Burner Assembly Ionization Control for Wind Flameout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing burner assemblies are prone to flameout due to pressure fluctuations caused by wind, leading to toxic emissions and the need for costly calibration procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a burner assembly that adjusts the power level based on measured ionization current deviations, switching to a higher partial load range when deviations exceed a limit value to prevent flameout, and transitioning back to a lower power level once stable combustion is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the burner operates at low partial load to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the burner becomes vulnerable to flameout under wind-induced pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The burner control system dynamically adjusts the operating point between partial load and high load based on real-time ionization current measurements. When wind-induced pressure fluctuations are detected through ionization current deviation, the system transitions from a fixed low partial load operation to a dynamic control mode that raises the operating point to high load, thereby preventing flameout while maintaining energy efficiency during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ionization current as a feedback parameter to monitor flame stability and detect wind-induced disturbances. The control device continuously measures the ionization current, compares it with the target value, and adjusts the burner power level accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliable operation under varying wind conditions without requiring additional sensors.
2Reliability
If the burner is raised to high load to prevent flameout, then flame stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating point between partial load and high load based on real-time ionization current measurements. When wind-induced pressure fluctuations are detected through ionization current deviation, the system transitions from a fixed low partial load operation to a dynamic control mode that raises the operating point to high load, thereby preventing flameout while maintaining energy efficiency during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the operating parameters (power level, air-fuel mixture ratio) based on the measured ionization current deviation. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high load, the system optimizes energy consumption while ensuring flame stability only when necessary, i.e., during wind-induced disturbances.
3Reliability
If additional sensors are installed to detect pressure fluctuations, then flameout prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing ionization electrode serve multiple functions: its primary function for flame monitoring and a secondary function for detecting wind-induced pressure fluctuations. By evaluating the ionization current as a parameter that reflects both flame stability and pressure changes, the system achieves dual-purpose detection without adding separate pressure sensors, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the ionization current signal, which is already being measured for flame monitoring, to also detect wind-induced disturbances. This self-service approach allows the existing sensor to perform additional detection functions without requiring extra hardware, thus preventing flameout while maintaining simple device architecture.
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
The method effectively prevents flameout and reduces the risk of toxic emissions by maintaining stable combustion even under wind-induced pressure fluctuations, without the need for additional sensors or complex calibration procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a target value for an ionization current is specified. The ionization current may be measured using an ionization electrode arranged so as to be immersed in the flame.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a burner assembly comprising a burner (1) burning an air-fuel mixture. In a step of the method, a target value for an ionization current is specified. The burner (1) is operated in a first operating state at a first specified power level. The ionization current (9) is measured using an ionization electrode (5). The measured ionization current (9) is compared with the predefined target value and a deviation is determined. When the deviation exceeds a predefined threshold value, the burner (1) is transitioned to a second operating state at a second power level. The second power level is higher than the first power level. The second power level is determined as a function of the deviation.