Gas Valve Feedforward Control for Stable Hydrogen Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices face challenges in maintaining reliable operation and commissioning due to manufacturing tolerances, aging, and environmental fluctuations, leading to critical control system conditions, particularly with hydrogen fuel, which traditional control methods fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method incorporating a feedforward control system with a correction function that adjusts the manipulated variable of the gas valve by combining control system and feedforward inputs, minimizing the need for direct control system intervention and compensating for tolerances and disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional control systems are used with single-point correction values, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances, aging, and environmental fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a feedforward control system that pre-compensates for disturbances before they affect the combustion process. Multiple correction values are determined in advance for different operating points, and the appropriate correction is applied proactively based on predicted operating conditions, rather than reacting after deviations occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a static single correction value to a dynamic multi-point correction system. The correction function can adaptively select or interpolate between multiple pre-determined correction values based on current operating conditions, allowing the control system to respond dynamically to changing environmental factors, aging, and load variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction values are determined at single operating points, then measurement and calibration processes are simplified, but control precision deteriorates under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the operating range into multiple discrete operating points, each with its own specifically determined correction value. This segmentation allows precise optimization for each operating point while maintaining overall system adaptability through interpolation or selection between the segmented correction values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by determining correction values for multiple operating points with different parameters (load, temperature, pressure conditions). The system can change between these pre-determined correction parameters based on current operating conditions, enabling precise control across the full operating range without requiring real-time recalculation.
3Speed
If control systems directly intervene in combustion processes, then response speed to disturbances is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to risky direct intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating correction values for various operating conditions and disturbances. When a disturbance is detected, the system can immediately apply the pre-computed correction without requiring complex real-time calculations or aggressive control actions, thus achieving fast response while maintaining stability through planned, measured corrections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating a heating appliance (1) is proposed, comprising a control and a feedforward control of the combustion mixture of fuel and combustion air supplied to a burner (3) of the heating appliance (1). In this method, a manipulated variable u, representing the opening position of a gas valve (5), is cumulated with a manipulated variable uc of the control system and a manipulated variable uF of the feedforward control system to form a manipulated variable u. A correction function f(u) forms a corrected manipulated variable uT = f(u) from the manipulated variable u, thus reducing the manipulated variable uc of the control system. This method enables the reduction or prevention of control-induced oscillations during operation, particularly during modulation, of the heating appliance (1). Furthermore, a control and regulating device (7), a heating appliance (1), and a computer program are proposed.