By Combustion Or Combustion Zone Sensor Patents (Class 431/75)
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Publication number: 20120058438Abstract: Methods and devices for optimizing combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber of a power plant are provided. A real concentration distribution of a material and/or a real temperature distribution in the combustion chamber is measured in at least one dimension. The real concentration distribution and/or temperature distribution is evaluated and a combustion of fuel is controlled such that a symmetric concentration distribution and/or temperature distribution in the at least one dimension arises. During the evaluation at least one characteristic of the symmetry of the real concentration distribution and/or temperature distribution is determined, and during the controlling at least one control parameter is changed depending on the at least one characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Bernhard Meerbeck, Rainer Speh
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Patent number: 8128003Abstract: The invention concerns a burner, particularly an auxiliary burner in a motor vehicle and most especially a burner to rapidly heat up a three way catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with a fuel supply mechanism to deliver fuel to the burner, an air supply mechanism to deliver air to the burner, as well as with an open-loop or closed-loop control mechanism to set a desired fuel-air-ratio in the burner. The invention additionally concerns a procedure to operate such a burner. Provision is made, that the open-loop or closed-loop mechanism adjusts the fuel mass delivered from the fuel supply mechanism to the burner to the air mass delivered from the air supply mechanism to the burner.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosh GmbHInventor: Alexander Schenck Zu Schweinsberg
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Publication number: 20120052450Abstract: A control system, and method for using the same, for controlling a boiler having a furnace is provided. The system includes at least one camera positioned in visual communication with a combustion chamber in a furnace. The camera is in communication with a controller and is operable to transmit signals indicative of a parameter of a flame within the furnace. Based at least in part on the received signals, the controller generates control adjustments for one or more of the boiler components. The control adjustments are communicated to the boiler components, which in turn are adjusted to optimize the performance of the boiler and reduce pollution.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Xinsheng Lou, Abhinaya Joshi, Carl H. Neuschaefer
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Patent number: 8123518Abstract: A modulating furnace having a variable rate burner and a controller is operated at a first burner firing rate for a first period of time, and a higher burner firing rate once the first period of time has expired. In some instances, the burner may be operated only while the controller is receiving a call for heat from a thermostat or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Nordberg, Brent Chiain, Michael W. Schultz, Douglas D. Bird
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Publication number: 20120037096Abstract: A combustion apparatus includes combustion means generating combustion exhaust by combustion of fuel, heat exchange means exchanging heat of the combustion exhaust, and exhaust dilution unit supplying dilution air after the heat exchange by the heat exchange means and diluting the combustion exhaust after the heat exchange, and controls a temperature of the combustion exhaust after the heat exchange below a predetermined temperature by dilution by air supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TAKAGI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Akito Watanabe, Mituru Sano, Toshinobu Muku
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Patent number: 8109758Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a combustion state of a boiler, and more particularly to a boiler and a method capable of exactly detecting an abnormal combustion state of a gas boiler using an air pressure sensor and a flame detection unit, thereby improving efficiency of the boiler.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Kyungdong Network Co., Ltd.Inventor: Si Hwan Kim
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Patent number: 8066508Abstract: A signal generation system for flame ignition and sensing. The ignition signal generation is adaptive for improving flame ignition while eliminating excess energy usage. High voltage signals for flame sensing may also be provided. If more energy or speed is needed for ignition signal generation, then the flame sensing signal generation portion may be disabled to increase the amount of available energy. Adaptation for ignition signal generation may be guided by the results of flame sensing. The flame sensing voltage may be regulated based on the flame current strength. The flame current may be controlled within an optimum range to reduce rod contamination rate and yet provide reliable flame sensing when the rod contamination built up. The adaptation may be algorithmic-based with the facilitation of a microcontroller. The system may provide the high voltage signals from a low voltage power supply, such as that of 24 VAC.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Nordberg, Brent Chian
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Patent number: 8052418Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an oil burning system, capable of burning various waste oils with high efficiency burn, reduced emissions, and without producing sludge within the system. Generally, the system operates by pressurizing liquid fuel to a high pressure and delivering the fuel through a two-stage filtration system, pre-heating the fuel, dispensing the fuel through a nozzle and igniting the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Energy Efficiency Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric LaVoie
