Control of a combustion apparatus

Abstract

Control of a combustion device. Device (10) for controlling and / or regulating combustion by a combustion device as a function of a setpoint, the device (10) comprising a storage unit, the combustion device comprising a combustion chamber (2) and at least one combustion sensor (7) arranged in the combustion chamber (2) of the combustion device and an air actuator (3) configured to influence a supply quantity (4) of air as a function of an air control signal, and a fuel actuator (5) configured to influence a supply quantity (6) of fuel as a function of a fuel control signal, wherein the device (10) is configured: to assign at least one first area (16) to a requested burner output and / or requested fan speed;to check whether a first marker is stored in the memory of the device (10) for one or more first areas (16), wherein the first marker indicates a calibration for one or more first areas (16).

Description

background

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control curves such as those used in connection with combustion sensors in combustion devices, for example in gas burners. Combustion sensors in combustion devices are, for example, ionization electrodes. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the correction of such control curves taking into account the aging and / or drift of a sensor signal.

[0002] In combustion devices, the air-fuel ratio λ can be determined during combustion using a combustion sensor. The air-fuel ratio λ characterizes the ratio of air to fuel, particularly fuel gas. It is calculated as the quotient of the actual amount of air present in a mixture flow and the amount of air required for stoichiometric combustion of that mixture. Specifically, the air-fuel ratio λ can be determined by measuring the ionization current through an ionization electrode. An alternating voltage is first applied to the combustion sensor, particularly to the ionization electrode. Due to the rectifying effect of a flame, an ionization current flows as a direct current.

[0003] In control curves for combustion sensors, the ionization current detected by the combustion sensor is plotted against the rotational speed of the combustion appliance's fan. The ionization current is typically measured in microamperes. The rotational speed of the combustion appliance's fan is typically measured in revolutions per minute. The fan speed of a combustion appliance is simultaneously a measure of the air supply and the burner output of the combustion appliance, that is, the amount of heat per unit of time. Alternatively, plotting the detected ionization current directly against the air supply or the burner output in control curves is also possible.

[0004] A multitude of setpoints are plotted along such a control curve. These setpoints can initially be recorded during testing and / or adjustments on a prototype device under laboratory conditions. The recorded values ​​are stored and incorporated into a control system, particularly an electronic control system.

[0005] Combustion sensors, particularly ionization electrodes, are subject to aging during operation. This aging is caused by deposits and / or coatings forming during the operation of a combustion device. For example, an oxide layer can form on the surface of an ionization electrode, the thickness of which changes over the course of operating hours. As a consequence of the aging of at least one combustion sensor, a drift in the signal of at least one combustion sensor occurs. For example, the ionization current drifts in ionization electrodes due to aging. Therefore, a control curve recorded under laboratory conditions requires periodic review and / or correction, at the latest after one thousand to three thousand operating hours.

[0006] A control device for correcting the control curve of an ionization electrode is disclosed in European patent EP2466204B1. European patent EP2466204B1 was granted to Siemens AG on November 13, 2013. A corresponding application, EP2466204A1, was filed on December 16, 2010, and published on June 20, 2012. The correction of the control curve is achieved using a three-step test procedure. This test procedure is referred to below as calibration and / or drift test. First, the control device performs a controlled operation at a defined air supply, speed, or power level. Subsequently, the control device adjusts the actuators of the combustion device to a modified supply ratio. In particular, the speed of the blower of a combustion device is changed. By controlling the actuators, the control device adjusts the air supply to the combustion device.

[0007] The modified feed ratio is above the stoichiometric value of the air-fuel ratio λ of 1. Preferably, the air-fuel ratio λ is reduced by 0.1 or by 0.06 to values ​​greater than or equal to 1.05. In a third step, a new target value is recalculated from the ionization current measured in this process and from stored data.

[0008] Another European patent, EP3045816B1, device for controlling a combustion device, was granted on December 12, 2018. A corresponding application, EP3045816A1, was published on July 20, 2016. EP3045816B1 discloses and claims a control system which, based on a current ionization current and a previously recorded ionization current, calculates a shifted ionization current for a different fan speed. The shifted ionization current can then be filtered to match the historical ionization current of the other speed.

[0009] The estimates obtained in this way are often helpful. However, sometimes these estimates are insufficient. Consequently, a combustion device must then be shut down.

[0010] Another European patent, EP4119847B1, for a combustion device with a control unit, was granted on June 14, 2023. A corresponding application, EP4119847A1, was published on January 18, 2023. EP4119847B1 claims a combustion device with a list of control points. Each control point is assigned a drift test value and an index for determining a test result. Based on this index, a decision is made regarding the determination of a test result for a given air supply. As a function of the test result, a modified drift test value is then determined and assigned to the relevant control point as the drift test value. EP 3 690 318 A2 discloses the operation of a heating appliance with a premix burner based on calibration data, with recalibrations being performed.

[0011] However, correcting the control curve requires that the heat generated during calibration and / or drift testing can be dissipated to consumers such as heating or domestic hot water systems. Otherwise, the amount of heat generated during calibration and / or drift testing will exceed the amount of heat dissipated. Consequently, the system temperature will rise, and the system's temperature controller will shut down the combustion unit if the temperature exceeds a predefined threshold. In this case, the calibration and / or drift test on a specific air supply cannot be completed.

[0012] This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that some time is required to obtain stable values ​​during calibration and / or drift testing. A time delay is caused by adjusting at least one parameter, selected from the air supply or the fan speed, to a changed target value for the fan speed.

[0013] To make matters worse, the duration of the actual test and calibration process generally cannot be shortened arbitrarily.

[0014] The subject of the present disclosure is an improved control of a combustion device which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary

[0015] The invention relates to a device for controlling and / or regulating combustion by a combustion device according to independent claim 1. Embodiments of the device are defined in the dependent claims.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a supervision test on a combustion device with a combustion sensor. The combustion sensor can, for example, be or comprise an ionization electrode. The combustion sensor can also be or comprise a temperature sensor. Combustion sensors, in particular ionization electrodes, are subject to aging during operation. This aging necessitates calibration. Calibration determines the extent to which target values ​​and / or test results of a combustion sensor, in particular an ionization electrode, have shifted as a result of aging.

[0017] If an air supply area has not been calibrated within a specified timeframe, this area is marked for a supervision test. If the combustion unit then operates within the marked area at an air supply and / or fan speed, a supervision test is requested. The supervision test is performed immediately or as soon as possible after the combustion unit begins operating within the marked area.

[0018] The supervision test is performed with a constant or essentially constant air supply and / or blower speed. Furthermore, the setpoint value of the combustion sensor is changed, in particular increased. The setpoint value of the ionization electrode signal, i.e., the ionization current, can be increased. This makes the combustion mixture richer in fuel gas, i.e., it is enriched. Specifically, a fuel valve, such as a gas valve, is opened further. The air-fuel ratio λ thus approaches the stoichiometric ratio λ = 1.

[0019] Apart from the setpoint of the ionization electrode signal, the temperature setpoint can also be increased if a temperature sensor is used as a combustion sensor. After increasing the setpoint for the combustion sensor and / or the setpoint of the combustion sensor, the combustion device adjusts to the changed setpoint. In particular, a control and / or regulation device for the combustion device adjusts to the changed, especially increased, setpoint. As a result of this regulation, a control signal can be output to an actuator of the combustion device, such as a gas valve.

[0020] Preferably, the combustion device control remains stable for a predetermined period. This predetermined period can be, for example, at least five seconds, at least ten seconds, or even at least one minute. Longer periods allow for more reliable conclusions regarding the stability of the combustion device control.

[0021] In particular, the combustion device control can remain stable for a predetermined period with a closed control loop. This predetermined period can be, for example, at least five seconds, at least ten seconds, or even at least one minute. Longer periods allow for more reliable conclusions regarding the stability of the combustion device control.

[0022] The stability of the control system can be detected, among other things, by ensuring that, after a change such as an increase in the setpoint, this setpoint is reached within a defined time period. Furthermore, the stability of the control system can be detected by ensuring that, after a change in the setpoint, a predefined range around the changed, particularly increased, setpoint is reached. This predefined range around the changed, particularly increased, setpoint could, for example, be a predefined tolerance band around the changed, particularly increased, setpoint.

[0023] An instability in the combustion device's control system can be detected, for example, if an actual value in the control loop falls below or exceeds a threshold. An instability in the combustion device's control system can also be detected if an actual value in the control loop falls below or exceeds a threshold within a certain time period.

[0024] Instability in the combustion device's control system can also be identified by a change in the actual value of the control system over time. Furthermore, instability in the combustion device's control system can be identified by a change in the actual value within a given time period. In particular, the actual value may decrease too rapidly.

[0025] The specified time period can be, for example, one second.

[0026] A change that is too rapid is, for example, a halving or quartering of the actual value. In particular, a change that is too rapid can be a halving or quartering of the actual value within the given time period.

[0027] As a result of the instability, the control loop can break down. This means that the control loop is no longer closed.

[0028] If the control loop remains stable after a change, particularly an increase, in the setpoint of the combustion sensor, the supervision test is passed. Preferably, the combustion device returns to normal operation after a passed supervision test. In particular, the combustion device can return to normal control operation after a passed supervision test by resetting the setpoint back to its original value. Advantageously, normal control operation includes control of the combustion air ratio λ and power control. In particular, the device for controlling and / or regulating the combustion device can return to normal operation, such as normal control operation, after the supervision test.

[0029] As an alternative to testing the control loop for stability, the supervision test can be checked for pass or fail based on the carbon monoxide concentration in the exhaust gas. An exhaust gas sensor can be used to record a signal indicating the carbon monoxide concentration in the exhaust gas. For example, the combustion unit could include a carbon monoxide sensor in an exhaust duct or in the combustion unit's chimney. The carbon monoxide sensor is connected to the combustion unit's control and / or regulation system. The control and / or regulation system receives a signal from the carbon monoxide sensor and processes it to determine the measured carbon monoxide concentration.

[0030] A faulty result of the supervision test can be detected, for example, if the measured value of the carbon monoxide concentration exceeds a threshold. A faulty result of the supervision test can also be detected if the measured value of the carbon monoxide concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold. Preferably, the device for controlling and / or regulating the combustion device detects such an exceedance of a threshold. Advantageously, the measured value of the carbon monoxide concentration is a measurement of the carbon monoxide concentration in an exhaust duct or in a chimney of the combustion device.

[0031] For detection based on carbon monoxide concentration, the stability of the control loop does not need to be considered. Therefore, combustion control can be achieved not only with an ionization electrode or a temperature sensor in the combustion chamber, but also with an oxygen sensor in the exhaust gas. For example, the combustion device can include an exhaust gas oxygen sensor in an exhaust duct or in a chimney of the combustion device. The exhaust gas oxygen sensor is connected to the control and / or regulation device of the combustion device. The control and / or regulation device receives a signal from the exhaust gas oxygen sensor and processes the signal to obtain a measured value of the oxygen concentration.

[0032] The actual air-fuel ratio is calculated directly based on the residual oxygen in the exhaust gas and can be adjusted via a control loop using an air actuator or a fuel actuator. The air actuator comprises at least one actuator selected from an air damper or a fan. In one embodiment, the air actuator comprises an air damper and a fan. In an alternative embodiment, the air actuator comprises exactly one actuator selected from an air damper or a fan.

