Abstract: A storage medium stores a program which, when executed by a controller, causes the controller to control a boiler group including boilers each of which has a plurality of stepwise combustion positions. The program includes the steps of calculating a number of a presently combustion shiftable boilers, a number of their combustion positions, or a gross evaporation quantity, calculating a deviation quantity between a set physical quantity and a present time physical quantity, calculating a ratio between the deviation quantity and a control width that corresponding to the set physical quantity, and calculating the combustion subject boilers and their combustion positions based on the number of the combustion shiftable boilers, the number of their combustion positions, or the gross evaporation quantity and the ratio.

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 control system for controlling operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. The control system includes a combustion optimization system and a second optimization system. In one embodiment, the second optimization system is an oxygen optimization system.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a parameter associated with operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. An optimizer determines optimal setpoint values for manipulated variables used to operate the power generating unit by accessing a model that predicts a parameter sensed by a plurality of sensors. The optimizer uses the model to minimize a cost valve of a cost function while observing at least one constraint associated with operation of the power generating unit.

Abstract: A plant gas to be flared in the atmosphere is periodically sampled and analyzed as to its Btu content, a first comparison made of 1) the most recent of such analyses with 2) a predetermined steady state set point, a second comparison made of 3) an average of a plurality of such analyses including an historical minimum Btu content with 4) a predetermined dynamic set point, and fuel added to the plant gas based on the larger fuel requirement of these first and second comparisons.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing method includes a determination of, when the heater is controlled using a first output control pattern, an output amount by differential operation, and an output amount by a proportional operation such that a temperature detected by the first thermometer becomes a target temperature from a temperature at a ramp-up start time, patterning a part of an operation amount of the heater by using a first heat amount to determine a second output control pattern, the second heat amount being determined based on a temperature detected by the second thermometer and being defined at a period from the ramp-up start time to a time of maximum temperature, the operation amount of the heater being defined at the period, and a processing of the substrate while controlling the heater by using the second output control pattern.

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: The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: A method for modeling an excitation system for a synchronous electrical power generator including: selecting a standard mathematical excitation system model from a plurality of standard excitation system models stored electronically; wherein the selected standard model is selected based on a similarity to the excitation system and can be an IEEE standard model; collecting data from the excitation system; determining parameter settings for the selected standard model using first pre-calculated and then collected (measured) data; verifying the selected standard model with tailored parameter settings by comparing an output of the model to a corresponding output of the excitation system; storing electronically the verified selected standard model with tailored settings; generating a report of the verified selected standard model with the tailored settings; performing rapidly and automatically model generation from a maintenance computer proximate to the excitation system; performing rapidly and automatically mode

Abstract: A parameter value estimator is provided for a process performed primarily to control emission of a particular non-particulate pollutant, such as NOx and SO2, into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs) including a parameter representing an amount of the particular non-particulate pollutant emitted. The parameter value estimator includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. In either case the model represents a relationship between one of the MPPs, other than the parameter representing the amount of the emitted particular non-particulate pollutant, and one or more other of the MPPs. Also included is a processor configured with the logic, e.g. programmed software, to estimate a value of the one MPP based on a value of each of the one or more other MPPs and the one 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: This invention relates to any fossil fueled thermal system, and especially relates to large commercial steam generators used in power plants, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for determining fuel chemistry in essentially real time based on effluents resulting from combustion, associated stoichiometrics, and the genetics of the fossil fuel. Knowing the system's fuel chemistry, the fuel calorific value, the fuel flow and the thermal performance associated with the thermal system may then be determined in essentially real time.

Abstract: An in-line loss-on-ignition measurement system featuring an extractor configured to collect fuel or a combustion by-product from a hydrocarbon fuel burning plant, an on-site analyzer configured to receive the collected matter and determine loss-on-ignition data for the plant, a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the collected matter from the extractor to the analyzer, and a controller for displaying the loss-on-ignition data and/or for automatically adjusting one or more parameters associated with the plant.

Abstract: A dosing control system comprises a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) analysis module and a dosing management module. The SCR analysis module estimates ammonia (NH3) stored by an SCR catalyst, maximum NH3 storage capacity of the SCR catalyst, NH3 slip downstream of the SCR catalyst, NH3 oxidation, and NH3 conversion through reaction with nitrogen oxides (NOx). The NH3 stored is estimated based an amount of dosing agent injected, the NH3 slip, the NH3 oxidation, and the NH3 conversion. The dosing management module controls dosing agent injection into an exhaust system upstream of the SCR catalyst based on the NH3 stored by the SCR catalyst and the maximum NH3 storage capacity.

