US20240230084A1 - Method and controller for operating a gas burner appliance and gas burner appliance - Google Patents
Method and controller for operating a gas burner appliance and gas burner appliance Download PDFInfo
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- US20240230084A1 US20240230084A1 US18/560,219 US202218560219A US2024230084A1 US 20240230084 A1 US20240230084 A1 US 20240230084A1 US 202218560219 A US202218560219 A US 202218560219A US 2024230084 A1 US2024230084 A1 US 2024230084A1
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- gas
- gas burner
- burner appliance
- air flow
- air
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 54
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 174
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N1/00—Regulating fuel supply
- F23N1/02—Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply
- F23N1/022—Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply using electronic means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N1/00—Regulating fuel supply
- F23N1/02—Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply
- F23N1/025—Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply using electrical or electromechanical means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/02—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium
- F23N5/12—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
- F23N5/123—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods using electronic means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/24—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements
- F23N5/242—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements using electronic means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/18—Systems for controlling combustion using detectors sensitive to rate of flow of air or fuel
- F23N2005/181—Systems for controlling combustion using detectors sensitive to rate of flow of air or fuel using detectors sensitive to rate of flow of air
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2225/00—Measuring
- F23N2225/04—Measuring pressure
- F23N2225/06—Measuring pressure for determining flow
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2227/00—Ignition or checking
- F23N2227/20—Calibrating devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2231/00—Fail safe
- F23N2231/12—Fail safe for ignition failures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2231/00—Fail safe
- F23N2231/20—Warning devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2231/00—Fail safe
- F23N2231/26—Fail safe for clogging air inlet
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2233/00—Ventilators
- F23N2233/06—Ventilators at the air intake
- F23N2233/08—Ventilators at the air intake with variable speed
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
- F23N2235/12—Fuel valves
- F23N2235/16—Fuel valves variable flow or proportional valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2237/00—Controlling
- F23N2237/10—High or low fire
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2241/00—Applications
- F23N2241/04—Heating water
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for operating a gas burner appliance. Further on, the invention relates to a controller for operating a gas burner appliance and to a gas burner appliance.
- EP 2 667 097 A1 discloses a method for operating a gas burner appliance.
- a gas/air mixture having a defined mixing ratio of gas and air is provided to a combustion chamber for combusting the gas/air mixture.
- the mixing ratio of gas and air of the gas/air mixture corresponds to the so-called ⁇ -value of the gas/air mixture.
- the gas/air mixture is provided by a mixing device mixing an air flow provided by an air duct with a gas flow provided by a gas duct.
- the mixing device may be provided by a Venturi nozzle.
- EP 2 655 971 B1 discloses a method for operating a gas burner appliance, namely for stabilizing the operation behavior of the gas burner appliance for making allowance of disturbances in the air path, the exhaust gas path and the like.
- the method makes use of a flame ionization signal to increase a lower permissible fan speed that is assigned to a lower modulation limit to compensate disturbances in the air path, the exhaust gas path and the like.
- EP 2 466 202 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,533 A disclose other prior art.
- the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined from the pressure difference or from the air mass flow on basis of a characteristic map or characteristic curve. This allows an easy and accurate determination of the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance.
- the controller for operating a gas burner appliance according to the present invention is defined in claim 15 .
- the gas burner appliance according to the present invention is defined in claim 16 .
- FIG. 2 shows a second gas burner appliance to be controlled by the method and controller of the present invention
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first exemplary gas burner appliance 10 .
- the gas burner appliance 10 comprises a combustion chamber 11 in which combustion of a gas/air mixture M having a defined mixing ratio of gas G and air A takes place during burner-on phases of the gas burner appliance 10 , namely after starting the gas burner appliance and igniting the gas/air mixture M.
- the combustion of the gas/air mixture results into flames 12 and into exhaust gas E.
- the flames 12 are monitored by a combustion quality sensor, preferably by a flame ionization sensor 13 providing as output signal an electrical flame ionization current.
- the flame ionization sensor 13 provides its output signal to a controller 26 .
- the exhaust gas E emanates from the combustion chamber 11 through an exhaust pipe 29 .
- the quantity of the air flow A and thereby the quantity of the gas/air mixture flow M is adjusted by the fan 14 , namely by the speed of the fan 14 .
- the fan speed can be adjusted on basis of a nominal burner-load. A nominal fan speed of the fan 14 depends on the nominal burner load.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show schematic views of other exemplary gas burner appliances 10 ′ and 10 ′′.