[0033] The fuel actuator comprises at least one actuator selected from a valve or a fuel flap. In one embodiment, the fuel actuator comprises a valve and a fuel flap. In an alternative embodiment, the fuel actuator comprises exactly one actuator selected from a valve or a fuel flap.

[0034] A faulty result in the supervision test can also be identified by a change in the measured carbon monoxide concentration that occurs too rapidly over time. Specifically, the measured carbon monoxide concentration may increase too quickly within the given time period.

[0035] The specified time interval can be, for example, one second. Preferably, the device for controlling and / or regulating the combustion device detects such a rapid change in the measured value of the carbon monoxide concentration in the exhaust duct of the combustion device. In one embodiment, the device for controlling and / or regulating the combustion device detects such a rapid change in the measured value of the carbon monoxide concentration in the chimney of the combustion device.

[0036] A change that is too rapid is, for example, a doubling or a fivefold increase in the measured carbon monoxide concentration. In particular, a change that is too rapid can be a doubling or a fivefold increase in the measured carbon monoxide concentration within the specified time period. Low thresholds for the change in the measured carbon monoxide concentration allow for the timely detection of a faulty result in the supervision test.

[0037] The aforementioned statements regarding concentration measurements also apply analogously to the carbon monoxide sensor signal. A faulty supervision test result may be indicated if the carbon monoxide sensor signal exceeds a threshold, such as a predefined threshold. This means that at least one carbon monoxide signal is greater than the predefined threshold. Furthermore, at least one measurement derived from the carbon monoxide signal may be greater than the predefined threshold. Additionally, a faulty supervision test result may be indicated if the carbon monoxide sensor signal changes too rapidly over time.

[0038] If there are no incorrect results from the supervision test, then the supervision test is passed.

[0039] A passed supervision test can, for example, be selected based on at least one condition from a measured value that is or remains above or below the threshold, a time sequence of measured values ​​wherein the measured values ​​from the time sequence of measured values ​​are or remain above the threshold, a measured value that changes sufficiently slowly, a time sequence of measured values ​​wherein the measured values ​​from the time sequence of measured values ​​change sufficiently slowly, a stable control loop Detected. After a successful supervision test, the system returns to normal operation. In particular, the combustion device can return to normal operating mode after a successful supervision test. Advantageously, normal operating mode includes control of the combustion air ratio λ and power control. In particular, the device for controlling and / or regulating the combustion device can return to normal operation, such as normal operating mode, after the supervision test.

[0040] The same applies to the processing of the carbon monoxide sensor signal. If this signal remains within the limits of a threshold value and / or changes sufficiently slowly, normal operation is resumed after a successful supervision test. In particular, the combustion device can return to normal operating mode after a successful supervision test. Advantageously, normal operating mode includes control of the combustion air ratio λ and power control. Specifically, the device for controlling and / or regulating the combustion device can return to normal operation, such as normal operating mode, after the supervision test.

[0041] The aforementioned considerations regarding the stability of the control loop and the carbon monoxide concentration can be combined. If a carbon monoxide sensor is present, the control loop signal to the combustion device actuator and the carbon monoxide sensor signal can be evaluated simultaneously. The evaluation determines whether the supervision test passes or fails. The aforementioned criteria for a failing supervision test result are advantageously linked by an OR operator. This means that for a failing supervision test result, the following must be considered: an error derived from the control signal or an error derived from the concentration of carbon monoxide That's enough.

[0042] In another embodiment, the criteria for a failed result in the supervision test are linked with AND. This means that for a failed result in the supervision test, an error derived from the control signal and an error derived from the concentration of carbon monoxide must be present.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the criteria for the faulty result of the supervision test are weighted. This means that a first quantity w1 is determined, which indicates an error derived from the control signal. Furthermore, a second quantity w2 is determined, which indicates an error derived from the carbon monoxide concentration. A third quantity w3 is determined as a function of the first w1 and the second w2, in particular by calculation. w 3 = f w 1 , w 2

[0044] For example, the third quantity w 3 can be determined using a relationship w 3 = a ⋅ w 1 + b ⋅ w 2 or based on a relationship w 3 = c ⋅ w 1 2 + d ⋅ w 2 2 can be determined. In particular, the third quantity w3 can be calculated in this way. The coefficients a, b,c and d are preferably rational numbers. Finally, the third quantity w3 is compared with a threshold value θ, in particular by computation. For example, if at least one of the conditions w 3 > θ or w 3 ≥ θ or w 3 < θ or w 3 ≤ θ If the condition is met, it is concluded that the supervision test result is faulty. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] Several features will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-restrictive embodiments. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: FIG 1 shows a combustion device with a combustion sensor. FIG 2 shows areas for calibration and for supervision tests. FIG 3 illustrates a successful supervision test. FIG 4 illustrates a supervision test with an incorrect result. Detailed description

[0046] FIG 1 Figure 1 shows a combustion device. The combustion device comprises a burner 1, such as a wall-mounted gas burner and / or an oil burner. During operation, a flame from a heat generator burns in the combustion chamber 2 of the combustion device. The heat generator exchanges the thermal energy of the hot combustion gases into another fluid, such as water. The heated 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 material, for example, in an industrial process. According to a further embodiment, the heat generator is part of a combined heat and power (CHP) plant. Furthermore, the heat generator can be used to heat water in a plant for the production of lithium and / or lithium carbonate. The exhaust gases 9 are discharged from the combustion chamber 2, for example, via a chimney 8.

[0047] The air supply 4 for the combustion process is provided via a (motor-driven) blower 3. For example, a control and / or regulating device 10 supplies the blower 3 with air via at least one signal line 11, 12. V L , which it is intended to promote. This makes the fan speed a measure of the air supply 4.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the blower speed is reported back to the control and / or regulating device 10 by the blower 3. For example, the control and / or regulating device 10 determines the speed of the blower 3 via the signal line 12.

[0049] The control and / or regulation device 10 preferably comprises a microcontroller. Ideally, the control and / or regulation device 10 comprises a microprocessor. The control and / or regulation device 10 can be a control device. Preferably, the control device comprises a microcontroller. Ideally, the control device comprises a microprocessor. The control device can comprise a proportional and integral controller. Furthermore, the control device can comprise a proportional, integral, and derivative controller.

[0050] Furthermore, the control and / or regulation device 10 can comprise a field-programmable (logic) gate arrangement. Additionally, the control and / or regulation device 10 can comprise an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0051] In one embodiment, the signal line 11 comprises an optical fiber. The signal line 12 for determining the fan speed can also comprise an optical fiber. In a particular embodiment, the signal lines 11 and 12 are implemented as optical fibers. Optical fibers offer advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and explosion protection.

[0052] If the air supply 4 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 4. 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. This sensor is advantageously arranged in the duct for the air supply 4. Advantageously, this sensor provides a signal that is converted into a flow measurement value by a suitable signal processing unit.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the signal from the sensor is fed back via a signal line. In particular, a signal can be fed back to the control and / or regulating device 10 via the signal line, which is a measure of an air supply 4. The signal line can comprise an optical fiber. Optical fibers offer advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and explosion protection. A suitable signal processing device for processing the sensor signal 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 10.

[0054] As a measure of 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 4 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. It claims a combustion device with a supply channel and a side channel, wherein a mass flow sensor projects into the supply channel.

[0055] A pressure sensor and / or a mass flow sensor in the side channel detects a signal which corresponds to the air supply. V L The sensor measures the pressure value and / or the airflow (particle and / or mass flow) in the side channel. Advantageously, the sensor provides a signal that is converted into a measured value by a suitable signal processing unit. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the signals of several sensors are converted into a common measured value. A suitable signal processing unit ideally comprises at least one analog-to-digital converter. According to a compact embodiment, the signal processing unit, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the control and / or regulation unit 10. According to another embodiment, the signal processing unit, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the pressure sensor and / or mass flow sensor.The transmission of sensor signals to the control and / or regulating device 10 takes place via a communication interface with a predefined communication bus protocol.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the air supply V L The value of the current airflow rate. The airflow rate can be measured and / or specified in cubic meters of air per hour. The air supply V L The air supply can be measured and / or specified in cubic meters of air per hour. In an alternative embodiment, the air supply is... V L Measured in cubic feet per minute.

[0057] Mass flow sensors allow measurement at high flow velocities, especially in conjunction with combustion devices during operation. Typical values ​​for such flow velocities range from 0.1 meters per second to 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 suitable for this disclosure include, for example, OMRON® D6F-W or SENSOR TECHNICS® WBA sensors. The usable range of these sensors typically starts at velocities between 0.01 meters per second and 0.1 meters per second and extends to velocities 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.

[0058] The fuel supply 6 is adjusted and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device 10 by means of a fuel actuator and / or a (motorized) adjustable valve 5. In the version in FIG 1 The fuel is a combustible gas. A combustion device can then be connected to various combustible gas sources, for example, sources with a high methane content and / or sources with a high propane content. It is also provided that the combustion device is connected to a source of a gas or gas mixture, wherein the gas or gas mixture includes hydrogen. FIG 1 The amount of fuel gas is set by a (motor-driven) adjustable fuel valve 5 by the control and / or regulating device 10. 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 6.

[0059] If a gas flap is used as the fuel actuator 5, the position of the flap can be used as a measure of the amount of fuel gas. According to a particular embodiment, a fuel actuator 5 and / or a fuel valve are adjusted by means of a stepper motor. In this case, the step position of the stepper motor is a measure of the amount of fuel gas. The fuel valve 5 can also be integrated into a unit with at least one or more safety shut-off valves. A signal line 13 connects the fuel actuator 5 to the control and / or regulating device 10. In a particular embodiment, the signal line 13 comprises an optical fiber. Optical fibers offer advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and explosion protection.

[0060] Furthermore, the fuel valve 5 can be an internally controlled valve regulated by a flow and / or pressure sensor, which receives a setpoint and regulates the actual value of the flow and / or pressure sensor to the setpoint. The flow and / or pressure sensor can be implemented as a volumetric flow sensor, for example as a turbine flow meter or a bellows flow meter, or as a differential pressure sensor. The flow and / or pressure sensor can also be implemented as a mass flow sensor, for example as a thermal mass flow sensor. A signal line connects the flow and / or pressure sensor to the control and / or regulation device 10. In a special embodiment, the signal line includes an optical fiber. Optical fibers offer advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and explosion protection.

[0061] In another embodiment, the flow and / or pressure sensor is arranged separately from the fuel valve 5 in the fuel supply channel 6. The sensor, for example a flow sensor, can be implemented as a volumetric flow sensor, such as a turbine flow meter or bellows flow meter, or as a differential pressure sensor. The flow and / or pressure sensor can also be implemented as a mass flow sensor, for example as a thermal mass flow sensor. A signal line connects the flow and / or pressure sensor to the control and / or regulating device 10. In a special embodiment, the signal line includes an optical fiber. Optical fibers offer advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and explosion protection.

