Heating Device Combustion Air Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heater devices face challenges in maintaining optimal air ratio for efficient combustion due to changes in installation, contamination, and external influences, leading to reduced energy efficiency and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A control unit in the heater device determines a virtual combustion air flow parameter at regular intervals, using sensors and characteristic curves to adjust the air ratio to a target ratio, and compensates for deviations in fuel and combustion air flow, ensuring consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air ratio is set based on fixed installation parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to changes in installation, contamination, and external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual combustion air flow using a flow sensor and comparing it with the target air ratio. The control unit continuously adjusts the combustion air metering device based on the measured values, ensuring the air ratio remains optimal despite changes in installation, contamination, or external influences. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reliability through dynamic adjustment rather than fixed parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting deviations in combustion air flow and correcting them without external intervention. The control unit monitors the actual air flow, compares it with expected values, and autonomously adjusts the metering device to maintain optimal combustion conditions, enabling the system to service itself and maintain reliability without increased operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the air ratio is adjusted frequently to compensate for changes, then the reliability is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to excessive control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs air ratio adjustments at regular periodic intervals rather than continuously or excessively frequently. The system measures combustion air flow and makes adjustments at predetermined time intervals, which is sufficient to maintain combustion stability while avoiding the energy waste associated with overly frequent control operations. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance between adjustment frequency and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If virtual combustion air flow parameters are determined at regular intervals, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to less frequent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of combustion air flow parameters through regular periodic measurements at predetermined time intervals. While not continuously measuring every parameter, the system ensures that critical measurements are taken frequently enough to maintain measurement precision while avoiding the energy waste of continuous measurement. This continuous periodic action resolves the contradiction by maintaining adequate measurement precision while optimizing energy efficiency.
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 enhances energy efficiency and operational reliability by maintaining optimal combustion conditions independently of changes in installation or external factors, improving the stability and longevity of the heater device.
Implementation Method 1
The air ratio is determined using two different methods (ionization current and flame temperature)
Implementation Method 2
combustion of a mixture of combustion air and fuel
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating appliance, in particular a gas and/or oil burner, comprising at least one control unit (10a; 10b) which is provided for adjusting an air ratio to a target air ratio depending on at least one air ratio parameter (12a) and at least one combustion air flow parameter (14a, 16a), comprising at least one sensor unit (18a; 18b) which is provided for measuring the air ratio parameter (12a), comprising at least one combustion air meter (20a; 20b) which is provided for supplying at least one combustion air flow (22a; 22b) depending on at least one effective combustion air flow parameter (14a), wherein the control unit (10a; 10b) is provided for determining a virtual combustion air flow parameter (16a) for adjusting the air ratio to the target air ratio.