- identical reference numbers are used for identical parts.
- the gas burner appliances 10 , 10 ′ and 10 , 10 ′′ will be described.
- the controller 26 may generate the control variable for the electric gas flow modulator 18 on basis of the control deviation between the actual value and the nominal value, wherein the gas flow modulator 18 may be operated on basis of this control variable to keep over the entire modulation range of the gas burner appliance 10 the defined mixing ratio of gas and air and thereby the ⁇ -value constant.
- the pressure difference between the gas pressure and the reference pressure is determined pneumatically a by pneumatic sensor of the pneumatic controller 28 a .
- the mixing ratio of the defined gas/air mixture is controlled by the pneumatic controller 28 a in such a way that over the entire modulation range of the gas burner appliance 10 the defined mixing ratio of the gas/air mixture M and thereby the ⁇ -value constant is kept constant.
- the absolute pressure sensor 21 is positioned between the pneumatic gas flow regulator 28 and the mixing device 25 . If the gas regulation valve 28 b of the pneumatic gas flow regulator 28 is in the closed position not gas tight, the absolute pressure sensor 21 may alternatively be positioned between the gas safety valve unit 19 and the pneumatic gas flow regulator 28 .
- the air flow resistance is compared with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold. If the air flow resistance is below the respective first threshold, a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′ is determined and the fan 14 is operated during active combustion at a regular nominal fan speed depending from the nominal burner load or heat demand. If the air flow resistance is above the respective first threshold and below the respective second threshold, a permissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′ is detected and the fan 14 is operated during active combustion at an increased nominal fan speed being larger than the regular nominal fan speed.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Regulation And Control Of Combustion (AREA)
Abstract
Method for operating a gas burner appliance (10), the gas burner appliance com-prising: a combustion chamber (11) in which a defined gas/air mixture is combusted after combustion has been started; a mixing device (25) to provide said gas/air mixture by mixing an air flow provided by an air duct (15) with a gas flow provided by a gas duct (16); a fan (14) to provide the air flow or the flow of the gas/air mixture; a gas safety valve unit (19) assigned to the gas duct to open or close the gas duct; a gas flow modulator (18) or a gas flow regulator (28) assigned to the gas duct to keep a mixing ratio of the defined gas/air mixture constant over the modulation range of the gas burner appliance; an absolute pressure sensor (21) positioned between the gas safety valve unit and the mixing device, wherein the gas burner appliance is operated to determine the air flow resistance of the same by executing the following steps before combustion becomes started: Measuring a first absolute pressure by the absolute pressure sensor (21) when the gas safety valve unit (19) is closed and when the fan (14) is stopped. Measuring a second absolute pressure by the absolute pressure sensor (21) when the gas safety valve unit (19) is closed and when the fan (14) is running. Determining a pressure difference between the first absolute pressure and the second absolute pressure. Determining on basis of the pressure difference the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance.
Description
- The invention relates to a method for operating a gas burner appliance. Further on, the invention relates to a controller for operating a gas burner appliance and to a gas burner appliance.
- EP 2 667 097 A1 discloses a method for operating a gas burner appliance. During burner-on-phases of the gas burner appliance, after combustion has been started in connection with a burner start, a gas/air mixture having a defined mixing ratio of gas and air is provided to a combustion chamber for combusting the gas/air mixture. The mixing ratio of gas and air of the gas/air mixture corresponds to the so-called λ-value of the gas/air mixture. The gas/air mixture is provided by a mixing device mixing an air flow provided by an air duct with a gas flow provided by a gas duct. The mixing device may be provided by a Venturi nozzle. The air flow flowing through the air duct is provided by fan in such a way that the nominal fan speed of the fan depends on a nominal burner-load of the gas burner appliance, wherein a fan speed range of the fan defines a so-called modulation range of the gas burner appliance. According to EP 2 667 097 A1, the defined mixing ratio of gas and air and thereby the λ-value of the gas/air mixture is kept constant over the entire modulation range of the gas burner appliance by a pneumatic gas flow regulator. The pneumatic gas flow regulator is provided by a gas armature. In addition to the pneumatic gas flow regulator the gas armature comprises a safety gas valve and a throttle used for calibration. The pneumatic gas flow regulator uses a pressure difference between the gas pressure of the gas flow in the gas duct and a reference pressure, wherein either the air pressure of the air flow in the air duct or the ambient pressure is used as reference pressure, and wherein the pressure difference between the gas pressure of the gas flow in the gas duct and the reference pressure is determined and controlled pneumatically. EP 2 667 097 A1 discloses a method for operating a gas burner appliance in which the defined mixing ratio of the gas/air mixture is kept constant over the entire modulation range of the gas burner. This is done by the pneumatic gas flow regulator establishing a pneumatic control to keep the mixing ratio of gas and air within the gas/air mixture constant.