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Patent number: 8011920Abstract: In certain embodiments, a valve assembly includes a housing. The housing can define a first fuel input and a second fuel input. The housing can further define a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path. The assembly can include a fluid flow controller configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the first fuel input and either the first flow path or the second flow path, and configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the second fuel input and either the third flow path or the fourth flow path. The assembly can further include a first nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the first flow path. The assembly can further include a second nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the second flow path.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: David Deng
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Patent number: 8011921Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a combustion state of a boiler, and more particularly to a boiler and a method capable of exactly detecting an abnormal combustion state of a gas boiler using an air pressure sensor and a flame detection unit, thereby improving efficiency of the boiler.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Kyungdong Network Co., Ltd.Inventor: Si-Hwan Kim
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Publication number: 20110195364Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to control of smoke suppressant flow rate to a flare that disposes of combustible gas, such as waste from refineries and chemical plants. One or more detectors produce signals that enable separate monitoring of both particulate emissions from the flare and combustion efficiency of the flare. Adjusting the flow rate of the smoke suppressant to the flare in response to such dual monitoring facilitates operation of the flare so as to manage environmental pollution caused by unburned volatile organic compounds and smoke emitted from the flare.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventor: Erin E. Tullos
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Patent number: 7952064Abstract: A method for processing and/or analyzing image information representing radiation in a spatially resolved manner using an optical system coupled to at least one detector includes the step of collecting said image information with said optical system using at least one micromechanical mirror moved such that the image information is scanned and coupled sequentially into the at least one detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventor: Ken Yves Haffner
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Patent number: 7950919Abstract: The invention includes method and apparatus for controlling the stability of a burner, preferably a low NOx burner, of a natural draft heater. The method includes measuring the draft over a time period and generating a measured output from which a draft function is determined that defines the relationship between the draft and time during the time period. A value for the burner stability is defined that is representative of a stable burner operation. The draft function is compared to the stable burner value to determine a differential value, and the operation of the fired heater is adjusted in response to the differential value. The apparatus includes means for measuring the draft over a time period and means for generating a measured output from which a draft function is determined that is proportional to the cyclic variation of the draft during the time period.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Gregory Lynn Johnson, William Larry Hamilton
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Publication number: 20110113993Abstract: A method of operating a furnace having process tubes and multiple burners where it is desired to conform the temperatures of the process tubes to selected target temperature criterion. The present method provides a systematic and quantitative approach to determine how to adjust burner flow rates to result in desired tube wall temperatures, for example to minimize the temperature deviation between tube wall temperatures at a predetermined elevation in the furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Ali Esmaili, William Robert Licht, Xianming Jimmy Li, Oliver J. Smith, IV
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Patent number: 7934926Abstract: An ejector, such as a venturi, facilitates the delivery of gaseous fuel to the combustion chamber of a burner. A blower forces air through the ejector, and the air flow produces a suction that draws fuel from a fuel inlet to produce a fuel-air mixture. The amount of fuel drawn from the fuel inlet is a function of the air flow such that a substantially constant fuel-air ratio is obtained over a range of air flow rates and temperatures without the need for a separate high-pressure fuel pump. The fuel-air mixture may be provided to a combustion chamber for combustion. Air from the blower may be pre-heated prior to entering the ejector, for example, using a heat exchanger that recovers some of the heat from the combusted fuel-air mixture. Air flow through the ejector may be conditioned, for example, by a swirler, to produce a tangential air flow that can increase fuel flow by increasing air velocity across the fuel inlet and/or produce a swirl-stabilized flame in the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Kurt L. Kornbluth, Michael G. Norris
