Burner Flame Sensor Using Electrical Permittivity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flame detection methods in industrial burner applications face challenges such as unreliable detection, requiring optical windows, and slower response times, which hinder efficient fuel management and combustion stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrodes adjacent to the flame region to detect changes in electrical permittivity or capacitance through a time-varying electromagnetic field, allowing for reliable flame presence or absence detection without optical interference and with faster response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flame detection methods are used, then flame detection is achieved, but the response time is slow and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optical flame detection systems with an electrical field-based detection system. Electrodes generate an electrical field that penetrates the flame front, and changes in electrical field characteristics (such as impedance or capacitance) are measured to detect flame presence. This substitution of optical detection with electrical field detection eliminates the need for optical windows and provides faster response times while improving reliability in industrial environments.
2Reliability
If optical windows are used for flame detection, then flame presence can be detected, but the system becomes susceptible to optical interference and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates optical windows by substituting optical detection with electrical field detection. The electrical field-based method uses electrodes that generate and sense electrical fields, which are not affected by optical interference, soot accumulation, or window fouling. This removes the entire optical window subsystem and its associated maintenance requirements while improving detection accuracy in harsh industrial environments.
3Productivity
If conventional detection methods are used, then flame detection is achieved, but fuel management efficiency is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electrical field-based flame detection that provides rapid response times, enabling real-time monitoring of flame presence. This fast detection capability allows the fuel management system to quickly respond to flame conditions, optimizing fuel delivery and improving overall fuel management efficiency. The electrical field detection method can detect flame presence almost immediately, allowing for precise control of fuel supply.
4Reliability
If electrical field detection is used, then response time is reduced and reliability is improved, but the system requires electrodes and electrical circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates flame detection electrodes with the existing burner structure, allowing the same electrical components to serve multiple functions. The electrodes that generate the electrical field for detection can also be part of the ignition system or fuel delivery control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability and faster response times.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables accurate and rapid detection of flames, facilitating efficient fuel control and improving combustion stability by monitoring electrical characteristics across the flame space.
Implementation Method 1
A change in electrical permittivity or electrical capacitance in the flame region is determined from the time-varying electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A change in electrical permittivity or electrical capacitance in the flame region is determined from the time-varying electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 3
At least a first electrode and a second electrode are arranged adjacent to the flame region and configured to produce a time-varying electromagnetic field across the flame region
Data Source
AI summary
A burner includes a flame sensor configured to detect at least one of permittivity, capacitance, or resistance across a flame region. The permittivity, capacitance, or resistance is used to determine the presence or absence of the flame in a combustion system. A combustion system supports a combustion reaction. The combustion system utilizes a combustion sensor, and optionally a plasma generator to stabilize the combustion reaction. A controller receives sensor signals from the combustion sensor and controls the plasma generator to stabilize the combustion reaction responsive to the sensor signals. The plasma generator stabilizes the combustion reaction by generating a plasma.