DE102021127953A1 - Method for starting up a heating device, computer program product, regulation and control device, and a heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method according to the invention for starting up a heater proposes operating the heater with a start profile during start-up and the start profile a power curve (23, 24, 25) of a delivery device (3) of the heater and an opening time (13, 20) of a gas valve may include. According to a preferred embodiment of the method, a start profile can be selected from at least two start profiles and the method can be carried out. If this process implementation does not lead to a successful start process, the process can then be carried out with a different start profile, etc. For this purpose, the start profiles can be stored with a prioritization, i.e. an indication of the order in which a process implementation with these start profiles is attempted.

Description

The invention relates to a method for starting up a heating device, a computer program product, a regulation and control device and a heating device.

To start up heaters, a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air is often flowed into a burner and set on fire by ignition. It has been shown that, particularly in the case of heaters with a pneumatic gas/air combination, the composition of the gas mixture for ignition can vary due to the system. The fluctuations are due, among other things, to tolerances and the dynamic characteristics of the gas valve, fluctuations in the calorific value of the gas to be burned and/or the characteristics, in particular the flow resistance, of the exhaust system of the heater.

The consequence of this is that if the proportion of fuel gas is too high, ignition can be accompanied by a strong development of noise. If the proportion of fuel gas is too low, the gas mixture may not be ignitable and/or several ignition processes are necessary for commissioning. Both consequences are unpleasant for a user and also cause increased stress on the heater. Furthermore, these can lead to a maintenance call by a service technician with corresponding costs.

Influencing or regulating the composition of the combustion mixture is particularly difficult in the case of a pneumatic (combustion) gas/air combination because this is caused by the interaction of mechanical components. Possibilities for influencing are known, for example a device for limiting the gas flow and/or a buffer store. However, it has turned out to be disadvantageous that their use under certain conditions can also intensify the above-mentioned problems in certain situations of the starting process. In addition, these options are associated with costs. Another disadvantage is that the complexity of a heater equipped with it increases.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the invention to propose a method for starting up a heating device which at least partially overcomes the problems of the prior art described. In particular, a safe and reliable starting process should be guaranteed in as far as possible all scenarios or operating situations that occur.

In addition, the proposed method should be easy to carry out and at least not significantly increase the complexity of a heating device.

These objects are solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous refinements of the solution proposed here are specified in the independent patent claims. It is pointed out that the features listed in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful manner and define further refinements of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred configurations of the invention being presented.

The method proposed here is particularly suitable for gas heaters with a pneumatic gas-air combination. In such heaters, the combination of combustion air and combustion gas is essentially based on mechanical principles. Combustion gas is often added to an air flow conveyed by a conveying device by means of a Venturi nozzle. The supplied gas flow is thus a delayed image of the air flow generated by the conveying device. The disadvantage of this purely mechanical combination of combustion gas and combustion air is that it can only be adjusted or controlled to a very limited extent.

The composition of the combustion mixture has a reference composition suitable for starting. A composition that has a lower content of fuel gas than the reference value is referred to as lean. Ignition of a lean combustion mixture is only possible with difficulty, and a high ignition capacity can be advantageous. A composition that has a higher proportion of combustible gas than the reference value is referred to as rich.

The composition of the combustion mixture has a reference composition suitable for the ignition process. A composition that has a lower content of combustion gas than the reference value is referred to as lean. Ignition of a lean combustion mixture is only possible with difficulty, and a high ignition capacity can be advantageous. A composition that has a higher proportion of combustion gas than the reference value is referred to as rich.

The composition of the combustion mixture can also be specified by a combustion air ratio λ, this being the The ratio of the air mass actually available for combustion to the air mass required for complete combustion. A combustion air ratio of (significantly) above 1 thus indicates a lean mixture, in which more combustion air is available than is necessary for the combustion of the combustion gas present, and accordingly a combustion air ratio of less than 1 indicates a rich combustion mixture, in which there is not enough combustion air for complete combustion is available.

The invention is based on the idea that the composition of the mixture can be influenced by controlling the conveying device. When a heater is started up, the output of a delivery device is usually increased linearly with the greatest possible gradient up to a reference output, with the flow rate of the combustion air reaching a reference flow rate at the reference output. Shortly before or in the range of reaching the reference flow rate, the gas valve opens and adds combustion gas to the delivered fluid flow of the combustion air, for example by the Venturi effect. When the gas valve is opened, due to its characteristics, there is often a gas peak, ie a region of the fluid flow of the combustion mixture in which a significantly higher proportion of combustion gas is contained than in the operating state that occurs. According to the invention, this gas peak (also referred to as a gas peak) can be advantageously used positively for an ignition process, for example in the case of a lean composition of the combustion mixture. In other situations, for example when the composition of the combustion mixture is rich, the gas peak can have an adverse effect on an ignition process and should be reduced or dampened.

