Abstract: This adaptive environment control system provides an HVAC control system that adapts to the continually-changing thermal characteristics of the building in which it operates. The adaptive environment control system periodically estimates the thermal characteristics of the building and uses these estimates to control the operation of the HVAC system. The adaptive environment control system also periodically measures the performance characteristics of the HVAC system to obtain data with which to update these thermal characteristic estimates. These thermal characteristic estimates enable the adaptive environment control system to determine both the length of time it takes the building to heat up and cool down when the HVAC system idles, as well as the amount of time it takes the HVAC system to heat or cool the building.

Abstract: A heating method and device for vehicles with limited power requirement, more particularly for light vehicles such as helicopters and light aircraft. For limiting the weight of the auxiliary airborne equipment, the invention provides at least partially heating of the cabin by reversal of the cooling cycle. For that a valve diverts coolant fluid to the evaporator for reheating the recirculation air of the cabin.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the combustion in a heater detects the temperature in a burner and selects a re-ignition mode for fuel dependent on the temperature in the burner. The apparatus controls an atomizing device which atomizes fuel in the selected re-ignition mode, and an igniting device which ignites the fuel atomized by the atomizing device.

Abstract: A heating system for an automobile comprising a circulation circuit for the coolant fluid of the engine of the vehicle, including a primary heating circuit connected to the engine and a secondary heating circuit including a heat exchanger positioned to heat the air to be transmitted into the passenger area of the vehicle and a heat generator separated from the primary heating circuit to accelerate the increase of the temperature of the fluid in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heating container apparatus is provided for supplying heated air into a heating container on a vehicle for heating or keeping warm the cargo in the heating container, including a burner with an atomizing glow plug and an ignition glow plug; a heat exchanger for recovering heat generated by the burner; an air blower device for circulating heated air; a temperature control device, and a voltage control device. The voltage control device is supplied with electric power from a commercial power feed line to produce a voltage equal to the voltage of a power supply mounted on the vehicle, thereby keeping the interior of the heating container warm even when the engine of the vehicle is stopped. The temperature control device keeps the temperature in the heating container in a suitable temperature range at all times.

Abstract: A heating apparatus, which is intended, particularly, for incorporation into a vehicle liquid heat exchange circuit has a control device, to which a liquid flow measuring device is connected. If the liquid flow measuring device detects that a predetermined liquid flow has been reached or exceeded, the control device of the heating apparatus can be put into operation as a function of other control variables. If, on the other hand, this predetermined liquid flow is not reached or exceeded, the control device, by its connection to the liquid flow measuring device, prevents turning on of the heating apparatus. As a result, the heating apparatus is turned on and delivers heat only if a heating requirement exists.

Abstract: A quick heatng burner for burning fuel is disposed in the intake pipe of a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, and a heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the burner. Heat generated by the heat exchanger is utilized to heat the interior of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Operation of the burner and the heat exchanger is monitored by an electronic controller, which generates an alarm and stops the burner and the heat exchanger when they fail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus equipped with upper and lower air mix doors and mode doors. In the present invention, the air flow volume distribution of the upper and lower blow ports is controlled continuously by regulating the opening degrees of the mode doors by one actuator controlled by instruction signal of a control device through a side link having cams corresponding to the number of the mode doors with respect to the outdoor temperature and quantity of solar radiation. The desired air discharge temperature is controlled by regulating the opening degrees of the upper and lower air mix doors by the instruction of the control device corresponding to the outdoor temperature and quantity of solar radiation.

Abstract: A process for operating a fuel-operated heater, in which the instantaneous operating condition of the heater is determined according to appropriate criteria and the maximum producible heating power is adjusted according to it. The instantaneous operating condition of the heater is used as the control value for instantaneous maximum producible heating power to optimize the yield of the heating power of the heater without exceeding safety limits, especially component safety limits. Further, an arrangement for performance the process has a detection device, such as a sensor for determination of a characteristic component temperature, which works together with an adjustment device for adjusting the instantaneous maximum producible heating power. This adjustment device controls the fuel feed device of the heater by an actuator and appropriately changes the amount of fuel fed to the burner of the heater. Additionally, the amount of combustion air fed to the burner can, optionally, be appropriately changed.