[0062] The flow and / or pressure sensor generates a signal which is converted into a flow measurement (measured value of particle and / or mass flow and / or volume flow) by a suitable signal processing unit. Ideally, a suitable signal processing unit comprises at least one analog-to-digital converter. According to a compact embodiment, the signal processing unit, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the control unit 10. This integration avoids additional components and signal paths. Consequently, failures that could arise from the additional components or signal paths are avoided.

[0063] According to another, more compact embodiment, the signal processing unit, in particular the analog-to-digital converter(s), is integrated into the flow and / or pressure sensor. This integration also avoids additional components and signal paths. Consequently, failures that could arise from the additional components or signal paths are avoided.

[0064] The transmission of sensor signals to the control and / or regulating device 10 preferably takes place via a communication interface with a predefined communication bus protocol. The communication bus protocol can, in particular, comprise or be a digital communication bus protocol.

[0065] FIG 1 Figure 7 also shows a combustion device with a combustion sensor 7. The combustion sensor 7 can, for example, comprise an ionization electrode. The combustion sensor 7 can also be an ionization electrode. In these cases, the combustion sensor 7 serves to detect an air-fuel ratio λ. KANTHAL®, e.g., APM® or A-1®, is frequently used as the material for an ionization electrode. Electrodes made of Nikrothal® are also considered by those skilled in the art. The combustion sensor 7 is preferably arranged in the combustion chamber 2. The combustion sensor 7 is particularly preferably arranged in a flame zone within the combustion chamber 2.

[0066] Typically, the combustion sensor 7 is connected to a voltage source via an impedance. The impedance for connection to the voltage source can include an electrical resistance, in particular an ohmic resistance.

[0067] The combustion sensor 7 can further comprise at least one temperature sensor. For example, the combustion sensor 7 can comprise at least five, at least two, or one temperature sensor. In particular, the combustion sensor 7 can be at least one temperature sensor. For example, the combustion sensor 7 can consist of at least five, at least two, or one temperature sensor. In these cases, the combustion sensor 7 serves to detect at least one temperature in the combustion chamber 2.

[0068] A signal line 14 connects the combustion sensor 7 to the control and / or regulating device 10. In a special embodiment, the signal line 14 comprises an optical fiber. Optical fibers offer advantages with regard to galvanic isolation and protection against explosions.

[0069] If combustion occurs, the combustion sensor 7 transmits at least one signal to the control and / or regulating device 10. Preferably, this at least one signal is transmitted via the signal line 14. The at least one signal from the combustion sensor 7 is processed into at least one measured value. Preferably, the at least one signal from the combustion sensor 7 is processed into at least one measured value of the air-fuel ratio λ and / or into at least one ionization current and / or into at least one measured temperature value.

[0070] The control and / or regulating device 10 then compares the at least one measured value with a setpoint. From this comparison, the control and / or regulating device 10 generates a control signal. The control signal is output to the fuel valve 5. In response to the control signal, the fuel valve 5 adjusts the fuel supply 6 such that future signals and / or measured values ​​move towards the setpoint. Ultimately, the actual value of the control system, derived from the at least one signal or the at least one measured value, is equal to or substantially equal to the setpoint.

[0071] FIG 2 Figure 1 shows an example of the division (of the setpoint 15) of the burner output and / or the fan speed into ranges 16. If the burner output and / or the fan speed is set and / or regulated in at least one of the ranges 16 during operation, a check is performed to determine whether a calibration request exists. For example, the burner output and / or the fan speed can be set and / or regulated in at least one of the ranges 16 by controlling a higher-level unit. The higher-level unit can be a temperature controller or another unit that adjusts or sets the output of the combustion device. The higher-level unit can also be a temperature controller or another unit that regulates the output of the combustion device. The higher-level unit can be fully or partially integrated into the control and / or regulation device 10.In a compact embodiment, the higher-level unit is fully integrated into the control and / or regulation device 10. This integration also avoids additional components and signal paths. Consequently, failures that could arise from the additional components or signal paths are avoided.

[0072] If a calibration requirement exists for at least one set and / or regulated area 16, an attempt is made to perform a calibration. In particular, an attempt is made to perform a calibration that compensates for the aging of the at least one combustion sensor 7. Preferably, an attempt is made to perform a calibration that compensates for the effects of the aging of the at least one combustion sensor 7 on the operation of the combustion device.

[0073] After successful calibration, area 16 is marked. Setting at least one flag marks area 16. As long as the marker is set, no new calibration will be performed.

[0074] Within the scope of this disclosure, a flag can comprise a bit, in particular an electronic bit. Furthermore, a flag can be a bit, in particular an electronic bit. Within the scope of this disclosure, a flag in a memory can comprise a bit, in particular an electronic bit, in the memory. Furthermore, a flag in a memory can be a bit, in particular an electronic bit, in the memory.

[0075] In particular, at least one flag can be set as a marker in a memory of the control and / or regulating device 10. Preferably, the control and / or regulating device 10 can comprise a memory area. This memory area, in turn, comprises at least one flag for each of the areas 16. Additionally, the memory area can include redundant flags such as checksums and / or parity bits. The checksums and / or parity bits are each functions of the bits for each of the areas 16. The redundant bits prevent erroneous markers in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0076] The marking expires after a predetermined period. This period specifies the time after which a new calibration is required. This means that the calibration is valid for this period. This period is preferably defined in the control and / or regulating device 10. This period can also be parameterized in the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0077] FIG 2 The figure shows hatching. The hatching makes it clear that the areas 16 can overlap. In another embodiment, the areas 16 do not overlap.

[0078] In practice, it sometimes happens that a calibration for a set and / or adjusted area 16 cannot be completed successfully. For example, the combustion device may not be able to dissipate the heat generated during calibration sufficiently. In this case, the at least one area 16 is locked for calibration for a predetermined period. Supervision tests are still possible during this locked period. The lock can be implemented, for example, by means of an additional lock marker for the at least one area 16 in the memory of the control and / or regulation device 10. This means that no calibration is performed as long as the lock marker for the at least one area 16 is stored in the memory.The locking can be effected in particular by means of a lock marker in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation device 10. This means that no calibration is performed as long as the lock marker for at least one area 16 is stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0079] In one embodiment, the aforementioned locking mark is a third mark, for example a third electronic mark, in the memory of the control and / or regulation device 10. In particular, the locking mark can be a third mark, for example a third electronic mark, in a non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulation device 10.

[0080] In the control and / or regulating unit 10, a further time period before a calibration is performed is defined and / or parameterized. This further time period before a calibration is performed is generally not identical to the time after which a marker of a range 16 expires. In particular, the further time period until the completion of a calibration is generally not identical to the time after which a marker of a range 16 expires. During operation, a range 16 (of the setpoint 15) of the burner output and / or fan speed can now be set or adjusted. The marker of that range 16 has expired, and no calibration has been performed during the further time period before a calibration is performed.In particular, the marking of area 16 has expired, and no calibration has been performed during the subsequent period until the completion of a calibration. In this case, a supervision test is requested. Specifically, the control and / or regulating device 10 may request a supervision test.

[0081] For the supervision test, the modulation range 15 of the burner output and / or the fan speed is also divided into ranges 17. In particular, the burner output and / or the fan speed of the combustion device can be divided into ranges 17. Generally, the ranges 17 for the supervision test are not identical to the ranges 16 for calibration. In a specific embodiment, the ranges 17 for the supervision test are identical to the ranges 16 for calibration. This embodiment reduces the memory requirement in the control and / or regulating device 10. The reduction in memory requirement results from the fact that separate memory for the ranges 16 for calibration and memory for the ranges 17 for the supervision test are not required.

[0082] Preferably, the control and / or regulating device 10 can comprise a memory area. The memory area in turn comprises at least one flag for each of the areas 17. Additionally, the memory area can include redundant bits such as checksums and / or parity bits.

[0083] The checksums and / or parity bits are each functions of the bits for each of the areas 17. The redundant bits prevent erroneous markings in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0084] The areas 16 in which successful calibration could not be performed determine the areas 17 for a supervision test requirement. This determination is made via an assignment 18. Preferably, each of the at least one area 16 in which successful calibration could not be performed can be mapped by the assignment 18 to at least one area 17 for a supervision test. This means that for each of the at least one area 16 in which calibration could not be performed, there exists an area for a supervision test. In a particular embodiment, for each area 17 for a supervision test, there exists exactly one area 16 by the assignment 18.

[0085] In particular, at least one area 17 can be marked to request a supervision test. Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 10 can include a memory and set a flag in the memory to mark at least one area 17. In particular, the control and / or regulating device 10 can include a memory and set a flag in the memory to mark at least one area 17 to request the supervision test.

[0086] The supervision test preferably lasts twenty seconds or less. Most preferably, the supervision test lasts ten seconds or less. Ideally, the supervision test lasts five seconds or less. In general, the duration of a supervision test is shorter or significantly shorter than the duration of a calibration. A short supervision test does not, or only minimally, interfere with the operation of the combustion device. In particular, any heat generated during the supervision test can be effectively dissipated.

[0087] If the supervision test for a supervision area 17 is passed, the request for a supervision test for that area 17 is deleted. This means that the marking of area 17 is deleted and / or removed and / or canceled. In particular, the control and / or regulating device 10 may include a memory and, as a result of passing the supervision test, delete a flag marking an area 17 from that memory.

[0088] In the control and / or regulation unit 10, a further time period for undoing the deletion of a supervision test request is defined and / or parameterized. Specifically, in the control and / or regulation unit 10, a further time period for re-marking at least one area 17 after a passed supervision test may be defined and / or parameterized. This means that after this further time period for undoing the deletion and / or for re-marking, the drift of the combustion sensor 7 should be checked again. This re-check is carried out, for example, by means of another supervision test.

[0089] It is possible that a calibration was successfully performed during the subsequent period for reversing the deletion and / or for re-marking. Such a successful calibration is possible because a calibration request remains pending even after a passed supervision test. In this case, a supervision test is blocked until the successfully performed calibration expires. This means that the control and / or regulating unit 10 checks, based on the assignment 18, whether at least one area 16 exists for calibration for the area 17 in question for a supervision test. It is now possible that a calibration request exists for this at least one area 16 and that the calibration is valid. This means that the at least one area 16 is marked accordingly.In one embodiment, a flag for marking at least one area 16 is set in a memory of the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0090] As a result of marking the at least one area 16, the deletion of a supervision test request is no longer reversed in the assigned area 17 for the supervision test. In a further embodiment, the deletion of a supervision test request is not reversed in the assigned areas 17 for the supervision test. The deletion of the supervision test request is not reversed even if the time period for reversing the deletion of the supervision test request has expired. Likewise, the at least one assigned area 17 is not marked again for a supervision test request. The at least one area 17 is not marked again for a supervision test request even if the time period for reversing has expired.

[0091] Now, the combustion device and / or its control and / or regulating unit 10 requests a burner output and / or a fan speed for which no valid calibration exists. This means that the burner output and / or the fan speed lies within at least one range 16 for which a calibration request exists. This at least one range 16 is therefore unmarked. For example, the marking of the at least one range 16 may have expired after the specified time period. The remaining time until a calibration can be performed has also expired. The control and / or regulating unit 10 now determines one or more ranges 17 based on the assignment 18 and marks this or these ranges 17.