Abstract: A controller is provided for directing control of a process performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs) The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. Whichever type model is included, it will represent a relationship between one of the MPPs and other of the MPPs. The controller also includes a control processor having the logic to determine the validity of a measured value of the one MPP based on the one model. The control processor directs control of the process in accordance with the measured value of the one MPP only if the measured value of the one MPP is determined to be valid. On the other hand, if the measured value is determined to be invalid, the control processor may direct control of the process in accordance with an estimated value of the one MPP.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that uses moisture content readings in order to determine how to maximize the price value of lumber. Feedback can then be provided to a kiln controller on how to adjust kiln settings in order to increase the value of the lumber produced. In one embodiment, moisture content is determined on a plurality of boards. Using the moisture content readings, an actual value of the plurality of boards is determined. Then a calculation is made to determine how to modify moisture content in order to maximize the value of the lumber. In yet another embodiment, geographic positions of individual packages are tracked in the kiln. The efficiency of the kiln is determined based on drying uniformity of the packages. Then the moisture content can be modified to determine how it impacts value of a charge of lumber.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for a microchemical chip having at least one chemical reactor includes a temperature regulator, and a controller. The temperature regulator can advantageously be configured to allow the microchemical chip to be mounted thereon. The temperature regulator can advantageously be configured to be thermally engaged with the at least one chemical reactor so as to control the temperature of the at least one chemical reactor. The controller can advantageously be removably connected to the temperature regulator. The controller can advantageously be configured to control the temperature regulator.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus of the present invention includes a controller (20) configured to, during a stop period, control a material gas feeding device (10) to feed a material gas to a gas passage which is located between the material gas feeding device (10) and a valve (16) to perform a maintaining process for maintaining a pressure in an interior of the gas passage at value which is not smaller than a first threshold which is an atmospheric pressure or larger. When the controller (20) detects there is an abnormality in the maintaining process, the controller (20) controls the material gas feeding device (10) and an ignition device (5A) to feed the material gas with an amount which is larger than an amount in a case where the controller detects there is no abnormality in the maintaining process, during a period which lapses from when the controller detects the abnormality until the ignition device starts an ignition operation in a start-up process.

Abstract: A system for optimizing and controlling a circulating fluidized bed combustion (FBC) system (7) and an air pollution control (APC) system (9) includes a controller (205, 305, 406) and an optimizer (210, 310). The controller (205, 305, 406) is connected to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9). The optimizer (210, 310) is connected to the controller (205, 305, 406). The optimizer (210, 310) provides an optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) to the controller (205, 305, 406) based on an economic parameter (235, 335, 435) and system outputs (230, 330) from the FBC system (7) and the APC system (9). The controller (205, 305, 406) provides an optimized input (215, 315) to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9) based on the optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) from the optimizer (210, 310) to optimize operation of the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in controlling the reaction temperature of a fuel processor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor reactor, the reactor including a water gas shift reaction section; a temperature sensor disposed within the reaction section; a coolant flow line through the reaction section; and an automated control system. The automated control system controls the reaction temperature by determining a first component for a setting adjustment for the actuator from the measured temperature and a setpoint for the measured temperature; determining a second component for the setting adjustment from a hydrogen production rate for the fuel processor; and determining the setting adjustment from the first and second components.

Abstract: A controller directs a process primarily performed to control emission of a particular pollutant into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs), including a parameter representing an amount of the particular pollutant. The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. In either case, the model represents a relationship between a first of the MPPs and one or more of the other MPPs. The one or more other MPPs include a second of the MPPs which is other than the parameter representing the amount of the emitted particular pollutant. Also included is a processor configured with logic to estimate a value of the second MPP, and to direct control of the first MPP based on the estimated value of the second MPP and the model.

Abstract: In a procedure for regulating a combustion process in an installation while air is being supplied, material is converted by the combustion process, with at least one flame being formed, and the state variables (s(t)) describing the state of the system in the installation are determined using at least one observation device that images the flame, as well as other sensors, and are evaluated in a computer, whereupon any appropriate actions (ai) that may be needed are selected in order to control adjusting devices for the supply of material and/or air, wherein during setpoint regulation to achieve setpoints (s0) of the state variables and/or stability of the combustion process a changeover is occasionally made from setpoint control to disturbance control.

Abstract: An RFID tag in a receptacle is active and includes a microprocessor, a data storage device operable to store a selected code (e.g. an ID code to identify said object or said product), the object including a display for displaying the aforesaid selected code upon a signal from the microprocessor and an energy storage device (e.g. a lithium ion battery), operable to energize the microprocessor, the display, and the transmitter. The tag has an antenna having a dimension thereof that is substantially as large as to a maximum dimension of receptacle.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of supplying a just enough amount of reducing agent to a NOx catalyst, thereby reducing exhaust emission and improving fuel economy. The device includes a three-way catalyst, a NOx catalyst provided downstream of the three-way catalyst, and an ECU. The ECU carries out rich spike control such that exhaust gases flowing into the NOx catalyst form a reducing atmosphere. During the control, the ECU calculates a reducing agent consumption amount of reducing agent in the exhaust gases consumed by the three-way catalyst, calculates a cumulative reducing agent amount as a total amount of reducing agent supplied to the NOx catalyst, depending on the reducing agent consumption amount, and terminates the control when the cumulative reducing agent amount becomes larger than a predetermined value.

