Combined Burner Electrode for DC Flame Ignition and Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing burners in mobile applications face challenges in reliably igniting and monitoring flames without an alternating voltage source, and existing combined ignition and ionization electrodes are sensitive to contamination, requiring frequent cleaning or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A burner system with a single ignition and ionization electrode coupled to a discharge circuit using a DC voltage source, adjusted by pulse width modulation, and a voltage converter to vary discharge energy, allowing reliable ignition and monitoring under varying conditions, and a controller to manage the ionization signal for flame detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single combined ignition and ionization electrode is used, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the electrode becomes sensitive to contamination requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ignition electrode and ionization electrode into a single electrode, eliminating the need for separate electrodes and reducing device complexity. The single electrode performs both functions: generating ignition sparks and detecting flame presence through ionization current measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary cleaning actions by incorporating a piezoelectric ceramic element that generates high voltage pulses to clean the electrode surface before and during operation. This preliminary cleaning action prevents contamination buildup that would otherwise affect sensor accuracy.
2Reliability
If only ionization current is monitored without external voltage, then flame detection is achieved, but the detection signal becomes very sensitive to deposits on the electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary high voltage pulse generated by a piezoelectric ceramic element as a mediator between the electrode and the flame. This intermediary action cleans the electrode surface and maintains optimal detection conditions without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic high voltage pulses to the electrode at specific intervals during operation. These periodic pulses serve to continuously clean the electrode surface, ensuring consistent flame detection performance over time without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If AC voltage source is used for combined electrode, then flame monitoring is achieved, but it requires external electrical supply not available in mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the AC voltage source (electrical system) with a piezoelectric ceramic element that converts mechanical energy directly into high voltage electrical pulses. This substitution eliminates the need for AC power infrastructure while maintaining the ability to generate the required high voltage for both ignition and ionization detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage generation parameter from external AC supply to internally generated high voltage pulses through piezoelectric effect. This parameter change enables the system to operate in mobile applications where AC power is unavailable, while still achieving reliable flame monitoring through the piezoelectrically-generated high voltage pulses.
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
Ensures reliable flame ignition and monitoring with reduced maintenance needs, operating on DC power sources common in mobile vehicles, and minimizing sensitivity to electrode contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the discharge circuit discharges via the ignition electrode, creating an ignition spark that ignites the fuel flowing out of the burner nozzle
Implementation Method 2
an ionization current develops between the ionization electrode and an electrical ground, which is typically formed by the burner
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a burner having a controller (40) and an ignition and ionisation electrode (20) for igniting and monitoring the burner flame, wherein the ignition and ionisation electrode (20) is arranged in the flame region of the burner, is electrically coupled to a discharge circuit (50) and supplies an ionisation signal when the flame of the burner is switched on, wherein the controller (40) supplies, on the basis of the ionisation signal, an output signal for controlling the burner, and wherein the discharge circuit (50) is connected to a DC voltage source (70). The invention also relates to a method for monitoring and igniting the flame of a burner and to a circuit arrangement for a burner.