[0092] This means that the control and / or regulating device 10 includes and is configured as follows: to receive a request signal for a burner output and / or a fan speed; to assign one or more first ranges 16 (of setpoints 15) of the burner output and / or the fan speed to the burner output and / or the fan speed; to check whether a first mark, for example an electronic mark, is stored in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 for one or more first ranges 16; if the memory is free of a first mark, in particular free of a first electronic mark, for one or more first ranges 16, the control and / or regulating device 10 is configured to: determine a current time, in particular a current operating time; compare the current time, in particular the current operating time, with a point in time until a calibration is carried out;If the current time, in particular the current operating time, is later than the time until the calibration is performed, the control and / or regulating device 10 is configured to: assign one or more first ranges 16 to one or more second ranges 17 (of the setpoint 15) of the burner output and / or the fan speed; and store a second marker, in particular a second electronic marker, for the at least one second range in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0093] The memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 can store one or more markers for ranges 16, 17 (of the setpoint 15) of the burner output and / or the fan speed. Ranges 16 and 17 are normally different from each other, but in a special embodiment they can also be identical. In particular, ranges 16 and 17 are normally different from each other, but in a special embodiment they can also be identical.

[0094] The control and / or regulating device 10 is preferably also configured to request a burner output and / or a blower speed. In particular, the control and / or regulating device 10 can be configured to set and / or regulate a burner output and / or a blower speed. The burner output is, for example, the burner output of the combustion device. The blower speed is, for example, the blower speed of the combustion device. The blower speed is preferably the blower speed of the blower 3 of the combustion device.

[0095] In one embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 is configured to check whether a first marker in the form of a first set flag, for example, a first electronic marker in the form of a first set flag, is stored in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 for one or more first areas 16. In a particular embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 comprises a non-volatile memory and is configured to check whether a first marker, for example, a first electronic marker, is stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 for one or more first areas 16.In another special embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 comprises a non-volatile memory and is configured to check whether a first marker in the form of a first set flag, for example a first electronic marker in the form of a first set flag, is stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 for one or for the several first areas 16.

[0096] Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 10 may be configured to check whether the memory is free of a first mark in the form of a first (set) flag, in particular free of a first electronic mark in the form of a first (set) flag, for one or more first areas 16. In particular, the control and / or regulating device 10 may comprise a non-volatile memory and be configured to check whether the non-volatile memory is free of a first mark, in particular free of a first electronic mark, for one or more first areas 16.

[0097] Preferably, the control and / or regulating device 10 comprises a clock, such as an internal clock based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductors. Alternatively, the time can also be transmitted to the control and / or regulating device 10 from an external source.

[0098] The transfer can be done, for example, via a data line, in particular a fiber optic line or a two-wire line, a bus line, in particular a bus line for digital signal transmission, or a wireless radio connection Furthermore, a current time in the form of a current operating time can be determined based on a clock signal from a microcontroller or microprocessor of the device 10 for control and / or regulation.

[0099] The control and / or regulating device 10 is configured to determine a current time using the clock. Preferably, the control and / or regulating device 10 includes an internal clock and is configured to determine a current time, in particular the current operating time, using the internal clock of the control and / or regulating device 10. Ideally, the control and / or regulating device 10 includes an internal clock based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductors and is configured to determine a current time, in particular the current operating time, using the internal clock, which is based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductors and is included by the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0100] In one embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 is configured to determine a time until a calibration is performed as a function of the time until a calibration is performed. The time until a calibration is performed can be stored in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10. In particular, the time until a calibration is performed can be stored in non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0101] Furthermore, a time point can be stored in the memory, for example in the non-volatile memory, of the control and / or regulating device 10, which indicates the validity of a calibration for one or more of the first areas 16. This means that the control and / or regulating device 10 is configured as follows: to load from memory a time point indicating the validity of a calibration for one or more first areas 16; to load from memory a time period until a calibration is performed; and to determine or calculate the time until a calibration is performed as a function of the time point indicating the validity of a calibration for one or more first areas 16 and as a function of the time period until a calibration is performed.

[0102] The control and / or regulating device is advantageously trained to 10: to load from memory a time point indicating the validity of a calibration for one or more first areas 16; to load from memory a time period until a calibration is performed; and to determine or calculate the time until a calibration is performed by extending the time point indicating the validity of a calibration for one or more first areas 16 by the time period until a calibration is performed.

[0103] Particularly advantageous is the inclusion of a non-volatile memory in the control and / or regulating device 10, and it is designed as follows: to load from non-volatile memory a time point indicating the validity of a calibration for one or more first areas 16; to load from non-volatile memory a time period until a calibration is performed; and to determine or calculate the time until a calibration is performed by extending the time point indicating the validity of a calibration for one or more first areas 16 by the time period until a calibration is performed.

[0104] Furthermore, an assignment 18 can be stored in the control and / or regulation unit 10 and the control and / or regulation unit 10 can be configured: to assign one or more second areas 17 (of the setpoint 15) of the burner output and / or the fan speed to one or more first areas 16 based on the assignment 18.

[0105] In particular, an assignment 18 can be stored in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 and the control and / or regulating device 10 can be configured: to load the assignment 18 from the memory; and to assign one or more second areas 17 (of the setpoint 15) of the burner output and / or the fan speed to one or more first areas 16 based on the assignment 18.

[0106] In a special embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 can include a non-volatile memory and an assignment 18 can be stored in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulating device 10, and the control and / or regulating device 10 can be configured as follows: to load the assignment 18 from the non-volatile memory; and to assign one or more second areas 17 (of the setpoint 15) of the burner output and / or the fan speed to one or more first areas 16 based on the assignment 18.

[0107] In one embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 is configured to store or set a second marker in the form of a second set flag, in particular a second electronic marker in the form of a second set flag, for the second area in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10. In a particular embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 comprises a non-volatile memory and is configured to store or set a second marker, in particular a second electronic marker, for the second area in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulating device 10.In a further special embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 10 comprises a non-volatile memory and is configured to store or set a second marker in the form of a second set flag, in particular a second electronic marker in the form of a second set flag, for the second area in the non-volatile memory of the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0108] The one or more first regions 16 are generally distinct from the at least one second region 17. In a particular embodiment, the one or more first regions 16 overlap with the at least one second region 17. In another particular embodiment, the one or more first regions 16 coincide with the at least one second region 17.

[0109] The implementation of a supervision test is based on FIG 3 illustrated. The in FIG 3 The depicted configuration indicates no drift of the combustion sensor 7. Therefore, the corresponding supervision test is passed.

[0110] As part of the supervision test, the control and / or regulating unit 10 is either trained, to send one or more first signals to the blower 3, such that in response to this one or more first signals the rotational speed of the blower 3 remains essentially constant, in particular constant; or the control and / or regulating unit 10 is trained: to determine a lower limit of the speed of the blower 3 as a function of at least one second area 17; to determine an upper limit of the speed of the blower 3 as a function of at least one second area 17; to determine an average value of the speed of the blower 3 between the lower limit and the upper limit, for example by calculating it; and to send one or more second signals to the blower 3, so that in response to this one or more second signals the speed of the blower 3 assumes the average value.

[0111] For example, one or more of the first signals are sent from the control and / or regulating device 10 to a drive of the blower 3.

[0112] The mean value is preferably an arithmetic mean value, calculated as a function of the lower limit and the upper limit of the speed of the blower 3. In another embodiment, the mean value is a geometric mean value. The geometric mean value is calculated as a function of the lower limit and the upper limit of the speed of the blower 3.

[0113] For example, one or more second signals are sent from the control and / or regulating device 10 to a drive of the blower 3.

[0114] The one or more first signals to blower 3 are usually different from the one or more second signals to blower 3. However, it can happen that the one or more first signals to blower 3 coincide with the one or more second signals to blower 3.

[0115] In FIG 3 The characteristic curve 21 specifies an assignment of the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 to the air-fuel ratio 20. Conversely, the characteristic curve 21 assigns an air-fuel ratio 20 to a signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7. Preferably, the latter assignment is unambiguous.

[0116] In an embodiment with signal processing, the characteristic curve 21 can specify an assignment of the measured value from the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 to the air-fuel ratio 20. Conversely, the characteristic curve 21 assigns an air-fuel ratio 20 to a signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7. Preferably, the latter assignment is unambiguous. The assignment of the measured value from the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 to the air-fuel ratio 20 can be carried out, for example, by the control and / or regulating device 10. The assignment of the air-fuel ratio 20 to the measured value from the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 can be carried out, for example, by the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0117] Particularly in the case of a control and / or regulating device 10 with signal processing, the characteristic curve 21 can specify an assignment of the measured value from the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 to the air-fuel ratio 20. Conversely, the characteristic curve 21 assigns an air-fuel ratio 20 to a signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7. Preferably, the latter assignment is unambiguous. The assignment of the measured value from the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 to the air-fuel ratio 20 can, for example, be carried out by the control and / or regulating device 10. The assignment of the air-fuel ratio 20 to the measured value from the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 can, for example, be carried out by the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0118] In the normally controlled state, the signal value 22 of combustion sensor 7 corresponds to the air-fuel ratio value 23. In one embodiment, with a non-drifted and non-corrected combustion sensor 7, the measured value obtained from the signal value 22 of combustion sensor 7 corresponds to the air-fuel ratio value 23. The air-fuel ratio value 23 is thus adjusted using the signal value 22 of combustion sensor 7 by means of the control and / or regulating device 10. In one embodiment, the air-fuel ratio value 23 is adjusted using the measured value obtained from the signal value 22 of combustion sensor 7 by means of the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0119] If a supervision test is now requested, the setpoint for signal 19 of combustion sensor 7 is increased at a blower speed selected as described above. As a result of the increase in the setpoint for signal 19 of combustion sensor 7, the control and / or regulating device 10 regulates to a signal value 24 of combustion sensor 7. In an embodiment with signal processing, the control and / or regulating device 10 can regulate again to a setpoint value 24 of combustion sensor 7.

[0120] To accelerate the settling-in process, control parameters in the control and / or regulation device 10 can also be changed during this time. For example, control parameters of a proportional and / or integral controller of the control and / or regulation device 10 can be changed. Furthermore, control parameters of a proportional and / or integral and / or derivative controller of the control and / or regulation device 10 can be changed.

[0121] In this case, a new point 25, 24 is found along the characteristic curve 21 for the new target value 24 for the signal of the combustion sensor 7. In addition, the slope at the new point 25, 24 is similar to the slope at point 23, 22. Therefore, a new value 25 of the air-fuel ratio λ is set using the control and / or regulating device 10 with the new target value 24 for the signal of the combustion sensor 7.

[0122] In the example from FIG 3 The control and / or regulating device 10 quickly reaches the new point 25, 24 and remains stable there. Preferably, the control and / or regulating device 10 reaches the new point 25, 24 within ten seconds and remains stable there. Ideally, the control and / or regulating device 10 reaches the new point 25, 24 within five seconds. Rapid adjustment to the new point 25, 24 allows for a timely conclusion of the supervision test. This increases the probability that the supervision test can be successfully completed.