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 CO controller is used in a boiler (e.g. those that are used in power generation), which has a theoretical maximum thermal efficiency when the combustion is exactly stoichiometric. The objective is to control excess oxygen (XSO2) so that the CO will be continually on the “knee” of the CO vs. XSO2 curve.

Abstract: A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in regenerating a reactor shift bed catalyst are disclosed. The method comprises monitoring the saturation level of a reactor shift bed catalyst in a reformer; automatically detecting that the reactor shift bed catalyst has entered a saturated state; and automatically regenerating the reactor shift bed catalyst in response to automatically detecting the saturated state. The apparatus may be, in various aspects, a program storage method encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, performs such a method; a computing apparatus programmed to perform such a method, or a control system performing such a method.

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 control system (300) for optimizing a power plant includes a chemical loop having an input for receiving an input signal (369) and an output for outputting an output signal (367), and a hierarchical fuzzy control system (400) operably connected to the chemical loop. The hierarchical fuzzy control system (400) includes a plurality of fuzzy controllers (330). The hierarchical fuzzy control system (400) receives the output signal (367), optimizes the input signal (369) based on the received output signal (367), and outputs an optimized input signal (369) to the input of the chemical loop to control a process of the chemical loop in an optimized manner.

Abstract: A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for adjusting CO emission levels in predetermined locations in a boiler system are provided. The boiler system has a plurality of burners and a plurality of CO sensors disposed therein. The system determines locations within the boiler system that have relatively high CO levels utilizing the plurality of CO sensors and then adjusts A/F ratios of burners affecting those locations to decrease the CO levels at the locations.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the quality of combustion in the vicinity of the over fire zone of a combustion system includes at least one lens assembly mounted to a wall of the combustion system in the vicinity of the over fire zone. One or more photo-detectors are used to measure the intensity of light emitted in the over fire zone. A data acquisition system is connected to the photo-detector assembly via a communication link and includes an analog-to-digital converter and data buffering device for converting the light signals to digital signals. A computer analyzes the digital signals with linear and nonlinear signal analysis techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in combustion system for capturing gas phase pollutants such as SO3. In one example, the invention uses a computer model to model the combustion system. Particles are injected into the combustion system to capture the gas phase pollutants. The model is used to determine the injection location, as well as the size and amount of the particles to be injected.

Abstract: A temperature regulating method in a thermal processing system includes controlling a heating means by performing integral operation, differential operation and proportional operation by means of a heating control section in a manner a detection temperature by a temperature detecting means becomes a predetermined target temperature, determining a first output control pattern by patterning a first operation amount for the heating control section to control the heating means depending upon a detection temperature detected by a first temperature detecting means, in controlling the heating means controlling the heating means by means of the heating control section depending upon the first output control pattern determined, and determining a second output control pattern by patterning at least a part of a second operation amount for the heating control section to control the heating means depending upon a detection temperature detected by a second temperature detecting means, in controlling the heating means.

Abstract: In a control loop for regulating a combustion process in a plant having a controlled system for converting material by way of the combustion, with at least one flame body being formed, the control loop having at least one observation device for imaging the flame body and further sensors to determine the state variables describing the state of the system in the plant, at least one regulator and/or a computer to evaluate the state variables and select suitable actions based on a process model, and adjustment devices for at least the supply of material and/or air that can be controlled by the actions, the process model provides specialized function approximators for various process dynamics, one of which function approximators is selected by a selector, and a regulator assigned to the selected function approximator is used to regulate the control loop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling the combustion process in a combustion system to determine the amplitude and/or frequencies of dynamic pressure oscillations during combustion. An electrode in communication with the combustion system senses hydrocarbon ions and/or electrons produced by the combustion process and calibration apparatus calibrates the relationship between the standard deviation of the current in the electrode and the amplitudes of the dynamic pressure oscillations by applying a substantially constant voltage between the electrode and ground resulting in a current in the electrode and by varying one or more of (1) the flow rate of the fuel, (2) the flow rate of the oxidant, (3) the equivalence ratio, (4) the acoustic tuning of the combustion system, and (5) the fuel distribution in the combustion chamber such that the amplitudes of the dynamic pressure oscillations in the combustion chamber are calculated as a function of the standard deviation of the electrode current.