By specifically influencing the fluid flow conveyed by the delivery device, a rich mixture composition (i.e. a mixture composition with a high proportion of combustion gas) can be made leaner for the ignition point and a leaner mixture composition (i.e. a mixture composition with a low proportion of combustion gas) can be enriched.

It has been shown that the development of a gas peak when a gas valve is opened can be influenced, among other things, by the flow rate of the combustion air. For example, opening the gas valve at a flow rate significantly below the reference flow rate can lead to a reduction in the gas peak and thus be suitable for igniting rich compositions of the combustion mixture. In contrast, with a lean composition of the combustion mixture, the gas peak can be a welcome increase in the proportion of combustion gas in the combustion mixture for an ignition process.

The method for starting up a heater includes that the heater is operated with a start profile during start-up, the start profile including a power curve of a delivery device of the heater and an opening time of a gas valve.

A start profile within the meaning of this document can be a defined procedure or a definition of several different variable start parameters for starting up components of the heater with the aim of enabling the heater to start up without any problems. The parameters coordinated as part of the start profile can include, for example, a performance curve of a conveyor device for the combustion gas mixture or the combustion air, an ignition time of the burner, an ignition intensity and/or an instruction for operating a pneumatic restriction. In particular, the start profile determines a time profile of a (possibly variable) setting of a parameter and an action and/or a time profile of a (possibly variable) setting of at least one further parameter. The start profile can include a (preselected) rigid, possibly time-fixed sequence of the two variable start parameters for starting up the heater, for example for a specifically determined situation (fuel, error messages, initial/restart, etc.). Alternatively or cumulatively, it is also possible for the setting of the two variable start parameters during commissioning to be regulated as part of the start profile using current parameters (determined in particular during operation). It goes without saying that a start profile should also be matched to the specific properties of the heater or the heating system. In particular, the performance of the heating device, properties of the combustion chamber, properties of the exhaust system, in particular its length, and/or the specific fuel gas should be mentioned in this context.

A performance curve of the delivery device can indicate a curve of a performance parameter of the delivery device as a function of the time with which the delivery device of the heating system is operated during commissioning. The performance parameter can be any parameter that characterizes the performance of the delivery device, for example a speed of a fan as the delivery device, a flow rate and/or a power consumption of the delivery device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, a start profile can be selected from at least two start profiles and the method can be carried out. If this process implementation does not lead to a successful start process, the process can then be carried out with a different start profile, etc. For this purpose, the start profiles can be stored with a prioritization, i.e. an indication of the order in which a process implementation with these start profiles is attempted.

1. a) Steigern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung bis zu einer (vorgebbaren ersten) Leistung mit einem (definierten, insbesondere konstanten, ersten) Anstieg,
2. b) Öffnen des Gasventils nach Erreichen der (vorgebbaren ersten) Leistung und Einleiten eines Zündvorganges beim Brenner,
3. c) für einen (vorgegebenen, ersten) Zeitraum (weitestgehendes) konstant halten der (vorgebbaren ersten) Leistung,
4. d) Ansteuern einer (von der vorgebbaren ersten Leistung abweichenden, vorgebbaren zweiten) Leistung der Fördereinrichtung mit einem (definierten, insbesondere konstanten, zweiten) Anstieg.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the performance curve of a start profile can include the following processes:

1. a) increasing the output of the conveyor up to a (predeterminable first) output with a (defined, in particular constant, first) increase,
2. b) Opening the gas valve after reaching the (predeterminable first) power and initiating an ignition process at the burner,
3. c) keeping the (predeterminable first) power constant (as far as possible) for a (predetermined, first) period,
4. d) Activation of a power of the delivery device (deviating from the predeterminable first power, predeterminable second) with a (defined, in particular constant, second) rise.

• e) (weitestgehend) konstant halten der (vorgebbaren zweiten) Leistung der Fördereinrichtung für einen (vorgegebenen, zweiten) Zeitraum,
• f) Ansteuern einer (von der vorgebbaren zweiten Leistung abweichenden, vorgebbaren dritten) Leistung mit einem (definierten, insbesondere konstanten, dritten) Anstieg.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method can additionally or subsequently include the following processes:

• e) keep (as far as possible) constant the (predeterminable second) output of the conveyor for a (predetermined, second) period of time,
• f) Activation of a power (deviating from the predeterminable second power, predeterminable third power) with a (defined, in particular constant, third) rise.

For the sake of clarification, the increases can take both negative and positive values. "Increase" refers here in particular to a linear increase, the effected change in power can also be effected by any other function, for example an exponential function or a logarithmic function.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, specific starting profiles can be defined, for example, for lean and/or rich mixture compositions and/or for long exhaust systems. In this case, the start profiles do not have to be assigned a specific purpose; a large number of different start profiles can also be stored, and a most suitable one can be determined as part of the processing of the different start profiles.