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Patent number: 7931467Abstract: A method for determining an air ratio in a burner for a fuel cell heater having an ionization sensor in the range of the flame and which is fed with two different gases for combustion, one of said gases being obtained from a gas treatment, wherein a measurement signal of the ionization sensor is converted into an actual value for the air ratio depending on one or more variable of states of the gas treatment.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Baxi Innotech GmbHInventors: Lutz Schilling, Philipp Klose, Christian Hoffmann
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Patent number: 7927095Abstract: A time-varying voltage is applied to an electrode, or a pair of electrodes, of a sensor installed in a fuel nozzle disposed adjacent the combustion zone of a continuous combustion system, such as of the gas turbine engine type. The time-varying voltage induces a time-varying current in the flame which is measured and used to determine flame capacitance using AC electrical circuit analysis. Flame capacitance is used to accurately determine the position of the flame from the sensor and the fuel/air ratio. The fuel and/or air flow rate (s) is/are then adjusted to provide reduced flame instability problems such as flashback, combustion dynamics and lean blowout, as well as reduced emissions. The time-varying voltage may be an alternating voltage and the time-varying current may be an alternating current.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Benjamin T. Chorpening, Jimmy D. Thornton, E. David Huckaby, William Fincham
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Patent number: 7922481Abstract: The temperature generated by a firing apparatus, particularly a gas burner, depends on the mixing ratio between the quantity of air and the quantity of gas fed to the firing apparatus, characterized by the excess air coefficient ?, at a predefined burner load (air mass flow rate) in such a way that the temperature generated by the firing apparatus reaches a maximum when ?=1. According to the inventive method for adjusting the excess air coefficient, said maximum temperature Tmax is determined, whereupon the desired setpoint value ?hy of the excess air coefficient is adjusted and the associated setpoint temperature Tsoll is measured. A characteristic curve which represents the correlation between the respective air mass flow rates and the setpoint temperatures at the setpoint value ?hy of the excess air coefficient and allows combustion to be regulated to an optimal hygienic state can be determined from said determined correlation between the setpoint temperatures Tsoll at different predefined burner loads.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: EBM—Papst Landshut GmbHInventors: Martin Geiger, Ulrich Geiger, Rudolf Tungl
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Publication number: 20110061575Abstract: A system is provided that includes a combustion system having a plurality of jets; a spatial monitoring system with a plurality of sensors disposed in a spatial grid within or downstream from the combustion system; and a control system configured to adjust a forcing frequency of at least one fluid jet in the plurality of fluid jets in response to sensor feedback from the spatial monitoring system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: William Randall Seeker
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Patent number: 7891972Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a gas regulating fitting which, once a gas stove has been successfully started up, can switch the pilot burner into the off position when the main burner is in the off position, in order to maintain the power consumption of the gas stove as low as possible. The aim of the invention is also to provide the gas regulating fitting with as simple a structure as possible. To this end, the gas regulating fitting comprises a sensor (34) by which means the operating state of the main burner (33) can be detected. The sensor (34) is connected to a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) in such a way that, when the operating state of the main burner (33) is switched from the on position into the off position by a signal emitted from the sensor (34), the thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) assumes the closed position thereof. The gas regulating fitting can be used to ignite and to regulate a gas flow flowing to a burner.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jürgen Blank, Barbara Happe
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Publication number: 20110033808Abstract: A method is proposed for regulating a firing device taking into account the temperature and/or the burner load, in particular with a gas burner, comprising the regulation of the temperature (Tactual) produced by the firing device using a characteristic which shows a value range corresponding to a desired temperature (Tdesired) dependent upon a first parameter (mL,VL) corresponding to the burner load (Q), wherein when representing the characteristic, a second parameter, preferably the air ration (?), defined as the ratio of the actually supplied quantity of air to the quantity of air theoretically required for optimal stoichiometric combustion, is constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: ebm-papst Landshut GmbHInventors: Martin Geiger, Ulrich Geiger, Rudolf Tungl
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Publication number: 20110014578Abstract: In a method for operating and controlling/regulating a power station comprising a coal-fired steam generator (11), the steam generator (11) of which is rated for the steam parameters achievable by the heat transfer onto the steam mass flow upon coal firing in the steam generator (11) carried out using combustion air, a solution is to be created, which enables the operation of coal-fired power stations rated for air operation utilizing a firing of the fuel carried out according to the oxy-fuel process in the firing chamber of the steam generator of the coal-fired power station.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: Hitachi Power Eurpoe GmbHInventors: Andreas Rohde, Christian Bergins, Friedrich Klauke, Martin Ehmann, Thorsten Buddenberg, Bernd Vollmer, Thomas Krause, Alfred Gwosdz
