Burner Ignition Electrode Voltage Sensing for Pre-Flame Spark Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing the quality of an ignition spark in burner devices are inadequate, leading to potential issues such as poor ignition due to electrode misalignment or condensation, without providing a reliable means to detect these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the change in electrical voltage between the ignition electrode and the burner before flame formation, generating an error message if the voltage change is below a predetermined minimum value, indicating poor ignition quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ignition electrode is separated from the means for generating ignition voltage to measure electrical voltage for regulating air ratio, then the air ratio can be regulated, but the ignition spark quality cannot be reliably assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition electrode is made multi-functional by using it both for generating ignition voltage and for measuring electrical voltage to assess ignition spark quality. This eliminates the need for separate measurement electrodes while enabling reliable quality assessment through the same component that performs the ignition function.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If measurement begins when no ignition voltage is applied to avoid power consumption, then power is saved during standby, but the measurement must be performed before flame formation which limits the measurement window
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical voltage measurement is performed in advance before the ignition voltage is applied and before flame formation occurs. This preliminary measurement allows the system to assess ignition spark quality during the standby period without consuming power for the measurement itself, and ensures the measurement is completed within the critical pre-ignition time window.
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
Enables reliable assessment of ignition spark quality without power consumption during standby, preventing faulty ignitions by detecting issues like electrode misalignment or condensation, ensuring consistent burner operation.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition spark is generated using an ignition electrode assigned to a burner, which is subjected to ignition voltage
Implementation Method 2
The conductivity of the plasma channel that forms in the area of the ignition spark increases with the current flow from the voltage source used to measure the so-called thermoelectric effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a burner device in which an ignition spark is generated by an ignition electrode (2) associated with a burner (1) and which is subjected to ignition voltage, and in which an electrical voltage is measured with the ignition electrode (2). According to the invention, it is provided that, in the period from before the ignition spark until before a possible flame formation at the burner (1), a change in the electrical voltage is measured with the ignition electrode (2), and an error message is generated if this change is less than a predetermined minimum value (Umind).