- It is also possible to control the mixing ratio of gas and air within the gas/air mixture by an electric gas flow modulator.
- DE 198 24 521 A1 discloses a method to control the mixing ratio of gas and air of the gas/air mixture and thereby the λ-value of the gas/air mixture on basis of a signal provided by an electrical or electronic pressure sensor or flow meter. An actual value corresponding to a pressure ratio between a gas pressure in a gas duct and an air pressure in an air duct or corresponding to a pressure ratio between the gas pressure in the gas duct and the air pressure at the reference point is provided by the electrical or electronic sensor, wherein this actual value is compared with a nominal value. A control variable for the electric gas flow modulator is generated on basis of the control deviation between the actual value and nominal value, wherein the electric gas flow modulator is adjusted on basis of this control variable to control the defined mixing ratio of gas and air in the gas/air mixture thereby keeping the λ-value of the gas/air mixture constant.
- As mentioned above, the amount of the air flow and thereby the amount of the flow of the gas/air mixture having the defined mixing ratio of gas and air provided to the combustion chamber depends on the nominal burner load. The nominal burner-load corresponds to a desired heat demand. The nominal burner-load defines the nominal fan speed at which the fan is operated. The fan speed range of the fan of the gas burner appliance defines the modulation range of the gas burner appliance. A maximum fan speed of the fan defines the maximum burner-load of the gas burner appliance. If a desired heat demand requires maximum burner load, then the fan is operated at maximum fan speed. If a desired heat demand requires burner-load being 50% of the maximum burner load, then the fan is operated at 50% of the maximum fan speed. If a desired heat demand requires burner-load being 20% of the maximum burner load, then the fan is operated at 20% of the maximum fan speed. As mentioned above, at any burner load of the gas burner appliance and at any fan speed of the fan the mixing ratio of gas and air of the is kept constant either by using an electric gas flow modulator or by using a pneumatic gas flow regulator.
- EP 2 966 354 B1 discloses another method for operating a gas burner appliance. During burner-on phases the fan is operated with constant fan speed. When further, while the fan is operated with constant fan speed, a defined change of the control variable for a gas valve is detected which is required to keep the actual value of the signal provided by an electrical or electronic sensor at the nominal value for the same, it is detected that a siphon assigned to combustion chamber of the gas burner is blown empty.
- For a safe and proper operation of a gas burner appliance it is necessary that the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is known and preferably within a defined range. The air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance depends e. g. on the air flow resistance of the air duct and on the air flow resistance of an exhaust pipe of the combustion chamber.
- EP 2 655 971 B1 discloses a method for operating a gas burner appliance, namely for stabilizing the operation behavior of the gas burner appliance for making allowance of disturbances in the air path, the exhaust gas path and the like. The method makes use of a flame ionization signal to increase a lower permissible fan speed that is assigned to a lower modulation limit to compensate disturbances in the air path, the exhaust gas path and the like.
- EP 2 466 202 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,533 A disclose other prior art.
- It is desired to have better knowledge about the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance. Against this background, a novel method for operating a gas burner appliance is provided.
- The method according to the present invention is used to determine the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance by executing the following steps before combustion becomes started in connection with a burner start:
- Measuring a first absolute air pressure by the absolute pressure sensor when the gas safety valve unit is closed and when the fan is stopped. Measuring a second absolute air pressure by the absolute pressure sensor when the gas safety valve unit is closed and when the fan is running. Determining a pressure difference between the first absolute air pressure and the second absolute air pressure. Determining on basis of the pressure difference the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance.
- The method according to the present invention allows an easy and accurate determination of the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance. With the knowledge about the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance, it is possible to provide a safe and improved operation the gas burner appliance after combustion has been started.
- Preferably, the method comprises the following additional step: Measuring an ambient air temperature. Determining from the first absolute air pressure and the ambient air temperature an air density. Determining from the air density and the pressure difference an air mass flow. Determining on basis of the air mass flow the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance. This allows an even more accurate determination of the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance.
- Preferably, the the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined from the pressure difference or from the air mass flow on basis of a characteristic map or characteristic curve. This allows an easy and accurate determination of the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance.
