney 221.

[0067] The unit 3 may include a board 38 connected for data transmission (e.g., wireless and / or wired) with said sensors to monitor and / or regulate the operation of each sensor.

[0068] The board 38 may be a known electronic board.

[0069] The board 38 may receive one or more parameters acquired from said one or more sensors and, in particular, monitor the operation of the combustion plant 2 based on said one or more parameters.

[0070] It may control the sensors and thus the unit 3 to acquire continuously (in detail, configured to acquire measurements, i.e., the aforementioned parameters, continuously) at least one physical and / or chemical parameter and optionally at least one environmental parameter.

[0071] Alternatively, the board 38 may control the sensors to acquire data discretely, i.e., it may be configured to acquire measurements, i.e., the aforementioned parameters, at predefined time intervals.

[0072] These time intervals may, for example, be less than 1 hour, specifically less than 30 minutes. Preferably, they range between 1 minute and 30 minutes.

[0073] The board 38 may thus include a data storage system.

[0074] The data storage system may include at least one physical and / or chemical parameter (and optionally at least one environmental parameter) acquired by the sensors.

[0075] This data storage system may include the identifier and preferably the additional identifier of the plant 2.

[0076] The control device may include a control unit 4 in data connection, for example, wireless, with the monitoring unit 3.

[0077] The control unit 4 may be in data connection, for example, wireless, with the plant 2. In particular, it is in data connection with the meter to know the amount of fuel in the storage chamber and / or in data connection with the regulation means to know and appropriately regulate the flow of fuel and / or oxidizer entering the burner 21.

[0078] The control unit 4 may include a data storage system of one or more databases described below.

[0079] The control unit 4 may be in wireless data connection with the monitoring unit 3 of at least one combustion plant 2 and, in particular, of multiple plants 2. It may be a server, for example remote, or a cloud architecture.

[0080] Alternatively, or additionally, the control device may include a control unit 4 for each plant 1. In a non-limiting preferred embodiment, the control unit 4 may be part of the plant 2 and, for example, be identified in an additional board integrated into the monitoring unit 3.

[0081] The control device 1 may include at least one personal device 5 in data connection, preferably wireless, with the unit 4 and / or the unit 3.

[0082] The personal device 5 may be a tablet and / or a smartphone.

[0083] The control device 1 may include a reference database.

[0084] The reference database may be implemented in the unit 4, the board 38, and / or the personal device 2b.

[0085] The reference database may associate with each identifier (i.e., with each model of plant / burner) at least one optimal cycle describing the variation of at least temperature and pressure of the fumes during optimal operation, that is during a substantially ideal operation of the plant 2. Additionally, the at least one optimal cycle may describe the variation of the internal temperature during optimal operation, associating it with the temperature of the oxidizer (i.e., the air) entering the burner 21.

[0086] An optimal cycle describes how the temperature and pressure detected by the sensors 31 and 32 are related, preferably the internal temperature detected by the internal sensors 36, and optionally, additionally, the chemical composition of the fumes in the exhaust 222 (detectable by the sensor 33) and / or the presence and content of suspended particles in the fumes (detectable by the optical sensor 34) and / or the presence / concentration of carbon monoxide.

[0087] Preferably, the reference database associates a consumption and thus the flow of fuel and / or oxidizer entering the burner 21 with each optimal cycle. More preferably, the optimal cycle associates the flow of fuel and / or oxidizer entering the burner 21 with the parameters of the fumes detected by the sensors 31, 32, 33, 34, and / or 37. Preferably, the reference database associates at least one environmental parameter and in particular a range of environmental parameters, specifically a range for all detected environmental parameters, with each optimal cycle. Specifically, the reference database associates an external temperature range and / or an external pressure range and / or an external humidity range and / or a wind speed range with each optimal cycle.