Abstract: In a vehicle heating system, heat exchange is made between a combustion gas generated by a burner of a heater and water by a heat exchanger of the heater and the hot water heated by the heat exchanger is sent into a cooling water heater unit of the vehicle for heating. The hot water for heating the vehicle can be obtained by change-over control of a change-over valve from the hot water of the heat exchanger or from the hot water of a radiator of an engine. Furthermore, the combustion gas generated by the burner is sent into an intake or exhaust pipe of the engine.

Abstract: A device controlling a heater or warmer on an automobile has a charger for charging, with an external commercial electric power supply, a battery which serves as a power supply for energizing an atomizing glow plug which heats and atomizes fuel, an igniting glow plug which ignites the fuel as atomized by the atomizing glow plug, and blowers. The device also has a driver for driving the blowers with electric power produced by rectifying the power from the commercial electric power supply. The glow plugs of a high power requirement are energized by the battery even while the automobile is at rest, and the battery is charged by the charger. The blowers are driven by electric power produced by rectifying the power from the commercial electric power supply.

Abstract: In a heating and air-conditioning installation for motor vehicles with a cooling-medium circulatory system for the engine and with a reversible refrigerant circulatory system adapted to be shifted from cooling to heating, a control device is provided which in dependence on the adjustments of the operating elements for defrosting and/or heating, automatically engages the heating operation of the refrigerant circulatory system at outside temperatures below or slightly above the freezing point and which upon reaching a sufficiently high temperature of the engine cooling-medium automatically shifts to heating operation exclusively by means of the cooling-medium circulatory system.

Abstract: An automatic air conditioning system for an automotive vehicle can operate in vent mode, bi-level mode or heater mode, the automatic selection of which is adjusted on the basis of air conditioning-influencing external conditions. The heat value required to adjust the room temperature in a vehicle cabin is derived in accordance with the air conditioning-influencing external conditions. The operation mode is selected depending upon the derived heat value. Changeover between heater, bilevel and vent modes is effected as a function of computed heat value and set-temperature.

Abstract: A control device which includes a heater core for heating the air, temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the air, air mix dampers for adjusting the volume of the air through passing the heater core, a water valve for adjusting the volume of the water which is used for cooling an automobile engine, an actuator for operating the air mix damper and the water valve and a control unit is disclosed. The control unit compares a desired position, and predetermined positions of an opening angle of the actuator with each other. The temperature of the air which is blown out from an automotive air conditioning system can thereby be controlled in accordance with the compared results.

Abstract: A blower controlling device for an automobile air-conditioning system includes an automatic speed changing controller for controlling the speed of a blower motor during an automatic speed changing mode. The automatic speed changing controller includes a plurality of relays for changing speed of the blower motor, and automatically changes speed of the blower motor by driving the relays based on a thermal load signal from the air-conditioning system. The speed control of the blower motor can be switched from the automatic speed changing control to a manual speed changing controller by a changeover switch. The blower controlling device further include a control device which controls the automatic speed changing controller so that the relays do not operate when the blower motor is switched to the manual speed changing controller. Thereby, the relays are prevented from operating and generating their operating sounds when the air-conditioning system is not in the automatic speed changing mode.

Abstract: Bulk cargo which is sensitive to condensate is confined in the cargo area of a seagoing or other vessel in such a way that it comes into direct contact with the walls surrounding the cargo area and is also in contact with moisture-laden air filling the remainder of such area. In order to prevent condensation of moisture on the walls surrounding the cargo area, the temperature of the walls as well as the temperature of air in the cargo area is maintained at a value such that the moisture cannot condense on the walls. This can be achieved by heating the confined air and/or the walls and/or by reducing the moisture content of confined air and/or by a combination of such undertakings.

Abstract: In a motorcar space heating system of the type having a heat pipe comprising a heat absorbing element for receiving heat from the exhaust gas of the motorcar engine and a heat discharging element for heating air flowing into a car interior space to be heated, the heat pipe is separated, at an intermediate heat exchanger installed in a working fluid passage connecting the heat absorbing and discharging elements, into a heat absorbing section and a heat discharging section. The working fluids within these two sections are therefore not intermingled with each other. A pipe extends from the intermediate heat exchanger so as to be communicative at one end thereof with the heat absorbing section. The other end of the pipe extends into a working fluid reservoir tank.