[0123] A stable regulation of the new points 25 and 24 is an indication that the supervision test has been passed. In particular, a stable regulation of the new points 25 and 24 by the control and / or regulation facility 10 is an indication that the supervision test has been passed.

[0124] In a time-saving and resource-saving embodiment, reaching point 25, 24 indicates that the supervision test has been passed. Alternatively, this also applies to reaching a predetermined band around point 25, 24. In particular, this applies to reaching a predetermined band, for example, a predetermined tolerance band, around the modified, especially increased, target value 24.

[0125] A marker of at least one area 17 is deleted and / or removed as a result of passing the supervision test. In particular, an electronic marker of at least one area 17 is deleted and / or removed. For example, if an electronic marker of at least one area 17 is in the form of a flag in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10, that flag can be deleted. In one embodiment, the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 is non-volatile memory.

[0126] FIG 4 This illustrates a supervision test that is failed. This means that the supervision test was failed. FIG 4 leading to an incorrect result.

[0127] Also within the framework of the supervision test from FIG 4 The control and / or regulating device 10 is either trained, to send one or more first signals to the blower 3, such that in response to this one or more first signals the rotational speed of the blower 3 remains essentially constant, in particular constant; or the control and / or regulating unit 10 is trained: to determine a lower limit of the speed of the blower 3 as a function of at least one second area 17; to determine an upper limit of the speed of the blower 3 as a function of at least one second area 17; to determine an average value of the speed of the blower 3 between the lower limit and the upper limit, for example by calculating it; and to send one or more second signals to the blower 3, so that in response to this one or more second signals the speed of the blower 3 assumes the average value.

[0128] For example, one or more of the first signals are sent from the control and / or regulating device 10 to a drive of the blower 3.

[0129] The mean value is preferably an arithmetic mean value, calculated as a function of the lower limit and the upper limit of the speed of the blower 3. In another embodiment, the mean value is a geometric mean value. The geometric mean value is calculated as a function of the lower limit and the upper limit of the speed of the blower 3.

[0130] For example, one or more second signals are sent from the control and / or regulating device 10 to a drive of the blower 3.

[0131] The one or more first signals to blower 3 are usually different from the one or more second signals to blower 3. However, it can happen that the one or more first signals to blower 3 coincide with the one or more second signals to blower 3.

[0132] The example in FIG 4 This is based on a drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7. In the example in FIG 4 If the sensor signal 19 reaches the value 22, the value 23 of the air-fuel ratio λ is not reached. Instead, the value 27 of the air-fuel ratio λ is reached due to the shifted characteristic curve 26. In an embodiment with signal processing, due to control to the setpoint 22 with a measured value obtained from the distinguished sensor signal 19, the value 23 of the air-fuel ratio λ is not reached. Instead, with that measured value, the value 27 of the air-fuel ratio λ is reached due to the characteristic curve 26.

[0133] The characteristic curve 26 represents the course of the sensor signal 19 versus the air-fuel ratio 20 for the drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7. In an embodiment with signal processing, the characteristic curve 26 represents the course of a measured value versus the air-fuel ratio 20 for the drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7. The measured value is obtained from the sensor signal 19 by signal processing. This signal processing is carried out, for example, using the control and / or regulation device 10.

[0134] Due to drift and / or aging, the value of the air-fuel ratio λ set to 27 during normal operation differs from the required value of the air-fuel ratio λ to 23. In the example in FIG 4The adjusted value of the air-fuel ratio λ (27) resulting from drift and / or aging is lower than the required value of the air-fuel ratio λ (23). Such a change can lead to critical operation. For example, increased carbon monoxide emissions can occur during critical operation.

[0135] Normally, such drift is corrected by calibration. However, if calibration cannot be successfully completed, the shorter supervision test can reveal the drift.

[0136] If the supervision test is now requested, the setpoint for signal 19 of combustion sensor 7 is increased at a blower speed selected as described above. As a result of the increase in the setpoint for signal 19 of combustion sensor 7, the control unit 10 attempts to regulate to a signal value 24 of combustion sensor 7. In an embodiment with signal processing, the control unit 10 can attempt to regulate to a measured value that corresponds to signal value 24 of combustion sensor 7.

[0137] In the present example, however, no value for the air-fuel ratio λ is found along characteristic curve 26 for a setpoint value 24 of the combustion sensor 7. This means that attempting to control the system to the setpoint value 24 based on characteristic curve 26 of the combustion sensor 7 leads to an error. In particular, when attempting to control the combustion sensor 7 to the value 24, the actual value (from the signal) of the combustion sensor 7 can always remain less than the value 24. Due to characteristic curve 26, the signal value 24 is reached when the air-fuel ratio λ is less than a certain value. In a software implementation, this attempt to reach the signal value 24 of the combustion sensor 7 can lead to an exception.

[0138] In an embodiment with signal processing, no value for the air-fuel ratio λ is found for a signal value 24 due to the characteristic curve 26. This means that attempting to control the system to a setpoint 24 based on the characteristic curve 26 leads to an error. Due to the characteristic curve 26, that signal value is reached for less than a certain value of the air-fuel ratio λ. In a software-based implementation, such an attempt to assign the value 24 (and thus control the system to the value 24) can lead to an exception.

[0139] If a stable operating state is not detected after a predetermined time period, this is considered an indication of a supervision test with a faulty result. The predetermined time period can be, for example, ten seconds or less. The predetermined time period can also be five seconds or less. A short predetermined time period prevents overheating of the combustion device or parts thereof.

[0140] The instability of the control system can be detected, among other things, by at least one event selected from: a flame failure during the supervision test, the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 falls below a predetermined value, a measured value obtained from the signal 19 of the combustion sensor 7 falls below a predetermined value.

[0141] The specified value is ideally a minimum value. When comparing signal 19 of combustion sensor 7 with a specified value, that signal 19 of combustion sensor 7 can be smaller than a signal 22 of combustion sensor 7 from normal operation. For example, that signal can be smaller than a signal 22 from normal operation by a specified difference. Furthermore, that signal 19 of combustion sensor 7 can be smaller than a signal 22 of combustion sensor 7 from normal operation by a specified factor.

[0142] Similarly, a measured value obtained from signal 19 of combustion sensor 7 can be smaller than a corresponding measured value from normal operation. For example, this measured value can be smaller than a corresponding measured value from normal operation by a predefined difference. Furthermore, this measured value can be smaller than a corresponding measured value from normal operation by a predefined factor.

[0143] If any of the aforementioned cases occur, the supervision test is considered failed. The result of the supervision test is faulty. A marking of at least one area 17 is not deleted and / or removed. This means that the at least one area 17 remains marked. In particular, an electronic marking of an area 17 is not deleted and / or removed. This means that the at least one area 17 remains electronically marked. For example, if an electronic marking of at least one area 17 is in the form of a flag in the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10, that flag cannot be deleted. This means that that flag remains set. In one embodiment, the memory of the control and / or regulating device 10 is non-volatile memory.

[0144] Furthermore, a faulty supervision test indicates a critically drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7. As a result of the critically drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7, the combustion device may be taken out of service. Recommissioning is carried out by trained personnel. Recommissioning may require replacement of the combustion sensor 7 in the combustion device.

[0145] In a similar embodiment, several supervision tests with a faulty result are an indication of a critically drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7. For example, two, five, or ten supervision tests, each with a faulty result, can be an indication of a critically drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7. The probability of a false indication of a critically drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7 decreases with the number of supervision tests with faulty results. As a result of the critically drifted and / or aged combustion sensor 7, the combustion device may be taken out of service. Recommissioning is carried out by trained personnel. Recommissioning may require replacement of the combustion sensor 7 of the combustion device.

[0146] In other words, the present disclosure includes a device (10) for controlling and / or regulating combustion by a combustion device depending on a setpoint, the device (10) comprising a storage unit, the combustion device comprising a combustion chamber (2) and a chimney (8) and at least one combustion sensor (7) arranged in the combustion chamber (2) and / or in the chimney (8) of the combustion device and an air actuator (3) configured to influence a supply quantity (4) of air depending on an air control signal, and a fuel actuator (5) configured to influence a supply quantity (6) of fuel depending on a fuel control signal, wherein the device (10) is configured as follows: in response to a requested burner output and / or fan speed, to assign at least one first range (16) of the burner output and / or fan speed to the requested burner output and / or fan speed; to check whether a first mark is stored in the memory of the device (10) for one or more first ranges (16), the first mark indicating a calibration for one or more first ranges (16); if the memory is free of a first mark for one or more first ranges (16): to determine a current time, in particular a current operating time, and to compare the current time with a time prior to the calibration;If the current time, in particular the current operating time, is later than the time until the calibration is performed: to generate an initial air control signal and output it to the air actuator (3); to generate a modified, in particular increased, setpoint (24) from the setpoint (22); while maintaining the initial air control signal, to generate a modified fuel control signal by controlling it to the modified, in particular increased, setpoint (24) and output it to the fuel actuator (5); and after outputting the modified fuel signal, to receive signals from a test operation from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and process them into initial actual values ​​from the test operation, and to evaluate at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation by comparison with a predetermined minimum value.

[0147] The present disclosure also includes a device (10) for controlling and / or regulating combustion by a combustion device as a function of a setpoint, the device (10) comprising a storage unit, the combustion device comprising a combustion chamber (2) and a chimney (8) and at least one combustion sensor (7) arranged in the combustion chamber (2) and / or in the chimney (8) of the combustion device, which is configured to generate one or more combustion sensor signals, and an air actuator (3) which is configured to influence a supply quantity (4) of air as a function of an air control signal, and a fuel actuator (5) which is configured to influence a supply quantity (6) of fuel as a function of a fuel control signal, wherein the device (10) is configured as follows: to generate the fuel control signal by means of a control system based on a comparison of a combustion sensor signal from normal operation of the combustion device with a setpoint from normal operation of the combustion device; to assign at least one first range (16) of the burner output to the requested burner output and / or fan speed in response to a requested burner output and / or fan speed; to assign at least one second range (17) of the burner output to the at least one first range (16) such that at least one burner output of the at least one first range (16) is equal to at least one burner output of the at least one second range (17); to check whether a first mark is stored in the memory of the device (10) for the at least one first range (16), wherein the first mark indicates a calibration for the at least one first range (16);If the memory is free of the first mark: to determine a first current time, in particular a first current operating time, and to compare the first current time, in particular the first current operating time, with a time point up to the time point up to the time point up to the time point up to the time point up to the time point. If the first current time, in particular the first current operating time, is later than the time point up to the time point up to the time point. If the second current time, in particular the first current operating time, is later than the time point up to the time point. If the second current time is stored in the memory of the device (10), a second mark is stored, wherein the second mark indicates a supervision test request for the at least one second area (17). If the second mark is stored in the memory of the device (10), a first air control signal is generated and output to the air actuator (3). From the setpoint from the normal operation of the combustion device, a modified setpoint (24) from a test operation is generated.While maintaining the first air control signal, a modified fuel control signal is generated by adjusting to the changed setpoint (24) and output to the fuel actuator (5); and after outputting the modified fuel signal, combustion sensor signals from the test operation are received from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and processed to produce initial actual values ​​from the test operation, and at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation is evaluated by comparison with at least one limit value.