[0088] Each cycle defines at least one function describing the curves of variation over time of one or more (preferably all) parameters detected by unit 3 and thus how these parameters vary in relation to each other, showing how they influence each other. For example, it can express the average ratio between temperature and pressure values, the minimum, maximum, and / or average distance between the temperature and pressure values, the minimum, maximum, and / or average distance between the temperature values of the fumes (appropriately at the intake) in the exhaust 22, and preferably at least one said environmental parameters and / or the internal parameters, as well as the minimum, maximum, and / or average distance between the values of the environmental and / or internal parameters (specifically, at least the internal temperature and preferably each environmental parameter (external temperature, external pressure, external humidity, and wind speed and direction) and internal parameter (internal temperature and presence and / or concentration of carbon monoxide).

[0089] Preferably, the reference database associates each identifier with a plurality of optimal cycles, sequentially ordered between an initial optimal cycle, a final optimal cycle, and at least one intermediate optimal cycle between the initial optimal cycle and the final optimal cycle.

[0090] The initial optimal cycle may identify, for example, the first use of the plant 2.

[0091] The final optimal cycle may identify the last cycle before maintenance.

[0092] It is noted that each optimal cycle can, in turn, be divided into sub-cycles, specifically into a start-up sub-cycle, a shut-down sub-cycle, and at least one central sub-cycle in-between the start-up sub-cycle and the shut-down sub-cycle.

[0093] Each sub-cycle may have a predefined time duration. This time duration may be substantially less than 24 hours, specifically less than 12 hours, and preferably substantially between 1 hour and 6 hours.

[0094] The start-up sub-cycle may identify, for example, the ignition of the plant 2 (specifically of the burner 21) and thus the transition of at least the burner 21 from ambient temperature to a suitably predefined operating temperature. The shut-down sub-cycle may identify, for example, the shut-down of the plant 2 and thus the transition of at least the burner 21 from operating temperature to ambient temperature.

[0095] Preferably, the reference database associates said identifier and said at least one optimal cycle with each additional identifier.

[0096] The reference database may additionally associate at least one limit value for each parameter with said identifier. It can, therefore, associate with each identifier a maximum temperature of the fumes, a maximum pressure of the fumes.

[0097] Additionally, at least one of the following is associated with each optimal cycle: an internal limit value for each internal parameter, a limit chemical composition of the fumes, the presence and / or content of suspended particles in the fumes, an environmental limit value for each environmental parameter, and / or an exhaust limit value for each exhaust parameter.

[0098] The internal limit value may include a maximum internal temperature and / or a maximum concentration of carbon monoxide.

[0099] The environmental limit value may include a maximum external pressure, a maximum external temperature, a maximum external humidity, and / or a maximum wind speed.

[0100] The exhaust limit value may include a maximum exhaust pressure and a maximum exhaust temperature.

[0101] The control unit 4 may include a neural network, such as a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and / or Neural Network and / or an Anomaly Detection algorithm.

[0102] Optimal functioning may be predefined by the plant 2 manufacturer, specifically the burner 21 manufacturer (for example, by operating the plant 2 in an environment with controlled environmental parameters and supplying the plant 2 with controlled quantities of fuel and / or oxidizer). Alternatively, it may be defined according to the parameters acquired by the unit 3 during an initial period of operation of the installed plant 2 (for example, during the first 3 months of operation of the plant 2). Further alternatively, optimal operation may be predefined through experimentation carried out in laboratories by experts in the field.

[0103] The control device 1 may include a plant database associating each combustion plant 2, and preferably each identifier, with one or more parameters acquired by the monitoring unit 3.

[0104] The plant database may thus associate with the identifier (i.e., with each model of plant / burner) one or more parameters acquired by the monitoring unit 3 in each plant having that identifier. Optionally, it also associates each additional identifier with the identifier and one or more parameters acquired by the monitoring unit 3 of the plant 2 having said additional identifier.

[0105] The plant database may be implemented in the memory of the control unit 4 and / or the personal device 2b.

[0106] Optionally, the board 38 may include the plant database related to the plant 2 on which the monitoring unit 3 of the same board is implemented.

[0107] The operation of the control device 1 described above in structural terms introduces a new control process 100 for controlling the operation of one or more plants 2.

[0108] The control process 100 can be implemented by the control unit 4.

[0109] The control process 100 may include an installation phase 110 for the monitoring unit 3.