Abstract: A vehicle heater device for a motor vehicle has a burner for combusting fuel and a heat exchanger for heating warming air to be introduced into a passenger compartment with a combustion gas produced by the burner. The heater device also has a timer for setting an operation starting time and an operation time period for the heater device. If the remaining capacity of a battery used as a power supply for the heater device and the amount of remaining fuel to be supplied to the burner are equal to or greater than prescribed levels, the heater device is operated at the time set by the timer.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an air conditioner for automobiles comprises: means for calculating a room temperature difference signal; means for calculating a reference blowout temperature; means for correcting the reference blowout temperature, thereby calculating a target blowout temperature; and means for controlling the heat exchanger such that the difference between the target blowout temperature and the actual blowout temperature becomes zero. This control apparatus can always maintain and manage the blowout air temperature at which the passenger can feel most comfortable for various ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: A regulating device of a heating system having a divided heat exchanger is provided in which the duration of opening of the throttle valves is determined in dependence of the number of throttle valves simultaneously opened and in accordance with the heat requirement. As a result, temperature fluctuations are avoided when different heat requirements exist.

Abstract: A controller for a heater has two switch circuits for controlling the supply of electric power to an atomizing glow plug for atomizing fuel and an ignition glow plug for igniting atomized fuel, the glow plugs being connected parallel to each other. One of the switch circuits includes a series-connected resistor for producing a voltage drop thereacross. During an inital period of operation of the heater, the first switch circuit free of the series-connected resistor is turned on to heat the glow plugs quickly up to respective prescribed temperatures for atomizing and igniting the fuel. Upon elapse of a predetermined period of time, during which the prescribed temperatures are reached, the first switch circuit is turned off and the second switch circuit with the series-connected resistor is turned on to keep the glow plugs at the prescribed temperatures without further heating them.

Abstract: The operational temperature TP is determined as a function of the compartment temperature Tr. The blower speed is controlled along the characteristic line, the slope of which varies with the operational temperature TP. When the temperature of engine cooling water reaches a predetermined temperature, the speed of the blower is increased along the slope corresponding to the compartment temperature Tr. When the operational temperature TP is at least the predetermined temperature Tl, the speed of the blower is controlled as a function of time so that any violent increase in the blower speed may be prevented.

Abstract: A heating device, particularly an auxiliary vehicle heating device, in which there are disposed, a first temperature sensor at the inlet, and a second temperature sensor at the outlet of the heating device. The outputs of the two temperature sensors are connected with a circuit, so that the operating condition of the heat exchanger of the heating device can be constantly monitored. For the purpose of early detection of a tendency towards overheating of the heating device, appropriately, the temperature differential between the two temperature sensors is determined, and, based upon a predetermined threshold value, the heating device is turned off, if necessary, in order to prevent resultant damage. The outputs of the temperature sensors can also be integrated with a control unit for the performance of control functions and, based upon different switch points, control operation of the vehicle blower, the heating output, and/or the heat exchanger temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle heater, which contains a heating circuit, connected to an engine coolant circuit, with an auxiliary heating apparatus that is operable independent of the engine and a vehicle heat exchanger installed downstream from the heating apparatus. This heat exchanger, for example, radiates heat to the vehicle interior. With such a vehicle heater, in addition to a built-in temperature sensor, which detects the temperature of a heat exchange medium in the heating apparatus, another temperature sensor is provided, which detects the temperature in the output area of the vehicle heat exchanger. The temperature values detected with the two temperature sensors are then compared and a temperature difference value determined, which serves as characteristic magnitude for indicating the existance a heat requirement.

Abstract: An apparatus particularly adapted to installation in large railroad diesels or other large diesel applications which provides heated coolant for circulation in the large engine during shutdown or layover periods, also providing heat for accessories and electrical charge for batteries. Main engine fuel supply is used to run a small diesel engine which drives an inverter and a centrifugal pump, the discharge of which is severely stifled or throttled, the inefficiency of the pumping action converting much of the energy of the pump into heat absorbed in the coolant which is then pumped through the regular cooling lines in reverse flow, and to accessories as desired.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a burner on a motor vehicle energizes a heater of a fuel atomizer for heating and atomizing fuel, when fuel supply to the fuel atomizer is shut off and the speed of rotation of the engine on the motor vehicle is higher than a prescribed level, so that carbon deposits on and in the fuel atomizer will be burned out and removed.

