Control strategy for hot surface igniter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hot surface igniters face reduced service life and increased power supply costs when users attempt to achieve rapid ignition, as existing constant voltage control methods can lead to overheating and damage.

Innovation Solution

A control strategy that divides the hot surface igniter's working time into periods, adjusting output voltage or power using a software algorithm to achieve specific temperature values, ensuring operation within rated limits and extending the igniter's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hot surface igniter operates continuously to ensure reliable ignition, then ignition reliability is improved, but the service life of the igniter decreases due to excessive heat exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of igniter
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control method implements periodic operation cycles where the hot surface igniter is activated in intervals rather than continuously. Each cycle includes an ignition phase followed by a rest phase, allowing the igniter to cool down between operations. This periodic action maintains reliable ignition capability while reducing cumulative thermal stress and extending the igniter's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the hot surface igniter is cooled rapidly to extend service life, then igniter durability is improved, but combustion chamber moisture condensation increases causing harm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of igniterVSAvoidcombustion chamber moisture condensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control method incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor combustion chamber conditions and adjust the igniter cooling rate accordingly. The controller evaluates parameters such as combustion chamber temperature and moisture levels, then modulates the igniter operation to achieve optimal cooling without causing harmful condensation. This feedback control ensures the igniter is cooled sufficiently to extend service life while preventing moisture condensation issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 strategy allows for controlled ignition times without compromising the hot surface igniter's service life, reducing power supply costs, and enabling its use in various application scenarios with different temperature and time requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a hot surface igniter located within the combustion chamber is activated to heat an air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the hot surface igniter is surrounded by an igniter housing that provides insulation to surrounding components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3998426A1Control strategy for hot surface igniter
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 CHONGQING LE MARK CERAMIC TECH CO LTD
  • EP3998426A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3998426A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3998426A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a control strategy for a hot surface igniter. On the basis of a hardware circuit of the hot surface igniter and a software algorithm, working time of the hot surface igniter is divided into t1, t2, ..., and tn time periods. In each time period, an output voltage or an output power of the hardware circuit is adjusted by the software algorithm to make the hot surface igniter reach an expected temperature. Through the control strategy of the disclosure, ignition time of the hot surface igniter may be easily controlled. The requirements of a user of igniting in a short time are satisfied.