[0110] In this phase 110, the monitoring unit 3 is associated with a combustion plant 2 and, in particular, with an exhaust 22. Specifically, the temperature sensors 31, pressure sensors 32, chemical sensors 33, and / or optical sensors 34 are placed in the duct 222 in such a way as to detect the corresponding parameter in the fumes crossing the same duct 222.

[0111] The installation phase 110 is completed by the operator, who, for example, updates the plant database by registering the identifier and, as appropriate, the additional identifier in the plant database using the personal device 5.

[0112] The control process 100 may include at least one operation phase 120 of the plant 2, during which the burner 21, appropriately supplied by the regulation means, begins the combustion of fuel and oxidizer, producing heat and fumes, which are expelled through the exhaust 22, for example, outside a building.

[0113] The control process 100 may include at least one measurement phase 130, during which the monitoring unit 3 acquires, appropriately in real-time, at least one physical / chemical parameter of the fumes in said exhaust 22. This acquisition may be carried out continuously or discretely, as described above.

[0114] In detail, the measurement phase 130 includes one or more first detection sub-phases 131, wherein the temperature sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 perform a detection of the temperature and pressure of the fumes in the exhaust 22, and specifically in the duct 222; and appropriately, one or more second detection sub-phases 132, wherein the chemical sensor 33 performs a detection of the chemical composition of the fumes and / or the optical sensor 34 performs a detection of the presence and / or content of suspended particles in the fumes in the exhaust 22. Each second detection sub-phase 132 may be carried out in parallel with a first detection sub-phase 131.

[0115] Additionally, the measurement phase 130 includes one or more third detection sub-phases 133, in each of which the detection of at least one environmental, exhaust, and / or internal parameter is performed. It should be noted that, in some cases, at least one environmental parameter may not be directly detected / acquired by the monitoring unit 3 and may therefore be acquired through connections to external weather data sources, thus providing at least the said environmental parameter.

[0116] In each third detection sub-phase 133, the internal sensors 36 acquire one or more of the aforementioned internal parameters. In detail, the additional temperature sensor and / or the additional chemical sensor respectively perform the detection of the internal temperature of the primary room and the detection of the presence and particularly the concentration of carbon monoxide.

[0117] In addition, or alternatively, in each third detection sub-phase 133, the environmental sensors 35 acquire one or more of the aforementioned environmental parameters. Specifically, the additional temperature sensor and / or the additional pressure sensor respectively perform, appropriately near the exhaust section, the detection of the external temperature near the exhaust 22 and the external pressure near the exhaust 22. In addition, or alternatively, the humidity sensor and / or anemometer respectively perform, appropriately near the exhaust section, the detection of external humidity and wind (specifically wind speed and / or direction).

[0118] In further addition or alternative, in each third detection sub-phase 133, the additional sensors 37 acquire one or more of the aforementioned exhaust parameters, specifically the exhaust temperature and / or the exhaust pressure. Each third detection sub-phase 133 may be performed in parallel with a first detection sub-phase 131.

[0119] The various sub-phases 131, 132, and 133 may be carried out continuously or discretely, as described above.

[0120] The measurement phase 130 may include an update sub-phase 134 of the plant database, wherein unit 3 and particularly the board 38 send the acquired parameters to unit 4, which then updates the plant database.

[0121] Specifically, the plant database is updated by storing the various parameters in a time-series logic, i.e., ordering the parameters by time so as to express the dynamics of plant 2 in terms of the one or more collected parameters.

[0122] The update sub-phase 134 may end with the sending of the identifier and specifically the additional identifier of the plant 2 to unit 4.

[0123] Preferably, phases 120 and 130 are performed simultaneously.

[0124] The control process 100 may include at least one analysis phase 140, wherein the control unit 4 identifies in the reference database one or more optimal cycles associated with the identifier of plant 2, compares each detection with at least one optimal cycle in the reference database associated with the same identifier of plant 2, and defines an optimal operation of plant 2 if the fumes show a temperature and pressure in at least one detection that is substantially associable with the fumes temperature and pressure of a point in one of the cycles.

[0125] Specifically, the control unit 4 defines an optimal operation of plant 2 if the difference between the acquired parameters and those described in the cycle is less than an acceptability threshold; and a non-optimal operation if it exceeds this threshold. This acceptability threshold may be less than 15% of the value of the parameter in the optimal cycle.