[0148] In one embodiment, the first mark in the memory of the device (10) comprises a first electronic mark in the memory of the device (10). In particular, the first mark in the memory of the device (10) can be a first electronic mark in the memory of the device (10).

[0149] Preferably, the device (10) is configured to generate a setpoint (24) increased by a predetermined amount from the setpoint. In another embodiment, the device (10) is configured to generate a setpoint (24) increased by a predetermined factor from the setpoint.

[0150] In one embodiment, the device (10) is designed as follows: to generate an initial air control signal and output it to the air actuator (3); to receive signals from normal operation from at least one combustion sensor (7); to process the signals from normal operation into actual values ​​from normal operation; and to generate the fuel control signal and output it to the fuel actuator (5) by regulating the actual values ​​from normal operation to the setpoint.

[0151] By generating an initial air control signal and outputting it to the air actuator (3), the air actuator (3) is controlled and / or regulated so that the blower speed remains constant.

[0152] Preferably the establishment (10) is trained: to receive preliminary signals from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and process them into preliminary actual values; while maintaining the first air control signal, to generate modified fuel control signals by regulating the preliminary actual values ​​to the changed, in particular increased, setpoint (24) and output them to the fuel actuator (5); and after outputting the modified fuel signals, to receive signals from the test operation from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and process them into first actual values ​​from the test operation and to evaluate at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation by comparison with the specified minimum value.

[0153] The present disclosure further includes one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the device (10) is configured to generate a modified fuel control signal as a function of the changed, in particular increased, setpoint (24) and to output it to the fuel actuator (5) while maintaining the first air control signal.

[0154] The specified minimum value is preferably stored in the memory of the device (10), and the device (10) is configured to load the specified minimum value from its memory. Ideally, the specified minimum value is stored in non-volatile memory of the device (10), and the device (10) is configured to load the specified minimum value from its non-volatile memory.

[0155] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein first and second control parameters are stored in the memory of the device (10), wherein the first control parameters are different from the second control parameters, and the device (10) is configured as follows: to control the fuel actuator (5) using the first control parameters before the burner output or the fan speed is requested; and to generate and output a modified fuel control signal to the fuel actuator (5) after the burner output or fan speed is requested, while maintaining the first air control signal using the second control parameters by controlling to the changed, in particular increased, setpoint (24).

[0156] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein first and second control parameters are stored in the memory of the device (10), wherein the first control parameters are different from the second control parameters, and the device (10) is configured as follows: to control the fuel control signal before the generation of the first air control signal and after the receipt of the combustion sensor signals from normal operation based on the setpoint from normal operation and on the first control parameters; and after the generation of the first air control signal, while maintaining the first air control signal, to generate a modified fuel control signal by controlling to the changed setpoint (24) using the second control parameters and output it to the fuel actuator (5).

[0157] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices, wherein the device (10) is configured to generate a modified fuel control signal and output it to the fuel actuator (5) after a request for burner output or after a request for fan speed, while maintaining the first air control signal and using the second control parameters and incorporating the at least one combustion sensor (7), by controlling to the modified, in particular increased, setpoint (24). The at least one combustion sensor (7) can be included in the control and / or taken into account during the control by providing a feedback signal for the control.

[0158] The device (10) is preferably configured to load the first and second control parameters from the device's memory. In particular, the device (10) can be configured to load the first and second control parameters from a non-volatile memory of the device (10).

[0159] In one embodiment, the first control parameters comprise first proportional and first integral control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the first control parameters are first proportional and first integral control parameters. In one embodiment, the second control parameters comprise second proportional and second integral control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the second control parameters are second proportional and second integral control parameters.

[0160] The second proportional control parameter is preferably larger than the first proportional control parameter. This enables faster adjustment to the changed, in particular increased, setpoint (24).

[0161] In one embodiment, the first control parameters comprise first proportional, first integral, and first derivative control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the first control parameters are first proportional, first integral, and first derivative control parameters. In one embodiment, the second control parameters comprise second proportional, second integral, and second derivative control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the second control parameters are second proportional, second integral, and second derivative control parameters. The second proportional control parameter is preferably larger than the first proportional control parameter. This enables faster adjustment to the changed, in particular increased, setpoint (24).

[0162] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein at least one limit value is a comparison value selected from: a given minimum value, a limit value from a given band, the given band comprising an upper limit value of the band and a lower limit value of the band.

[0163] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) with a limit value in the form of a minimum value or a limit value from a predetermined band, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation of the first actual values ​​from the test operation, if at least one limit value is the minimum value and at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is greater than the specified minimum value, or if at least one limit value is a limit value from the specified band and at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is smaller than the upper limit value of the specified band and larger than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0164] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) with a limit value in the form of a minimum value or a limit value from a predetermined band, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation of the first actual values ​​from the test operation, if at least one limit value is the minimum value and all of the first actual values ​​from the test operation are greater than the specified minimum value, or if at least one limit value is a limit value from the specified band and all of the first actual values ​​from the test operation are less than the upper limit value of the specified band and greater than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0165] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein the institution (10) is trained: to assign one or more first areas (16) to at least one second area (17) of the burner output and / or the fan speed; and to store a second marker for the at least one second area (17) in the memory of the device (10).

[0166] In one embodiment, the second mark in the memory of the device (10) comprises a second electronic mark in the memory of the device (10). In particular, the second mark in the memory of the device (10) can be a second electronic mark in the memory of the device (10).

[0167] In one embodiment, the at least one second region (17) is a second region (17). In a particular embodiment, the at least one second region (17) is exactly one second region (17).

[0168] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned facilities (10), wherein the facility (10) is trained to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is greater than the specified minimum value.

[0169] In one embodiment, the device (10) is configured to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation if all initial actual values ​​from the test operation are greater than the specified minimum value. This embodiment allows for a more reliable detection of a passed supervision test.

[0170] In a further embodiment, the device (10) is configured to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation if all initial actual values ​​from the test operation lie within a predefined target band around a setpoint value. Furthermore, the device (10) can be configured to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation if all initial actual values ​​from the test operation lie within a predefined tolerance band around the modified, in particular increased, setpoint value (24). The aforementioned embodiments using target and tolerance bands also allow for more reliable detection of a passed supervision test.

[0171] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) that has passed the supervision test, wherein the device (10) is trained to delete the second marker for the at least one second area (17) from the memory of the device (10) as a result of passing the supervision test.

[0172] In one embodiment, the device (10) is configured to remove the second marker for the at least one second area (17) from the device's memory as a result of passing the supervision test. Furthermore, the device (10) can be configured to delete and / or remove a second electronic marker for the at least one second area (17) from the device's memory as a result of passing the supervision test. In another embodiment, the device (10) is configured to delete and / or remove the second marker for the at least one second area (17) from the device's memory in response to passing the supervision test. Furthermore, the device (10) can be configured to delete and / or remove a second electronic marker for the at least one second area (17) from the device's memory in response to passing the supervision test.

[0173] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned establishments (10) with a passed supervision test and a deleted second mark, wherein the establishment (10) is trained: to determine a second current time, in particular a second current operating time; to compare the second current time, in particular the second current operating time, with a time until the next supervision test is carried out for the at least one second area (17) for which the second marker is set; and if the second current time, in particular the current operating time, is later than the time until the next supervision test is carried out: to store and / or set the second marker in the memory of the device (10).

[0174] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) with a passed supervision test and first control parameters, wherein the device (10) is designed to control the fuel actuator (5) after the evaluation by comparison with the specified minimum value using the first control parameters.

[0175] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) with first and second control parameters and a passed supervision test, wherein the device (10) is configured to control the fuel actuator (5) (based on a fuel control signal) after evaluation by comparison with the predetermined minimum value using the first control parameters and including the at least one combustion sensor (7). The at least one combustion sensor (7) can be included in the control and / or taken into account during the control by providing a feedback signal for the control.

[0176] Preferably, the device (10) is designed to generate fuel control signals for normal operation after evaluation by comparison with the specified minimum value by control using the first control parameters and to output the fuel control signals for normal operation to the fuel actuator (5).

[0177] Ideally, the device (10) is configured to load the initial control parameters from the device's memory. In particular, the device (10) can be configured to load the initial control parameters from a non-volatile memory of the device (10).

[0178] In one embodiment, the first control parameters comprise first proportional and first integral control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the first control parameters are first proportional and first integral control parameters. In one embodiment, the second control parameters comprise second proportional and second integral control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the second control parameters are second proportional and second integral control parameters.

[0179] The second proportional control parameter is preferably larger than the first proportional control parameter. This ensures stable operation and / or stable control after passing the supervision test.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first control parameters comprise first proportional, first integral, and first derivative control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the first control parameters are first proportional, first integral, and first derivative control parameters. In one embodiment, the second control parameters comprise second proportional, second integral, and second derivative control parameters. In a particular embodiment, the second control parameters are second proportional, second integral, and second derivative control parameters. The second proportional control parameter is preferably larger than the first proportional control parameter. This ensures stable operation and / or stable control after successful supervision testing.

[0181] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned facilities (10), wherein the facility (10) is trained to recognize, based on the evaluation, a supervision test with an erroneous result if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is less than the specified minimum value.

[0182] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned facilities (10), wherein the facility (10) is trained to recognize, based on the evaluation, a supervision test with an erroneous result if all first actual values ​​from the test operation are less than the specified minimum value.

[0183] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the device (10) is trained to detect a supervision test with a faulty result based on the evaluation if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is less than the specified minimum value or greater than a specified maximum value. Furthermore, the device (10) can be trained to detect a supervision test with a faulty result based on the evaluation if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation falls below the specified minimum value or exceeds a specified maximum value.

[0184] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the device (10) is trained to detect a supervision test with a faulty result based on the evaluation if at least all of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation are less than the specified minimum value or greater than a specified maximum value. Furthermore, the device (10) can be trained to detect a supervision test with a faulty result based on the evaluation if all of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation fall below the specified minimum value or exceed a specified maximum value.

[0185] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) with a limit value in the form of a minimum value or a limit value from a predetermined band, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize, based on the evaluation, a supervision test with an erroneous result, if at least one limit value is the minimum value and at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is smaller than the specified minimum value, or if at least one limit value is a limit value from the specified band and at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is larger than the upper limit value of the specified band or smaller than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0186] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) with a limit value in the form of a minimum value or a limit value from a predetermined band, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize, based on the evaluation, a supervision test with an erroneous result, if at least one limit value is the minimum value and all first actual values ​​from the test operation are smaller than the specified minimum value, or if at least one limit value is a limit value from the specified band and all of the first actual values ​​from the test operation are larger than the upper limit value of the specified band or smaller than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0187] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the combustion device comprises a flame sensor, wherein the device (10) is configured as follows: to receive a flame signal from the flame sensor; and to detect a supervision test with a faulty result if the flame signal is zero or essentially zero.

[0188] A flame signal that is zero apart from noise is essentially zero. Such noise is caused, for example, by active and passive elements in a flame signal evaluation circuit. A flame signal that is zero apart from any quiescent currents is essentially zero. For example, active elements such as operational amplifiers exhibit such quiescent currents. Flame sensors for combustion devices are disclosed, among other things, in European patent EP3339736B1, which was granted on April 10, 2019. Flame sensors for combustion devices are further disclosed in European patent EP3663646B1, which was granted on June 2, 2021.

