Combustion device control system and combustion device control method

Abstract

A combustion device control system operates as follows: a processor executes an automatic control mode based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters to obtain combustion trend scores at a plurality of time points; a plurality of sensors obtain a first combustion light wavelength of the combustion chamber at a first time point; the processor evaluates the combustion status at the first time point based on the first combustion light wavelength to obtain a combustion state score; the processor outputs a control signal for a second time point to a plurality of valve controllers based on the combustion trend score and combustion state score corresponding to the first time point, the second time point being later than the first time point; the valve controllers of the first and second air inlets respectively adjust the first gas in the first air inlet and the second gas in the second air inlet based on the control signal at the second time point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to a control system and a control method. Specifically, this case relates to a combustion device control system and a combustion device control method. Prior Technology

[0002] In recent years, industrial boilers, as energy-intensive equipment, have consumed large amounts of fossil fuels during production, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions and serious environmental impacts. Existing boiler control technologies mostly rely on traditional methods, and their effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency is often limited.

[0003] Therefore, the above-mentioned technologies still have many shortcomings, and it is necessary for practitioners in this field to develop other suitable combustion device control systems and combustion device control methods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of this application relates to a combustion device control system. The combustion device control system includes a plurality of sensors and a processor. The plurality of sensors are respectively disposed on the valve controllers of a first air inlet and a second air inlet in the combustion chamber of the combustion device. The processor is coupled to the plurality of sensors and the plurality of valve controllers of the first and second air inlets. The combustion device control system performs the following operations: the processor executes an automatic control mode based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters to obtain combustion trend scores for each of a plurality of time points; a plurality of sensors obtain a first combustion light wavelength of the combustion chamber at a first time point at the aforementioned time points; the processor evaluates the combustion status at the first time point based on the first combustion light wavelength to obtain a combustion state score; the processor outputs a control signal for a second time point to a plurality of valve controllers based on the combustion trend score and combustion state score corresponding to the first time point, the second time point being later than the first time point; and the valve controllers of the first and second air inlets respectively adjust the first gas in the first air inlet and the second gas in the second air inlet based on the control signal at the second time point.

[0005] Another aspect of this case relates to a combustion device control method. The combustion device control method is applicable to a combustion device control system. The combustion device control system includes a plurality of sensors and a processor. The processor is coupled to at least two valve controllers of the combustion device. The combustion device control method includes: the processor executing an automatic control mode based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters to obtain combustion trend scores for each of a plurality of time points; obtaining a first combustion light wavelength of the combustion chamber at a first time point from the plurality of sensors; evaluating the combustion status at the first time point based on the first combustion light wavelength to obtain a combustion state score; and outputting a control signal for a second time point to the at least two valve controllers based on the combustion trend score and the combustion state score corresponding to the first time point, wherein the second time point is later than the first time point; and adjusting the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet of the combustion device respectively based on the control signal at the second time point.

[0006] This invention provides a pump combustion device control system and combustion device control method, which can improve combustion efficiency, reduce environmental pollution, and extend the life of the combustion device, thereby achieving a balance between environmental protection and high combustion efficiency in the combustion process. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0007] The content of this case can be better understood by referring to the implementation methods in the following paragraphs and the following diagrams: Figure 1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a combustion device control system according to some embodiments of this case; Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a combustion device in a combustion device control system according to some embodiments of this case; Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a combustion device control method according to some embodiments of this case; Figure 4 is a spectral schematic diagram illustrating the combustion process in a combustion chamber according to some embodiments of this case; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of two gases during complete combustion according to some embodiments of this case; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of incomplete combustion of one of two gases according to some embodiments of this case; and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of one of two gases when it is incompletely burned, according to some embodiments of this case. Implementation

[0008] The spirit of this case will be clearly explained below with diagrams and detailed description. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make changes and modifications based on the technology taught in this case after understanding the embodiments of this case, without departing from the spirit and scope of this case.

[0009] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this case. Singular forms such as “a,” “this,” “this,” “the,” and “the” as used herein also include plural forms.

[0010] The terms "include", "include", "have", "contain", etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning they include but are not limited to.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of this field, the subject matter, and the specific content of this case. Certain terms used to describe this case will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to those skilled in the art in describing this case.

