Optical Fiber Backfire Detection in Multi-Port Combustion Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems struggle to accurately and reliably detect backfires in combustion apparatuses with a large number of fuel supply ports, such as cluster burners, due to limited space and the need for extensive maintenance of temperature detectors.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus using an optical fiber system with a light source, converter, calculator, and detector to analyze returned light and calculate temperatures at predetermined positions, allowing for backfire detection without the need for numerous sensors, even in high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature detectors are installed to detect backfires in each combustion zone, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature detection functions are merged into a single optical fiber sensor system. The optical fiber is laid around multiple fuel supply ports, allowing one detector to monitor temperatures at multiple combustion zones simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of detectors while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber detector serves multiple functions: it detects temperatures at multiple supply ports, monitors backfire conditions across different combustion zones, and provides long-term stable operation without requiring frequent maintenance, making it a universal solution for comprehensive backfire detection
2Measurement precision
If conventional temperature detectors are used in high-temperature combustion zones, then detection accuracy is maintained initially, but reliability decreases over time due to degradation from high temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an optical fiber detector that is inherently resistant to high temperature degradation. The optical fiber can withstand the harsh combustion environment without significant performance degradation, providing long-term reliable operation without requiring frequent replacement like conventional temperature detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses optical properties rather than electrical properties for temperature measurement. By measuring changes in light characteristics (such as intensity, wavelength, or phase) in response to temperature changes, the system achieves high-precision temperature detection that is not susceptible to the high-temperature degradation affecting conventional electrical sensors
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 accurate and continuous backfire detection over an extended period without extensive maintenance, even in combustion chambers with many fuel supply ports, by using an optical fiber system that is resistant to high temperatures and maintains detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to output incident light to an optical fiber laid around the plurality of supply ports
Implementation Method 2
a converter configured to receive returned light from the optical fiber and convert the received returned light into an electric signal
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect a backfire in the combustion chamber based on the calculated temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A detection apparatus (10) for detecting a backfire in a combustion chamber (31) that burns fuel supplied from a plurality of supply ports includes a light source (12) that outputs incident light to an optical fiber (11) laid around the plurality of supply ports, a converter (13) that receives returned light from the optical fiber (11) and converts the received returned light into an electric signal, a calculator (14) that analyzes the returned light converted into an electric signal and calculates a temperature at a predetermined position of the optical fiber (11), and a detector (15) configured to detect a backfire in the combustion chamber (31) based on the calculated temperature.