CA2713971C - Thermocouple shutoff for portable heater - Google Patents
Thermocouple shutoff for portable heater Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2713971C CA2713971C CA2713971A CA2713971A CA2713971C CA 2713971 C CA2713971 C CA 2713971C CA 2713971 A CA2713971 A CA 2713971A CA 2713971 A CA2713971 A CA 2713971A CA 2713971 C CA2713971 C CA 2713971C
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- Prior art keywords
- combustion
- heater
- transducer
- target component
- thermocouple
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Links
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 79
- 238000009529 body temperature measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 claims 4
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000003197 catalytic effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-pentane Natural products CCCCC OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- MWUXSHHQAYIFBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen oxide Inorganic materials O=[N] MWUXSHHQAYIFBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000000376 reactant Substances 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrous Oxide Chemical compound [O-][N+]#N GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Palladium Chemical compound [Pd] KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethane Chemical compound CC OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000009781 Myrtillocactus geometrizans Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000009125 Myrtillocactus geometrizans Species 0.000 description 1
- KJTLSVCANCCWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ruthenium Chemical compound [Ru] KJTLSVCANCCWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001335 aliphatic alkanes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001336 alkenes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001345 alkine derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000001273 butane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000006555 catalytic reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical class [H]* 0.000 description 1
- 229910052741 iridium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iridium atom Chemical compound [Ir] GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003350 kerosene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- IJDNQMDRQITEOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-butane Chemical compound CCCC IJDNQMDRQITEOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001272 nitrous oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052762 osmium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SYQBFIAQOQZEGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N osmium atom Chemical compound [Os] SYQBFIAQOQZEGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052763 palladium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052703 rhodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010948 rhodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- MHOVAHRLVXNVSD-UHFFFAOYSA-N rhodium atom Chemical compound [Rh] MHOVAHRLVXNVSD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052707 ruthenium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/006—Air heaters using fluid fuel
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/02—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium
- F23N5/10—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using thermocouples
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/24—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/25—Temperature of the heat-generating means in the heater
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/305—Control of valves
- F24H15/31—Control of valves of valves having only one inlet port and one outlet port, e.g. flow rate regulating valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/355—Control of heat-generating means in heaters
- F24H15/36—Control of heat-generating means in heaters of burners
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/2064—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heaters
- F24H9/2085—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heaters using fluid fuel
Abstract
Provided is an assembly comprising a combustion-powered heater, a target component, and a transducer operatively engaged with said target component. A combustion-powered heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater. A target component may be engaged with the combustion site. A transducer may be adapted to measure the temperature of the target component and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
Description
THERMOCOUPLE SHUTOFF FOR PORTABLE HEATER
TECHNICAL FIELD
Provided is a device for shut-off of a portable heater. More particularly, provided is device to shut down a portable heater in response to certain atmospheric conditions.
BACKGROUND
Combustion-powered heaters combust reactants to yield heat and reaction products. Combustion-powered heaters consume a fuel and an oxidant and react the fuel and oxidant to yield heat and one or more combustion products. Some combustion-powered heaters modify the composition of the local atmosphere by uptake of one or more reactants from the local atmosphere or release of one or more combustion products into the local atmosphere or both.
In some combustion-powered heaters, the combustion process consumes oxygen from the local atmosphere as a combustion reactant. The consumption of oxygen by a combustion-powered heater can modify the composition of the local atmosphere by reducing the local oxygen amounts. In some amounts, reduced local oxygen may be undesirable. It remains desirable to develop technology to detect and address atmospheric conditions such as undesirable amounts of local oxygen.
Some combustion-powered heaters release of one or more combustion products into the local atmosphere. The combustion products may comprise, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. The release of combustion =
products can modify the composition of the local atmosphere by increasing the amounts of combustion products therein. In some amounts, the presence of one or more combustion products may be undesirable. It remains desirable to develop technology to detect and address atmospheric conditions such as undesirable amounts of combustion products in the local atmosphere.
SUMMARY
Provided is an assembly comprising a combustion-powered heater, a target component, and a transducer operatively engaged with said target component. A
combustion-powered heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater. A target component may be engaged with the combustion site. A
transducer may be adapted to measure the temperature of the target component and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
Further provided is a method of selectively shutting off a combustion-powered portable heater. The method may comprise providing a combustion-powered heater. The heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater when in operation.
