Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control system that includes at least a gas appliance; a repeater, and a remote control device. The gas appliance is connected to the repeater through a Zigbee transmission, and the remote control device is connected to the repeater through a network (internet or telecommunication network). User inputs a command at the remote control device, and the remote control device transmits the command to the repeater through the network, and then the repeater will control the gas appliance according to the command. The gas appliance is provided with sensors to detect data in regards to the gas appliance. The data is transmitted to the remote control device and shown on a screen through the repeater and the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control system that includes at least a gas appliance; a repeater, and a remote control device. The gas appliance is connected to the repeater through a Zigbee transmission, and the remote control device is connected to the repeater through a network (internet or telecommunication network). User inputs a command at the remote control device, and the remote control device transmits the command to the repeater through the network, and then the repeater will control the gas appliance according to the command. The gas appliance is provided with sensors to detect data in regards to the gas appliance. The data is transmitted to the remote control device and shown on a screen through the repeater and the network.

Abstract: A fuel processing apparatus includes a reformer, raw material supply section, moisture supply section, heating section, reforming temperature detection section, shift converter, shift temperature detection section, and control section. When the apparatus is booted, the control section activates the raw material supply section to begin supplying a raw material to the reformer, and activates the heating section to begin supplying heat to the reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A system configured to decrease the emissions of a power plant system during transient state operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: at least one computing device adapted to adjust a temperature of an operational steam in a power generation system by performing actions comprising: obtaining operational data about components of a steam turbine in the power generation system, the operational data including at least one of: a temperature of the components and a set of current ambient conditions at the power generation system; determining an allowable operational steam temperature range for the steam turbine based upon the operational data; generating emissions predictions for a set of temperatures within the allowable steam temperature range; and adjusting the temperature of the operational steam based upon the emissions predictions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for optimizing the operation of an induration furnace and a method thereof; the system comprising: an interactive means to monitor and control the furnace to provide an optimized furnace operation, calibration means for generating a plurality of ideal set points for validation purposes, and a processing unit receiving, in real-time, the online process data from the interactive means and compute therein a plurality of real-time active set points which are matched with corresponding ideal set points from the calibration means, wherein, if optimization is required, an optimizing signal is generated and communicated to the interactive means. The system predicts in real-time the process and product parameters, that cannot be measured directly, thus, providing real-time optimization of the furnace operation, and thereby reducing the operating and production costs.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing a thermocline in a thermal energy storage fluid within a thermal energy storage tank are disclosed. The methods comprise identifying a thermocline region in the fluid, adding thermal energy to a fluid stream extracted from the thermocline region, and returning the fluid stream to the tank at a plurality of locations above the thermocline region. The methods further comprise regulating the temperature of the fluid returned to the tank at a set point temperature by modulating the flow rate of the fluid stream and by changing the location from where the fluid is extracted from the tank.

Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.

Abstract: An improved method and system for flue gas recirculation (FGR) from the ID Fan located downstream of a scrubber (or other Air Quality Control Equipment including cyclones, baghouses, etc., hereafter “AQC equipment”) back to the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment) inlet to maintain the minimum required flue gas throughput during low-load conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate booster fan. A flue gas recirculation duct is connected from downstream of the ID Fan to the inlet of the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment). A variable flow restrictor is placed in the duct downstream of the ID Fan for controlling pressure of the recirculated flue gas. The flow restrictor is controlled in accordance to a function of boiler load or flue gas flow to produce the required backpressure that enables the flue gas to flow through the recirculation duct back to the inlet of the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment) at low loads.

Abstract: A control system for controlling operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. The control system including both a combustion optimization system and an oxygen optimization system. Both the combustion optimization system and oxygen optimization system each including a model for predicting values of controlled variables and an optimizer for determining optimal setpoint values.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-powered method for conversion of disposable hydrocarbons into diesel and heating oil fuels and conversion of biomass into biodiesel fuel. The method is operated using a feedstock tank, a preparation tank for first stage warming of the feedstock, a first heat exchanger to separate out water as steam and light ends, a stack to vent steam to the atmosphere, a second heat extension to raise the temperature to the necessary for processing the feedstock in a cracking kettle, a fume incinerator burning the light ends to generate heat for the first and second heat exchangers, a distillation column to process the gases from the cracking kettle, a condenser to convert gas to liquid #2 diesel fuel, a filter and chiller unit and storage tanks to hold the fuels and residuals. The method uses retained heat in the residuals to preheat the feedstock to save energy.

Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.

Abstract: Modern steel production processes require precise knowledge of the current composition and temperature of the liquid metal being processed. In particular during steel production in a converter, high match rates for final carbon content and bath temperature are required. Quantitatively precise blowing of oxygen corresponding to the final target carbon content, and the metal temperature, are decisive factors affecting the economic efficiency of the process and the quality of the steel produced. In order to allow relatively precise process monitoring, various processes and procedures are known, the application thereof being based on measuring exhaust gas composition and on mass flow balances. All models work at an exactness that depends on the precision of the input data, particularly with respect to the weight data of the raw materials and the chemical properties of the metal used.

Abstract: An exemplary method is disclosed for controlling on-line the steam output of a waste incineration plant that is fed with waste of varying composition. Process or system quantities (u2, u3, xGC, xLL, w0) can be measured repeatedly, at different times during operation of the plant, and a relation with linear parameters (?i) as coefficients of non-linear expressions (?i) of the process quantities can be established by evaluating the measurements. From this relation, an optimal waste feed rate to obtain a desired steam output ({dot over (M)}steam) can be determined and applied to a waste feed actuator of the waste incineration plant.

Abstract: A method of configuration of combustion process control. The method includes providing a combustion system having a plurality of burner elements, a plurality of gas injection points and a controller. The gas injection points are configured to provide a support gas. One or more tasks for operation of the combustion system are determined. A plurality of groupings of the gas injection points are determined for each of the one or more tasks. An individual ranking for each of the plurality of groupings is determined in response to the one or more tasks. A composite ranking of injection points in response to the individual rankings and the controller is configured to operate the plurality of gas injection points in response to the composite ranking. A combustion system and a method for operating a combustion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.

Abstract: A method is provided for tuning an oxygen trim controller during the commissioning of a combustion control system for controlling operation of a boiler combustion system, rather than tuning the oxygen trim controller after the commissioning process has been completed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and a method for planning the operation of, monitoring processes in, simulating, and/or optimizing a technical installation comprising several units that can be combined with each other. Said system comprises at least one process planning module, at least one process simulation module, and at least one process optimization module. Components for modeling, simulating, and optimizing the technical installation are stored in said modules. The interrelated modules cooperate with a data management layer via at least one interface, said data management layer making available actual measured and/or historical process data for determining parameters and/or operational data for the modules in order to plan operations as well as simulate and optimize processes. The parameters and/or operational data determined in the modules can be fed to the data management layer for further processing by taking into account the stored components.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling a gas turbine assembly include a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of operating parameters of a turbine assembly. The system further includes a model configured to compare the plurality of operating parameters with a plurality of predicted parameters to determine difference values. A Kalman filter of system is configured to evaluate the difference values to facilitate adjusting the model. The Kalman filter is further configured to accommodate for a missing operating parameter of the plurality of operating parameters to facilitate tuning the model.

Abstract: A method for curing a rubber article including maintaining a measured curing temperature between a high temperature limit (TH) and a low temperature limit (TL). The TH TL are derived from high and low temperature curing curves respectively. Other steps may include obtaining a curing target A1 or A2, wherein A1 and A2 are areas between the high temperature curing curve and a base temperature (TB) and the low temperature curing curve respectively wherein TB is selected to make A1 and A2 within at least 10% of each other and determining an area under a measured curing curve, the area under the measured curing curve being between the measured curing curve and the TB, wherein the measured curing curve is defined as a plot of the measured curing temperature over time.