[0126] The analysis phase 140 may include a cleaning sub-phase 141 of the collected parameters and thus the plant database.

[0127] The cleaning sub-phase 141 may be performed by unit 4 using one or more of the following methods: cleaning: identifying and removing duplicate or redundant data; fixing: correcting any data inconsistencies, for example by removing unacceptable values (e.g., when the difference between a parameter and those temporally adjacent to it exceeds a certain threshold); down-sampling: calculating the average over intervals of one minute, to move from raw sensor data sampled at intervals of a few seconds to data sampled per minute (or another interval, as needed); filling: adding time-series data wherein there are temporal gaps in sensor detections by using, for example, the last value detected before the interruption or the first value after the interruption. In some cases, previously acquired parameters may also be interpolated using additional or alternative methods.

[0128] The plant database may then be updated by updating the data stored in the update sub-phase 134 with those output from the cleaning sub-phase 141.

[0129] The analysis phase 140 may include a computation sub-phase 142, wherein the various parameters present in the plant database (thus collected in the measurement phase 130 and appropriately processed in sub-phases 141 and / or 142) are compared with those in the reference database.

[0130] In particular, in the calculation sub-phase 142, the control unit 4 identifies in the reference database the optimal cycle associated with the identifier of plant 2. More specifically, in the calculation sub-phase 142, the control unit 4 may divide the acquired parameters temporally into time segments; these time segments may have a duration not exceeding the above-mentioned duration of at least one sub-cycle; define, for each time segment, a current sub-function according to the parameters detected during that time segment; in detail, it also defines this current function as a sequence of the current sub-functions; identify the cycle corresponding to the current function and, specifically, for each current sub-function, the corresponding sub-cycle.

[0131] Alternatively, or additionally, the control unit 4 identifies in the reference database the optimal cycle based on the one or more detected parameters. For example, in the case of detecting the temperature and / or pressure of the fumes in the exhaust 22, specifically in the duct 222, unit 4 identifies among the optimal cycles the one corresponding to the current function (i.e., the optimal cycle with a parameter variation closest to that described in the current function). In another alternative or additional example, the control unit 4 identifies the optimal cycle based on the environmental parameter and, in detail, identifies the optimal cycle with the external temperature range wherein the detected external temperature falls and / or the external pressure range wherein the detected external pressure falls, and / or the external humidity range wherein the detected external humidity falls, and / or the wind speed range wherein the detected wind speed falls.

[0132] It is noted that in the case of multiple optimal cycles associated with an identifier of the plant, the control unit 4 also identifies in the reference database the optimal cycle based on one or more parameters as described above.

[0133] The analysis phase 140 may include an evaluation sub-phase 143, wherein the current operation of plant 2 is assessed in comparison to the reference database; and appropriately, the control process 100 includes at least one transmission phase 150, wherein the control unit 4 sends a notification to the personal device 5 and / or to plant 2 based on this assessment.

[0134] In the evaluation sub-phase 143, the control unit 4 compares each parameter of the current function with the corresponding parameter in each cycle associated with the same plant 2 identifier to highlight any non-optimal operations. Specifically, the unit 4 compares each parameter of every current sub-function with the corresponding parameter in the relevant sub-cycle to detect any non-optimal operations during the various steps of the plant 2 operation if the difference between the parameter of each current sub-function and the corresponding parameter in the relevant sub-cycle exceeds the acceptability threshold. If the difference between the parameter of the current sub-function and the corresponding parameter in the relevant sub-cycle exceeds the acceptability threshold, in the transmission phase 150, the control unit 4 sends a notification containing a warning signal. Alternatively, if the parameter of the current sub-function differs from the corresponding parameter in the relevant sub-cycle and their difference is below the acceptability threshold, in the transmission phase 150, the control unit 4 sends a notification containing a command for the plant 2. This command may include a regulation for the adjustment means (e.g., if the current temperature is lower or higher than that in the optimal cycle, the command may respectively define an increase or a decrease in the fuel flow).