[0012] Figure 1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a combustion device control system 100 and a combustion device 900 according to some embodiments of this invention. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1, the combustion device control system 100 includes a plurality of sensors 110, a processor 120, and a display device 130. The combustion device 900 includes a combustion chamber 910 and a plurality of valve controllers GC. The processor 120 is coupled to the plurality of sensors 110, the display device 130, and the plurality of valve controllers GC. The plurality of sensors 110 are disposed around the combustion chamber 910. The plurality of valve controllers GC are disposed at the locations of a plurality of air inlets in the combustion chamber 910.

[0013] In some embodiments, a plurality of sensors 110 are used to collect a plurality of combustion parameters of the combustion chamber 910. The plurality of combustion parameters may include the temperature of the combustion chamber 910 during combustion, the internal pressure of the combustion chamber 910 during combustion, the supply rate of a plurality of gases (e.g., fuel gas or oxygen) into the combustion chamber 910, the gas concentration and gas pressure, the concentration of exhaust gases (e.g., COx or NOx) after combustion in the combustion chamber 910, or the light spectrum of the combustion light in the combustion chamber 910 during combustion, etc.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may be implemented as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, gas sensors, and image sensors to collect data on the aforementioned multiple combustion parameters. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may be implemented as charge-coupled devices (CCDs), thermocouples, and non-contact pyrometers. It should be noted that the plurality of sensors 110 may be designed according to actual needs and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0015] In some embodiments, the processor 120 processes data from a plurality of sensors 110 to control the valve controller GC disposed around the combustion chamber 910 in the combustion device 900 in real time. In some embodiments, the processor 120 includes, but is not limited to, a single processor and an integration of multiple microprocessors, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0016] In some embodiments, the display device 130 may be implemented as a display panel. The display panel is used to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to receive user operation commands, thereby allowing the processor 120 to operate according to the operation commands.

[0017] In some embodiments, the combustion device 900 can be implemented as various types of industrial boilers or cylinders in vehicle engines. For example, the combustion device 900 can be implemented as a boiler using oil, natural gas, and biomass fuels. The combustion device 900 can be implemented as a cylinder in the engine of an electric vehicle or a fuel-powered vehicle. The combustion device 900 can be designed according to actual needs and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The combustion chamber 910 is a region in a gas turbine engine, ramjet engine, supersonic combustion ramjet engine, or boiler used to burn fuel or gas.

[0018] To facilitate understanding of the partial structure of the combustion chamber 910 of the combustion device 900, please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the combustion device 900 in the combustion device control system 100 according to some embodiments of this invention. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 2, a venturi tube VT is provided at the gas supply port of the combustion device 900. The venturi tube VT includes two gas valves and corresponding valve controllers (e.g., valve controller GC1 and valve controller GC2). Valve controller GC1 controls the valve of the inlet I1 of the venturi tube VT to adjust the gas supply rate and gas concentration of the first gas G1. Valve controller GC2 controls the valve of the inlet I2 of the venturi tube VT to adjust the gas supply rate and gas concentration of the second gas G2.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 are not the same. For example, the first gas G1 can be nitrogen or oxygen. The second gas G2 can be petroleum gas (a mixture of hydrocarbon gases), natural gas (i.e., mainly composed of methane), or biogas (or biofuel gas, biomass gas, biomass biogas).

[0020] In some embodiments, the Venturi tube VT is further used to adjust the intake position (e.g., position X or position Y) of the first gas G1 or the second gas G2, so as to dynamically adjust the pressure and supply speed of the first gas G1 or the second gas G2, thereby affecting the mixing efficiency and mixing state (e.g., mixed gas GX) of the first gas G1 or the second gas G2. The purpose of the Venturi tube VT is to make one of the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 cover the other one, so as to avoid the outer layer temperature being too high during combustion, which would shorten the life of the combustion chamber 910.

[0021] To facilitate understanding of the detailed operation of the combustion device control system 100, please refer to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the combustion device control method 20 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The combustion device control method 20 includes steps S1 to S5. In some embodiments, the combustion device control method 20 may be executed by the combustion device control system 100. Figure 4 is a spectral schematic diagram 200 of the combustion process of the combustion chamber 910 in Figure 1 or Figure 2 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The spectral schematic diagram 200 is used to present the spectrum of light converted during the combustion process in the combustion chamber 910, with one axis (i.e., the Y-axis) representing the combustion time (in minutes (min)), one axis (i.e., the X-axis) representing the wavelength of light (in micrometers (μm)), and one axis (i.e., the Z-axis) representing the intensity of the light signal (i.e., the light intensity, in candela (cd)).

[0022] In step S1, please refer to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. The processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 executes an automatic control mode based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters to obtain combustion trend scores for each of the plurality of time points.

