Burner With Segmented Feed Lines For 1:100 Power Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional burners face challenges in maintaining sufficient flame height for combustion detection and achieving a wide power modulation ratio from minimum to maximum power, with limitations in preventing backflow and ensuring precise valve control.
Innovation Solution
The burner design includes a burner tube with a feed area and flame area connected by two supply lines, a sensor for combustion detection, and adjustable valves to control gas flow, along with a control unit and magnetic field mechanism for precise valve operation, and a bypass to prevent explosive flashbacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single feed line and flame area are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power modulation ratio is limited and cannot achieve 1:100
Solution Approach 1:
The burner is divided into multiple feed lines (first feed line, second feed line) and corresponding flame areas (first flame area, second flame area). Each feed line can be independently controlled by its own valve, allowing selective activation of different flame regions. This segmentation enables a wide power modulation ratio of 1:100 by controlling which feed lines and flame areas are active, while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
2Reliability
If the valve is positioned downstream, then the flame height control is improved, but backflow into the blower cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is positioned upstream in the feed line before the flame area, performing the action of controlling gas flow before the combustion process. This preliminary positioning of the valve allows it to prevent backflow into the blower while still enabling sufficient flame height in the flame area for reliable sensor detection. The upstream valve position acts as a barrier that stops reverse flow before it can reach the blower.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary element between the blower and the flame area. By positioning the valve upstream in the feed line, it mediates the gas flow in both directions: allowing controlled flow to the flame area while blocking any potential backflow toward the blower. This intermediary positioning resolves the contradiction between flame height requirements and backflow prevention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve is positioned upstream, then backflow is prevented, but the flame height may be insufficient for sensor detection
Solution Approach 1:
The burner system is segmented into multiple independent feed lines and flame areas. When the valve is positioned upstream and closes, it prevents backflow while the system can still activate other feed lines (e.g., first feed line with its own valve) to maintain sufficient flame height in their corresponding flame areas for sensor detection. This segmentation allows backflow prevention in one region without compromising detection in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively activating different combinations of feed lines and flame areas. When upstream valve closure prevents backflow, the control system can adjust which flame areas are active to ensure sufficient flame height for sensor detection. This parameter change approach maintains both backflow prevention and detection capability.
4Ease of operation
If multiple valves are added for precise control, then the power modulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burner is segmented into multiple feed lines, each with its own valve and corresponding flame area. This segmentation allows precise control of gas flow to different flame regions through individual valve actuation. The modular structure means that while multiple valves are present, each controls a distinct segment, making the overall system manageable and maintainable despite the increased component count.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valves are implemented to provide multi-functionality: each valve can independently control its associated feed line and flame area, enabling precise power modulation across a 1:100 ratio. The valves work together as a coordinated system where combinations of open/closed valve states create different power levels, achieving precise control while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
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 design ensures consistent flame detection, increased power modulation ratio up to 1:100, prevents backflow, and allows for reliable gas supply, enabling precise control and efficient operation from minimum to maximum power without damaging the burner.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor is provided which detects ionization of a gas between the burner tube and the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the sensor being adjacent to the flame area is arranged and detects combustion of the gas in the flame area
Implementation Method 3
A device for generating a magnetic field is provided between the inlet side and the closed position of the valve flap. A holding element is arranged on the valve flap. In at least the closed position, the holding element and the device come into operative connection and hold the valve flap in the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control unit (15) and a burner, wherein the burner comprises a burner tube (25) and a sensor (230), wherein the burner tube has a supply area (80) and a flame area (85) connected to the supply area (80), wherein at least one gas can be introduced into the flame area (85) via an inlet side (90) of the supply area (80), wherein the sensor (230) is arranged adjacent to the flame area and is configured to detect combustion of the gas in the flame area (85), wherein at least one valve (130) is provided and the supply area (80) comprises a first supply line (105) and a second supply line (110), wherein the flame area comprises a first flame area (115) fluidically connected to the first supply line (105) and a second flame area fluidically connected to the second supply line (110), wherein the valve (130) is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. is,to selectively control a gas flow of the gas via the second supply line (110) to the second flame area (120), wherein the sensor (130) is arranged on or adjacent to the first flame area (115).