[0135] In some cases, in the evaluation sub-phase 143, the control unit 4 defines the number of cycles between the identified cycle and the final cycle. Therefore, the notification may contain a maintenance time determined by the control unit 4 based on the number of cycles between the one identified in phase 140 and the final cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the notification may include a warning signal if one or more detected parameters exceed the aforementioned limit value. Specifically, in the analysis phase 140, particularly in the evaluation sub-phase 143, the control unit 4 compares the detected parameters with said limit value, and in the transmission phase 150, the unit 4 sends said warning signal if at least one of them exceeds the corresponding limit value.

[0136] For example, in the calculation sub-phase 142, the control unit 4 compares one or more environmental parameters with the corresponding environmental limit value and sends a notification corresponding to a warning signal if at least one of them exceeds the corresponding environmental limit value. It then compares the detected internal temperature, carbon monoxide concentration, external temperature, external pressure, external humidity, wind speed, exhaust pressure, and exhaust temperature with the corresponding limit value indicated above, and in the transmission phase 150, the unit 4 sends a notification corresponding to a warning signal if at least one of them exceeds its respective limit value.

[0137] Lastly, it should be noted that the analysis phase 140 may include a sub-phase for monitoring the fuel content in the storage chamber; and in the transmission phase 150, the control unit 4 may send a notification containing a command to refill the storage chamber. This refill command may be sent if a fuel content below a minimum amount is detected in the monitoring sub-phase.

[0138] Finally, it should be specified that in the various cases outlined above, the notification may additionally include the additional identifier and, specifically, the geolocation of the plant 2 associated with said additional identifier.

[0139] The device 1 and the control process 100 according to the invention offer significant advantages.

[0140] In fact, they allow for extremely precise real-time monitoring of the operation of a plant 2.

[0141] For example, by exploiting the comparison between the acquired parameters and those in the reference database, the device 1 and the control process 100 can predictively control the operation of the combustion plant 2. They allow in fact an early detection of situations that could lead to dangerous conditions, as well as predicting when to perform maintenance and / or refuel the plant 2.

[0142] Another advantage is that the real-time acquisition of parameters allows for optimal regulation of the plant 2 operation, ensuring it operates under optimal performance conditions. This aspect is enhanced by the presence of the reference database and the adoption of a neural network, which, by cross-referencing the data from the various databases, can precisely determine the plant 2 response to variations in, for example, fuel flow or one or more internal parameters and / or external conditions (i.e., environmental parameters) and / or one or more exhaust parameters.

[0143] These aspects translate into the important advantage of ensuring maximum safety, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. In fact, by highlighting deviations from optimal operation of the plant 2, the device 1 and the control process 100 can detect any type of problem or malfunction, such as, by way of non-limiting example, fires, wet wood, or improper use.

[0144] A key advantage lies in the fact that by allowing for real-time control of the exhaust fumes, the device 1 and thus the control process 100 enable monitoring of the air quality parameters.

[0145] An advantage is the ease of access to and viewing of information related to the operation of a combustion plant 2, which can also be viewed remotely, without the need to visit the site.

[0146] The invention is susceptible to variants within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0147] For example, the monitoring unit 3 may include a tube to which the sensors for detecting the fume parameters and, preferably, said board 38, are attached.

[0148] This tube is configured to be integrated into said duct 222 to intercept the fumes exiting the burner and crossing the duct 222. It may have an internal section substantially equal to that of the duct 222. For example, the tube may replace a portion of the duct 222.

[0149] In this context, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions may vary.

Claims

1. A control process (100) of at least one combustion plant (2); each of said at least one combustion plant (2) comprising: - a burner (21) configured to produce heat through the combustion of a fuel and an oxidizer; - an exhaust (22) for exhausting the fumes produced by said combustion; wherein said plant (2) comprises an identifier of at least the model of said plant (2) and wherein said process (100) comprises - at least one temperature sensor (31) for measuring the temperature of said fumes in said exhaust (22); - at least one pressure sensor (32) for measuring the pressure of said fumes in said exhaust (22); - a reference database associating at least one optimal cycle with each identifier of said plant (2), said cycle describing the variation of said temperature and said pressure during optimal operation; - a control unit (4) in data connection with said sensors (31, 32); - at least one operation phase (120) of said plant (2), during which said burner (21) performs the combustion of said fuel and said oxidizer, producing heat and fumes that pass through said exhaust (22); - at least one measurement phase (130), during which said temperature sensor (31) and said pressure sensor (32) perform at least one detection of said temperature and said pressure of said fumes; - at least one analysis phase (140), during which said control unit (4) o identifies in said reference database said at least one optimal cycle associated with said identifier of said plant (2), o compares each of said detections with said optimal cycle, and o defines optimal operation of said plant (2) if said temperature and said pressure of each of said at least one detection is substantially associable with said temperature and said pressure at a point in said optimal cycle.