Abstract: An in-line loss-on-ignition measurement system includes an on-site extractor subsystem configured to collect fuel or a combustion by-product from a hydrocarbon fuel burning plant. An on-site analyzer is configured to receive the collected matter from the extractor subsystem and configured to weigh the collected matter, burn the collected matter, and weight the collected matter again. A controller is responsive to the analyzer and is configured to determine the loss-on-ignition data for the plant based on the weight of the collected matter before and after it is burned in the analyzer.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling a gas turbine assembly include a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of operating parameters of a turbine assembly. The system further includes a model configured to compare the plurality of operating parameters with a plurality of predicted parameters to determine difference values. A Kalman filter of system is configured to evaluate the difference values to facilitate adjusting the model. The Kalman filter is further configured to accommodate for a missing operating parameter of the plurality of operating parameters to facilitate tuning the model.

Abstract: Modern steel production processes require precise knowledge of the current composition and temperature of the liquid metal being processed. In particular during steel production in a converter, high match rates for final carbon content and bath temperature are required. Quantitatively precise blowing of oxygen corresponding to the final target carbon content, and the metal temperature, are decisive factors affecting the economic efficiency of the process and the quality of the steel produced. In order to allow relatively precise process monitoring, various processes and procedures are known, the application thereof being based on measuring exhaust gas composition and on mass flow balances. All models work at an exactness that depends on the precision of the input data, particularly with respect to the weight data of the raw materials and the chemical properties of the metal used.

Abstract: In operating a gas turbine, there can be a difference between the desired heating value of the fuel and the actual needs of the fuel for the supplied fuel to be ignited. In one aspect, fuel parameters related to the molecular weight of the fuel such as specific gravity and pressure drop are determined. Ignitability of the fuel is calculated based on the fuel parameters and adjusted as necessary to bring the fuel's ignitability to designed values. The fuel's ignitability can be calculated without actually igniting the fuel and also without direct knowledge of the fuel's calorific value or its composition.

Abstract: Power plant characteristics are operated in a flexible manner by controlling the power consumption of a CO2 capture and compression system. The impact of CO2 capture and compression on the capacity of a power plant can be minimized to maximize the electric power the plant can deliver to the power grid and the impact of CO2 capture and compression on the average plant efficiency can be reduced, by an operating method and a power plant, in which the power consumption of the CO2 capture system is used to control the net output of the plant.

Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the operating temperature of a catalytic reactor using a closed-loop system that provides for varying the reactor input and other operating parameters in order to maintain the operating temperature of the reactor at or near the initial setpoint temperature for operation of the reactor. In one example, maximum and minimum operating temperatures with a catalytic partial oxidation reactor are controlled, as well as maintaining control over the corresponding minimum required ratio of oxygen atoms to carbon atoms, such that the operating temperature within the reactor is maintained below the material limits but above threshold temperatures for coking.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a process for burning lime containing mixture (CaCO3) and converting it to calcinated lime (CaO) in a rotary kiln, the rotary kiln having an elongated cavity surrounded by a wall and a burner arranged to heat the cavity. The method includes collecting measurement data of the temperature in the wall at a plurality of measuring points along the longitudinal axis of the cavity, predicting the actual temperature gradient along the longitudinal axis of the cavity based at least on the measurement data of the temperature in the wall, and by means of a thermal model describing the temperature along the cavity of the kiln, determining a desired temperature gradient along the cavity based on the predicted temperature gradient along the cavity and a predetermined control strategy controlling the temperature in the kiln.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.

Abstract: A power plant frequency response characteristic is implemented by controlling the power consumption of a CO2 capture and compression system. A power reserve is provided for under-frequency events without deloading the plant to part load, by an operating method, in which the power consumption of the CO2 capture system is used to control the net output of the plant.