The method may further comprise engaging a target component with said combustion site in such a manner that said combustion site heats said target component when in operation. The method may further comprise operatively engaging a transducer with said target component. The transducer may be adapted to measure the temperature of the target component, and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
Further provided is an assembly comprising a portable, combustion-powered heater, a radiant surface, and at least one thermocouple. The heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater. The heater may be adapted to consume oxygen from air and propane fuel. The radiant surface may be engaged with the combustion site. The thermocouple may be embedded within the radiant surface.
The thermocouple may be adapted to measure the temperature of the radiant surface.
The thermocouple may be adapted to cease holding open a normally-closed valve to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present subject matter may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a heater assembly;
FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a heater assembly;
FIGURE 3 is sectional view of one embodiment of a heater assembly;
FIGURE 4 is detail view of one embodiment of a transducer in a heater assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will be made to the drawings, FIGURES 1-4, wherein the showings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments of a thermocouple shutoff for portable heater, and not for purposes of limiting the same. Specific characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Portable heaters may be combustion-powered. Combustion-powered portable heaters 100 are adapted to react fuel, and an oxidant at a combustion site. A
combustion =
site may be any region adapted for conducting a combustion reaction. Without limitation, a combustion site may comprise a burner, or a catalytic surface.
A burner is a device adapted to generate a flame by combustion. In operation, a burner accepts a fuel and an oxidant, combusts the fuel and the oxidant, and outputs heat and a combustion product.
In some embodiments, a burner may be operatively associated with components adapted to modify the output from the burner. Without limitation, a burner output modifier may be adapted to affect the efficiency of the heater, may be adapted to affect the rate of heat output, may be adapted to separate a flow of heat from a flow of combustion products, or may be adapted to focus or disperse a flow of heat.
Without limitation, a burner output modifier may include a heat reflector, a heat concentrator, a heat diffuser, a chimney, a heat exchanger, a regenerator, or a radiant surface.
In some embodiments, a burner may produce a naked flame exposed to the environment. Without limitation, a heater comprising a burner adapted to produce a naked flame exposed to the environment will be referred to herein as a blue flame heater unless otherwise noted. In some embodiments a burner may be operatively engaged with a radiant surface adapted to shield the flame from the environment. Without limitation, a radiant heater is one embodiment of heater comprising a burner operatively engaged with a radiant surface adapted to shield the flame from the environment.
A catalytic surface is a combustion site adapted so that a fuel and an oxidant may react thereupon in catalyzed reaction to yield heat and a combustion product.
Without limitation, the material of the catalytic surface may act as a catalyst in a catalyzed combustion reaction at the combustion site. Without limitation, a catalyst in a combustion reaction may catalyze the combustion reaction by speeding up the reaction, slowing down the reaction, lowering the ignition energy needed to initiate the combustion reaction, promoting more complete combustion, promoting cleaner combustion, reducing or eliminating certain combustion products, or increasing operating efficiency.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Provided is a device for shut-off of a portable heater. More particularly, provided is device to shut down a portable heater in response to certain atmospheric conditions.
BACKGROUND
Combustion-powered heaters combust reactants to yield heat and reaction products. Combustion-powered heaters consume a fuel and an oxidant and react the fuel and oxidant to yield heat and one or more combustion products. Some combustion-powered heaters modify the composition of the local atmosphere by uptake of one or more reactants from the local atmosphere or release of one or more combustion products into the local atmosphere or both.
In some combustion-powered heaters, the combustion process consumes oxygen from the local atmosphere as a combustion reactant. The consumption of oxygen by a combustion-powered heater can modify the composition of the local atmosphere by reducing the local oxygen amounts. In some amounts, reduced local oxygen may be undesirable. It remains desirable to develop technology to detect and address atmospheric conditions such as undesirable amounts of local oxygen.
Some combustion-powered heaters release of one or more combustion products into the local atmosphere. The combustion products may comprise, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. The release of combustion =
products can modify the composition of the local atmosphere by increasing the amounts of combustion products therein. In some amounts, the presence of one or more combustion products may be undesirable. It remains desirable to develop technology to detect and address atmospheric conditions such as undesirable amounts of combustion products in the local atmosphere.