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Publication number: 20100330516Abstract: A flame scanning device is provided for monitoring a flame. The device includes a radiation collection and transmission element for collecting flame radiation and transmitting it to detection elements, a flame sensor element for the detection of radiation and conversion of the detected radiation into electrical signals, and an evaluation unit for the conversion of the electrical signals into flame parameters. The flame sensor element can include at least two individual detectors each with an individual central detection wavelength and a width of observation window, respectively. The individual central detection wavelength and the width of observation window are not overlapping and are covering individual regions of interest of the spectrum of radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ABB Research LTDInventor: Ken Yves HAFFNER
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Publication number: 20100330512Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of preventing backflow of exhaust gas of a multiboiler that is composed of a plurality of boilers connected in a line, each of which includes a wind pressure sensor measuring wind pressure of air flowing into a combustion chamber and a controller controlling the number of revolutions of a fan supplying air into the combustion chamber on the basis of the wind pressure measured by the wind pressure sensor, and in which any one of the controllers is set as a master controller and the other controllers are set as slave controllers and the master controller and the slave controllers are connected by a communication line to communicate with each other, and the control method includes: measuring wind pressures of air flowing into the combustion chambers using the wind pressure sensors in the controller of boilers that are in operation; and calculating the average wind pressure of the boilers that are in operation in response to information about the wind pressures meType: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Si-Hwan Kim
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Publication number: 20100304316Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to a system and method for providing fuel having a desired calorie content to a combustion engine over a range of operating levels. The system mixes a first fuel from a first fuel supply pipe with a second fuel from a second fuel supply pipe at a mixing point to create a mixed fuel having a first calorie content. A control valve is located in the second fuel supply pipe upstream of the mixing point. A process system downstream of the mixing point processes the mixed fuel to create a processed mixed fuel having a second calorie content. A first control signal is reflective of the first calorie content of the mixed fuel. A second control signal is reflective of the second calorie content of the processed mixed fuel. A third control signal is reflective of the operating level of the combustion engine. A controller connected to the control valve operates the control valve based on the first, second, and third control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: FABIEN THIBAULT CODRON, MICHAEL JOHN MARIANI, ROBERT JOSEPH LOEVEN, II
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Publication number: 20100304317Abstract: In certain embodiments, a control valve assembly for gas heaters and gas fireplace devices includes a housing. The housing can define an inlet for accepting fuel from a fuel source, a first outlet for delivering fuel to an oxygen depletion sensor, and a second outlet for delivering fuel to a burner. The assembly can include a valve body configured to selectively provide fluid communication between the inlet and one or more of the first outlet and the second outlet, and can include an actuator configured to move the valve body relative to the housing. The actuator can be configured to transition between a resting state and a displaced state. The assembly can include an igniter that includes a sensor, the igniter electrically coupled with an electrode and configured to repeatedly activate the electrode when the sensor senses that the actuator is in the displaced state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: David Deng
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Publication number: 20100285414Abstract: A fuel supply device for generating mixed gas in which air and/or oxygen are mixed into fuel gas and supplying the mixed gas to a burning appliance comprises a flow rate control module disposed in a supply path of the fuel gas and flow rate control modules disposed in supply paths of the air and/or the oxygen. The flow rate control module includes a thermal mass flow rate sensor, a first calculator for calculating the thermal flow rate of the fuel gas from the output of the thermal mass flow rate sensor, a control computing unit for controlling the flow rate of the fuel gas via a flow rate regulating valve according to the calculated thermal flow rate, a second calculator for calculating the calculated calorific value per unit volume of the fuel gas, and a computing unit for computing the ratio of the calculated calorific value to the reference calorific value per unit volume of the fuel gas in a reference state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATIONInventor: Junichi Isetani
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Publication number: 20100255434Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a combustion state of a boiler, and more particularly to a boiler and a method capable of exactly detecting an abnormal combustion state of a gas boiler using an air pressure sensor and a flame detection unit, thereby improving efficiency of the boiler.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: KYUNGDONG NETWORK CO., LTD.Inventor: Si- Hwan Kim