Abstract: A data logging device tracks the operation of a vehicle or driver actions. The device includes a storage device, which may be removable or portable, having a first memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in a vehicle and a second memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in the vehicle. The second memory portion may retain data attributes associated with the data stored in the first removable storage device. A processor reads data from an automotive bus that transfers data from vehicle sensors to other automotive components. The processor writes data to the first memory portion and the second memory portion that reflect a level of risk or safety. A communication device links the storage device to a network of computers. The communication device may be accessible through software that allows a user to access files.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into a gas. In particular, the control system is designed to be configurable for use in controlling one or more processes implemented in, and/or by, a gasification system for the conversion of such feedstock into a gas, which may be used for one or more downstream applications. Gasification processes controllable by different embodiments of the disclosed control system may include in various combinations, a converter, a residue conditioner, a recuperator and/or heat exchanger system, one or more gas conditioners, a gas homogenization system and one or more downstream applications. The control system operatively controls various local, regional and/or global processes related to the overall gasification process, and thereby adjusts various control parameters thereof adapted to affect these processes for a selected result.

Abstract: A control technique for use in a fuel processor is disclosed. In one aspect, a control system includes a subsystem manager controller the operation of a respective physical subsystem for each of a plurality of physical subsystems in the fuel processor. The subsystem managers take their direction from a master control manager. In a second aspect, the subsystem managers collectively form a layer operating in conjunction with a second layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers to their respective physical subsystems, a third layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers with the second layer. In a third aspect, master control manager manages the operation of each physical subsystem through a respective subsystem manager, directs state transitions of the subsystem managers, and routs interaction between the subsystem managers from the master control manager.

Abstract: A boiler control system for efficiently controlling the operation of a packaged boiler is provided. The system includes a combustion air control system, a fuel control system, a flue gas sensing system, and a boiler controller. The boiler controller is in operative communication with the combustion air control system, fuel control system, and the flue gas sensing system. Based upon a system demand, the boiler controller controls coarse-level operation of the combustion air control system and the fuel control system. The flue gas sensing system includes an oxygen sensor and a flue gas differential sensor that senses a change in a characteristic of the flue gas. When the flue gas differential sensor senses a change in the flue gas characteristic that meets a flue gas differential setpoint, the boiler controller controls fine-level operation of the combustion air control system to efficiently control the amount of oxygen in the flue gas.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for preventing the failure of a system, which includes one or more pipes, or one or more cooling jackets, or one or more fluid cooled system components carrying a fluid, involves detecting one or more pressure levels of the fluid in the one or more pipes at one or more points, then comparing the detected pressure levels to a corresponding one or more predetermined limitation values. If the detected pressure levels exceed the corresponding limitation values, a shut-down signal is generated. The shut-down signal triggers the adjusting of one or more systems responsible for causing thermal variations of the fluid, preventing the system from failing while allowing the system to continue operation shortly thereafter.

Abstract: A thermal source provides heat to a heat engine and or one or more thermal demands, including space and water heating and heat storage. Additionally the output of the heat engine may be used for local in situ electricity needs, or directed out over the grid. A system controller monitors conditions of the components of the system, and operates that system in modes that maximize a particular benefit, such as a total accrued desired benefit obtained such as reduced electricity cost, reduced fossil fuel use, maximized return on investment and other factors. The controller may use past history of use of the system to optimize the next mode of operation, or both past and future events such as predicted solar insolation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a process for burning lime containing mixture (CaCO3) and converting it to calcinated lime (CaO) in a rotary kiln, the rotary kiln having an elongated cavity surrounded by a wall and a burner arranged to heat the cavity. The method includes collecting measurement data of the temperature in the wall at a plurality of measuring points along the longitudinal axis of the cavity, predicting the actual temperature gradient along the longitudinal axis of the cavity based at least on the measurement data of the temperature in the wall, and by means of a thermal model describing the temperature along the cavity of the kiln, determining a desired temperature gradient along the cavity based on the predicted temperature gradient along the cavity and a predetermined control strategy controlling the temperature in the kiln.