• - Anfahren einer Fördereinrichtung des Heizgerätes mit hohem (ersten) Anstieg, also hoher Beschleunigung (eine hohe bzw. große Beschleunigung sollte gleichwohl ein möglichst präzises Ansteuern der avisierten (ersten oder zweiten) Leistung ermöglichen) bis zu einer (ersten) Leistung zwischen 20% und 40% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht (mit anderen Worten, der Leistung mit der die Fördereinrichtung bei maximaler Leistung des Heizgerätes betrieben wird); häufig kann eine Leistung einer Fördereinrichtung, die einer maximalen Leistung eines Heizgerätes entspricht, im Bereich von 10.000 U/min [Umdrehungen pro Minute liegen].
• - Öffnen des Gasventils,
• - Start eines Zündvorganges mit normalen Einstellungen (gekennzeichnet beispielsweise durch eine durchschnittliche Zündenergie und/oder Zündfrequenz)
• - Warten für einen (ersten) Zeitraum von ca. 0,1s bis 0,3s [Sekunden], zur Stabilisierung der Flamme, wobei die Leistung der Fördereinrichtung weitestgehend konstant bleibt,
• - steigern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung bis zu einer (zweiten) Leistung im Bereich zwischen 60% und 70% der der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht mit hohem (zweiten) Anstieg, der etwa bzw. exakt dem vorherigen (ersten) Anstieg entsprechen kann,
• - mindern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung auf eine (dritte) Leistung im Bereich von zwischen 20% und 40% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht mit einem (dritten) Anstieg, dessen Betrag weitestgehend zwei Drittel vom zuerst gewählten (ersten) Anstieg entspricht.

For example, a start profile for a normal start or for a rich mixture composition (it has been shown that a suitable start profile for a normal start is also suitable for a rich mixture composition with many heaters) can include a power curve with at least the following features:

• - Approach a conveying device of the heater with a high (first) increase, i.e. high acceleration (a high or high acceleration should nevertheless enable the most precise possible control of the notified (first or second) power) up to a (first) power between 20% and 40% of the conveyor power, which corresponds to the maximum power of the heater (in other words, the power at which the conveyor is operated at the maximum power of the heater); Often, a conveyor output that corresponds to a maximum heater output can be in the range of 10,000 rpm [revolutions per minute].
• - opening the gas valve,
• - Start of an ignition process with normal settings (characterised, for example, by an average ignition energy and/or ignition frequency)
• - Waiting for a (first) period of approx. 0.1s to 0.3s [seconds] to stabilize the flame, whereby the output of the conveyor remains largely constant,
• - increase the power of the conveyor up to a (second) power in the range between 60% and 70% of the power of the conveyor, which corresponds to the maximum power of the heater with high (second) increase, which is approximately or exactly the previous (first ) increase can correspond
• - reduce the power of the conveyor to a (third) power in the range of between 20% and 40% of the power of the conveyor, which corresponds to the maximum power of the heater with a (third) increase, the amount of which is largely two-thirds of the first selected (first ) rise corresponds.

• - Anfahren einer Fördereinrichtung des Heizgerätes mit hohem (ersten) Anstieg, also hoher Beschleunigung bis zu einer (ersten) Leistung im Bereich zwischen 30% und 60% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht,
• - Öffnen des Gasventils,
• - Starten eines Zündvorganges mit Einstellungen für eine magere Gemischzusammensetzung (diese kann eine höhere Zündenergie und geringere Zündfrequenz als ein normaler Zündvorgang aufweisen).
• - kein Warten, bzw. nur einen sehr kurzen (ersten) Zeitraum von maximal 0,1s [Sekunden] mit weitestgehend konstanter Leistung der Fördereinrichtung,
• - Steigern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung bis zu einer (zweiten) Leistung im Bereich zwischen 75% und 95% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht, mit einem (zweiten) Anstieg, der weitestgehend zwei Dritteln des vorherigen (ersten) Anstieges entspricht.

For example, a starting profile for a lean mixture composition can include a power curve with at least the following features:

• - Starting a conveyor of the heater with a high (first) increase, i.e. high acceleration up to a (first) output in the range between 30% and 60% of the output of the conveyor, which corresponds to the maximum output of the heater,
• - opening the gas valve,
• - Starting an ignition process with settings for a lean mixture composition (this can have a higher ignition energy and lower ignition frequency than a normal ignition process).
• - no waiting, or only a very short (first) period of maximum 0.1s [seconds] with largely constant performance of the conveyor,
• - increase the conveyor power up to a (second) power in the range between 75% and 95% of the conveyor power, which corresponds to the maximum power of the heater, with a (second) increase largely two-thirds of the previous (first) rise corresponds.

