Ionization Electrode Distance Detection in Gas Burner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling combustion in gas or oil burners using flame ionization values are hindered by the need to accurately determine the distance between the ionization electrode and the burner surface, as manufacturing tolerances and mechanical changes can cause deviations, leading to inaccurate combustion control.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting and comparing ionization values at different firing rates to determine if the ionization electrode is at the correct distance from the burner surface, with error messages and adjustments enabling correction to ensure precise combustion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ionization electrode is arranged at a fixed distance from the burner surface, then the combustion control can be simplified, but manufacturing tolerances and mechanical changes cause distance deviations leading to inaccurate combustion control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by measuring the ionization value at a first firing rate and comparing it with the ionization value at a second (average) firing rate. This comparison provides feedback information about the actual distance between the ionization electrode and burner surface, enabling the system to detect distance deviations and compensate for them, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite fixed electrode positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (firing rate) to detect distance deviations. By measuring ionization values at different firing rates and comparing them, the system can identify when the electrode distance has deviated from the target distance, allowing for compensation without physically adjusting the electrode position
2Measurement precision
If the distance between the ionization electrode and burner surface is precisely controlled, then accurate combustion control is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances and electrode bending make this difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection by measuring ionization values at different firing rates to identify distance deviations before they significantly impact combustion control accuracy. This preliminary detection allows for early compensation or correction, preventing severe measurement errors
Solution Approach 2:
The comparison between ionization values at different firing rates provides feedback about the actual electrode distance, enabling the system to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and mechanical changes without requiring extremely precise initial positioning
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 allows for reliable detection of deviations in the electrode's position, ensuring accurate combustion control by adapting the setpoint ionization values based on actual distances, thereby maintaining clean and efficient combustion across varying firing outputs.
Implementation Method 1
an ionization value that depends on the air ratio is determined using an ionization electrode. This exploits the fact that the combustion reactions produce ions and electrons, which cause electrical conductivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for combustion control in a gas or oil burner with variable firing power (A, B, C), in which an ionisation value (5, 6, 7) is determined at a distance d from a combustion surface of the gas and oil burner, using an ionisation electrode. The problem solved by the invention is that of identifying a change in the distance between the ionisation electrode and the combustion surface and particularly taking this into account during the combustion control process. The claimed method is characterised in that at least one first ionisation value (5) is recorded at a first firing power (A), and one second ionisation value (6) is recorded at a second firing power (B) which corresponds to an average firing power, said first ionisation value (5) and second ionisation value (6) being compared to one another.