Variable Cross-Section Distributor for Premix Burner Ionisation Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing premix burners face challenges in maintaining a stable and intense ionisation signal across varying thermal regimes, leading to inefficient combustion control and increased mechanical stress due to thermoacoustic instability, particularly in low thermal flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A distributor device with a distribution element featuring fixed and movable deflector elements, where the fixed deflector directs the mixture to a specific region for intense ionisation signal detection, and the movable deflector adjusts flow direction based on pressure, ensuring consistent ionisation signal intensity and reduced load losses across thermal power variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional distributor with uniformly directed flow is used, then the structure is simple, but the ionisation signal intensity is insufficient in low thermal flow regimes
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor features a non-uniform deflector configuration where specific deflectors are positioned to create a porous zone with higher mixture flow density in a predetermined region. This local concentration of flow enhances the ionisation signal intensity in that specific area without requiring complete redistribution throughout the entire distributor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor is segmented into different functional zones: a porous zone with higher deflector density for signal enhancement, and other regions with standard deflector configuration. This segmentation allows the system to optimize ionisation detection in specific areas while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the burner operates in low thermal flow regimes, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ionisation signal becomes too weak for effective control
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating the mixture flow in a porous zone through strategically positioned deflectors, the system maintains high ionisation signal intensity even when overall thermal power is reduced. This allows effective control signal detection in low energy consumption regimes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If deflectors are added to direct mixture flow, then fluid dynamic distribution is improved, but mechanical stress and thermoacoustic instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly distributing deflectors throughout the distributor, the invention places them specifically in regions where flow direction control is most beneficial. This localized approach achieves improved fluid dynamic distribution while minimizing the total number of deflectors and their associated mechanical stresses.
4Measurement precision
If a porous zone with higher deflector density is created, then ionisation signal intensity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is designed as a segmented structure where the porous zone with higher deflector density is clearly defined and can be manufactured as a distinct module. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized production of different zone configurations.
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 solution provides a stable and intense ionisation signal across the full operating range, enabling efficient combustion control and reduced mechanical stress, while allowing independent regulation of the air-gas ratio and fluid dynamic distribution, achieving high modulation ratios and minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a fixed deflector element, whose guide surface is oriented in such a way as to direct a part of the flow of mixture in a first fixed direction
Implementation Method 2
a movable deflector element, which directs a part of the mixture in a second direction and is free to rotate about a joint by effect of the pressure of the mixture
Implementation Method 3
the position of each opening on the second surface is defined uniquely by a respective azimuth angle... in a predetermined region, the intensity of the ionisation signal increases locally
Implementation Method 4
the formation of the flame produced by combustion of numerous gases in the presence of an oxidant - air, for example - is accompanied by an ionisation process whereby ions are formed
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A variable cross-section distributor for a premix burner is provided with a plurality of openings and deflector elements which are located proximate thereto on an output surface and which have guide surfaces for directing the flow of an air and gas mixture in a plurality of directions. A first deflector element is configured to direct a part of the flow permanently in a first direction towards an ionisation sensor. A movable deflector element, capable of adopting, as a function of the pressure exerted on it by the mixture, a position that is variable relative to the output surface, is used to vary the cross section of the distributor through which the mixture flows and to minimise the load losses; the movable deflector directs a part of the flow in a second variable direction. At least one further, fixed deflector is configured to direct a part of the flow permanently in a second direction, different from the first direction, and to regulate the fluid dynamic distribution output from the distributor.