• - Anfahren einer Fördereinrichtung des Heizgerätes mit hohem (ersten) Anstieg, also hoher Beschleunigung bis zu einer (ersten) Leistung im Bereich zwischen 62% und 82% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht,
• - Öffnen des Gasventils,
• - Starten eines Zündvorganges mit Einstellungen, die denen für eine magere Gemischzusammensetzung entsprechen,
• - Warten für einen (ersten) Zeitraum von ca. 0,2s bis 0,4s [Sekunden], zur Stabilisierung der Flamme, wobei die Leistung der Fördereinrichtung weitestgehend konstant bleibt,
• - mindern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung bis zu einer (zweiten) Leistung im Bereich zwischen 54% und 74% der der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht mit sehr hohem Betrag des negativen (zweiten) Anstieges, beispielsweise erzielt durch eine Außerbetriebnahme der Fördereinrichtung,
• - Warten für einen (zweiten) Zeitraum von ca. 2s bis 4s [Sekunden], wobei die Leistung der Fördereinrichtung weitestgehend konstant bleibt,
• - Steigern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung auf eine (dritte) Leistung im Bereich zwischen zwischen 62% und 82% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht, mit einem (dritten) Anstieg, der ungefähr dem zuerst gewählten (ersten) Anstieg entspricht.

For example, a start profile for a long exhaust system (e.g. from a length of approx. 8 meters, whereby the properties of the exhaust system, such as its volume, as well as the specific properties of the heater, e.g. the volume of the combustion chamber, can be included) can be a performance curve with at least the following characteristics:

• - Starting a conveyor of the heater with a high (first) increase, i.e. high acceleration up to a (first) output in the range between 62% and 82% of the output of the conveyor, which corresponds to the maximum output of the heater,
• - opening the gas valve,
• - starting an ignition process with settings corresponding to those for a lean mixture composition,
• - Waiting for a (first) period of approx. 0.2s to 0.4s [seconds] to stabilize the flame, whereby the output of the conveyor remains largely constant,
• - reduce the output of the conveyor to a (second) output in the range between 54% and 74% of the output of the conveyor, which corresponds to the maximum output of the heater with a very high amount of the negative (second) increase, for example achieved by decommissioning the funding institution,
• - Waiting for a (second) period of approx. 2s to 4s [seconds], whereby the performance of the conveyor remains largely constant,
• - Increase the conveyor power to a (third) power in the range between between 62% and 82% of the conveyor power corresponding to the maximum power of the heater, with a (third) ramp approximately equal to the (first) ramp selected first is equivalent to.

After a successful ignition process, the heater can go into a normal operating mode after the completion of the start profile. Each of the start profiles mentioned above is tailored to the dynamic behavior of the mixture composition, in particular the formation of a gas peak, during an ignition process and can enhance or counteract the natural behavior of the mixture composition.

As a precaution, it is noted that the start profiles described above are only to be understood as examples. The design of the start profile depends, among other things, on the specific heater, its performance data and exhaust system and the properties of the fuel used. Steps can therefore also be omitted or added to implement the start profiles in order to meet the specific requirements of the heater to be operated.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the conveying device can be a blower. The performance curve of the conveyor can relate, among other things, to a speed of the fan.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, after an unsuccessful starting process, in particular after an unsuccessful ignition process, a new starting process can be initiated with a different starting profile. For example, different boot profiles can be tried for different possible situations until a boot profile is found that enables a successful boot process.

According to a preferred method, an ignition control method can be carried out during a method run, which includes an evaluation of an ionization signal. An ionization signal from a flame enables quick and direct conclusions to be drawn about whether a flame is present, but also about the quality and stability of the flame.

• - ein Zeitraum zwischen Öffnung des Gasventils und dem ersten Auftreten des lonisationssignals,
• - eine Anzahl des Auftretens des Ionisationssignals während eines Zündvorganges,
• - eine Stärke des Ionisationssignals, und
• - eine Intensität eines Rauschens des lonisationssignals.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, at least one of the following features of the ionization signal is included:

• - a period of time between the opening of the gas valve and the first appearance of the ionization signal,
• - a number of occurrences of the ionization signal during an ignition process,
• - a strength of the ionization signal, and
• - an intensity of a noise of the ionization signal.

As part of the ignition control method, a (current) output of the delivery device, in particular a speed of a blower as the delivery device, can be included at the time of the ionization signal.