Abstract: A temperature variation of a glass substrate 2 at a plurality of measuring points in a continuous furnace 3 when preset temperatures of respective furnaces 31-33 are changed is estimated in the form of a matrix based on a model, an inverse matrix of the matrix is used so as to calculate correction values in such manner that a temperature of the glass substrate 2 corresponds to a temperature of a desired temperature profile, and the preset temperatures are corrected based on the correction values.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided. The method and system may incorporate a device or devices that continuously monitors an exhaust stream for harmful constituents. The method and system may control components of the EGR system based on the concentration of harmful constituents within the exhaust.

Abstract: Metering combustion control in a fired equipment is disclosed in which both the fuel flow rate and the combustion air flow rate are metered in a desired ratio corresponding to a master firing rate demand, and the master firing rate demand combustion air flow directed to the combustion air regulating element is trimmed in response to an error based correction adjustment determined from the respective values of the fuel flow meter and combustion air flow meter input signals to drive the ratio between the fuel flow rate and the combustion air flow rate toward the desired ratio for controlling the combustion in accordance with the master firing rate demand.

Abstract: A controller for directing operation of an air pollution control system performing a process to control emissions of a pollutant has multiple process parameters (MPPs). One or more of the MPPs is a controllable process parameter (CTPP) and one of the MPPs is an amount of the pollutant (AOP) emitted by the system. A defined AOP value (AOPV) represents an objective or limit on an actual value (AV) of the emitted AOP. The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model representing a relationship between each CTPP and the emitted AOP. A control processor has the logic to predict, based on the model, how changes to the current value of each CTPP will affect a future AV of emitted AOP, to select one of the changes in one CTPP based on the predicted affect of that change and on the AOPV, and to direct control of the one CTPP in accordance with the selected change for that CTPP.

Abstract: A control loop, which is for regulating a process in a plant having a controlled system, comprises: at least one measuring device for recording observation values of the controlled system, at least one adjustment device for acting on the controlled system in response to the adjustment device being controlled by way of action values, and a regulator. The regulator is operative to provide the action values. The regulator being operative to provide the action values comprises the regulator being adapted for: predicting, by way of a process model and at least one probability distribution of the observation values, a set of distributions of probable future states of the system; evaluating the set of distributions of probable future states of the system using target values and/or distributions of the target values; and selecting at least one probability distribution of action values.

Abstract: A controller directs operation of an air pollution control (APC) system performing a process to control emissions of a pollutant. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs), one or more of the MPPs being a controllable process parameters (CTPPs) and one of the MPPs being an amount of the pollutant (AOP) emitted by the system. A user input device identifies an optimization objective. A control processor determines a set point for at least one of the one or more CTPPs based on the current values of the MPPs and the identified optimization objective, and directs control of one of the at least one CTPP based on the determined set point for that CTPP.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fuel reformers utilizing dew point plateau process control and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fuel reformer can comprise a mixing zone capable of receiving a fuel mixture, a reforming zone disposed downstream from the mixing zone, an exhaust zone disposed downstream from the in operable communication with the reforming zone, a temperature sensor, and a system controller connected in operable communication with the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust zone and capable of measuring a gas temperature of the gas stream, or in fluid communication with the mixing zone and capable of measuring a mixture temperature of the fuel mixture. The system controller can be capable of adjusting an operating variable of the fuel reformer and determining a dew point plateau temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for controlling an environmental system with an adjustable speed motor from environmental information received through a network A network controller receives differential environmental information through the network. A motor controller, which controls the speed of the variable speed motor, obtains the received differential environmental information from the network controller, determines a desired speed of a variable speed motor of the environmental system based on the received differential temperature, and adjusts the operating speed of the variable speed motor to approximate the desired speed. The network controller further receives discrete environmental information through the network, where the discrete environmental information includes at least one measured environmental factor and an environmental set point.

Abstract: A control system or controller solar module array may be operated by (i) programmatically determining, for a given time period, a demand for an output of the solar module array by one or more energy consuming resources at the target location; and (ii) affecting an efficiency of the solar module array based at least in part on the determined demand.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a biomass stove utilizes three proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers as part of a closed loop to control the fuel feed rate, the convection fan speed and the combustion fan speed. The first loop controls room temperature, the second loop controls the convection fan speed and the third loop controls the combustion fan. Appropriate temperature readings are utilized for the first and second loop. The third loop, which utilized feedback of the ratio between the heat exchanger temperature to the exhaust temperature, in addition to measuring these temperatures also references a library of look-up tables of such ratios over the entire heat range of the stove that have been correlated to combustion efficiency, as an input. This enables the operator to optimize the heat output for any operating point.