- Preferably, the method comprises the following additional step: Comparing the air flow resistance or the pressure difference or the air mass flow with at least one respective threshold. Adapting operation of the gas burner appliance for the combustion of the gas/air mixture on basis of said comparison. This allows an improved combustion of the gas/air mixture.
- The air flow resistance may be compared with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold, wherein if the air flow resistance is below the respective first threshold, a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined and the fan is operated at a regular nominal fan speed, and if the air flow resistance is above the respective first threshold and below the respective second threshold, a permissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined and the fan is operated at an increased nominal fan speed, and if the air flow resistance is above the respective second threshold, an impermissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined and a warning message is generated and/or the operation of the gas burner appliance is stopped, thereby preventing the combustion of the gas/air mixture.
- Alternatively, the air mass flow or the pressure difference may be compared with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold, wherein if the air mass flow or the pressure difference is above the respective first threshold, a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined and the fan is operated at a regular nominal fan speed, and if the air mass flow or the pressure difference is below the respective first threshold and above the respective second threshold, a permissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined and the fan is operated at an increased nominal fan speed, and if the mass flow is or the pressure difference below the respective second threshold, an impermissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined and a warning message is generated and/or the operation of the gas burner appliance is stopped, thereby preventing the combustion of the gas/air mixture.
- The controller for operating a gas burner appliance according to the present invention is defined in
claim 15. The gas burner appliance according to the present invention is defined inclaim 16. - Preferred developments of the invention are provided by the dependent claims and the description which follows.
- Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail on the basis of the drawing, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a first gas burner appliance to be controlled by the method and controller of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a second gas burner appliance to be controlled by the method and controller of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 shows a third gas burner appliance to be controlled by the method and controller of the present invention. - The present invention relates to a method and a controller for operating a gas burner appliance.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first exemplarygas burner appliance 10. Thegas burner appliance 10 comprises acombustion chamber 11 in which combustion of a gas/air mixture M having a defined mixing ratio of gas G and air A takes place during burner-on phases of thegas burner appliance 10, namely after starting the gas burner appliance and igniting the gas/air mixture M. The combustion of the gas/air mixture results intoflames 12 and into exhaust gas E. Theflames 12 are monitored by a combustion quality sensor, preferably by aflame ionization sensor 13 providing as output signal an electrical flame ionization current. Theflame ionization sensor 13 provides its output signal to acontroller 26. The exhaust gas E emanates from thecombustion chamber 11 through anexhaust pipe 29. - The gas/air mixture M is provided to the
combustion chamber 11 of thegas burner appliance 10 by mixing a flow of the air A with a flow of the gasG. A fan 14 sucks in air A flowing through anair duct 15 and gas G flowing through agas duct 16. Agas flow modulator 18 for adjusting the gas flow through thegas duct 16 and preferably twogas safety valves 19 are assigned to thegas duct 16. Thegas flow modulator 18 and thegas safety valves 19 are part of agas armature 17 further comprising asieve 20 and at least onesensor 21. InFIG. 1 thesensor 21 is an absolute pressure sensor that measures at least the absolute air pressure. - The
absolute pressure sensor 21 may in addition measure the air temperature. It is possible that thegas armature 17 may comprise separate sensors to measure the absolute air pressure and the air temperature. The at least onesensor 21 provides its output signal to thecontroller 26. - The
gas safety valves 19 are operated by at least oneelectric coil 22 being part of thegas armature 17. In burner-on phases the at least oneelectric coil 22 is energized by thecontroller 26 to open thegas safety valves 19. In burner-off phases thegas safety valves 19 are closed. InFIG. 1 , eachgas safety valve 19 is operated by one separateelectric coil 22. It is possible to operate thegas safety valves 19 by a commonelectric coil 22. - The
gas flow modulator 18 is operated by a motor 23 also having an electric coil 24. InFIG. 1 , thegas flow modulator 18 is an electricgas flow modulator 18 operated by thecontroller 26. - The gas/air mixture M having the defined mixing ratio of gas G and air A is provided to the
combustion chamber 11 of thegas burner appliance 10. The gas/air mixture M is provided by mixing the air flow A provided by anair duct 15 with a gas flow G provided by agas duct 16. The air flow and the gas flow become preferably mixed by a mixingdevice 25. The mixingdevice 25 may be a venturi nozzle. - The