SUMMARY
Provided is an assembly comprising a combustion-powered heater, a target component, and a transducer operatively engaged with said target component. A
combustion-powered heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater. A target component may be engaged with the combustion site. A
transducer may be adapted to measure the temperature of the target component and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
Further provided is a method of selectively shutting off a combustion-powered portable heater. The method may comprise providing a combustion-powered heater. The heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater when in operation.
The method may further comprise engaging a target component with said combustion site in such a manner that said combustion site heats said target component when in operation. The method may further comprise operatively engaging a transducer with said target component. The transducer may be adapted to measure the temperature of the target component, and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
Further provided is an assembly comprising a portable, combustion-powered heater, a radiant surface, and at least one thermocouple. The heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater. The heater may be adapted to consume oxygen from air and propane fuel. The radiant surface may be engaged with the combustion site. The thermocouple may be embedded within the radiant surface.
The thermocouple may be adapted to measure the temperature of the radiant surface.
The thermocouple may be adapted to cease holding open a normally-closed valve to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present subject matter may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a heater assembly;
FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a heater assembly;
FIGURE 3 is sectional view of one embodiment of a heater assembly;
FIGURE 4 is detail view of one embodiment of a transducer in a heater assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will be made to the drawings, FIGURES 1-4, wherein the showings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments of a thermocouple shutoff for portable heater, and not for purposes of limiting the same. Specific characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Portable heaters may be combustion-powered. Combustion-powered portable heaters 100 are adapted to react fuel, and an oxidant at a combustion site. A
combustion =
site may be any region adapted for conducting a combustion reaction. Without limitation, a combustion site may comprise a burner, or a catalytic surface.
A burner is a device adapted to generate a flame by combustion. In operation, a burner accepts a fuel and an oxidant, combusts the fuel and the oxidant, and outputs heat and a combustion product.
In some embodiments, a burner may be operatively associated with components adapted to modify the output from the burner. Without limitation, a burner output modifier may be adapted to affect the efficiency of the heater, may be adapted to affect the rate of heat output, may be adapted to separate a flow of heat from a flow of combustion products, or may be adapted to focus or disperse a flow of heat.
Without limitation, a burner output modifier may include a heat reflector, a heat concentrator, a heat diffuser, a chimney, a heat exchanger, a regenerator, or a radiant surface.
In some embodiments, a burner may produce a naked flame exposed to the environment. Without limitation, a heater comprising a burner adapted to produce a naked flame exposed to the environment will be referred to herein as a blue flame heater unless otherwise noted. In some embodiments a burner may be operatively engaged with a radiant surface adapted to shield the flame from the environment. Without limitation, a radiant heater is one embodiment of heater comprising a burner operatively engaged with a radiant surface adapted to shield the flame from the environment.
A catalytic surface is a combustion site adapted so that a fuel and an oxidant may react thereupon in catalyzed reaction to yield heat and a combustion product.
Without limitation, the material of the catalytic surface may act as a catalyst in a catalyzed combustion reaction at the combustion site. Without limitation, a catalyst in a combustion reaction may catalyze the combustion reaction by speeding up the reaction, slowing down the reaction, lowering the ignition energy needed to initiate the combustion reaction, promoting more complete combustion, promoting cleaner combustion, reducing or eliminating certain combustion products, or increasing operating efficiency.
Without limitation, some catalytic surfaces comprise a catalyst supported by a substrate. In certain embodiments a catalyst may comprise ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, and mixtures thereof. Substrates may comprise a glass fiber, a porous metal, a ceramic, or a mixture thereof.
Without limitation, some fuels that a combustion site may react comprise, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, other alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, kerosene, LP
gas, wood gas, other gas mixtures, oil, hydrogen, or mixtures thereof Without limitation, some oxidants that a combustion site may react comprise oxygen, gas mixtures comprising oxygen, nitrous oxide, or mixtures thereof. Without limitation, air is a gas mixture comprising oxygen that may be used as an oxidant.
FIGURE 1 shows a combustion-powered portable heater 100. Without limitation, the cross-sectional view also shows a device 80 adapted to shut off a combustion-powered portable heater 100.
FIGURE 2 shows a combustion-powered portable heater 100. Without limitations, the cross-sectional view also shows a device 80 adapted to shut off a combustion-powered portable heater 100.