[0189] The flame sensor is preferably different from the at least one combustion sensor (7). The flame sensor can be an optical flame sensor or include an optical flame sensor. Ideally, the flame sensor is communicatively connected to the device (10). An additional flame sensor for detecting flame failure enables redundant detection of a supervision test with a faulty result and thus improves the reliability of the combustion device.

[0190] The flame sensor itself can also be identical to the combustion sensor. This applies, for example, to an ionization electrode, an ionization sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0191] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10) with a supervision test with a faulty result and with a second marking, wherein the device (10) is configured to retain the second marking for the at least one second area (17) in the memory of the device (10) as a result of the supervision test with a faulty result.

[0192] Furthermore, the device (10) can be configured to retain a second electronic marker for the at least one second area (17) in the memory of the device (10) as a result of the supervision test with an erroneous result. In a further embodiment, the device (10) is configured to retain the second marker for the at least one second area (17) in the memory of the device (10) in response to the supervision test with an erroneous result. Furthermore, the device (10) can be configured to retain a second electronic marker for the at least one second area (17) in the memory of the device (10) in response to the supervision test with an erroneous result.

[0193] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10) with a supervision test with an incorrect result, wherein the institution (10) is trained: as a result of the supervision test with an incorrect result, a closing signal is generated; and the closing signal is output to the fuel actuator (5) so that the fuel actuator (5) closes in response to the closing signal.

[0194] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein the supervision test yields a faulty result and the institution (10) is trained: as a result of the supervision test with an incorrect result, to generate a closing and locking signal; and to output the closing and locking signal to the fuel actuator (5) so that the fuel actuator (5) closes and locks in response to the closing and locking signal.

[0195] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein the supervision test shows a faulty result and the institution (10) is trained: as a result of the supervision test with a faulty result, to generate a closing and locking signal; and to output the closing and locking signal to the fuel actuator (5) so that the fuel actuator (5) closes in response to the closing and locking signal and locks in the closed state.

[0196] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein the supervision test shows a faulty result and the institution (10) is trained: as a result of the supervision test with an incorrect result or after a predetermined number of consecutive supervision tests, each with an incorrect result, to generate a closing signal; and to output the closing signal to the fuel actuator (5) so that the fuel actuator (5) closes in response to the closing signal.

[0197] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein the supervision test yields a faulty result and the institution (10) is trained: as a result of the supervision test with an incorrect result or after a predetermined number of consecutive supervision tests, each with an incorrect result, to generate a closing and locking signal; and to output the closing and locking signal to the fuel actuator (5) so that the fuel actuator (5) closes and locks in response to the closing and locking signal.

[0198] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein the supervision test shows a faulty result and the institution (10) is trained: as a result of the supervision test with an incorrect result or after a predetermined number of consecutive supervision tests, each with an incorrect result, to generate a closing and locking signal; and to output the closing and locking signal to the fuel actuator (5) so that the fuel actuator (5) closes in response to the closing and locking signal and locks in the closed state.

[0199] Closing and / or locking the fuel actuator (5) serves to ensure the safety of the combustion device.

[0200] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the device (10) is configured to deposit or set a first mark for the at least one first area (16) after a successful calibration for one or the at least one first area (16).

[0201] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the device (10) is configured to deposit or set a first mark for the at least one first area (16) after a successful calibration.

[0202] The present disclosure also concerns one of the aforementioned institutions (10), wherein the memory of the device (10) is free of the first mark when one or the requested burner output and / or one or the requested fan speed is reached; wherein the second mark is stored in the memory of the device (10); and wherein the device (10) is configured to perform one or the calibration prior to one or the supervision test.

[0203] The present disclosure further relates to a combustion device comprising a combustion chamber (2) and a chimney (8) and at least one combustion sensor (7) arranged in the combustion chamber (2) and / or in the chimney (8) of the combustion device and an air actuator (3) which influences a supply quantity of air depending on an air control signal, and a fuel actuator (5) which influences a supply quantity of fuel depending on a fuel control signal; the combustion device additionally comprising one of the aforementioned devices (10); and wherein the device (10) is communicatively (11 - 14) connected to the at least one combustion sensor (7), to the air actuator (3) and to the fuel actuator (5).

[0204] The present disclosure also relates to the aforementioned combustion device, which comprises at least one combustion sensor (7): a first sensor selected from an ionization electrode and a temperature sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the combustion chamber (2) of the combustion device, a second sensor comprising a carbon monoxide sensor, where the institution (10) is trained: To receive signals from the first sensor and from the second sensor; to generate combined values ​​as a function of the signals from the first sensor and from the second sensor; and to evaluate at least one of the combined values ​​by comparison with a predetermined minimum value.

[0205] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices, comprising at least one combustion sensor (7): a first sensor selected from an ionization electrode and a temperature sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the combustion chamber (2) of the combustion device, a second sensor comprising a carbon monoxide sensor, wherein the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7), and the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); wherein the device (10) is configured to receive one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7);to generate combined values ​​as a function of one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and as a function of one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); and to evaluate at least one of the combined values ​​by comparison with a specified minimum value.

[0206] Preferably, the carbon monoxide sensor (CO sensor) is arranged in the chimney (8). The carbon monoxide sensor is a carbon monoxide sensor.

[0207] The present disclosure relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices with a carbon monoxide sensor, wherein the device (10) is configured to generate combined values ​​by weighting the signals from the first sensor and by weighting the signals from the second sensor.

[0208] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices with a carbon monoxide sensor, wherein the device (10) is configured to generate combined values ​​by weighting the one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and by weighting the one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7).

[0209] The device (10) can also be configured to recognize, as a function of at least one of the combined values, a passed supervision test or a supervision test with an incorrect result. Preferably, a passed supervision test or a supervision test with an incorrect result is recognized by comparison with a threshold value θ.

[0210] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices, comprising at least one combustion sensor (7): a first sensor selected from an ionization electrode and a temperature sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the combustion chamber (2) of the combustion device, a second sensor comprising a carbon monoxide sensor, where the institution (10) is trained: to generate first actual values ​​from the test operation as a function of the signals from the first sensor; to generate second actual values ​​from the test operation as a function of the signals from the second sensor; to evaluate at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation by comparison with a predetermined minimum value; to evaluate at least one of the second actual values ​​from the test operation by comparison with a predetermined maximum value; and, based on the evaluations, to detect a supervision test with a faulty result if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is less than the predetermined minimum value or at least one of the second actual values ​​from the test operation is greater than the predetermined maximum value.

[0211] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices, comprising at least one combustion sensor (7): a first sensor selected from an ionization electrode and a temperature sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the combustion chamber (2) of the combustion device, a second sensor comprising a carbon monoxide sensor, wherein the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7), and the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); wherein the device (10) is configured to: receive the one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and the one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); generate first actual values ​​from the test operation as a function of the one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7);to generate second actual values ​​from the test operation as a function of one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); to evaluate at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation by comparison with a specified minimum value; to evaluate at least one of the second actual values ​​from the test operation by comparison with a specified maximum value; and, based on the evaluations, to detect a supervision test with a faulty result if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is less than the specified minimum value or at least one of the second actual values ​​from the test operation is greater than the specified maximum value.

[0212] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned combustion devices with first and second actual values, wherein the device (10) is configured to detect a supervision test with an erroneous result based on the evaluations, if all of the first actual values ​​from the test operation are smaller than the specified minimum value, or all of the second actual values ​​from the test operation are larger than the specified maximum value.

[0213] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned combustion devices with first and second actual values, wherein the device (10) is configured to detect a supervision test with an erroneous result based on the evaluations, if all of the first actual values ​​from the test operation are smaller than the specified minimum value, or at least one of the second actual values ​​from the test operation is larger than the specified maximum value.

[0214] The specified maximum value is preferably stored in the memory of the device (10), and the device (10) is configured to load the specified maximum value from its memory. Ideally, the specified maximum value is stored in non-volatile memory of the device (10), and the device (10) is configured to load the specified maximum value from its non-volatile memory.

[0215] The present disclosure also relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices with a supervision test with a faulty result, wherein the device (10) is configured as follows: to generate a closing signal as a result of the supervision test with an erroneous result; to output the closing signal to the fuel actuator (5); wherein the fuel actuator (5) is configured: to receive the closing signal; and to close in response to the closing signal.

[0216] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices with supervision test with faulty result, wherein the device (10) is configured as follows: as a result of the supervision test with a faulty result, to generate a closing and locking signal; to output the closing and locking signal to the fuel actuator (5); wherein the fuel actuator (5) is configured: to receive the closing and locking signal; and in response to the closing and locking signal, to close and lock in the closed state.

[0217] Closing and / or locking the fuel actuator (5) serves to ensure the safety of the combustion device. In one embodiment, the fuel actuator (5) comprises a movable valve actuator and closes by moving the valve actuator to a closed position. The fuel actuator (5) is then in the closed state.

[0218] The at least one limit value is exactly one limit value in one embodiment. The at least one limit value is exactly one predetermined limit value in one embodiment.

[0219] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a predetermined minimum value, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation of the first actual values ​​from the test operation if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is greater than the predetermined minimum value.

[0220] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a predetermined minimum value, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation of the first actual values ​​from the test operation if all first actual values ​​from the test operation are greater than the predetermined minimum value.

[0221] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a limit value from a specified band, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation of the first actual values ​​from the test operation if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is smaller than the upper limit value of the band and larger than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0222] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a limit value from a specified band, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize a passed supervision test based on the evaluation of the first actual values ​​from the test operation if all first actual values ​​from the test operation are less than the upper limit value of the band and greater than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0223] The present revelation also teaches one of the aforementioned institutions (10), the institution (10) being trained: After the output of the modified fuel signal, combustion sensor signals from the test operation are to be received from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and processed to determine initial actual values ​​from the test operation, and at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation is to be evaluated by comparison with at least one predetermined band, the predetermined band comprising an upper limit of the predetermined band and a lower limit of the predetermined band; and a passed supervision test is to be recognized if: at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation is less than the upper limit of the predetermined band and greater than the lower limit of the predetermined band.

[0224] The present revelation also teaches one of the aforementioned institutions (10), the institution (10) being trained: After the output of the modified fuel signal, combustion sensor signals from the test operation are to be received from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and processed to determine initial actual values ​​from the test operation, and at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation is to be evaluated by comparison with at least one predetermined band, the predetermined band comprising an upper limit of the predetermined band and a lower limit of the predetermined band; and a passed supervision test is to be recognized if: all initial actual values ​​from the test operation are less than the upper limit of the predetermined band and greater than the lower limit of the predetermined band.

[0225] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a predetermined minimum value, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize a supervision test with an erroneous result based on the evaluation if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is smaller than the predetermined minimum value.

[0226] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a predetermined minimum value, wherein the device (10) is designed to detect a supervision test with an erroneous result based on the evaluation of the first actual values ​​from the test operation if all first actual values ​​from the test operation are less than the predetermined minimum value.