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Patent number: 7806682Abstract: Contamination rate reduction for a flame detection or sensor arrangement using controlled but flexible flame sensor activation. A flame sensor of the subject application is subject to contamination which reduces the lifetime of the sensor. To reduce a contamination rate of the flame sensor, the sensor may be inactivated for certain periods of time when the necessity of flame detection does not appear significant for the use at hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Victor J. Cueva
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Publication number: 20100248170Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for controlling a gas-fired heater connected to a fuel source via a fuel source valve that includes one or more power sources, a temperature sensor, a pilotless igniter disposed within the gas-fired heater, a flame sensor disposed within the gas-fired heater and a controller electrically connected to the one or more power sources, the temperature sensor, the pilotless igniter, the flame sensor and the fuel source valve. The controller turns the pilotless igniter on for a first time period and opens the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that a temperature is less than or equal to a low temperature setting. The controller also closes the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that the temperature is greater than or equal to a high temperature setting or the flame sensor indicates that a flame has gone out.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: SURE FIRE PILOTLESS BURNER SYSTEMS LLCInventor: Ronnie Cook
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Patent number: 7789657Abstract: A pressure regulator having a housing that defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a reference pressure connector. A diaphragm is provided in the housing, where the diaphragm defines, at least in part, a reference pressure chamber. In some illustrative embodiments, the reference pressure connector fluidly references the reference pressure chamber to a first pressure via a first orifice, and to a second pressure via a second bleed orifice. A gas valve incorporating a pressure regulator is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James G. Buezis, Donald J. Kasprzyk
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Patent number: 7780437Abstract: A premix burner includes a vortex generator (30) for combustion air stream (15), devices (17, 17a, 17b, 31-38, 41-48) to inject fuel into the combustion air stream (15), and tangential air ducts (19, 20). The combustion air (15) enters the cone cavity (14) of the vortex generator (30) via the air ducts. The injection of the fuel into the combustion air is done asymmetrically by injection devices (17, 17a, 17b, 31-38, 41-48). At least one of the injection devices (5) is arranged on a fuel lance (3) that extends into the vortex chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventors: Stefano Bernero, Christian Joerg Matz, Martin Zajadatz, Christian Oliver Paschereit
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Patent number: 7758337Abstract: A burner device having a burner chamber (26) filled at least partially by a porous body (28), an evaporation zone (12) upstream of the burner chamber (26) for evaporating liquid fuel supplied via a fuel inlet line (16), an igniter (30) for igniting a combustion mixture of evaporated liquid fuel and combustion air supplied via a combustion air inlet line (18) to the evaporation zone (12) as well as an exhaust discharge (38) downstream of the combustion chamber (26). A mixing zone (20) is disposed between the evaporation zone (14) and the combustion chamber (26) in which fuel gas is introduced via a fuel gas inlet line (22, 24) and is mixed with the combustion air and/or the combustion mixture. The burner device can be used as an afterburner in a fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Enerday GmbHInventors: Stefan Kaeding, Jeremy Lawrence
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Publication number: 20100151397Abstract: Method of controlling the operation of a combustion device to provide safe and reliable operation while reducing NOx emission that includes providing a flow of fuel and diluent at a determined volume ratio to a flame in the combustion device; providing a flame stability sensor to generate a measurement of a characteristic of the flame, providing a flow measurement for each of the fuel and diluent, and controlling the determined volume ratio of fuel:diluent using the measurement from the flame stability sensor and/or flow measurements. A combustion system incorporating this method also is included.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ExxonMobile Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: John T. FARRELL, San CHHOTRAY, Gary T. DOBBS, Manuel S. ALVAREZ, Patrick D. SCHWEITZER
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Publication number: 20100112499Abstract: A sauna stove and a method to be used for producing heat needed for bathing, the sauna stove comprising one or more reception elements (2a, 2b) to be heated and a heat source powered by gas energy. The heat source of the stove is arranged to produce infrared heat radiation, whereby one or more reception elements (2a, 2b) are arranged close to the heat source to heat the reception elements with the infrared heat radiation produced by gas energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Esa Pönkänen