FIGURE 3 shows a combustion-powered heater 10. Without limitation, the sectional view shows a fuel control valve 20 adapted to selectively permit fuel flow to a combustion site 40. During operation of heater 10, air flows into heater 10 from the atmosphere 90. In the non-limiting embodiment showing in FIGURE 3, the heater comprises intake apertures 70 to admit air into the heater 10. During operation, air and fuel undergo a combustion reaction at combustion site 40 to produce heat and combustion products. The non-limiting embodiment of a combustion site 40 shown in FIGURE
3 is a burner 41. By contrast, in other non-limiting embodiments, combustion site 40 may comprise a catalytic surface. Burner 41 comprises an inlet (not shown) for accepting air.
The non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 also comprises a burner output modifier 60. Without limitation, burner output modifier 60 comprises a radiant surface 61. Without limitation, the combustion-powered heater 10 shown in and 4 also comprises a transducer 50 in engagement with a component of heater 10. The transducer 50 is adapted to detect the temperature of components with which it is engaged. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGURE 3, the transducer 50 comprises at least one thermocouple 51, engaged with, and adapted to detect the temperature of, radiant surface 61.
In certain embodiments, the composition of the atmosphere can substantially affect the combustion reaction during operation. "Good air" is a description of air quality. Good air is air from an atmosphere that has not been modified to contain an defined reduced oxygen content or to contain a defined amount of combustion products.
The defined reduced oxygen content and the defined amount of combustion products are quantities that may be determined based on engineering judgment. In certain embodiments, during operations in good air, the combustion reaction may be substantially complete. In certain embodiments, during operations in good air, the combustion reaction will produce heat at some rate for a given fuel consumption rate.
"Bad air" is another description of air quality. Bad air is air from an atmosphere that has been modified to contain a defined reduced oxygen content or to contain a defined amount of combustion products. In certain embodiments, during operations in bad air, the combustion reaction may be substantially incomplete.. In certain embodiments, during operations in bad air the combustion reaction will produce heat at some rate for a given fuel consumption rate; wherein said rate of heat production in bad air is substantially less than the rate of heat production in good air for the same fuel consumption rate.
In some embodiments, because of predictable differences between the rate of heat produced by combustion in good air and the amount of heat produced by combustion in bad air, a transducer 50 sensitive to temperature may be used to detect changes in combustion related to changes local air quality and, thereby, used as a detector of atmospheric quality in terms of good air versus bad air. Such temperature detection may be performed by sensing of the temperature at the combustion site, or by sensing temperature of materials or components engaged with the combustion site 40.
That is, a transducer 50 may be used to discriminate between heater operations within good air and burner or heater operations within bad air by measuring the temperature of heater components heated by heat produced at a combustion site 40.
Without limitation a transducer 50 may be electrical or mechanical. A
transducer 50 may comprise at least one thermocouple 51, a thermoelectric material, a thermostat, a bi-metallic strip, or a pyrometer.
In some embodiments, and without limitation, operating temperature data of components or materials of the heater 10, can be used to determine air quality. In certain embodiments, operating temperature data of components other than those components in a combustion site 40 can be used to determine air quality. In some embodiments, a transducer 50 is used to take operating temperature data of components of the heater 10 or to acquire a signal representative of operating temperature data of components of the heater 10. Components of the heater 10 from which a transducer 50 is used to take operating temperature data or to acquire a signal representative of operating temperature data are target components 62. Target components 62 may include a burner output modifier 60, a radiant surface 61, or any other component of the heater 10 or material within the heater 10 other than a combustion site 40, a burner 41, a catalytic surface (not shown), or a flame (not shown).
In certain embodiments, operation of a combustion-powered heater 10 in good air may result in an operating temperature of target components or materials 62 at or above some predetermined temperature. Without limitation, in certain embodiments, operation of a combustion-powered heater in bad air may result in an operating temperature of the target components or materials 62 below some predetermined temperature.
In certain embodiments, a transducer 50 comprises at least one thermocouple 51.
During operation in good air, the combustion site 40 produces heat sufficient to heat a target component or material 62 to a temperature high enough to produce an output signal consistent with good air from at least one thermocouple 51. During operation in bad air, the combustion site 40 does not produce heat sufficient to heat a target component or material 62 to a temperature high enough to produce an output signal consistent with good air from at least one thermocouple 51.