[0023] In detail, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 executes an automatic control mode. In the automatic control mode, before time point t, the processor 120 calculates the combustion trend score for each of the following time points: time point t, time point t+1, time point t+2, time point t+3, time point t+4, and time point t+5, based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters (e.g., the current temperature of the combustion chamber 910 of the combustion device 900, the supply rates of the first gas G1 and the second gas G2, the gas concentration, and the gas pressure). This combustion trend score is a score representing the processor 120's expectation of normal combustion conditions based on the initial conditions (i.e., the aforementioned initial combustion parameters).

[0024] In some embodiments, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 generates a plurality of combinations of combustion parameters based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters (e.g., the current temperature of the combustion chamber 910 of the combustion device 900, the supply rates of the first gas G1 and the second gas G2, the gas concentration, and the gas pressure). Here, the combination of combustion parameters is a combination of combustion parameters that differs from the plurality of initial combustion parameters, where one of the parameters of the aforementioned plurality of initial combustion parameters is adjusted by the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100.

[0025] For example, a plurality of initial combustion parameters are: the current temperature of combustion chamber 910 is 25°C, the supply rate of first gas G1 is 0.5 liters / second, the gas concentration of first gas G1 is 80%, and the gas pressure of first gas G1 is 12.5 kg / cm². The supply rate of second gas G2 is 0.8 liters / second, the gas concentration of second gas G2 is 90%, and the gas pressure of second gas G2 is 10 kg / cm². The aforementioned plurality of initial combustion parameters constitute a combination of combustion parameters. Then, after the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 adjusts at least one of the initial combustion parameters in the combination of combustion parameters, it can be considered a new combination of combustion parameters.

[0026] The processor 120 determines the target combustion parameter combination based on a plurality of combustion parameter combinations. Specifically, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 executes a digital twin model to establish a plurality of three-dimensional models corresponding to the combustion chamber 910. That is, the processor 120 converts the internal structure of the combustion chamber 910 into a virtual three-dimensional model. In some embodiments, the digital twin model applies Bayes' theorem, analyzing accumulated data from previous combustion processes (such as historical combustion efficiency, common failure modes, etc.) to more accurately predict combustion conditions and combustion trend scores.

[0027] The processor 120 executes multiple combinations of combustion parameters through multiple established three-dimensional models to generate corresponding simulation results.

[0028] Next, processor 120 calculates the expected value of each of the plurality of simulation results. Based on the plurality of preset thresholds and the plurality of expected values, processor 120 selects a target expected value (e.g., one that meets the plurality of preset thresholds). Based on the target expected value, processor 120 determines the corresponding target combination of combustion parameters (i.e., the optimal combination of combustion parameters).

[0029] The processor 120 obtains combustion trend scores for multiple time points based on the target combination of combustion parameters.

[0030] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the processor 120 obtains a six-dimensional data map from a plurality of sensors 110 and obtains a combustion trend score based on the six-dimensional data. The six-dimensional data are time, frequency, phase, signal trend, and rate of change. Time represents the time series dimension of the signal, i.e., the state of the signal at different points in time. Frequency describes the change of the signal in the frequency domain, such as the frequency components obtained through Fourier transform. Amplitude is the intensity or magnitude of the signal in the time or frequency domain. Phase is the phase information of the signal in the frequency domain, which is important for understanding the synchronization characteristics of the waveform. Signal trend describes the long-term trend of the signal over time, which may be obtained through linear or nonlinear trend analysis. Rate of change may include the derivative of the signal (i.e., velocity or acceleration), or higher statistical properties of the signal, such as skewness and kurtosis.

[0031] In step S2, after the combustion chamber 910 of the combustion device 900 starts operating (i.e., the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 are mixed and combustion begins), the plurality of sensors 110 of the combustion device control system 100 respectively obtain the combustion light wavelength (e.g., 6 micrometers (μm)) of the combustion chamber 910 of the combustion device 900 at a plurality of time points (e.g., time point t). It should be noted that this combustion light wavelength (e.g., 6 micrometers (μm)) is the light energy generated after the first gas G1 or the second gas G2 is burned.

[0032] In step S3, following step S2 above, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 evaluates the combustion status at a given time point (e.g., time point t) based on the wavelength of the combustion light (e.g., 6 micrometers (μm)) at that time point (e.g., time point t) to obtain a combustion state score. In other words, the processor 120 can determine whether the combustion status is complete or incomplete by measuring the amplitude of the received light signal.