2. The control process (100) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one optimal cycle comprises a plurality of optimal cycles, sequentially ordered between an initial optimal cycle, a final optimal cycle, and at least one intermediate optimal cycle between said initial optimal cycle and said final optimal cycle; and wherein in said analysis phase (140), said control unit (4) defines a current function according to said temperature and said pressure detected in said measurement phase, identifies among said optimal cycles the optimal cycle corresponding to said current function, and then defines the number of optimal cycles between said identified cycle and said final cycle.

3. The control process (100) according to claim 2, comprising a personal device (5) in data connection with said control unit (4); and wherein said control process (100) comprises a transmission phase (150), during which said control unit (4) sends to said personal device (5) a maintenance time based on said number of cycles between said identified cycle and said final cycle.

4. The control process (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said burner (21) is located in a primary room of a building and defines an air intake section into said burner (21), opening into said primary room so as to allow said air in said primary room to enter said burner (21); said process comprising an additional temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of said air in said primary room; wherein said reference database associates at least one optimal cycle describing the variation of said internal temperature with each identifier of said plant (2); wherein in said measurement phase (130), said additional temperature sensor performs a detection of said internal temperature; and wherein in said analysis phase (140), said control unit (4) defines an optimal operation of said plant (2) if also said internal temperature is substantially associable with said internal temperature at a point in said optimal cycle.

5. The control process (100) according at least one of the previous claims, wherein said exhaust (22) defines an outlet section for said fumes from said plant (2); wherein said process (100) comprises environmental sensors (35) configured to detect temperature outside said exhaust near said outlet section, the pressure outside said exhaust (22), near said outlet section, air humidity outside said exhaust (22) near said outlet section and wind speed at said exhaust (22); and wherein in said measurement phase (130), said environmental sensors (35) detect said external temperature, said external pressure, said external humidity, and said wind speed.

6. The control process (100) according to the previous claim, comprising a personal device (5) in data connection with said control unit; wherein said reference database associates with each of said at least one optimal cycle a maximum external temperature, a maximum external pressure, a maximum external humidity, and a maximum wind speed; and wherein said process comprises a transmission phase (150), during which said control unit (4) sends to said personal device (5) a warning signal if at least one of said external temperature, said external pressure, said external humidity, and said wind speed detected in said measurement phase (130) is greater than said maximum external temperature, said maximum external pressure, said maximum external humidity, and said maximum wind speed, respectively.

7. The control process (100) according to at least one of claims 5-6, wherein said reference database associates each identifier of said plant (2) with a plurality of said at least one optimal cycle; wherein said reference database associates with each of said at least one optimal cycle a range for the external temperature, a range for the external pressure, a range for the external humidity, and a range for the wind speed; wherein in said measurement phase (130), said additional temperature sensor detects said external temperature and said additional pressure sensor detects said external pressure, said humidity sensor detects said external humidity, and said anemometer detects at least said wind speed; and wherein in said analysis phase (140), said control unit (4) identifies in said reference database said at least one optimal cycle associated with said identifier of said plant (2) and having said external temperature detected in said measurement phase (130) within said external temperature range, said external pressure detected in said measurement phase (130) within said external pressure range, said external humidity detected in said measurement phase (130) within said external humidity range, and said wind speed detected in said measurement phase (130) within said wind speed range.

8. The control process (100) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein said control unit (4) is configured to control the operation of said plant (2); and wherein if, in said analysis phase, said control unit does not define an optimal operation, said control unit (4) commands a variation in said combustion process.