In certain embodiments, failure of at least one transducer 50 or thermocouple to produce an output signal consistent with good air will trigger an alarm or will trigger actions to stop operations at combustion site 40 or heater 10. In certain embodiments, actions to stop operations at combustion site 40 includes shut off of the valve 20 to interrupt fuel flow necessary to continuing operations at combustion site 40.
In certain embodiments, the heat from combustion site 40 may affect objects and materials in contact engaged with combustion site 40. In certain embodiments, heat from combustion site 40 will propagate through components and materials from areas proximate to or in contact with combustion site 40 to areas more distal from combustion site 40.
EXPERIMENT:
As shown in TABLE 1, nine experiments were performed on heater embodiments similar to those shown in FIGURES 3-4. In each experiment at least one thermocouple 51 was engaged with, and provided a potential substantially proportionate to the temperature of, a radiant surface 61. In each experiment, the cut-off potential in the thermocouple in millivolts was established as "TC mV @ Cut-Off' . A potential in the thermocouple of the cut-off potential or less would fail to hold open a fuel control valve 20 and would allow the fuel control valve 20 to close, thereby cutting off fuel to the combustion site 40 and shutting down the heater 10. In each experiment the heater 10 was started and the initial potential in the thermocouple 51 in millivolts was recorded as "Starting Thermocouple (mV)". The heater 10 was then isolated from the greater atmosphere by sealing it in a small, substantially air-tight, enclosure with a small amount of air. In each experiment, the percentage of oxygen in the air in the enclosure was monitored. Over time, the percentage of oxygen in the air in the enclosure diminished.
Over time, the potential in the thermocouple 51 in millivolts diminished. In each experiment, the heater 10 was allowed to operate until the potential in the thermocouple 51 in millivolts diminished to the cut-off potential and the heater 10 shut down. In each experiment, the percentage of oxygen in the air in the enclosure when the heater 10 shut down was recorded as "%02 Cut-Off'.
Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, the data in TABLE 1 is consistent with the conclusion that heat produced at a combustion site 40 is a function of the air quality of the atmosphere 90. The operating temperature data of the components of the heater 10 with which thermocouple 51 was engaged produced an output potential consistent with the components dropping in temperature as the air quality in the enclosure decreased. The data is consistent with a finding that the potential in thermocouple 51 is a function of air quality. The results of the experiments are shown in TABLE 1 below.
TABLE 1:
Test Number Starting Thermocouple (mV) %02 Cut-Off TC mV @ Cut-Off 1 20.0 17.88 7.50 2 20.0 17.89 8.00 3 21.0 17.85 8.00 4 20.0 18.00 7.00 20.0 17.82 7.50 6 20.0 17.89 7.50 7 20.5 17.99 7.00 8 20.5 17.89 7.00 9 20.0 18.00 8.00 While the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater has been described above in connection with the certain embodiments, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater without deviating therefrom. Further, the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater may include embodiments disclosed but not described in exacting detail. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments . .
may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the teachings of the current application. Therefore, the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims.
Without limitation, some fuels that a combustion site may react comprise, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, other alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, kerosene, LP
gas, wood gas, other gas mixtures, oil, hydrogen, or mixtures thereof Without limitation, some oxidants that a combustion site may react comprise oxygen, gas mixtures comprising oxygen, nitrous oxide, or mixtures thereof. Without limitation, air is a gas mixture comprising oxygen that may be used as an oxidant.
FIGURE 1 shows a combustion-powered portable heater 100. Without limitation, the cross-sectional view also shows a device 80 adapted to shut off a combustion-powered portable heater 100.
FIGURE 2 shows a combustion-powered portable heater 100. Without limitations, the cross-sectional view also shows a device 80 adapted to shut off a combustion-powered portable heater 100.
FIGURE 3 shows a combustion-powered heater 10. Without limitation, the sectional view shows a fuel control valve 20 adapted to selectively permit fuel flow to a combustion site 40. During operation of heater 10, air flows into heater 10 from the atmosphere 90. In the non-limiting embodiment showing in FIGURE 3, the heater comprises intake apertures 70 to admit air into the heater 10. During operation, air and fuel undergo a combustion reaction at combustion site 40 to produce heat and combustion products. The non-limiting embodiment of a combustion site 40 shown in FIGURE
3 is a burner 41. By contrast, in other non-limiting embodiments, combustion site 40 may comprise a catalytic surface. Burner 41 comprises an inlet (not shown) for accepting air.