[0227] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a limit value from a specified band, wherein the device (10) is designed to recognize, based on the evaluation, a supervision test with an erroneous result if at least one of the first actual values ​​from the test operation is greater than the upper limit value of the band or less than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0228] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10) including at least one limit value in the form of a limit value from a specified band, wherein the device (10) is designed to detect a supervision test with an erroneous result based on the evaluation if all first actual values ​​from the test operation are greater than the upper limit value of the band or less than the lower limit value of the specified band.

[0229] The present revelation also teaches one of the aforementioned institutions (10), the institution (10) being trained: After the output of the modified fuel signal, combustion sensor signals from the test operation are received from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and processed to determine initial actual values ​​from the test operation, and at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation is evaluated by comparison with at least one predetermined band, the predetermined band comprising an upper limit of the predetermined band and a lower limit of the predetermined band; and a supervision test with a faulty result is detected if at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation is greater than the upper limit of the predetermined band or less than the lower limit of the predetermined band.

[0230] The present revelation also teaches one of the aforementioned institutions (10), the institution (10) being trained: After the output of the modified fuel signal, combustion sensor signals from the test operation are received from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and processed to determine initial actual values ​​from the test operation, and at least one of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation is evaluated by comparison with at least one predetermined band, the predetermined band comprising an upper limit of the predetermined band and a lower limit of the predetermined band; and a supervision test with a faulty result is detected if all of the initial actual values ​​from the test operation are greater than the upper limit of the predetermined band or less than the lower limit of the predetermined band.

[0231] The present disclosure also teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the device (10) is configured to: check whether a first mark is stored in the memory of the device (10) for the at least one first area (16), wherein the first mark indicates a valid calibration for the at least one first area (16).

[0232] The present disclosure further teaches one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the device (10) is configured to: check whether a first mark is stored in the memory of the device (10) for the at least one first area (16), wherein the first mark indicates a successfully performed calibration for the at least one first area (16).

[0233] In one embodiment, the aforementioned test operation is a supervision test operation.

[0234] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the air actuator (3) of the combustion device is configured to influence a supply quantity (4) of air to the combustion chamber (2) depending on an air control signal, and wherein the fuel actuator (5) of the combustion device is configured to influence a supply quantity (6) of fuel to the combustion chamber (2) depending on a fuel control signal.

[0235] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned combustion devices, wherein the air actuator (3) of the combustion device is configured to influence a supply quantity (4) of air to the combustion chamber (2) depending on an air control signal, and wherein the fuel actuator (5) of the combustion device is configured to influence a supply quantity (6) of fuel to the combustion chamber (2) depending on a fuel control signal.

[0236] The present disclosure further relates to one of the aforementioned devices (10), wherein the limit value is stored in the memory of the device (10). In one embodiment, the limit value is a predetermined limit value and the predetermined limit value is stored in the memory of the device (10).

[0237] The above refers to individual embodiments of the disclosure. Various modifications to the embodiments can be made without deviating from the underlying idea and without leaving the scope of this disclosure. The subject matter of the present disclosure is defined by its claims. A wide variety of modifications can be made without leaving the scope of protection of the following claims. Reference sign

[0238] 1: Burner 2: Combustion chamber 3: Blower 4: Air supply 5: Fuel actuator, for example, fuel valve 6: Fuel supply, for example, fuel gas supply 7: Combustion sensor 8: Chimney 9: Exhaust gases 10: Control and / or regulating device 11 - 14: Signal lines 15: Modulation range, for example, modulation range of burner output and / or air supply and / or blower speed 16, 17: Ranges, for example, ranges of burner output and / or air supply and / or blower speed 18: Assignment 19: Signal of the combustion sensor and / or measured value from the signal of the combustion sensor 20: Air ratio λ 21: Characteristic curve for a sensor without drift at an air supply and / or blower speed 22: Signal value for a sensor without drift in normal operation 23: Value of the air ratio λ in normal operation without sensor drift 24: Increased signal value of the combustion sensor and / or modified, in particular increased,Measured value and / or target value 25: Value of the air ratio λ for the increased signal value and / or for the changed, in particular increased, measured value without sensor drift 26: Characteristic curve of the sensor, in particular characteristic curve with drifted or aged sensor 27: Value of the air ratio λ due to drift and / or aging of the combustion sensor in normal operation,

Claims

1. Device (10) for closed-loop and / or open-loop control of a combustion by means of a combustion apparatus as a function of a target value, the device (10) comprising a storage unit, the combustion apparatus comprising a combustion chamber (2) and a flue (8) and at least one combustion sensor (7) arranged in the combustion chamber (2) and / or in the flue (8) of the combustion apparatus, which combustion sensor is configured to generate one or more combustion sensor signals, and an air actuator (3) which is configured to influence a supply quantity (4) of air as a function of an air control signal, and a fuel actuator (5), which is configured to influence a supply quantity (6) of fuel as a function of a fuel control signal, wherein the device (10) is configured: by means of closed-loop control, to generate the fuel control signal on the basis of a comparison of a combustion sensor signal from a normal operation of the combustion apparatus with a target value from the normal operation of the combustion apparatus; to assign at least one first region (16) to the burner capacity as a response to a requested burner capacity and / or requested fan speed of the requested burner capacity and / or the requested fan speed; to assign at least one second region (17) of the burner capacity to the at least one first region (16), such that at least one burner capacity of the at least one first region (16) equates to at least one burner capacity of the at least one second region (17); to check whether a first marker is stored in the storage unit of the device (10) for the at least one first region (16), wherein the first marker specifies a calibration for the at least one first region (16); if the storage unit is free of the first marker: to determine a first current time and to compare the first current time with a point in time up to implementation of the calibration; if the first current time is later than the point in time up to the implementation of the calibration: to check whether a second marker is stored in the storage unit of the device (10) for the at least one second region (17), wherein the second marker specifies a supervision test request for the at least one second region (17); if the second marker is stored in the storage unit of the device (10): to generate a first air control signal and to output the same to the air actuator (3); to generate a changed target value (24) from a test operation from the target value from the normal operation of the combustion apparatus; by retaining the first air control signal by means of closed-loop control to the changed value (24), to generate a changed fuel control signal and to output the same to the fuel actuator (5); and after outputting the changed fuel signal, to receive combustion sensor signals from the test operation from the at least one combustion sensor (7) and to process the same to form first test values from the test operation and to evaluate at least one of the first actual values from the test operation by means of comparison with at least one limit value.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein first and second closed-loop control parameters are stored in the storage unit of the device (10), wherein the first closed-loop control parameters are different from the second closed-loop control parameters, and the device (10) is configured: to carry out closed-loop control temporally before the generation of the first air control signal and temporally after receipt of the combustion sensor signals from the normal operation on the basis of the target value from the normal operation and on the basis of the first closed-loop control parameters; and to generate a changed fuel control signal temporally after the generation of the first air control signal by retaining the first air control signal using the second closed-loop control parameter by closed-loop control to the changed target value (24) and to output the same to the fuel actuator (5).

3. The device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one limit value is a comparison value selected from: - a predetermined minimum value, - a limit value from a predetermined band, the predetermined band comprising an upper limit value of the band and a lower limit value of the band.

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the device (10) is configured to identify a passed supervision test on the basis of the evaluation of the first actual values from the test operation, - if the at least one limit value is the minimum value and at least one of the first actual values from the test operation is greater than the predetermined minimum value, or - if the at least one limit value is a limit value from the predetermined band and at least one of the first actual values from the test operation is smaller than the upper limit value of the predetermined band and is greater than the lower limit value of the predetermined band.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the device (10) is configured to delete the second marker for the at least one second region (17) from the storage unit of the device (10) as a result of the passed supervision test.

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the device (10) is configured: to determine a second current time; to compare the second current time with a point in time until the implementation of a next supervision test for the at least one second region (17), for which the second marker is set; and if the second current time is later than the point in time until the implementation of the next supervision test: to store the second marker in the storage unit of the device (10).

7. The device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the device (10) is configured, based on the evaluation, to identify a supervision test with a faulty result, - if the at least one limit value is the minimum value and at least one of the first actual values from the test operation is smaller than the predetermined minimal value, or - if the at least one limit value is a limit value from the predetermined band and at least one of the first actual values from the test operation is greater than the upper limit value of the predetermined band or smaller than the lower limit value of the predetermined band.

8. The device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the combustion apparatus comprises a flame sensor, wherein the device (10) is configured: to receive a flame signal from the flame sensor; and to identify a or the supervision test with a faulty result if the flame signal is zero or substantially zero.

9. The device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the device (10) is configured to retain the second marker for the at least one second region (17) in the storage unit of the device (10) as a result of the supervision test with a faulty result.

10. The device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the device (10) is configured: to generate a closure signal as a result of the supervision test with a faulty result or after a predetermined number of supervision tests successively with a faulty result in each case; and to output the closure signal to the fuel actuator (5) so that the fuel actuator (5) closes as a response to the closure signal.

11. Combustion apparatus comprising a combustion chamber (2) and a flue (8) and at least one combustion sensor (7) arranged in the combustion chamber (2) and / or in the flue (8) of the combustion apparatus and an air actuator (3) which influences a supply quantity of air as a function of an air control signal, and a fuel actuator (5), which influences a supply quantity of fuel as a function of a fuel control signal; the combustion apparatus additionally comprising a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and wherein the device (10) is communicatively (11 - 14) connected to the at least one combustion sensor (7), to the air actuator (3) and to the fuel actuator (5).

12. Combustion apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one combustion sensor (7) comprises: - a first sensor selected from an ionization electrode and a temperature sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the combustion chamber (2) of the combustion apparatus, - a second sensor comprising a carbon monoxide sensor, wherein the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7), and the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); wherein the device (10) is configured: to receive one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); to generate combined values as a function of the one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and as a function of the one or the more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); and to evaluate at least one of the combined values by comparison with one or the predetermined minimum value.

13. Combustion apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the device (10) is configured to generate combined values by weighting the one or the more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and by weighting the one or the more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7).

14. Combustion apparatus according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one combustion sensor (7) comprises: - a or the first sensor selected from a or the ionization electrode and from a or the temperature sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the combustion chamber (2) of the combustion apparatus, - a or the second sensor comprising a or the carbon monoxide sensor, wherein the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7), and the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) is configured to generate one or more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); wherein the device (10) is configured: to receive the one or the more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7) and the one or the more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); to generate first actual values from the test operation as a function of the one or the more first combustion sensor signals of the first sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); to generate second actual values from the test operation as a function of the one or the more second combustion sensor signals of the second sensor of the at least one combustion sensor (7); to evaluate at least one of the first actual values from the test operation by comparison with one or the predetermined minimum value; to evaluate at least one of the second actual values from the test operation by comparison with a predetermined maximum value; and based on the evaluations to identify a supervision test with a faulty result, if - at least one of the first actual values from the test operation is smaller than the predetermined minimum value or - at least one of the second actual values from the test operation is larger than the predetermined maximum value.

15. Combustion apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the device (10) is configured to generate a closure signal as a result of the supervision test with a faulty result; to output the closure signal to the fuel actuator (5); wherein the fuel actuator (5) is configured: to receive the closure signal; and to close the same as a response to the closure signal.

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