9. The control process (100) according to the previous claim, wherein said plant (2) comprises a fuel storage chamber and regulation means configured to feed said fuel from said storage chamber into said burner (21), regulating the entry of said fuel into said burner (21) and thus said combustion process; and wherein if, in said analysis phase, said control unit (4) commands said regulation means to vary said fuel intake when said control unit (4) does not define an optimal operation of said plant (2).

10. A control device (1) for at least one combustion plant (2); said device (1) comprising at least one said plant (2); said plant (2) comprising: - a burner (21) configured to produce heat through the combustion of a fuel and an oxidizer; - an exhaust (22) for the discharge of the fumes produced by said combustion; wherein said control device (1) comprises - at least one temperature sensor (31) for measuring the temperature of said fumes in said exhaust; - at least one pressure sensor (32) for measuring the pressure of said fumes in said exhaust; - a reference database associating at least one optimal cycle with each identifier of said plant (2), said cycle describing the variation of said temperature and said pressure during optimal operation; - a control unit (4) in data connection with said sensors (31, 32), said control unit (4) being configured to o identify in said reference database said at least one optimal cycle associated with said identifier of said plant (2), o command said temperature sensor (31) and said pressure sensor (32) to perform at least one detection of said temperature and said pressure of said fumes, o compare each of said detections with said optimal cycle in order to define an optimal operation of said plant (2) if said temperature and said pressure of each of said at least one detection is substantially associable with said temperature and said pressure at a point in said optimal cycle.

11. The control device (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said control unit (4) comprises at least one of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a Neural Network, and anomaly detection algorithms.

12. The control device (1) according to any of claims 10-11, wherein said exhaust (22) defines an outlet section for said fumes from said plant (2); wherein said process (100) comprises a personal device (5) in data connection with said control unit, an additional temperature sensor configured to detect the external temperature of said exhaust (22) near said outlet section, an additional pressure sensor configured to detect the external pressure of said exhaust (22) near said outlet section, an external air humidity sensor of said exhaust (22) near said outlet section, and an anemometer configured to detect at least the wind speed near said exhaust (22); wherein said reference database associates with each of said at least one optimal cycle a maximum external temperature, a maximum external pressure, a maximum external humidity, and a maximum wind speed; and wherein said control unit (4) sends a warning signal to said personal device (4) if said additional temperature sensor detects said external temperature greater than said maximum external temperature, or if said additional pressure sensor detects said external pressure greater than said maximum external pressure, or said external humidity greater than said maximum external humidity, and said wind speed greater than said maximum wind speed.

13. The control device (1) according to at least one of claims 10-12, wherein said plant (2) comprises a said fuel storage chamber and regulation means configured to feed said fuel from said storage chamber into said burner (21), regulating the entry of said fuel into said burner (21) and thus said combustion process; and wherein said control unit (4) commands said regulation means to vary said fuel intake when said unit does not identify optimal operation of said plant (2).

14. The control device (1) according to at least one of claims 10-13, wherein said burner (21) comprises an outlet section for the fumes from said burner (21) into said exhaust (22); wherein said exhaust (22) comprises a chimney (221) for discharging said fumes and a duct (222) providing fluid connection between said burner (21) and said chimney (221) with said exhaust (22); and wherein said temperature sensor (31) is in said duct (222) and is at a distance from said outlet section between 40 cm and 100 cm, and said pressure sensor (32) is in said duct (222) and is at a distance from said outlet section between 40 cm and 100 cm.

15. A building comprising said control device (1) according to at least one of claims 10-14 and said plant (2) integrated into said building.

16. The building according to the previous claim, comprising a primary room wherein said burner (21) is located; wherein said burner (21) defines an air intake section into said burner (21), facing said primary room so as to allow said air in said primary room to enter said burner (21); and wherein said control device (1) comprises an additional temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of said air in said primary room; wherein said reference database associates at least one optimal cycle describing also the variation of said internal temperature with each identifier of said plant (2); and wherein said control unit (4) is configured to command said additional temperature sensor to detect said internal temperature and thus define optimal operation of said plant (2) also if said internal temperature is substantially associable with said internal temperature at a point in said optimal cycle.

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