The non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 also comprises a burner output modifier 60. Without limitation, burner output modifier 60 comprises a radiant surface 61. Without limitation, the combustion-powered heater 10 shown in and 4 also comprises a transducer 50 in engagement with a component of heater 10. The transducer 50 is adapted to detect the temperature of components with which it is engaged. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGURE 3, the transducer 50 comprises at least one thermocouple 51, engaged with, and adapted to detect the temperature of, radiant surface 61.
In certain embodiments, the composition of the atmosphere can substantially affect the combustion reaction during operation. "Good air" is a description of air quality. Good air is air from an atmosphere that has not been modified to contain an defined reduced oxygen content or to contain a defined amount of combustion products.
The defined reduced oxygen content and the defined amount of combustion products are quantities that may be determined based on engineering judgment. In certain embodiments, during operations in good air, the combustion reaction may be substantially complete. In certain embodiments, during operations in good air, the combustion reaction will produce heat at some rate for a given fuel consumption rate.
"Bad air" is another description of air quality. Bad air is air from an atmosphere that has been modified to contain a defined reduced oxygen content or to contain a defined amount of combustion products. In certain embodiments, during operations in bad air, the combustion reaction may be substantially incomplete.. In certain embodiments, during operations in bad air the combustion reaction will produce heat at some rate for a given fuel consumption rate; wherein said rate of heat production in bad air is substantially less than the rate of heat production in good air for the same fuel consumption rate.
In some embodiments, because of predictable differences between the rate of heat produced by combustion in good air and the amount of heat produced by combustion in bad air, a transducer 50 sensitive to temperature may be used to detect changes in combustion related to changes local air quality and, thereby, used as a detector of atmospheric quality in terms of good air versus bad air. Such temperature detection may be performed by sensing of the temperature at the combustion site, or by sensing temperature of materials or components engaged with the combustion site 40.
That is, a transducer 50 may be used to discriminate between heater operations within good air and burner or heater operations within bad air by measuring the temperature of heater components heated by heat produced at a combustion site 40.
Without limitation a transducer 50 may be electrical or mechanical. A
transducer 50 may comprise at least one thermocouple 51, a thermoelectric material, a thermostat, a bi-metallic strip, or a pyrometer.
In some embodiments, and without limitation, operating temperature data of components or materials of the heater 10, can be used to determine air quality. In certain embodiments, operating temperature data of components other than those components in a combustion site 40 can be used to determine air quality. In some embodiments, a transducer 50 is used to take operating temperature data of components of the heater 10 or to acquire a signal representative of operating temperature data of components of the heater 10. Components of the heater 10 from which a transducer 50 is used to take operating temperature data or to acquire a signal representative of operating temperature data are target components 62. Target components 62 may include a burner output modifier 60, a radiant surface 61, or any other component of the heater 10 or material within the heater 10 other than a combustion site 40, a burner 41, a catalytic surface (not shown), or a flame (not shown).
In certain embodiments, operation of a combustion-powered heater 10 in good air may result in an operating temperature of target components or materials 62 at or above some predetermined temperature. Without limitation, in certain embodiments, operation of a combustion-powered heater in bad air may result in an operating temperature of the target components or materials 62 below some predetermined temperature.
In certain embodiments, a transducer 50 comprises at least one thermocouple 51.
During operation in good air, the combustion site 40 produces heat sufficient to heat a target component or material 62 to a temperature high enough to produce an output signal consistent with good air from at least one thermocouple 51. During operation in bad air, the combustion site 40 does not produce heat sufficient to heat a target component or material 62 to a temperature high enough to produce an output signal consistent with good air from at least one thermocouple 51.
In certain embodiments, failure of at least one transducer 50 or thermocouple to produce an output signal consistent with good air will trigger an alarm or will trigger actions to stop operations at combustion site 40 or heater 10. In certain embodiments, actions to stop operations at combustion site 40 includes shut off of the valve 20 to interrupt fuel flow necessary to continuing operations at combustion site 40.
In certain embodiments, the heat from combustion site 40 may affect objects and materials in contact engaged with combustion site 40. In certain embodiments, heat from combustion site 40 will propagate through components and materials from areas proximate to or in contact with combustion site 40 to areas more distal from combustion site 40.