absolute pressure sensor 21, namely the measuring point of the same, is positioned between the gassafety valve unit 19 and themixing device 25. InFIG. 1 , theabsolute pressure sensor 21 is positioned between the gassafety valve unit 19 and thegas flow modulator 18. Alternatively, theabsolute pressure sensor 21, namely the measuring point of the same, may be positioned between thegas flow modulator 18 and themixing device 25. - The quantity of the air flow A and thereby the quantity of the gas/air mixture flow M is adjusted by the
fan 14, namely by the speed of thefan 14. The fan speed can be adjusted on basis of a nominal burner-load. A nominal fan speed of thefan 14 depends on the nominal burner load. - The
fan 14 is operated by thecontroller 26. The fan speed range of thefan 14 defines a modulation range of thegas burner appliance 10. A modulation of “1” means that thefan 14 is operated at maximum fan speed (100% of maximum fan speed) and thereby at a full-load of thegas burner appliance 10. A modulation of “2” means that thefan 14 is operated at 50% of the maximum fan speed and a modulation of “5” means that thefan 14 is operated at 20% of the maximum fan speed. By changing the fan speed of thefan 14, the burner-load of thegas burner appliance 10 can be adjusted. - Over the entire modulation range of the
gas burner appliance 10 the defined mixing ratio of gas G and air A within the gas/air mixture M and thereby the λ-value of the gas/air mixture M is kept constant. Said defined mixing ratio of gas G and air A or said λ-value of the gas/air mixture M is controlled over the modulation range of the gas burner appliance using the electricgas flow modulator 18 of agas armature 17 in order to keep the defined mixing ratio of gas and air and thereby the λ-value constant over the modulation range of thegas burner appliance 10. InFIG. 1 , the control variable for the electricgas flow modulator 18 in order to keep the λ-value constant is generated by thecontroller 26 on basis of the flame ionization current provided by theflame ionization sensor 13. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 show schematic views of other exemplarygas burner appliances 10′ and 10″. InFIGS. 1, 2 and 3 identical reference numbers are used for identical parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, below only the differences of thegas burner appliances - In
FIG. 2 , the constant mixing ratio of gas G and air A within the gas/air mixture M is controlled by the electricgas flow modulator 18 on basis of a signal provided by an electric or electronic pressure sensor or flowmeter 27 and not on basis of the flame ionization current provided by theflame ionization sensor 13. In this case the electric orelectronic sensor 27 may provide to thecontroller 26 an actual value corresponding to a pressure ratio between a gas pressure in agas duct 16 and an air pressure in anair duct 15 or corresponding to a pressure ratio between the gas pressure in thegas duct 16 and the air pressure at the reference point, wherein thecontroller 26 may compare said actual value with a nominal value. In this case, thecontroller 26 may generate the control variable for the electricgas flow modulator 18 on basis of the control deviation between the actual value and the nominal value, wherein thegas flow modulator 18 may be operated on basis of this control variable to keep over the entire modulation range of thegas burner appliance 10 the defined mixing ratio of gas and air and thereby the λ-value constant. - In
FIG. 2 , theabsolute pressure sensor 21 is positioned between the gassafety valve unit 19 and thegas flow modulator 18. Alternatively, theabsolute pressure sensor 21, namely the measuring point of the same, may be positioned between thegas flow modulator 18 and themixing device 25. - In
FIG. 3 , thegas armature 17 comprises a pneumaticgas flow regulator 28. Apneumatic controller 28 a of the pneumaticgas flow regulator 28 controls the opening/closing position of thegas regulation valve 28 b. The position of the pneumaticgas regulation valve 28 b is adjusted by thepneumatic controller 28 a on basis of a pressure difference between the gas pressure of the gas flow in thegas duct 16 and a reference pressure. The pneumaticgas regulation valve 28 a is controlled by thepneumatic controller 28 b in such a way that at the outlet pressure of thegas regulation valve 28 b is equal to the reference pressure. InFIG. 3 , the ambient pressure serves as reference pressure. However, it is also possible to use the air pressure of the air flow in theair duct 15 as reference pressure. InFIG. 3 , the pressure difference between the gas pressure and the reference pressure is determined pneumatically a by pneumatic sensor of thepneumatic controller 28 a. The mixing ratio of the defined gas/air mixture is controlled by thepneumatic controller 28 a in such a way that over the entire modulation range of thegas burner appliance 10 the defined mixing ratio of the gas/air mixture M and thereby the λ-value constant is kept constant. - In
FIG. 3 , theabsolute pressure sensor 21 is positioned between the pneumaticgas flow regulator 28 and themixing device 25. If thegas regulation valve 28 b of the pneumaticgas flow regulator 28 is in the closed position not gas tight, theabsolute pressure sensor 21 may alternatively be positioned between the gassafety valve unit 19 and the pneumaticgas flow regulator 28. - The present invention relates to a method for operating such a
gas burner appliance gas burner appliance gas burner appliance - It may also be possible to adapt operation of the
gas burner appliance - To determine the air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance - Measuring a first absolute air pressure by the
absolute pressure sensor 21 when the gassafety valve unit 19 is closed and when thefan 14 is stopped. - Measuring a second absolute air pressure by the
absolute pressure sensor 21 when the gassafety valve unit 19 is closed and when thefan 14 is running. - Determining a pressure difference between the first absolute air pressure and the second absolute air pressure.