Abstract: A method is provided for the measurement of parameters of a gas present in a gas turbine combustion chamber. The method includes tuning a laser to a range containing the absorption lines of species to be analyzed in the gas, and directing the laser light through the combustion chamber and detecting laser light reflected off boundary walls of the combustion chamber. In order to analyze the absorption spectrum measured at high temperatures and pressures, a signature recognition algorithm is applied to the spectrum. The measured absorption spectrum is cross-correlated with a calibration absorption model spectrum for the absorption lines at several temperatures, pressures, and concentrations generated prior to the measurement. Values for pressure, temperature, and concentrations of selected species in the gas are determined simultaneously allowing direct control of the combustion chamber process. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An intelligently controlled catalytic converter automatically monitors various operating parameters, such as water jacket temperature, catalytic input temperature, catalytic converter output temperature, oxygen level, ambient temperature, ambient humidity and/or ambient barometric air pressure, of a biofuel-fired device and automatically controls dampers, blowers and electric heaters in the device.

Abstract: An environment control device, an environment control method, an environment control program, and a computer-readable recording medium containing the environment control program for enabling the user to actually have a comfortable feeling in a reliable manner and further to maintain such a comfortable state, are provided. A biological information measuring portion acquires time-series data of the biological information of the user. A chaos analysis portion calculates a parameter about the biological information through chaos analysis of the time-series data acquired by the biological information measuring portion. A state inferring portion infers a comfortable feeling of the user on the basis of the parameter calculated by the chaos analysis portion. A device control portion controls generation of a stimulus to be given to the user on the basis of the result of inference made by the state inferring portion.

Abstract: A system for collecting frequency response data from a generator system including: applying a perturbing signal to a signal input of an exciter system for a synchronous generator; collecting data regarding signal output from a multiplicity of signal points in the exciter system; transforming the collected data to predict a signal response at a signal output in the system different from the signal points used for collecting data, and analyzing the frequency response of the system.

Abstract: A system for controlling an epitaxial growth process in an epitaxial reactor. The system includes a processor for setting up a modeled output parameter value as a linear function of the actual output parameter value and a second set of thermocouple offset parameter values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and production of nanoparticles in a furnace reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size distribution and specific surface area in furnace reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The said simulation tool couples flame dynamics module and particle population balance module and precursor reaction kinetics module.

Abstract: A plasma source includes a ring plasma chamber, a primary winding around an exterior of the ring plasma chamber, multiple ferrites, wherein the ring plasma chamber passes through each of the ferrites and multiple plasma chamber outlets coupling the plasma chamber to a process chamber. Each one of the plasma chamber outlets having a respective plasma restriction. A system and method for generating a plasma are also described.

Abstract: A method includes determining how to adjust one or more manipulated variables using at least one model. The one or more manipulated variables are associated with a sugar dryer. The method also includes generating one or more control signals to control one or more controlled variables associated with the sugar dryer. The one or more controlled variables include an outfall temperature associated with the sugar dryer, and the one or more manipulated variables include a rate at which wet material is provided to the sugar dryer. The sugar dryer could include multiple sugar dryers. At least two of the sugar dryers could operate using different fuels. The one or more control signals could be generated to control the rates at which the wet material is provided to the multiple sugar dryers based on costs associated with the different fuels.

Abstract: The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are taught. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as taught herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to computer-implemented charging of a blast furnace equipped with an automated to charging installation and stockhouse for batchwise charging. It proposes: obtaining a nominal charge dataset reflecting a nominal blast furnace charge and comprising plural charge material records, each charge material record comprising a material type and an associated nominal charge quantity; generating a graphical user interface comprising batch data fields for entering and displaying plural batch datasets for pre-configuring batches, each batch dataset comprising at least one batching record, each batching record comprising a material type and an associated batching proportion. According to the invention, the batching proportion associated to a material type in a batching record is used for predefining a ratio between the material quantity that is to be contained in a batch and the nominal charge quantity.

Abstract: Featured is an ignition system using miniaturized hot surface igniters of various types, configurations, and material systems. The ignition system includes an electronic microprocessor on which a software program is executed so as to control the operation of an igniter and all functions of the ignition system. The software program evaluates performance characteristics relating to operation of the igniter. Additionally, the software program determines operation parameters and characteristics for energizing the igniter when it determines that the operation parameters and characteristics for energizing should be updated or revised.