According to a preferred embodiment, the start profiles carried out can be evaluated as part of the ignition control method. This evaluation is preferably saved. In this case, the evaluation can relate in particular to various aspects which characterize the success of the ignition process for the respective start profile.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the stored evaluation can be used to select a start profile when the heater is subsequently put into operation. If there is a shift in the composition of the mixture due to the design features of the gas valve, it can be assumed that these will not change with every starting process. Advantageously, it can be ensured in this way that, at least when the heating device is started up, a start profile is at least frequently started that enables problem-free start-up. In this way, the duration of a starting process can advantageously be shortened by selecting a successful starting profile right at the beginning.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one evaluation of a start profile can be deleted after a specific number of unsuccessful attempts. The method can preferably start up the heater using a standardized sequence of start profiles and carry out a new evaluation of the start profiles. For example, as a result of wear on the gas valve or a change in the composition and/or the calorific value of the fuel, it can happen over a period of time that the start profile with the highest rating no longer guarantees a successful ignition process. The start profile that is most suitable at this point in time can then be found by means of a renewed evaluation process.

According to a preferred embodiment, after a defined number of unsuccessful attempts to start up the heater with different start profiles, the heater can switch to a fault mode. For example, the defined number of attempts may include trying each stored launch profile twice.

According to a further aspect, a heating device with at least one delivery device and a gas valve is proposed, comprising further means that are suitable for carrying out the steps of the method described here. The “means” can in particular include at least one element selected from the following group: data memory, sensor, analysis or evaluation unit for data, counter, data memory, data lines, electrical circuit for operating the delivery device and/or the gas valve, possibly the control and control unit, elements of a flame monitoring system.

It is possible to carry out the method as a computer-implemented method comprising steps a) to d). It is possible to provide a device or a system for data processing, comprising means for carrying out these steps of the method specified here.

According to another aspect, a computer program is also proposed, which is set up to (at least partially) carry out a method presented here. In other words, this relates in particular to a computer program (product), comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to execute a method described here. According to a further aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is also proposed, on which the computer program is stored. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one start profile defined according to the invention and/or at least one evaluation of the at least one start profile is stored in the memory. The machine-readable storage medium is usually a computer-readable data carrier.

According to a further aspect, a regulation and control unit for a heating device is also proposed, set up to carry out a method presented here. For this purpose, the regulating and control unit can have a processor, for example, or have it at its disposal. In this context, the processor can, for example, execute the method stored in a memory (of the regulation and control unit). At least one start profile defined with a method proposed here is preferably stored in the memory. A number of start profiles are particularly preferably stored and a sequence of the stored start profiles.

According to a further aspect, a heater with a closed-loop and open-loop control unit presented here is also proposed. The heating device is, in particular, a gas heating device with a gas burner and a delivery device that can deliver a pneumatic gas/air combination to a gas burner.

In particular, the use of an ionization signal of a flame to control an ignition process of a heater with a pneumatic gas-air combination is proposed. Furthermore, the use of an ionization signal of a flame of a heating device with a pneumatic gas-air combination for the selection of a suitable starting profile is also proposed.

A method for starting up a heating device, a computer program product, a regulation and control device, a heating device and uses are thus specified here, which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, the method, the computer program, the control unit and the heater each contribute at least to shortening the starting behavior of a heater and preventing attempts to ignite in borderline areas, thereby significantly increasing operational reliability. In addition, carrying out the method does not require any structural changes to a heating device, as a result of which the invention can advantageously be implemented cost-effectively and the complexity of a heating system is not increased.

• 1: einen Ablauf eines hier vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens,
• 2: einen Verlauf eines Ionisationssignals während einer Inbetriebnahme eines Heizgerätes,
• 3: eine Leistungskurve einer Fördereinrichtung eines Startprofils für eine fette Gemischzusammensetzung,
• 4: eine Leistungskurve einer Fördereinrichtung eines Startprofils für eine magere Gemischzusammensetzung, und
• 5: eine Leistungskurve einer Fördereinrichtung eines Startprofils für eine lange Abgasanlage.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be pointed out that the invention should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments given. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be pointed out that the figures and in particular the proportions shown are only schematic. Show it:

• 1 : a sequence of a method proposed here,
• 2 : a course of an ionization signal during commissioning of a heating device,
• 3 : a performance curve of a conveyor of a start profile for a rich mixture composition,
• 4 : a performance curve of a conveyor of a starting profile for a lean mixture composition, and
• 5 : a performance curve of a conveyor of a starting profile for a long exhaust system.

1 shows an example and a schematic of the sequence of a method proposed here for starting up a heating device. When the method starts 0, a start profile 1 can be selected from a prioritization list. As a rule, it is possible to start with a first start profile in the order of the prioritization list, and a start process 2 can be carried out with this start profile. The prioritization list can indicate different start profiles, preferably stored in a memory of the heater, in particular on a regulation and control unit of the heater. The prioritization list can indicate an order of the start profiles, the order being designed such that the start profile with the highest chance of success comes first, and the other start profiles stored follow according to their chance of success. When the method is started for the first time, for example after a new installation of a heating device, a standard prioritization list can be used, which can be pre-installed by the manufacturer with a sequence of the start profiles.