Abstract: An auxiliary heater controller is provided for use with a liquid cooled engine which includes two fluid circuits. The first fluid circuit includes the engine, a heat exchanger with an air flow creating fan, a heater and a pump, while the second fluid circuit shunts the engine and includes only the heat exchanger, heater and the pump. A single two-way valve operates to direct fluid to either the first or the second fluid circuit, and a timer unit is provided which operates automatically at a preset time to cause fluid to flow in the first fluid circuit for a predetermined time period. The air flow creating fan is operated by a thermostat at low speed when the engine is not operating and is operated by a manually controlled variable speed control unit when the engine is operating.

Abstract: A furnace is operated such that the air-fuel ratio and the temperature rise are maintained constant so that the efficiency remains constant over the range of operation.

Abstract: A process for controlling heat output of a heating device, such as an auxiliary heating device for a vehicle, and a switching arrangement for performing such process. The governing value in controlling the heat output is the temperature gradient with respect to time during heating of a heat exchange medium between two temperature threshold values. The threshold values are empirically determined and prespecified. The operating condition of the heating device is regulated in dependence upon the slope of the temperature gradient which is determined, preferably, based upon the time for heat-up of the heat exchange medium. The heat-up time is measured with the aid of a timer, and the heating time thus measured is compared with predetermined, prespecified values therefor.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system which delivers air from upper and lower air outlets at independently controlled temperatures has a pressure responsive door interposed between an upper air mix chamber and a space near the outlet of a heater core or a lower air mix chamber. The pressure responsive door is adapted to allow or prevent air flow from the outlet of the heater core into the upper vent air mix chamber according to the pressure differential across the door. The pressure responsive door establishes one-way air flow from the heater core into the upper air mix chamber for temperature adjustment and prevents the air in the upper air mix chamber from affecting the temperature of air in the lower air mix chamber.

Abstract: A heat pipe provided with a vaporizable working fluid is utilized to transfer heat from exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe of an engine driving a vehicle to air flowing through an air duct to an interior space to be heated in the vehicle. The heat pipe has a loop return pipe for returning condensed fluid to a heat absorption part of the heat pipe and a control valve in the return pipe for controlling the flow of returning fluid, the control valve being controllable manually or automatically by a temperature control system including a sensor in the air duct, a control circuit, and a solenoid valve actuator.

Abstract: A heater system associated with an engine is described having a burner disposed on an air intake tube of the engine for burning fuel, and a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the burner. The combusted gas produced by burning the fuel in the burner is introduced into the heat exchanger in which a heating medium such as air or engine cooling water is heated by the heat of the combusted gas. If the heating medium is air, then heated air is delivered by a blower into a passenger compartment to warm the same. If the heating medium is engine cooling water, then it is delivered to a heater core to warm the passenger compartment. The burner has a heater for heating the fuel to vaporize the same and an igniter for igniting the vaporized fuel. The heat exchanger is connected to a tubing serving as a passage for the heating medium, and directional control valves are disposed in the tubing for guiding the heating medium to flow through the heat exchanger or bypassing the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for heating fluid by burning liquid fuel is disclosed. To heat fluid such as water, air or the like medium heat exchanging is effected between the combustion chamber in which liquid fuel is burnt with combustion air introduced therein and the fluid passage through which fluid to be heated flows. The apparatus includes means for controlling rotational speed of a single motor for rotating the fuel pump and the blower, means for controlling a flow rate of fuel to be pumped from the fuel pump, means for controlling a flow rate of combustion air and an electronic control unit into which a variety of parameters relative to the above-mentioned means are inputted. The parameters are processed in the electronic control unit to individually control the means for controlling rotational speed of the motor, the means for controlling a flow rate of fuel and the means for controlling a flow rate of combustion whereby heat exchanging therebetween is achieved without fluctuation in temperature of fluid.

