Modulating Gas Orifice for Temperature-Compensated Fuel Input Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fuel-fired fluid heating devices face inefficiencies due to fluctuations in gas input rate caused by changes in ambient temperature, leading to reduced lifespan and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A gas delivery system with a sensor to measure gas temperature, a modulating orifice, and a controller that adjusts the orifice's cross-sectional area to maintain a target gas input rate, ensuring consistent operation despite temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed orifice is used to deliver gas to the combustion chamber, then the device structure is simple, but the gas input rate fluctuates with temperature changes causing inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed orifice to a modulating orifice that can dynamically adjust its cross-sectional area. The modulating orifice includes a movable member that changes the opening size in response to temperature variations, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain stable gas input rate despite temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the temperature of gas entering the combustion chamber and adjusting the orifice cross-sectional area based on the detected temperature. This closed-loop control system ensures that gas input rate fluctuations are compensated for, maintaining reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If the gas input rate is not adjusted for temperature changes, then the device operation is simple, but the lifespan is reduced and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically adjusting the orifice cross-sectional area based on temperature sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously modulates the orifice to maintain optimal gas input rate, preventing inefficient operation that would otherwise reduce device lifespan and increase maintenance needs.
3Reliability
If a modulating orifice with temperature compensation is implemented, then the gas input rate stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cross-sectional area parameter of the orifice based on temperature conditions. The system changes the physical parameter (orifice area) in response to temperature variations, enabling the gas delivery system to compensate for temperature effects and maintain stable gas input rate despite the added complexity of the modulating mechanism.
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
The system maintains a steady gas input rate, ensuring efficient heating and reducing maintenance requirements by adapting to temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor in fluid communication with a gas flowing in a gas flow path and configured to measure a temperature of the gas
Implementation Method 2
a modulating orifice in fluid communication with the gas flow path... determine a target cross-sectional area of the modulating orifice based at least in part on the target gas input rate and the temperature data
Implementation Method 3
a motor in mechanical communication with the modulating orifice... output a signal to the motor to transition the modulating orifice from a first position having a first cross-sectional area to a second position having the target cross-sectional area
Implementation Method 4
A gas delivery system can be disposed proximate the combustion chamber and be configured to deliver fuel and air to the burner such that combustion can occur. Combustion of the fuel-and-air mixture within the combustion chamber can provide a source of heat for the fluid within the tank
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a gas delivery system for controlling a target gas input rate of a fluid heating device. The system can include a sensor configured to measure a temperature of a gas flowing in a gas flow path, a modulating orifice in fluid communication with the gas flow path, and a motor in mechanical communication with the modulating orifice. The system can further include a controller configured to receive temperature data indicative of the temperature of the gas. The controller can determine a target cross-sectional area of the modulating orifice based at least in part on the target gas input rate and the temperature of the gas and, in response, output a signal to the motor to transition the modulating orifice from a first position to a second position having the target cross-sectional area.