Water heater and pressure probe for a water heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-fired appliances, such as water heaters, face challenges in effectively controlling thermal output due to variations in air flow to the combustion chamber, leading to inefficient combustion and inconsistent heating performance.
Innovation Solution
A pressure probe assembly is attached to the venturi of the gas-fired appliance, featuring a support member with first and second pressure probes that measure pressure differences between the center axis and the mixing chamber wall, allowing a controller to adjust the blower speed and maintain consistent airflow, thereby controlling the thermal output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If air flow to the combustion chamber is not controlled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the thermal output consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure differential across the venturi, and a controller adjusts the gas valve actuator to maintain consistent air-gas mixing ratios. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures thermal output consistency while automatically compensating for airflow variations without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a venturi as an intermediary component that creates a pressure differential to regulate air flow into the combustion chamber. The venturi acts as a passive flow control element that converts pressure differences into controlled airflow, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining consistent mixing ratios between air and gas.
2Measurement precision
If pressure probes are positioned at multiple locations, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure probe assembly is segmented into two distinct pressure sensing locations: one probe measures pressure at the venturi inlet and another measures pressure at the venturi outlet. This segmentation allows independent measurement of pressure differentials across different sections of the venturi, improving measurement precision while keeping each individual probe simple and manageable.
3Manufacturing precision
If blower speed is adjusted to control airflow, then the thermal output control improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the blower dynamically based on measured pressure differentials and thermal output requirements. Rather than operating at constant high speed, the blower speed is adjusted to match actual combustion needs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining precise thermal output control through parameter optimization.
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 enables precise control of airflow velocity, ensuring a consistent thermal output and improving the efficiency and stability of the combustion process in gas-fired appliances like water heaters.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. The sensor determines a pressure difference between a first fluid pressure within the first fluid conduit and a second fluid pressure within the second fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
A blower is in fluid communication with the air path, the mixing chamber, and the burner. The blower draws air through the air path into the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
the venturi includes a body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a wall defining a mixing chamber extending from the inlet end to the outlet end about an axis
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure probe assembly for attachment to a venturi of a gas-fired appliance, where the venturi includes a body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a wall defining a mixing chamber extending from the inlet end to the outlet end about an axis. A support member is detachably coupled to the mixing chamber. A first pressure probe is coupled to the support member and has a first pressure tap disposed substantially adjacent the axis. A second pressure probe is coupled to the support member and has a second pressure tap disposed substantially adjacent the mixing chamber wall. Also disclosed is a gas-fired appliance, such as a water heater, including the pressure probe assembly.