In the starting process 2, the heater can be operated with the selected starting profile, the starting profile including a power curve for operating a delivery device 3 and parameters for operating an ignition device 4. The delivery device 3 can be a fan and the performance curve can indicate a fan speed as the performance of the delivery device 3 as a function of time. The parameters for operating the ignition device 4 can be, for example, an intensity of the ignition spark and/or a frequency of the ignition spark.

An ionization signal 5 of the flame can be detected during the starting process 2 . An ignition control method 6 can be carried out parallel to the starting process 2, in which various operating parameters such as the ionization signal 5, an opening time of a gas valve and the output of the delivery device 3 can be included. As part of the ignition control method 6, it can be determined whether the starting process 2 was successful. If the starting process 2 is successful, the heater can switch to a normal operating mode 7 .

If it is determined during the ignition control procedure 6 that the starting process was not successful, a starting process counter 8 are incremented. If the starting process counter 8 now indicates a maximum number of starting processes 2, the heater can switch to a fault mode 9 and block further starting processes for safety reasons. In addition, the heater in fault mode could indicate that maintenance by a service technician is necessary.

If the starting process counter 8 has not yet reached the maximum number of starting processes 2, another starting process 2 can now be initiated. The further starting process 2 can be initiated with the following starting profile in the order of the prioritization list.

Subsequent to or at least partially parallel to the ignition control method 6, an evaluation 10 of the start profile carried out can be carried out. In this case, the evaluation includes in particular the ionization signal 5 and evaluates the quality of the starting process 2 and the starting profile used.

Following the assessment 10, the prioritization list 11 can be determined. As part of the determination of the prioritization list 11, it can be checked whether the order of the prioritization list has changed due to the evaluation 10 of the last starting process 2 and the starting profile used. The determination of the prioritization list 11 can then be made available to a future selection of a start profile 1 .

If, for example, it is determined within the framework of several starting processes 2 that the third starting profile in the sequence of the prioritization list has led to a successful starting process 2, the third starting profile in the prioritization list can be moved to the first place in the sequence when determining the prioritization list 11. As a result, the heater can initiate a first starting process 2 in future starting processes 2 with this starting profile and thus shorten the total duration of the starting process.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a “successful” start profile, for example a start profile that has enabled a successful start in a large number of consecutive cases, can be further adjusted by adjusting one or more parameters. An advantageous adjustment could be, for example, a shortening of the ignition time in order to enable an even faster starting process. If a problem occurs during a start process after a parameter has been adjusted, the adjustment can be reversed afterwards.

If it is determined that a first start profile (the most successful start profile with the best rating to date) determined as part of multiple evaluations 10 and determinations of the prioritization list 11 no longer guarantees a successful start process 2, the (determined prioritization list) can be deleted and repeated with the standard prioritization list can be started.

2 shows an ionization signal 5 during a starting process 2. The diagram shows a strength of the ionization signal 5 over a period of time t. Ignition sparks 12 are emitted by an ignition device 4 . The diagram shows an ionization signal 5 which, due to the technical equipment used, is lower the higher the quality of the measured flame.

At the beginning of an ignition process, the ionization signal 5 can assume a high value because there is no flame present. The ignition device 4 begins to generate ignition sparks 12 essentially at the same time as the opening time 13 of the gas valve 13 . A first flame can be detected at a point in time 14 using a significantly lower ionization signal 5 . At time 15, loss of flame occurs. At time 16 a stable flame forms.

Various indicators for an evaluation 10 of a start profile can be taken from an ionization signal 5 . These can include, in particular, an ignition period 17 (time between the opening time 13 of the gas valve and the time 16 of the stable flame), a number of times 15 at which a loss of flame has occurred, a signal strength 18 of the stabilized flame and an intensity of a signal noise 17 of the stabilized be flame.

3 shows a performance curve 23 of a delivery device 3 for a starting profile (selected by way of example) for a rich mixture composition. This performance curve 23 can also be used for a general take-off profile. The diagram shows a blower speed n, which is specified as a percentage of the output of the delivery device, which corresponds to the maximum output of the heater, as a function of time t. The representation in the 3 until 5 is for illustration purposes only and is not to scale.

• - Anfahren einer Fördereinrichtung 3 des Heizgerätes mit (erstem) Anstieg A1 18 von 150 U/min/0,1s [(Umdrehungen pro Minute) pro 100 Millisekunden] bis zu einer (ersten) Leistung L1 von 30%,
• - Öffnen des Gasventils zu einem Öffnungszeitpunkt 20,
• - Starten eines Zündvorganges zu einem Zündzeitpunkt 28 mit normalen Einstellungen,
• - Warten für einen (ersten) Zeitraum D1 19 von 0,2s [Sekunden], zur Stabilisierung der Flamme, wobei die Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3 weitestgehend konstant bleibt,
• - steigern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3 bis zu einer (zweiten) Leistung L2 von der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht mit hohem (zweiten) Anstieg A2 21 von 150 U/min/ 0,1s [(Umdrehungen pro Minute) pro 100 Millisekunden]],
• - mindern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung auf eine (dritte) Leistung L3 von 30% mit einem (dritten) Anstieg A3 23 von - 100 U/min/0,1s [(Umdrehungen pro Minute) pro 100 Millisekunden],
• - Ende der Leistungskurve 22 und Kontrolle der Flamme über das Ionisationssignal 5.

