Water heating device and method for measuring a flame current in a flame in a water heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flame current measurement in water heating devices is sensitive to variations in distance between the flame and electrodes, electrode conditions, and temperature fluctuations, making it less reliable for determining the excess air factor and ensuring safe combustion.
Innovation Solution
The burner and heat exchanger form the electrodes of the flame current measuring device, eliminating the need for a separate measuring pin, reducing sensitivity to distance and electrode conditions, and increasing the surface area for a more stable and sensitive measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate measuring pin is used for flame current measurement, then the measurement can be performed, but the measurement is sensitive to variations in distance between flame and electrode, and to electrode conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measuring electrode function with existing structural components: the burner body serves as one electrode and the heat exchanger as the other electrode. This eliminates the need for separate measuring pins and uses robust, temperature-resistant structural parts for measurement, thereby improving measurement stability and reliability without adding fragile components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional electrodes are used, then flame current measurement is possible, but the measurement requires small surface area components that are sensitive to distance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing components serve multiple functions: the burner body not only combusts fuel but also acts as an electrode for flame current measurement; the heat exchanger not only transfers heat but also serves as the other electrode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measuring pins and reduces sensitivity to distance variations.
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
This configuration results in a more reliable flame current measurement, less dependent on external factors, with higher current flow and improved resolution, enabling precise control of the excess air factor and safer combustion.
Implementation Method 1
This method makes use of the fact that the heat of a flame ionizes gas molecules, for instance in the air.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a water heating device, comprising a burner (20) and a flame current measuring device (100) for measuring a flame current, which measuring device comprises two electrodes and a voltage source (14), wherein each of the poles (18, 19) of the voltage source is connected to one of the electrodes. The water heating device further comprises a heat exchanger (40) which is electrically insulated relative to the burner. The burner and the heat exchanger here form the electrodes of the flame current measuring device. The heat exchanger functioning as electrode can be earthed (41). The measured flame current can be used to determine the excess air factor of the combustion. The water heating device can further comprise an air/fuel controller for controlling the air/fuel ratio, wherein the air/fuel controller uses the determined excess air factor to control the air/fuel ratio. The invention also relates to a method for measuring a flame current in a flame.