EXPERIMENT:
As shown in TABLE 1, nine experiments were performed on heater embodiments similar to those shown in FIGURES 3-4. In each experiment at least one thermocouple 51 was engaged with, and provided a potential substantially proportionate to the temperature of, a radiant surface 61. In each experiment, the cut-off potential in the thermocouple in millivolts was established as "TC mV @ Cut-Off' . A potential in the thermocouple of the cut-off potential or less would fail to hold open a fuel control valve 20 and would allow the fuel control valve 20 to close, thereby cutting off fuel to the combustion site 40 and shutting down the heater 10. In each experiment the heater 10 was started and the initial potential in the thermocouple 51 in millivolts was recorded as "Starting Thermocouple (mV)". The heater 10 was then isolated from the greater atmosphere by sealing it in a small, substantially air-tight, enclosure with a small amount of air. In each experiment, the percentage of oxygen in the air in the enclosure was monitored. Over time, the percentage of oxygen in the air in the enclosure diminished.
Over time, the potential in the thermocouple 51 in millivolts diminished. In each experiment, the heater 10 was allowed to operate until the potential in the thermocouple 51 in millivolts diminished to the cut-off potential and the heater 10 shut down. In each experiment, the percentage of oxygen in the air in the enclosure when the heater 10 shut down was recorded as "%02 Cut-Off'.
Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, the data in TABLE 1 is consistent with the conclusion that heat produced at a combustion site 40 is a function of the air quality of the atmosphere 90. The operating temperature data of the components of the heater 10 with which thermocouple 51 was engaged produced an output potential consistent with the components dropping in temperature as the air quality in the enclosure decreased. The data is consistent with a finding that the potential in thermocouple 51 is a function of air quality. The results of the experiments are shown in TABLE 1 below.
TABLE 1:
Test Number Starting Thermocouple (mV) %02 Cut-Off TC mV @ Cut-Off 1 20.0 17.88 7.50 2 20.0 17.89 8.00 3 21.0 17.85 8.00 4 20.0 18.00 7.00 20.0 17.82 7.50 6 20.0 17.89 7.50 7 20.5 17.99 7.00 8 20.5 17.89 7.00 9 20.0 18.00 8.00 While the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater has been described above in connection with the certain embodiments, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater without deviating therefrom. Further, the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater may include embodiments disclosed but not described in exacting detail. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments . .
may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the teachings of the current application. Therefore, the thermocouple shutoff for a portable heater should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims.
Claims (17)
1. An assembly comprising:
a combustion-powered heater comprising a combustion site adapted to power said heater;
a target component engaged with said combustion site, wherein target component is configured to comprise an operating temperature less than a temperature limit in an atmosphere that comprises less than eighteen percent oxygen by volume;
and a transducer operatively engaged with said target component, said transducer, adapted to measure the temperature of the target component, and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than said temperature limit.
a combustion-powered heater comprising a combustion site adapted to power said heater;
a target component engaged with said combustion site, wherein target component is configured to comprise an operating temperature less than a temperature limit in an atmosphere that comprises less than eighteen percent oxygen by volume;
and a transducer operatively engaged with said target component, said transducer, adapted to measure the temperature of the target component, and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than said temperature limit.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said heater is portable.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said heater is adapted to consume oxygen from air and propane fuel.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said target component comprises a burner output modifier.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein said operative engagement of the transducer with said burner output modifier comprises embedding said transducer within said burner output modifier.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said burner output modifier comprises a radiant surface.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said transducer comprises at least one thermocouple.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said adaptation to shut-down said combustion-powered heater is an adaptation wherein said thermocouple ceases holding open a normally-closed valve.