The performance curve 23 of the delivery device 3 for a starting profile for a rich mixture composition can have the following features, for example:

• - Starting a conveyor 3 of the heater with (first) rise A1 18 of 150 rpm/0.1s [(revolutions per minute) per 100 milliseconds] up to a (first) power L1 of 30%,
• - opening of the gas valve at an opening time 20,
• - start an ignition process at an ignition point 28 with normal settings,
• - Waiting for a (first) period D1 19 of 0.2s [seconds] to stabilize the flame, with the output of the conveyor 3 remaining largely constant,
• - increase the output of the conveyor 3 up to a (second) output L2 of the output of the conveyor, which corresponds to the maximum output of the heater with a high (second) increase A2 21 of 150 rpm/ 0.1s [(revolutions per minute ) per 100 milliseconds]],
• - reduce the output of the conveyor to a (third) output L3 of 30% with a (third) increase A3 23 of - 100 rpm/0.1s [(revolutions per minute) per 100 milliseconds],
• - End of the power curve 22 and control of the flame via the ionization signal 5.

4 shows a performance curve 24 of a delivery device 3 for a starting profile for a lean mixture composition. The presentation is analogous to 3 .

• - Anfahren einer Fördereinrichtung 3 des Heizgerätes mit einem (ersten) Anstieg A1 18 von 150 U/min/0,1s [(Umdrehungen pro Minute) pro 100 Millisekunden], bis zu einer (ersten) Leistung L1 von 45% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht,
• - Öffnen des Gasventils zu einem Öffnungszeitpunkt 20,
• - Starten eines Zündvorganges zu einem Zündzeitpunkt 28 mit Einstellungen für eine magere Gemischzusammensetzung,
• - Kein Warten (der (erste) Zeitraum D1 beträgt 0s [Sekunden]);
• - Steigern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3 bis zu einer (zweiten) Leistung L2 von 85% mit einem (zweiten) Anstieg A2 21 von 100 U/min/0,1s [(Umdrehungen pro Minute) pro 100 Millisekunden],
• - Ende der Leistungskurve 22 und Kontrolle der Flamme über das Ionisationssignal 5. Durch einen geringeren Anstieg A2 kann es einem Regel- und Steuergerät des Heizgerätes erleichtert werden, auf eine geeignete Leistung zu regeln und eine Flamme zu stabilisieren. Dieses Startprofil ist besonders für magere Gemischzusammensetzungen geeignet, insbesondere in Verbindung mit kurzen Abgasanlagen.

The power curve 24 of the delivery device 3 for a starting profile for a lean mixture composition can have the following features, for example:

• - Starting a conveyor 3 of the heater with a (first) rise A1 18 of 150 rpm/0.1s [(revolutions per minute) per 100 milliseconds], up to a (first) power L1 of 45% of the power of the conveyor 3, which corresponds to the maximum power of the heater,
• - opening of the gas valve at an opening time 20,
• - Starting an ignition process at an ignition point 28 with settings for a lean mixture composition,
• - No waiting (the (first) period D1 is 0s [seconds]);
• - increasing the output of the conveyor 3 up to a (second) output L2 of 85% with a (second) increase A2 21 of 100 rpm/0.1s [(revolutions per minute) per 100 milliseconds],
• - End of the power curve 22 and control of the flame via the ionization signal 5. A lower rise A2 can make it easier for a regulating and control unit of the heater to regulate to a suitable power level and to stabilize a flame. This starting profile is particularly suitable for lean mixture compositions, especially in connection with short exhaust systems.

5 FIG. 1 shows a performance curve 25 of a delivery device 3 for a starting profile for a long exhaust system. The presentation is analogous to 3 or. 4 .

