Method for operating a heater, computer program, storage medium, regulation and control device, heater and use of a signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating devices, particularly those burning hydrogen, face slow response times in controlling the fuel-air mixture due to the limited ionization effect of hydrogen flames, leading to reduced user comfort and compromised operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a temperature sensor heated to a setpoint temperature using an electric heater, with its signal integrated into the control of the mixture composition, allowing fast and precise regulation of the fuel-air mixture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature sensor is used to detect flame temperature for controlling the heating device, then the control precision is improved, but the response time becomes slow due to the thermal mass of the sensor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor is pre-heated to a target temperature before actual measurement begins. This preliminary heating action reduces the thermal mass effect during measurement, allowing the sensor to respond faster to temperature changes while maintaining measurement precision. The sensor is heated by applying electrical power to it before and during the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the power adjustment rate is reduced to accommodate slow temperature measurement response, then measurement stability is improved, but user comfort and operational reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement stabilityVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By pre-heating the temperature sensor to its target temperature, the system achieves stable measurements without needing to reduce the power adjustment rate. The preliminary heating ensures the sensor is already at operational temperature, providing stable readings while allowing the control system to respond quickly to user demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of the sensor by actively heating it to a target temperature. This parameter change enables the sensor to operate in an optimal temperature range where it provides stable measurements while maintaining fast response capability, thus improving user comfort without sacrificing measurement stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the power adjustment rate is reduced to accommodate slow temperature measurement response, then measurement stability is improved, but detection of critical conditions is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement stabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor is pre-heated to target temperature before measurement, enabling it to detect critical conditions immediately. This preliminary action ensures the sensor is ready to provide stable and reliable measurements from the start, allowing prompt detection of critical states such as flame extinction without delaying safety responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Speed

If an actively heated temperature sensor is used, then response speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidheating control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement device and the heating element. By applying electrical power directly to the temperature sensor, it functions as a self-heating device, eliminating the need for a separate heating element and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fast response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor heats itself by applying electrical power to it, rather than requiring an external heating system. This self-service approach simplifies the device architecture by eliminating separate heating components and control systems, reducing complexity while achieving the desired fast response performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 safe and rapid control of the heating device, reducing thermal mass influence and enhancing response speed, thus improving user comfort and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Heating the temperature sensor to a target temperature value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor arranged such that the temperature of a flame in the heating device can be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

a gas-fired boiler designed to combust a fuel gas, especially hydrogen, with the addition of ambient air to generate heat energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 4

the ionization effect of the flame to regulate the fuel-air mixture. This ionization effect is based on a change in the electrical resistance of the flame due to the free charge carriers released during combustion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP4137745B1Method for operating a heater, computer program, storage medium, regulation and control device, heater and use of a signal
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 VAILLANT GMBH(DE)
  • EP4137745B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4137745B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for operating a heating device (2) is proposed, wherein the heating device (2) has a temperature sensor (1) arranged such that the temperature of a flame (6) of the heating device (2) can be detected. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) heating the temperature sensor (1) to a setpoint temperature value, b) detecting a signal from the temperature sensor (1), c) operating the heating device (2) incorporating the signal from the temperature sensor (1) detected in step b).