Fireplace Lower Combustion Control Using Adaptive Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for log wood stoves with two combustion chambers are inefficient, requiring manual operation, lack temperature detection, and are not adaptable to individual stove characteristics, leading to suboptimal combustion and increased pollutant emissions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control device with temperature sensors, a control unit, and an actuator flap, which automatically adjusts combustion air supply based on temperature changes and fuel characteristics, optimizing combustion without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of the closure device is used, then the operator can adjust combustion air supply, but the control is time-consuming and requires continuous intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control device autonomously monitors temperature in the smoke extractor and automatically actuates the closure device to regulate combustion air supply, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and operator discretion
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures temperature in the smoke extractor and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the closure device position, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing combustion conditions without manual input
2Extent of automation
If a thermobimetal is used to actuate the closure device, then automatic temperature-based control is achieved, but the response is delayed during cooling periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermobimetal actuator with an electronic control system that uses temperature sensors and a control unit to actuate the closure device, enabling faster and more precise response to temperature changes without the thermal inertia limitations of bimetallic strips
3Measurement precision
If a lambda probe is used to regulate combustion air supply, then precise oxygen content measurement is achieved, but power connection and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive temperature sensors instead of complex lambda probes, accepting that the sensors may need replacement over time but gaining significant advantages in system simplicity, lower cost, and easier installation without power connection requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the electrical lambda probe with a simpler temperature-based control system using temperature sensors and a control unit, eliminating the need for power connections and complex installation while achieving effective combustion control through temperature monitoring
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
Achieves precise, adaptive, and efficient combustion control, reducing pollutant emissions and meeting ecological standards without the need for a power connection, ensuring optimal combustion and reduced emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit (controller), electrically connected with at least two temperature sensors and a door contact switch, an electric motor which actuates at least one actuator (flap) via transmission elements, controls, wherein the temperature detection in the smoke exhaust behind the output of the respective combustion chamber takes place at least one temperature sensor each, the temperature sensors the Detecting temperature change over time
Implementation Method 2
the temperature sensors the Detecting temperature change over time and the speed of the temperature change, the temperature target-actual evaluation by the control unit (controller) over parameterizable time periods serves as an evaluation criterion for the combustion state of the solid fuel
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor which actuates at least one actuator (flap) via transmission elements
Data Source
AI summary
The aim is to create a facility which is carried out without operator intervention, operates without delay, does not require a connection to the mains and meets the requirements of the regulations on permissible pollutant emissions. The device consists of a control unit which is electrically connected to two temperature sensors and a door contact switch and actuates an actuator via an electric motor and transmission elements. The temperature detection in the flue takes place behind the outlet of the respective combustion chamber. The temperature sensors record the temperature change over time and the speed of the temperature change. The temperature target-actual evaluation serves to record the burning state of the solid fuel. The degree of the outgassing process is carried out by recording and evaluating the temperature rise or temperature drop over time. The target-actual temperature over time in comparison with comparative values for combustion optimization is carried out as an adaptive system. Thus, the respective nature of the solid fuel for the optimal combustion process is taken into account and the necessity of the new feed with solid fuel is determined via the program and displayed via a visual signaling device. The device is used for electronic control for a fireplace with lower burn.The invention relates to a device that does not require operator intervention, operates without delay, does not require a mains connection, and meets the requirements of the regulations with respect to permissible pollutant emissions. The device consists of a control unit which is electrically connected to two temperature sensors and to a door contact switch and which actuates an actuator by means of an electric motor and transmission elements. The temperature is detected in the flue behind the outlet of the combustion chamber. The temperature sensors record the change in temperature over time and the speed of the change in temperature. The temperature target/actual evaluation is used to record the combustion state of the solid fuel. The degree of the outgassing process is determined by recording and evaluating the increase or decrease in temperature over time. The target/actual temperature over time compared to comparative values for optimising combustion is an adaptive system. Therefore, the composition of the solid fuel is taken into account for the optimum combustion process and the necessity of the new charging with solid fuel is determined by means of the programme and displayed by means of an optical signal transmitter. The device is used for electronic closed-loop control for a fireplace comprising a lower combustion system.