- Determining on basis of the pressure difference the air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance - The above steps allow an easy, accurate and reliable determination of the air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance - In order to further improve accuracy of the determination of the air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance - Measuring an ambient temperature.
- Determining from the first absolute air pressure and the ambient temperature an air density.
- Determining from the air density and the pressure difference an air mass flow, preferably on basis of a characteristic map or characteristic curve.
- Preferably, the air flow resistance or the pressure difference or the air mass flow is compared with at least one respective threshold. On basis of this comparison the operation of the
gas burner appliance gas burner appliance gas burner appliance - Preferably, the air flow resistance is compared with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold. If the air flow resistance is below the respective first threshold, a regular air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance fan 14 is operated during active combustion at a regular nominal fan speed depending from the nominal burner load or heat demand. If the air flow resistance is above the respective first threshold and below the respective second threshold, a permissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance fan 14 is operated during active combustion at an increased nominal fan speed being larger than the regular nominal fan speed. If the air flow resistance is above the respective second threshold, an impermissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance gas burner appliance - Alternatively, the air mass flow or the pressure difference is compared with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold. If the air mass flow or the pressure difference is above the respective first threshold, a regular air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance fan 14 is operated during active combustion at a regular nominal fan speed depending from the nominal burner load or heat demand. If the air mass flow or the pressure difference is below the respective first threshold and above the respective second threshold, a permissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance fan 14 is operated during active combustion at an increased nominal fan speed being larger than the regular nominal fan speed. If the mass flow or the pressure difference is below the respective second threshold, an impermissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance gas burner appliance - The increased nominal fan speed of the
fan 14 may be determined on basis of a difference between the air flow resistance or the pressure difference or the air mass flow and the respective first threshold. This may be done on basis of a characteristic map or characteristic curve. - This provides a safe and improved operation the
gas burner appliance gas burner appliance - A reference value for the air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance gas burner appliance gas burner appliance gas burner appliance gas burner appliance 10 may be determined and thefan 14 may be operated at a regular nominal fan speed during active combustion. If the difference between the air flow resistance and the reference value is above the respective first threshold and below a respective second threshold, a permissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance fan 14 may be operated at an increased nominal fan speed during active combustion. If the difference between the air flow resistance and the reference value is above the respective second threshold, an impermissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance gas burner appliance gas burner appliance - The increased nominal fan speed of the
fan 14 may be determined on basis of a deviation between the difference between the air flow resistance and the reference value and the respective first threshold. This may be done on basis of a characteristic map or characteristic curve. - Further, the air flow resistance determined before combustion becomes started in connection with a burner start may be compared with a factory provided reference value. If a difference between the air flow resistance and the factory provided reference value is below a respective first threshold, a regular air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance 10 may be determined and thefan 14 may be operated at a regular nominal fan speed during active combustion. If the difference between the air flow resistance and the factory provided reference value is above the respective first threshold and below a respective second threshold, a permissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance fan 14 may be operated at an increased nominal fan speed during active combustion. If the difference between the air flow resistance and the factory provided reference value is above the respective second threshold, an impermissible increased air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance gas burner appliance gas burner appliance - As mentioned above, if a permissible increased air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance fan 14 may be operated at an increased nominal fan speed during active combustion. This allows to compensate power variations of thegas burner appliance FIGS. 1 to 3 . Such a siphon may be assigned to thecombustion chamber 11 orexhaust pipe 29. - The inventions also related to the
controller 26 of agas burner appliance gas burner appliance controller 26 is configured to determine the air flow resistance of thegas burner appliance - The
controller 26 is configured to execute at least the following steps before combustion becomes started in connection with a burner start: - Receive a first absolute pressure from the
absolute pressure sensor 21 measured when the gassafety valve unit 19 is closed and when thefan 14 is stopped. - Receive a second absolute pressure from the
absolute pressure sensor 21 measured when the gassafety valve unit 19 is closed and when thefan 14 is running. - Determine a pressure difference between the first absolute pressure and the second absolute pressure.
