Radiant Gas Heater Ionization Flame Detection in Windy Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiant gas heaters with ceramic tiles struggle to function effectively in windy conditions due to wind turbulence, which causes burner failure and requires manual reset, and existing solutions like pilot burners and ionization detectors are unreliable or unsuitable for outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
The use of ionization probes positioned proximal to heat emitting elements, which detect the presence or absence of a flame and control the gas supply to prevent unnecessary shutdowns, combined with a cover that balances heat flow and wind resistance, ensures the heater remains operational in windy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pilot burner arrangement is used to maintain constant flame in wind, then the heater can operate without manual lighting, but the main burner still extinguishes frequently requiring gas control lock out and manual reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pilot burner system with an electronic ignition system using an ionization detector. The ionization detector provides electronic flame detection and control, eliminating the need for a separate pilot burner while improving reliability in windy conditions through rapid response to flame presence or absence
Solution Approach 2:
The ionization detector acts as an intermediary between the gas supply and the main burner, providing continuous electronic monitoring of flame conditions. This intermediary system enables automatic gas control based on real-time flame detection, preventing burner blowout and eliminating gas control lock out issues
2Speed
If an ionization detector is used for rapid flame detection, then lighting and shut down response is quicker, but the burner experiences continuous blow out in windy outdoor conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ionization detector provides continuous feedback to the gas control system about flame conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust gas flow and maintain stable combustion even in windy conditions, preventing continuous blow out while retaining rapid response capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts gas flow parameters based on ionization detector signals and wind conditions. By changing gas flow rate and pressure parameters in response to environmental conditions, the burner maintains stable operation while preserving the rapid response characteristics of the ionization detector
3Measurement precision
If an ionization probe is positioned close to heat emitting elements for flame detection, then flame presence is detected accurately, but the probe may be affected by high heat and radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective intermediary structure between the ionization probe and the heat emitting elements. This protective barrier allows the probe to detect flame presence accurately while shielding it from direct exposure to high heat and intense radiation that would otherwise damage the probe
Solution Approach 2:
A thin protective film or shell is positioned between the ionization probe and the heat emitting elements. This thin barrier is sufficient to protect the probe from thermal damage while allowing ionization signals to pass through for accurate flame detection
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 radiant gas heater maintains operation and safety in windy conditions by preventing burner blowouts and reducing the need for manual resets, while minimizing unnecessary gas supply shutdowns and costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ionization probes proximal to two or more of the heat emitting elements for detecting the presence or absence of a flame
Implementation Method 2
one or more gas burners, in which gas from the one or more gas inlets is burned using oxygen admitted through the one or more air inlets
Implementation Method 3
one or more heat emitting elements, which emit infrared radiation using energy generated by the one or more gas burners
Data Source
AI summary
A radiant gas heater includes one or more gas inlets 105, for receiving gas from a gas supply and one or more air inlets 110. The heater includes gas burners 120A-120E, in which the gas is burned using oxygen admitted through the air inlets 110. One or more heat emitting elements 125A-125E are included, which emit infrared radiation using energy generated by the gas burners. One or more ionization probes 130A are provided proximal to two or more of the heat emitting elements for detecting the presence or absence of a flame. A housing 115 accommodates the gas burners, the heat emitting elements and the ionization probes. One or more control units are provided which are in electrical communication with the ionization probes and the gas inlets, the control units operable to shut off the gas supply if the ionization probes detect the absence of a flame.