[0033] In some embodiments, following step S3 above, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 evaluates the combustion status at a given time point by measuring the concentration of at least one post-combustion gas corresponding to a combustion light wavelength (e.g., 6 micrometers (μm)) to obtain a combustion state score. That is, the processor 120 can determine whether the combustion status is complete or incomplete by measuring the concentration of the post-combustion products. In some embodiments, the at least one post-combustion gas includes at least one of sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, and nitrogen oxides.

[0034] In step S4, please refer to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. Following step S3 above, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 outputs a control signal for another time point (e.g., a time point after time point t+3) to at least two valve controllers (e.g., valve controller GC1 and valve controller GC2) based on the combustion trend score and combustion state score at the corresponding time point (e.g., time point t).

[0035] In step S5, at least two gas valve controllers (e.g., gas valve controller GC1 and gas valve controller GC2) adjust the air inlet I1 of the first gas G1 and the air inlet I2 of the second gas G2 of the combustion device 900 based on the control signal of a future time point (e.g., a time point after time point t+3).

[0036] In some embodiments, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, is further used to determine whether the combustion trend score at a corresponding time point (e.g., time point t) is less than the combustion state score at the corresponding time point (e.g., time point t).

[0037] Please also refer to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram 300 illustrating the state of complete combustion of two gases (e.g., first gas G1 and second gas G2) according to some embodiments of this case. In response to the combustion trend score being less than the combustion state score at a given time point (e.g., time point t), the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 outputs control signals to valve controllers GC1 and GC2 to narrow the pressure adjustment range of each of the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 at time points (e.g., time points after t+3). It should be noted that a combustion trend score less than the combustion state score indicates that the combustion condition is better than expected, and the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 do not need to maintain a high supply pressure.

[0038] Please also refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram 400 illustrating the state of incomplete combustion of one of two gases (e.g., the second gas G2) according to some embodiments of this invention. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram 500 illustrating the state of incomplete combustion of one of two gases (e.g., the first gas G1) according to some embodiments of this invention. In response to the combustion trend score at a time point (e.g., time point t) being not less than the combustion state score, the processor 120 of the combustion device control system 100 outputs control signals to the gas valve controllers GC1 and GC2 to amplify the pressure adjustment range of the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 at time points (e.g., time points after t+3). It should be noted that a combustion trend score not less than the combustion state score indicates that the combustion condition is worse than expected, and the supply pressure of both the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 needs to be increased to ensure complete combustion of both gases.

[0039] In some embodiments, the combustion device control method 20 operates in automatic control mode. If the user has an immediate need, they can input an operation command through the display device 130 to switch from automatic control mode to manual control mode. In manual control mode, the user can adjust various combustion parameters during combustion.

[0040] Based on the foregoing embodiments, this invention provides a pump combustion device control system and combustion device control method, which can improve combustion efficiency, reduce environmental pollution, and extend the life of the combustion device, thereby achieving a balance between environmental protection and high combustion efficiency in the combustion process.

[0041] Although this case discloses detailed embodiments as described above, it does not exclude other possible implementations. Therefore, the scope of protection of this case shall be determined by the appended claims and not by the foregoing embodiments.

[0042] For those skilled in the art, various modifications and refinements can be made to this case without departing from its spirit and scope. Based on the foregoing embodiments, all modifications and refinements made to this case are also covered within the protection scope of this case.

[0043] 100: Combustion device control system 110: Sensor 120: Processor 130: Display device 900: Combustion device 910: Combustion Chamber GC, GC1, GC2: Gas valve controllers G1: First Gas G2: Second gas GX: Mixed Gas X, Y: Position I1, I2: Air intake ports VT: Venturi tube 20: Combustion device control method S1~S5: Steps 200: Spectral diagram 300, 400, 500: Status Diagram

[0044] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number) none Overseas storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) none

Claims

1. A combustion device control system, comprising: a plurality of sensors, each disposed on a valve controller of a first air inlet and a second air inlet of a combustion chamber of a combustion device; and a processor coupled to the sensors, the first air inlet, and the second air inlet valve controller; wherein the combustion device control system is configured to perform the following operations: executing an automatic control mode by the processor based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters to obtain a combustion trend score at each of a plurality of time points; obtaining a first combustion light wavelength of the combustion chamber at a first time point of the plurality of time points by the sensors; and evaluating the combustion status at the first time point based on the first combustion light wavelength by the processor to obtain a combustion state score; The processor outputs a control signal for a second time point to the valve controllers based on the combustion trend score and the combustion state score corresponding to the first time point, wherein the second time point is later than the first time point; and the valve controllers of the first air inlet and the second air inlet respectively adjust the first gas of the first air inlet and the second gas of the second air inlet based on the control signal of the second time point.

2. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial combustion parameters include at least one of the following: a temperature of the combustion chamber, a pressure of the first gas and the second gas, a gas supply rate, and a gas concentration.

3. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combustion trend score is established by: generating a plurality of combustion parameter combinations based on the initial combustion parameters, wherein each of the combustion parameter combinations is different; determining a target combustion parameter combination based on the combustion parameter combinations; and obtaining the combustion trend score for each of the time points based on the target combustion parameter combination.

4. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: establishing a plurality of three-dimensional models corresponding to the combustion chamber; executing each combination of combustion parameters from the three-dimensional models to generate a simulation result corresponding to each combination of combustion parameters; calculating an expected value for each of the simulation results; selecting a target expected value from the expected values; and determining a target combination of combustion parameters based on the target expected value.

5. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the combination of combustion parameters includes at least one of the following: a temperature of the combustion chamber, a pressure of each of the first gas and the second gas, a gas supply rate, a gas concentration, and a concentration of at least one post-combustion gas.

6. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the combustion state score further comprises: the processor evaluating the combustion status at the first time point based on the concentration of at least one post-combustion gas corresponding to the first combustion light wavelength to obtain the combustion state score.

7. The combustion device control system as described in claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following action: determining, based on the concentration of the at least one post-combustion gas, whether the combustion chamber is in a state of complete combustion at the first time point.

8. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one post-combustion gas comprises at least one of sulfur oxides, carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides.

9. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 1 further includes: a display device coupled to the processor, wherein the display device is used to display the initial combustion parameters and the combustion trend score of each of the time points, wherein the display device is used to receive an operation command to switch from the automatic control mode to a manual control mode.

10. The combustion device control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: determining whether the combustion trend score corresponding to the first time point is less than the combustion state score corresponding to the first time point; in response to the combustion trend score being less than the combustion state score, reducing the pressure adjustment range of one of the first gas and the second gas at the second time point; and in response to the combustion trend score not being less than the combustion state score, expanding the pressure adjustment range of the first gas and the second gas at the second time point.

11. A combustion device control method, applicable to a combustion device control system, wherein the combustion device control system includes a plurality of sensors and a processor, wherein the processor is coupled to at least two valve controllers of a combustion device, wherein the combustion device control method includes: executing an automatic control mode by the processor based on a plurality of initial combustion parameters to obtain a combustion trend score for each of a plurality of time points; obtaining a first combustion light wavelength of a combustion chamber of the combustion device at a first time point of the plurality of time points by the sensors; evaluating the combustion status at the first time point by the processor based on the first combustion light wavelength to obtain a combustion state score; and outputting a control signal at a second time point to the at least two valve controllers based on the combustion trend score and the combustion state score corresponding to the first time point, wherein the second time point is later than the first time point; and adjusting a first gas inlet and a second gas inlet of the combustion device respectively based on the control signal at the second time point.

12. The combustion device control method as claimed in claim 11 further comprises: determining whether the combustion trend score corresponding to the first time point is less than the combustion state score corresponding to the first time point; in response to the combustion trend score being less than the combustion state score, narrowing the adjustment range of one of the first gas and the second gas; and in response to the combustion trend score being not less than the combustion state score, widening the adjustment range of the first gas and the second gas.

13. The combustion device control method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the combustion trend score is established by: generating a plurality of combustion parameter combinations based on the initial combustion parameters, wherein each of the combustion parameter combinations is different; determining a target combustion parameter combination based on the combustion parameter combinations; and obtaining the combustion trend score for each of the time points based on the target combustion parameter combination.

14. The combustion device control method as claimed in claim 13 further comprises: establishing a plurality of three-dimensional models corresponding to the combustion chamber by the processor; executing each of the combinations of combustion parameters by the three-dimensional models to generate a simulation result corresponding to each of the combinations of combustion parameters; calculating an expected value of each of the simulation results by the processor; selecting a target expected value by the processor from the expected values; and determining a target combination of combustion parameters by the processor based on the target expected value.

15. The combustion device control method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the combination of combustion parameters includes at least one of the following: a temperature of the combustion chamber, a pressure of each of the first gas and the second gas, a gas supply rate, a gas concentration, and a concentration of at least one post-combustion gas.

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