Combined high energy igniter and flame detector and process for simultaneous ignition and flame detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas pilot burner systems face challenges in achieving simultaneous ignition and flame detection within a short fuel valve open time window, as most systems require separate ignition and detection systems, which can lead to inconsistent performance and increased risk of explosion due to delayed flame registration.
Innovation Solution
An integrated high-energy ignition (HEI) and flame detection system where the flame detection circuit is an integral part of the HEI system, allowing for simultaneous operation by using a spark rod with a center electrode, insulating sleeve, and outer shell, and a semiconductor to facilitate spark initiation, enabling rapid ignition and detection without separate systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ignition and detection systems are used, then reliability of flame detection is improved, but device complexity increases and simultaneous operation within short time window is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ignition system and flame detection system into a single integrated unit. The flame detection electrode is integrated into the ignition assembly, allowing both ignition and detection functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate systems. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability through the specialized detection electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: ignition discharge to light the fuel and flame detection to verify combustion. The assembly includes both ignition electrodes for sparking and a flame detection electrode for monitoring combustion, enabling one universal component to handle both critical safety functions that were previously separated.
2Device complexity
If sequential ignition and detection are used, then device complexity is reduced, but response time increases and explosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging ignition and detection into a single integrated assembly with multiple electrodes, the system eliminates the time delay associated with switching between separate ignition and detection modes. The integrated design allows simultaneous operation of ignition discharge and flame detection, reducing the response time window and preventing fuel accumulation before detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame detection electrode is positioned and configured to detect flame immediately upon ignition. The detection circuit is prepared and active before ignition occurs, allowing instantaneous detection as soon as combustion begins, rather than requiring a separate detection phase after ignition completes.
3Ease of manufacture
If high voltage low current HT system is used, then cost is reduced, but ignition reliability deteriorates in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the electrical parameters from high voltage low current (HT style) to low voltage high current (HEI style). The ignition coil generates high current pulses that flow through the ignition assembly, creating more reliable sparks in adverse conditions such as moisture, contamination, or heavy fuel, while the integrated design maintains cost-effectiveness through shared components.
4Loss of time
If integrated HEI and FID system is used, then simultaneous ignition and detection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HEI ignition assembly with the FID detection electrode into a single integrated unit. The flame detection electrode is incorporated into the ignition assembly structure, allowing simultaneous ignition and detection functions to be achieved through one manufactured component rather than requiring precise assembly of separate ignition and detection systems.
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
Enables simultaneous rapid ignition and flame detection, reducing the risk of explosion by ensuring prompt ignition and detection of the fuel-air mixture, even in adverse conditions, thus minimizing the chance of raw fuel being pumped into the burner.
Implementation Method 1
An HEI system typically utilizes a capacitive discharge exciter to pass large current pulses to a spark rod. The large current pulses are often greater than 1kA.
Implementation Method 2
The spark rod or igniter probe for an HEI system is generally constructed using a center electrode surrounded by an insulator and an outer conducting shell over the insulator such that, at the ignition end of the spark rod, a high-energy spark can pass between the center electrode and outer conducting shell.
Implementation Method 3
Flame detection is typically by a flame ionization detection (FID) system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for improved gas pilot burners, which are capable of simultaneous flame ignition and flame detection. More particularly, the invention provides for an apparatus and method capable of simultaneous high-energy ignition and flame ionization detection in a high-energy igniter that utilizes a spark rod located in a fuel channel.