Abstract: A cabin heating arrangement is associated with an evaporative type engine cooling system and arranged so that immediately after a cold engine start when the cooling circuit of the engine is completely filled with liquid coolant coolant is inducted from a first port located immediately adjacent the most highly heated structure of the engine and pumped through the core of the cabin heater. Upon the coolant temperature rising sufficiently, coolant vapor is inducted from a second port located above the first one and introduced into the heater core.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an improved passenger room heating system for use with a boiling liquid type engine cooling system. A coolant inlet tube of the heater core of the passenger room heater is connected to the coolant jacket of the engine through parallelly arranged two coolant outlet ports which are formed in the engine proper. One of the outlet ports is positioned above the other when the engine is properly mounted in a vehicle. A thermally operable valve is associated with the junction portion of the two outlet ports so that when the temperature of the coolant is higher than a predetermined degree, the upper outlet port is closed and the lower outlet port is opened, while, when the temperature of the coolant is lower than the predetermined degree, the upper outlet port is opened and the lower outlet port is closed.

Abstract: A unit for converting a fossil fuel burning furnace into an electrical furnace for utilization of electrical energy for heating, except under those periods of high energy usage during which the cost of electrical power is high, or during periods when extreme loads exist upon the electrical supply. During such times, a control system is provided to automatically revert the furnace to a fossil fuel burning operation. The unit includes an electrical heating device including a plurality of electrical heating elements arranged in a vertically staggered array for insertion into the ductwork of the fossil fuel burning forced air furnace, such that the elements are in close association to the plenum of the furnace and such that the fan or blower of the furnace provides air flow past such elements.

Abstract: A heat-exchanging system for an enclosed space having wall-forming members, pipes provided on said members, and being adapted for discharging water for flow along the surfaces of the same, a source of water, a pump connecting said source and said pipes, ducts for returning water to said source, and a temperature sensor controlling the operation of said pump whereby said members serve as a heat exchanger for both heating and cooling purposes in response to predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: An air conditioning device for a vehicle controls temperature of a vehicle cabin by ON-OFF control of a hot water valve provided in a pipe connected between a hot water coil and the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicular seat, comprising a seat formed of a support frame and an air-pervious cushioning member resting on said support frame and provided within said cushioning member with an electric heater and in the lower part of said cushioning member with air supply means serving to pass air to said air-pervious cushioning member, an air conditioner, an air duct interconnecting said air conditioner and said air supply means, means for feeding electric power to said electric heater until the temperature of said cushioning member of said seat reaches a first preset level, and valve means capable of closing said air duct when the temperature of said cushioning member reaches a second preset level higher than said first preset level and opening said air duct when the temperature of said cushioning member falls below said second preset level.

Abstract: In a temperature control system having a heating element and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature generated by the heating element and providing signals effective to control electric energy to be supplied to the heating element, both the heating element and the temperature sensor are implemented with a single element structure for example a power transistor, which is enabled as a heating element during a first period of time and as a temperature sensor during a second period of time. Thus, the heating/temperature sensing element is enabled on a time-shared basis, compensating for heat resistance incurred during transmission of heat from the heating element to the temperature detecting element. Such a temperature control is useful with precision devices such as an ink jet printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioner of the which can create air flows at different temperatures into the compartment. The air-blowing mode of the air conditioner is changed based upon a sensed condition of ambient temperature.

Abstract: The blower of an air conditioner is either (a) rotated at an ultra low speed until a first predetermined air temperature is sensed in the duct in which the blower is disposed, or (b) is temporarily disabled until a minimal engine coolant temperature is sensed, whereafter in both cases the rotational speed of the blower is stepped up a little to a still "low" level and held at this level until the temperature of the air discharged from the duct has risen to a second predetermined temperature. Subsequently the rotational speed of the blower is increased at a suitable rate until a maximum rotational level is reached.

Abstract: The invention is an all electric environmental control system. The primary power for the system is provided in a first embodiment by a compressor (C.sub.1) driven by an electric motor (14). The system includes the primary heat exchanger (16), an expansion cooling system (20), and a water separator (26). The electric motor (14) may be utilized in another embodiment to drive a compressor (23) within the expansion cooling system (20'). A vapor-cycle cooling system including the freon-compressor (34), the condenser (36) and the evaporator (38) may optionally replace the expansion cooling system (20). To compensate for pressure variations during flight, the electric motor (32) is mounted to a planetary gearbox (44) with a "makeup"/"subtract" differential electric motor (42) such that the compressor (C.sub.1) is run at the desired speed. The compressor (C.sub.