- Determine on basis of the pressure difference the air flow resistance of the
gas burner appliance -
-
- 10 gas burner appliance
- 10′ gas burner appliance
- 10″ gas burner appliance
- 11 combustion chamber
- 12 flame
- 13 flame ionization sensor
- 14 fan
- 15 air duct
- 16 gas duct
- 17 gas armature
- 18 gas flow modulator
- 19 safety gas valve
- 20 sieve
- 21 air pressure and air temperature sensor
- 22 coil
- 23 motor
- 24 coil
- 25 mixer
- 26 controller
- 27 electric or electronic sensor
- 28 gas flow regulator
- 28 a pneumatic controller
- 28 b gas regulation valve
- 29 exhaust pipe
Claims (16)
1. A method for operating a gas burner appliance, the gas burner appliance comprising:
a combustion chamber in which a defined gas/air mixture is combusted after combustion has been started in connection with a burner start,
a mixing device to provide the gas/air mixture by mixing an air flow provided by an air duct with a gas flow provided by a gas duct,
a fan to provide the air flow or the flow of the gas/air mixture, wherein a fan speed of the fan depends on a burner-load of the gas burner appliance,
a gas safety valve unit assigned to the gas duct to open or close the gas duct,
a gas flow modulator or a gas flow regulator assigned to the gas duct to keep a mixing ratio of gas and air of the defined gas/air mixture constant over the modulation range of the gas burner appliance,
an absolute pressure sensor positioned between the gas safety valve unit and the mixing device,
wherein the gas burner appliance is operated to determine the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance by executing the following steps before combustion becomes started in connection with a burner start:
measuring a first absolute pressure by the absolute pressure sensor is closed and when the fan is stopped,
measuring a second absolute pressure by the absolute pressure sensor when the gas safety valve unit is closed and when the fan is running,
determining a pressure difference between the first absolute pressure and the second absolute pressure,
determining on basis of the pressure difference the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined from the pressure difference on basis of a characteristic map or characteristic curve.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
comparing the air flow resistance or the pressure difference with at least one respective threshold,
adapting operation of the gas burner appliance for the combustion of the gas/air mixture on basis of the comparison.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
measuring an ambient temperature,
determining from the first absolute pressure and the ambient temperature an air density,
determining from the air density and the pressure difference an air mass flow.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance is determined from the air mass flow preferably on basis of a characteristic map or characteristic curve.
6. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:
comparing the air mass flow with at least one respective threshold,
adapting operation of the gas burner appliance for the combustion of the gas/air mixture on basis of the comparison.
7. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:
comparing the air flow resistance with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold, wherein:
in response to the air flow resistance being below the respective first threshold, determining a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at a regular nominal fan speed,
in response to the air flow resistance being above the respective first threshold and below the respective second threshold, determining a permissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at an increased nominal fan speed,
in response to the air flow resistance being above the respective second threshold, determining an impermissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and generating a warning message and/or stopping operation of the gas burner appliance.
8. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:
comparing the pressure difference with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold, wherein:
in response to the pressure difference being above the respective first thresh old, determining a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at a regular nominal fan speed,
in response to the pressure difference being below the respective first threshold and above the respective second threshold, determining a permissible increased airflow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at an increased nominal fan speed,
in response to the pressure difference being below the respective second threshold, determining an impermissible increased airflow resistance of the gas burner appliance and generating a warning message and/or stopping operation of the gas burner appliance.
9. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:
comparing the air mass flow with a respective first threshold and a respective second threshold, wherein:
in response to the air mass flow being above the respective first threshold, determining a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at a regular nominal fan speed,
in response to the air mass flow being below the respective first threshold and above the respective second threshold, determining a permissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at an increased nominal fan speed,
in response to the mass flow being below the respective second threshold, determining an impermissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and generating a warning message and/or stopping operation of the gas burner appliance.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
determining a reference value for the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance by determining the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance immediately after installation of the gas burner appliance in the field or during an initial operation of the gas burner appliance,
comparing an air flow resistance determined before combustion becomes started in connection with a burner start with the reference value, wherein:
in response to a difference between the air flow resistance and the reference value being below a respective first threshold, determining a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance at a regular nominal fan speed,
in response to the difference between the air flow resistance and the reference value being above the respective first threshold and below a respective second threshold, determining a permissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance at an increased nominal fan at an increased nominal fan speed,
in response to the difference between the air flow resistance and the reference value being above the respective second threshold, determining an impermissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and generating warning message and/or stopping operation of the gas burner appliance.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
comparing the air flow resistance determined before combustion becomes started in connection with a burner start with a factory provided reference value, wherein:
in response to a difference between the air flow resistance and the factory provided reference value i-s-being below a respective first threshold, deter mining a regular air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at a regular nominal fan speed,
in response to the difference between the airflow resistance and the factory provided reference value being above the respective first threshold and below a respective second threshold, determining a permissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and operating the fan at an increased nominal fan speed,
in response to the difference between the airflow resistance and the factory provided reference value being above the respective second threshold, determining an impermissible increased air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance and generating warning message and/or stopping operation of the gas burner appliance.
12. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:
bounding the increased nominal fan speed by a maximum fan speed preferably to prevent a blown free siphon.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
after combustion has been started, the defined mixing ratio of gas and air or a l-value is controlled over the modulation range of the gas burner appliance using a pneumatic gas flow regulator.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
after combustion has been started, the defined mixing ratio of gas and air or a l-value is controlled over the modulation range of the gas burner appliance using an electric gas flow modulator.
15. A controller for a gas burner appliance wherein the controller is configured to operate the gas burner appliance according to the method of claim 1 .
16. A gas burner appliance comprising the controller of claim 15 , wherein:
the controller is configured to determine an air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance by executing the following steps before combustion becomes started in connection with a burner start:
receive a first absolute pressure from an absolute pressure sensor of the gas burner appliance measured when a gas safety valve unit of the gas burner appliance is closed and when a fan is stopped,
receive a second absolute pressure from the absolute pressure sensor measured when the gas safety valve unit is closed and when the fan is running,
determine a pressure difference between the first absolute pressure and the second absolute pressure,
determine on basis of the pressure difference the air flow resistance of the gas burner appliance.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21174098.0A EP4092325B1 (en) | 2021-05-17 | 2021-05-17 | Method and controller for operating a gas burner appliance |
EP21174098.0 | 2021-05-17 | ||
PCT/EP2022/062928 WO2022243160A1 (en) | 2021-05-17 | 2022-05-12 | Method and controller for operating a gas burner appliance and gas burner appliance |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240230084A1 true US20240230084A1 (en) | 2024-07-11 |
Family
ID=76076203
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/560,219 Pending US20240230084A1 (en) | 2021-05-17 | 2022-05-12 | Method and controller for operating a gas burner appliance and gas burner appliance |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240230084A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4092325B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022243160A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0644377B1 (en) | 1993-09-16 | 1996-10-23 | Honeywell B.V. | Control device for gas burners |
DE19824521B4 (en) | 1998-06-02 | 2004-12-23 | Honeywell B.V. | Control device for gas burners |
FR2818746B1 (en) * | 2000-12-26 | 2003-03-28 | Gaz De France | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EVALUATING THE WOBBE INDEX OF A COMBUSTIBLE GAS |
AT510002B1 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2012-01-15 | Vaillant Group Austria Gmbh | METHOD FOR REGULATING A GAS / AIR MIXTURE |
DE102010055567B4 (en) | 2010-12-21 | 2012-08-02 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for stabilizing a performance of a gas-fired burner |
US9846440B2 (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2017-12-19 | Honeywell International Inc. | Valve controller configured to estimate fuel comsumption |
EP2667097B1 (en) | 2012-05-24 | 2018-03-07 | Honeywell Technologies Sarl | Method for operating a gas burner |
EP2966354B1 (en) | 2014-07-08 | 2017-11-29 | Honeywell Technologies Sarl | Method for operating a gas burner |
JP2017116382A (en) * | 2015-12-24 | 2017-06-29 | 三浦工業株式会社 | Gas leak detector and gas leak detection method |
-
2021
- 2021-05-17 EP EP21174098.0A patent/EP4092325B1/en active Active
-
2022
- 2022-05-12 US US18/560,219 patent/US20240230084A1/en active Pending
- 2022-05-12 WO PCT/EP2022/062928 patent/WO2022243160A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4092325B1 (en) | 2023-12-20 |
WO2022243160A1 (en) | 2022-11-24 |
EP4092325A1 (en) | 2022-11-23 |
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