Combustion Control Using Resistance and Flame Front Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current control methods for combustion facilities with moving grates lack precision in managing fuel feed and grate speed, particularly in maintaining optimal flame position, leading to inefficiencies in combustion processes.
Innovation Solution
A control method that calculates the coefficient of resistance for airflow and uses image analysis of the flame front position to adjust the speed of the fuel feed system and the first moving grate, incorporating feedforward, scaling, or gain scaling corrections based on the estimated flame front position to optimize combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control is based solely on coefficient of resistance calculation, then the control system is simple to operate, but the combustion control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines coefficient of resistance calculation with image analysis of flame front position to create a hybrid control system. The coefficient of resistance controller and flame front position controller work together through additive correction, feedforward, or gain scaling mechanisms, merging simple calculation-based control with vision-based precision control to achieve both accuracy and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame front position estimation acts as an intermediary that corrects the coefficient of resistance control. The system uses image analysis to estimate flame front position, then applies this estimation as a correction signal to the coefficient of resistance controller through additive correction, feedforward, or gain scaling, thereby improving precision without completely replacing the original control mechanism.
2Productivity
If flame front position estimation is added to improve control precision, then combustion efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of flame front position using image analysis before applying correction to the coefficient of resistance control. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate deviations from optimal flame position and adjust control parameters proactively, improving combustion efficiency while managing complexity through structured integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame front position estimation provides feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the coefficient of resistance controller through additive correction, feedforward, or gain scaling. This feedback mechanism enables continuous optimization of combustion efficiency by comparing actual flame position with desired position and making real-time adjustments.
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 approach provides more precise control over the combustion process, ensuring optimal fuel feed and grate speed adjustments, thereby enhancing combustion efficiency and stability by correcting for deviations in the flame front position.
Implementation Method 1
providing an estimation of the position of the flame front by image analysis of a camera image of the combustion zone
Implementation Method 2
calculating a coefficient of resistance for the air flow through the combustion grates and fuel
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling at least one parameter (1,2) of a combustion facility, said combustion facility comprising an in-feed system feeding fuel to a number of moving grates on which the fuel is fed forward and subjected to successive drying, ignition, combustion and outbuming, primary air for the combustion being supplied from beneath the grates and through the layer of fuel on the grates, said method comprising - calculating a coefficient of resistance (?pv) for the air flow through the grates and fuel, - controlling the at least one parameter (1,2) of the combustion facility based on the coefficient of resistance (?pv), and - providing an estimation of the position (Fpv) of the flame front by image analysis of a camera image of the combustion zone and - using said estimated position (Fpv) of the flame front to provide a correction of the control of the at least one parameter (1,2) based on the coefficient of resistance (?pv).