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Patent number: 7695273Abstract: A furnace system responsive to a thermostat includes a pollutant sensor for sensing a pollutant concentration in the furnace system. The pollutant sensor is configured to open when the pollutant concentration reaches a pollutant threshold and close when the pollutant concentration falls below the pollutant threshold. When the thermostat is calling for heat, a furnace controller monitors the pollutant sensor and disables the furnace system for a lockout period if a lockout criterion related to the pollutant sensor is met.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Daniel J. Dempsey
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Publication number: 20100081098Abstract: A precombustor system to be used in conjunction with an oxy-fuel burner employing recycled flue gas is disclosed. A method of introducing streams into the precombustor to achieve desired improvements in flame properties is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Mark Daniel D'Agostini, Reed Jacob Hendershot, Aleksandar Georgi Slavejkov, Xiaoyi He
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Publication number: 20100050653Abstract: A combustor system including a combustion chamber and at least one burner connected to the combustion chamber is provided. The combustion chamber includes a flow entrance which connects the burner to the combustion chamber, a flow exit through which combustion gases exit the combustion chamber, a chamber volume which extends between the flow entrance and the flow exit, and an inner chamber wall separating a cooling fluid channel from the chamber volume. A fuel supply line is present in the cooling fluid channel for supplying fuel to the cooling fluid. A method for reducing combustion instability and/or emissions of a combustor system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Kam-Kei Lam
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Publication number: 20100015559Abstract: A micro pilot for a gas hot water heater is provided. The micro pilot provides a flame that is substantially smaller than a typical pilot in a hot water heater during standby operation of the burner. Just prior to allowing gas to flow to the burner upon a call for heat, a pilot flame of sufficient size to ensure ignition of the burner is provided. In one embodiment this larger pilot flame is produced by providing an additional amount of bleed gas to the pilot to increase flame size. In another embodiment, bleed gas is provided to a separate booster pilot, which is ignited by the micro pilot. The flame from the booster pilot is then used to ignite the main burner. This design allows for the micro pilot to be positioned closer to the flame trap of a flammable vapor resistant hot water heater to ensure smooth ignition of any such vapor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: INVENSYS CONTROLS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.Inventors: Geoffrey Mervyn Whitford, Brendon John Ruwoldt
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Publication number: 20090308331Abstract: A combustion system and method for operating a combustion system, such as a furnace or boiler. The method includes providing a burner system having one or more burner elements configured to combust solid fuel and one or more oxygen providing devices configured to introduce oxygen into the near burner zone of one or more burner flames. A sensor is provided and arranged and disposed to measure a flame parameter in the near burner zone of the burner flame associated with one or more the burner elements. The flame parameter is measured with the sensor and an oxygen flow is determined in response to the measured flame parameter. Oxygen flow is introduced to one or more locations in the combustion system with the one or more oxygen providing devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Mark Daniel D'Agostini, Jeffrey William Kloosterman, Kevin Boyle Fogash
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Publication number: 20090305098Abstract: There is provided a combustion apparatus including a gas supply path 1 for supplying a combustible gas, a burner main body 4 for combusting the combustible gas supplied from the gas supply path 1, a cabinet 8 provided to cover the burner main body 4, and a gas cutoff valve 2 provided on the gas supply path 1 on an upstream side of the burner main body 4 and arranged at the outside of the cabinet 8, wherein the burner main body 4 is spacially isolated from the gas cutoff valve 2.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Hideo Ohara, Masataka Ozeki
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Patent number: 7568909Abstract: A battery powered ignition and control system for a gas burner includes circuits for controlling a pilot burner, a main burner, a flame sensor and an igniter. Mechanically latched valves, which require power only to switch between and open and closed state are used to control the pilot and main gas. The circuitry spends a majority of time in a powered down state and draws power only when required to interrogate the state of the flame and to perform an ignition sequence as required, as periodically dictated by a watchdog system. The latching valves are electrically pulsed to change state and thus draw very low average power when called upon. Lithium batteries provide system power for a long duration.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Platinum Energy Services Corp.Inventors: Rob MacNutt, Gary Gunthorpe
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Publication number: 20090170043Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for preparation of a fuel for combustion including a burner, a combustion chamber associated with the burner and in which combustion of a fuel is to take place in use of the arrangement as well as means for supplying liquid fuel to the arrangement through an internal passage in the burner for said combustion, solid portions of the burner body being heated by said combustion in use of the arrangement, wherein said internal passage is located inside said solid portions of the burner body for receiving heat energy evaporating said fuel from these body portions, and that it comprises means for conveying vaporized fuel to the combustion chamber to take part in the combustion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2006Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Ulf Nilsson, Peter Senior