• - Anfahren einer Fördereinrichtung 3 des Heizgerätes mit einem (ersten) Anstieg A1 18 von 150 U/min/0,1s [(Umdrehungen pro Minute) pro 100 Millisekunden] bis zu einer (ersten) Leistung L1 von 72% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht,
• - Öffnen des Gasventils zu einem Öffnungszeitpunkt 20
• - Starten eines Zündvorganges zu einem Zündzeitpunkt 28 mit Einstellungen, die denen für eine magere Gemischzusammensetzung entsprechen,
• - Warten für einen (ersten) Zeitraum D1 19 von 0,3s [Sekunden], zur Stabilisierung der Flamme, wobei die Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3 weitestgehend konstant bleibt,
• - Mindern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3 bis zu einer (zweiten) Leistung L2 von 64% der der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht einem (zweiten) Anstieg A2 21 von -600 U/min/0,1s [(Umdrehungen pro Minute) pro 100 Millisekunden],
• - Warten für einen (zweiten) Zeitraum D2 26 von ca. 3s [Sekunden], wobei die Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3 weitestgehend konstant bleibt,
• - steigern der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung 3 auf eine (dritte) Leistung L3 zwischen 62% und 82% der Leistung der Fördereinrichtung, die der maximalen Leistung des Heizgerätes entspricht, mit einem (dritten) Anstieg A3, der ungefähr dem (ersten) Anstieg A1 18 entspricht,
• - Ende der Leistungskurve 22 und Kontrolle der Flamme über das Ionisationssignal 5.

The performance curve 24 of the delivery device 3 for a starting profile for a long exhaust system can have the following features, for example:

• - Starting a conveyor 3 of the heater with a (first) increase A1 18 of 150 rpm/0.1s [(revolutions per minute) per 100 milliseconds] up to a (first) power L1 of 72% of the power of the conveyor 3 , which corresponds to the maximum power of the heater,
• - Opening of the gas valve at an opening time 20
• - Starting an ignition process at an ignition point 28 with settings that correspond to those for a lean mixture composition,
• - Waiting for a (first) period D1 19 of 0.3s [seconds] to stabilize the flame, with the output of the conveyor 3 remaining largely constant,
• - Reduce the output of the conveyor 3 down to a (second) output L2 of 64% of the output of the conveyor 3, which corresponds to the maximum output of the heater a (second) increase A2 21 of -600 rpm/0.1s [ (revolutions per minute) per 100 milliseconds],
• - Waiting for a (second) period D2 26 of approx. 3s [seconds], with the output of the conveyor device 3 remaining largely constant,
• - increase the power of conveyor 3 to a (third) power L3 between 62% and 82% of the power of the conveyor, corresponding to the maximum power of the heater, with a (third) increase A3 approximately equal to the (first) increase A1 18 is equivalent to,
• - End of the power curve 22 and control of the flame via the ionization signal 5.

Reference List

0

process start

1

Selection start profile

2

boot process

3

conveyor

4

ignition device

5

ionization signal

6

ignition control procedure

7

normal operating mode

8th

boot counter

9

jamming mode

10

Evaluation

11

Determination of prioritization list

12

ignition spark

13

Gas valve opening time

14

Time of first flame

15

time loss flame

16

time stable flame

17

signal noise

18

(first) climb A1

19

(first) period D1

20

Gas valve opening time

21

(second) climb A2

22

End of performance curve

23

Performance curve for a rich mixture composition

24

Power curve for lean mixture composition

25

Performance curve for long exhaust system

26

(second) period D2

27

(third) climb A3

28

ignition timing

Claims (13)

Method for starting up a heater, the heater being operated with a start profile during start-up and the start profile comprising at least one power curve (23, 24, 25) of a delivery device (3) of the heater and an opening time (13, 20) of a gas valve. procedure after claim 1 , wherein the performance curve (23, 24, 25) of a delivery device (3) of a starting profile comprises at least the following processes: a) increasing the performance of the delivery device (3) up to a performance L1 with an increase A1 (18) b) opening the gas valve after reaching the power L1 and initiating an ignition process, c) keeping the power L1 constant for a period D1 (19), d) controlling a power L2 of the conveyor (3) with a rise A2 (21). procedure after claim 2 , the following processes also being carried out: e) the power is kept largely constant for a period of time D2 (26), f) activation of a power L3 with a rise A3 (27). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after an unsuccessful starting process (1) a new starting process (1) is initiated with a different starting profile. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after a method run, an ignition control method (6) is initiated, which includes an evaluation of an ionization signal (5). procedure after claim 4 , wherein at least one of the following features of the ionization signal (5) is included: time period between an opening time (13, 30) of the gas valve and the first occurrence of the ionization signal (5), number of occurrences of the ionization signal (5) during an ignition process, strength of the ionization signal (5), noise of the ionization signal (5). Procedure according to one of Claims 4 or 5 , wherein the performance of the conveying device (3) when the ionization signal (5) occurs is included in the evaluation of the ionization signal (5). Procedure according to one of Claims 5 until 7 , wherein at least one evaluation (10) of the start profile carried out is carried out and stored as part of the ignition control method (6). procedure after claim 8 , wherein the order of the start profiles is selected based on the at least one rating (10). Procedure according to one of Claims 8 or 9 , whereby after a defined number of unsuccessful starts (1) the at least one rating (10) is deleted. Heating device, having at least one delivery device (3) and a gas valve as well as means, suitable for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims. Computer program comprising instructions that cause the device of the Claim 11 carrying out the steps of the method of any preceding claim. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program claim 12 is saved.

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