Abstract: A heating device fed with free-flowing fuel and connected to an on-board voltage source, in particular, a vehicle heater. The heating device is equipped with a burner assembly which has a fuel supply, a combustion air fan and a heating element which ignites a fuel/air mixture after a preheating phase. During the preheating phase, the combustion fuel fan is shut off or at least is operated at less than the operating blower output. There is also a switching device which automatically turns on or switches the combustion air fan to its operating blower output after a preheating phase has been completed. The switching device is designed as a voltage-dependent time-function element, which presets a preheating time dependent upon the magnitude of the on-board voltage and which decreases the preheating time as the on-board voltage increases.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing, in a vehicle ventilating and temperature-regulating system, automatic regulation of flaps for adjusting the temperature of and distributing ventilation air to the vehicle interior. In the system, a ventilation unit has at least one regulatable warm air flap for a heat exchanger mounted in the unit and at least one regulatable air distributor flap for distributing ventilation air to outlets opening out in the vehicle interior. The respective regulatory movements of the flaps are synchronized and made infinitely variable by means of servo means controlled by an electronic unit which receives signals from temperature transducers and, after comparison with signals representing actual and desired interior temperatures, transmits output signals to the servo means for regulating the relative settings of the flaps.

Abstract: A desired temperature within the passenger compartment (10) of a motor vehicle is selected by occupant movement of a control lever (80) for a variable resistor (VR2). The temperature of conditioning air being supplied to the compartment is measured by a thermister (72). The two temperatures are electronically compared. If the measured temperature is higher than the selected temperature, a solenoid (62) is energized which moves a control valve (48) in a position allowing passage of pressurized air into an air cylinder (26). The air cylinder (26) functions to close a valve (22) in a water line (18, 20) which extends from the engine cooling system to a heat exchanger (24) located within the conditioning air duct (12). When the temperature of the conditioning air falls below the selected temperature level, the solenoid (62) is de-energized and a spring (54) moves the control valve (58) into a position in which it blocks flow of compressed air to the air cylinder (26) and vents the air cylinder to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved auxiliary circulation system for vehicle heaters in which the engine coolant is circulated through the vehicle heater after the engine is shut off. The improved system includes a voltage monitor coupled between the power source and an auxiliary electric pump to monitor the voltage of the power source and prevent the system from being actuated unless the power source voltage exceeds a predetermined level and to open the circuit between the power source and the pump when the power source voltage drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A motor vehicle provided with a combustion engine, an alternator, a battery and a heating installation for the passenger cabin has a heating unit which comprises a heating circuit and a heating exchanger fed by the heating liquid for the heating of air. The alternator is liquid cooled and has a rotor and chambers adapted to receive cooling liquid and is switchable into the heating circuit; and the alternator has filed coils adapted to be short circuited. In this fashion the alternator is switchable as an eddy current brake. Furthermore, the alternator may be a liquid cooled alternator asynchronous generator, whereby its chambers which are cooled by the cooling liquid are switched to the heating circuit.

Abstract: The heat exchanger of the temperature control system for a vehicle passenger compartment exchanges heat with air entering the passenger compartment. The flow of heat-exchange medium through the heat exchanger is controllable for controlling passenger-compartment temperature. A servo comparator receives and compares a temperature command signal and a feedback signal and produces an error signal which operates an actuator which in turn actuates an adjuster for fluid flow through the heat exchanger. The command signal is derived from a command transducer whose setting is adjustable by a passenger. The feedback signal is derived from a passenger-compartment temperature sensor but additionally, in order to avoid system instability, is furthermore derived from a heat-exchanger temperature sensor. In particular, the feedback signal includes a component whose value is determined by the rate of change with respect to time of the temperature sensed by the heat-exchanger temperature sensor.

Abstract: In order to provide a controller which is readily adaptable for use with a plurality of different heaters, an arrangement is provided for storing a plurality of control and regulation programs for the operation of a plurality of different heaters. Based on selection instructions identifying a particular heater, an appropriate control and regulation program can be selected from among said plurality of programs. The controller then provides suitable control and regulation signals to said heater in accordance with the selected program.