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Patent number: 7553152Abstract: An electronic circuit for generating a trapezoidal excitation waveform includes a controllable frequency source and a trapezoidal waveform generator. The controllable frequency source generates a source waveform that, upon energization thereof, has an initial frequency value, and decreases in frequency to a substantially constant frequency value a time period after energization. The trapezoidal waveform generator receives the source waveform and, in response, generates a trapezoidal waveform at least when the source waveform frequency attains the substantially constant frequency value.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Mark F. Merry, Jeff D. Miller, Frank J. Madison
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Publication number: 20090092937Abstract: An electronic gas control apparatus including a variable flow valve, an igniter, a flame sensor, and an electronic controller is provided. The valve has a flow range that equals or exceeds a required flow range for any one of the types of gas suitably combusted by the burner. The electronic controller is operably coupled to each of the valve, the igniter, and the sensor. The electronic controller is configured to activate the igniter, to receive a flame status signal from the sensor, and to recognize a position of the valve when the flame status signal indicates a flame at the burner. As such, the electronic controller is calibrated for the gas, line-pressure, jet and burner configuration being used.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Andrew Crnkovich, Konstantin A. Shukhmin, Rana J. Waitai, Andrew J. Palmer
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Patent number: 7497386Abstract: An apparatus for operating a gas valve in a gas-fired heating system includes a solenoid having a pick coil and a hold coil connected to the pick coil and to a thermo-generator. A power supply powers the pick coil to open the gas valve. The thermo-generator powers the hold coil to hold the gas valve open. The apparatus is small and inexpensive compared to systems that use DC-DC converters and/or stepper motors to operate a millivolt valve. A millivolt valve can be operated via power from a heater thermostat, without AC power having to be wired to the heater.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Donald E. Donnelly, Thomas J. Fredricks
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Patent number: 7492269Abstract: Techniques for monitoring operation of a flame ignitor are provided. In one embodiment, multiple inputs are received. The inputs are received from at least one of a first group of inputs and a second group of inputs. The first group includes a flame rod voltage, a stop signal for deactivation of the flame ignitor, a fuel supply interruption signal, and an air supply interruption signal. The second group includes a start signal for activation of the flame ignitor, and a flame proven signal indicating presence of a flame produced by the flame ignitor. If inputs from the first group are received, a cause of a failure of the flame ignitor is determined. If inputs from the second group are received, a reliability of the flame ignitor is determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: David J. Matteson, Michel J. Sequin, Rebecca L. Tobiasz, James P. Sutton
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Patent number: 7484955Abstract: Methods for cyclone boiler flame diagnostics and control, including methods for monitoring the operating state of a cyclone furnace using linear and nonlinear signal analysis techniques, including temporal irreversibility and symbol sequence. Adjustments may be made in the air flow distribution to optimize performance. Signals for the main flame and lighter scanners are relatively independent, thereby allowing for independent control of the primary air flow to the burner and secondary air flow to the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Flynn, Ralph T. Bailey, Timothy A. Fuller, Charles E. A. Finney, C. Stuart Daw
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Publication number: 20090017404Abstract: In a stove (100) with a burner area (102), a burner (104) within the burner area (102), and either a gas supply line (144a) or an electrical line (144b), the system monitors conditions in or around the burner area (102), the burner (104) within the burner area (102), or the space around the stove. If an unsafe condition is detected, such as an unattended burner condition or an open burner condition, the system makes a safety determination regarding whether or not to activate an alarm or shut off the gas supply line or electrical line.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: INNOVENT, LLCInventors: Michael L. White, Roger Barranco
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Publication number: 20080318172Abstract: A method is proposed for regulating a firing device taking into account the temperature and/or the burner load, in particular with a gas burner, comprising the regulation of the temperature (Tactual) produced by the firing device using a characteristic which shows a value range corresponding to a desired temperature (Tdesired) dependent upon a first parameter (mL, VL) corresponding to the burner load (Q), wherein when representing the characteristic, a second parameter, preferably the air ratio (?), defined as the ratio of the actually supplied quantity of air to the quantity of air theoretically required for optimal stoichiometric combustion, is constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2005Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: EBM-PAPST LANDSHUT GmbHInventors: Martin Geiger, Ulrich Geiger, Rudolf Tungl