9. A method of selectively shutting off a combustion-powered portable heater, comprising:
providing a combustion-powered heater, said heater comprising a combustion site adapted to power said heater when in operation;
engaging a target component with said combustion site in such a manner that said combustion site heats said target component when in operation, wherein said target component is configured to comprise an operating temperature less than a temperature limit in an atmosphere that comprises less than eighteen percent oxygen by volume; and operatively engaging a transducer with said target component, said transducer, adapted to measure the temperature of the target component, and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
providing a combustion-powered heater, said heater comprising a combustion site adapted to power said heater when in operation;
engaging a target component with said combustion site in such a manner that said combustion site heats said target component when in operation, wherein said target component is configured to comprise an operating temperature less than a temperature limit in an atmosphere that comprises less than eighteen percent oxygen by volume; and operatively engaging a transducer with said target component, said transducer, adapted to measure the temperature of the target component, and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said heater is portable.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said heater is adapted to consume oxygen from air and propane fuel.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said target component comprises a burner output modifier.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said operatively engaging a transducer with said burner output modifier comprises embedding said transducer within said burner output modifier.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said burner output modifier comprises a radiant surface.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said transducer comprises at least one thermocouple.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said adaptation to shut-down said combustion-powered heater is an adaptation wherein said thermocouple ceases holding open a normally-closed valve.
17. An assembly comprising:
a portable, combustion-powered heater comprising a combustion site adapted to power said heater, said heater adapted to consume oxygen from air and propane fuel;
a radiant surface engaged with said combustion site, wherein said radiant surface is configured to comprise an operating temperature less than a temperature limit in an atmosphere that comprises less than eighteen percent oxygen by volume;
and at least one thermocouple embedded within said radiant surface, said at least one thermocouple, adapted to measure the temperature of the radiant surface, and adapted to cease holding open a normally-closed valve to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
a portable, combustion-powered heater comprising a combustion site adapted to power said heater, said heater adapted to consume oxygen from air and propane fuel;
a radiant surface engaged with said combustion site, wherein said radiant surface is configured to comprise an operating temperature less than a temperature limit in an atmosphere that comprises less than eighteen percent oxygen by volume;
and at least one thermocouple embedded within said radiant surface, said at least one thermocouple, adapted to measure the temperature of the radiant surface, and adapted to cease holding open a normally-closed valve to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US12/544,433 US20110045417A1 (en) | 2009-08-20 | 2009-08-20 | Thermocouple Shutoff for Portable Heater |
| US12/544,433 | 2009-08-20 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2713971A1 CA2713971A1 (en) | 2011-02-20 |
| CA2713971C true CA2713971C (en) | 2014-12-09 |
Family
ID=43605641
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2713971A Active CA2713971C (en) | 2009-08-20 | 2010-08-20 | Thermocouple shutoff for portable heater |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US20110045417A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2713971C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD957599S1 (en) | 2020-09-08 | 2022-07-12 | Pinnacle Climate Technologies, Llc | Portable heater |
| US11598528B2 (en) | 2019-10-17 | 2023-03-07 | Pinnacle Climate Technologies | Multi-dimensional ceramic burner surface |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9587829B1 (en) | 2013-08-12 | 2017-03-07 | Procom Heating, Inc. | Pre-start indicator for portable heater |
| USD907753S1 (en) * | 2018-09-26 | 2021-01-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | Heating device |
| USD982732S1 (en) * | 2020-08-05 | 2023-04-04 | Enerco Group, Inc. | Portable heater |
| USD969286S1 (en) * | 2020-08-19 | 2022-11-08 | Energo Group, Inc. | Portable heater with red trim |
| USD963817S1 (en) | 2020-12-14 | 2022-09-13 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Portable heater |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS60218526A (en) * | 1984-04-14 | 1985-11-01 | Rinnai Corp | Safety device for combustion of gas instrument |
| US5941699A (en) * | 1997-05-08 | 1999-08-24 | Mr. Heater, Inc. | Shutoff system for gas fired appliances |
| US6884065B2 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2005-04-26 | Mr. Heater, Inc. | Gas fired portable unvented infrared heater |
-
2009
- 2009-08-20 US US12/544,433 patent/US20110045417A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2010
- 2010-08-20 CA CA2713971A patent/CA2713971C/en active Active
-
2011
- 2011-12-27 US US13/337,466 patent/US20120094244A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11598528B2 (en) | 2019-10-17 | 2023-03-07 | Pinnacle Climate Technologies | Multi-dimensional ceramic burner surface |
| USD957599S1 (en) | 2020-09-08 | 2022-07-12 | Pinnacle Climate Technologies, Llc | Portable heater |
| USD997320S1 (en) | 2020-09-08 | 2023-08-29 | Pinnacle Climate Technologies | Portable heater |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20110045417A1 (en) | 2011-02-24 |
| US20120094244A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
| CA2713971A1 (en) | 2011-02-20 |
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