EP4102135A1 - Mécanisme de commande pour chaudière à gaz - Google Patents

Mécanisme de commande pour chaudière à gaz Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4102135A1
EP4102135A1 EP21179112.4A EP21179112A EP4102135A1 EP 4102135 A1 EP4102135 A1 EP 4102135A1 EP 21179112 A EP21179112 A EP 21179112A EP 4102135 A1 EP4102135 A1 EP 4102135A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ionization
detection signal
flame
boiler
control unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP21179112.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Andrea Pisoni
Job Rutgers
Sebastiano Temperato
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BDR Thermea Group BV
Original Assignee
BDR Thermea Group BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BDR Thermea Group BV filed Critical BDR Thermea Group BV
Priority to EP21179112.4A priority Critical patent/EP4102135A1/fr
Priority to EP22731247.7A priority patent/EP4352415A1/fr
Priority to EP22731249.3A priority patent/EP4352416A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2022/065026 priority patent/WO2022258479A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2022/065019 priority patent/WO2022258477A1/fr
Publication of EP4102135A1 publication Critical patent/EP4102135A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • F23N5/08—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using light-sensitive elements
    • F23N5/082—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using light-sensitive elements using electronic means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N1/00—Regulating fuel supply
    • F23N1/002—Regulating fuel supply using electronic means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N1/00—Regulating fuel supply
    • F23N1/02—Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply
    • F23N1/022—Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply using electronic means
    • 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
    • F23N5/102—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using thermocouples using electronic means
    • 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
    • F23N5/12—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
    • F23N5/123—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods using electronic means
    • 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
    • F23N5/242—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements using electronic means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23C—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR COMBUSTION USING FLUID FUEL OR SOLID FUEL SUSPENDED IN  A CARRIER GAS OR AIR 
    • F23C2900/00—Special features of, or arrangements for combustion apparatus using fluid fuels or solid fuels suspended in air; Combustion processes therefor
    • F23C2900/9901—Combustion process using hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide water or brown gas as fuel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2229/00—Flame sensors
    • F23N2229/14—Flame sensors using two or more different types of flame sensor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2231/00—Fail safe
    • F23N2231/10—Fail safe for component failures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2231/00—Fail safe
    • F23N2231/12—Fail safe for ignition failures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2237/00—Controlling
    • F23N2237/08—Controlling two or more different types of fuel simultaneously
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2239/00—Fuels
    • F23N2239/04—Gaseous fuels

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a control mechanism for a gas boiler and a method for operating a gas boiler. Additionally, the invention relates to a heating system and a use of said control mechanism. The invention also relates to a computer program product executing the method.
  • Gas boilers combust combustion gas to heat water for domestic use and/or central heating system facilities in buildings.
  • the boilers can be used to operate in different modes during their functioning.
  • the process steps of each operating mode can vary based on the characteristics of the gas boiler.
  • the process steps of the operating mode can be adjusted or different control procedures can be taken into account, if a different combustion gas is used for the combustion. For example, some factors can count differently on the boiler's efficiency, if the combustion gas comprises pure hydrogen or pure hydrocarbons.
  • US 7,244,946 B2 is directed to provide flame detector systems that overcome one or more of challenges such as degradation of UV sensors overtime, difficulty to distinguish between UV radiation given off from a flame and other sources of UV radiation, so that the sensitivity of flame detector systems needs to be such that false alarms are minimized and to provide additional benefits over prior flame detector systems.
  • a flame detector system including an ultraviolet sensor to detect ultraviolet radiation, and a microcontroller coupled to the ultraviolet sensor.
  • the microcontroller processes output from the ultraviolet sensor to identify a flame.
  • the system also includes an HV supply circuit to constantly refresh a drive voltage of the sensor, wherein the microcontroller can sense when the sensor discharges and thereupon immediately refresh the sensor.
  • the microcontroller can also monitor a run time for the sensor and adjust a drive voltage for the sensor accordingly.
  • WO 2020/112333 A1 discloses that known flame detector systems comprising a UV sensor may erroneously output an alarm due to UV radiation from ambient light and furthermore, that known manufacturing methods of flame detection systems incorporating the UV sensing elements are fairly expensive.
  • WO 2020/112333 A1 proposes a flame detector that includes a spacer, a UV transparent window, and a UV sensing elements.
  • the spacer has a spacer wall that extends along a first axis between a first spacer end and a second spacer end.
  • the UV transparent window is disposed at the first spacer end.
  • the spacer wall and the UV transparent window define a gas space.
  • the UV sensing elements is disposed within the gas space.
  • US 9,928,727 B2 is directed to flame detector solutions avoiding false alarms and discloses a flame detector including a UV sensor sensitive to solar UV radiation and a secondary sensor sensitive to non-UV radiation.
  • a controller is operatively connected to the UV sensor and the secondary sensor to signal an alarm in response to receiving input from the UV sensor indicative of a strong UV source and input from the secondary sensor indicative of a weak non-UV radiation source.
  • the controller is configured to suppress an alarm in response to receiving a signal from the UV sensor indicative of a strong UV source and a signal from the secondary sensor indicative of a strong non-UV radiation source.
  • GB 2037066 B is directed to providing an improved flame ionisation detector for use with a gas chromatograph and discloses a flame ionization detector comprising a burner having two coaxial tubes, one for conveying to the flame a mixture of a first gas, e.g. H 2 , and the sample to be detected and the other for conveying to said flame a second gas, e.g. O 2 which combusts with said first gas.
  • a first gas e.g. H 2
  • EP 1 750 058 A2 relates to a combustion control method with guided set point search and discloses a system suitable for controlling combustion in heat-producing devices such as, for example, gas-powered boilers and water heaters, the system being based on the measurement of the ionisation current taken in proximity to the flame for the regulation of the quantity A which indicates the air/combustible ratio in a combustion process.
  • EP 2 385 300 A1 relates to a premixed burner, in particular a premixed burner for gas boiler provided with a ionisation sensor and is directed to overcoming drawbacks such as that for known premixed burners at low power values the combustion cannot be monitored effectively, overcoming drawback of introducing potential thermal unbalances caused by the localised differential load, with consequent potential risks of breakage.
  • EP 2 385 300 A1 is directed to provide a premixed burner, associated with a ionisation sensor, with a high power modulation, while obviating the problems of local thermal unbalance and discloses a premixed burner for a gas boiler comprising a diffuser suitable for diffusing premixed combustion gases in a combustion chamber, and an ionisation sensor suitable for monitoring the ionisation current, wherein at least one portion of the diffuser, at the ionisation sensor, has a radius of curvature r and the ratio between the distance d of the ionisation sensor from the diffuser in the portion with radius of curvature r and the radius of curvature r is comprised between 0.015 and 0.6, the radius of curvature r being not greater than 30 mm.
  • GB 922910 A is directed to the field of flame ionisation detectors used as a detector for a gas chromatography column in which hydrogen is employed as the carrier gas, the gas from the column can be directly burned in the detector; if another gas, such as nitrogen, is used as the carrier gas, the gas from the column is first mixed with hydrogen and then supplied to the detector for burning therein.
  • the magnitude of the output signal of the detector is found to increase almost linearly with the concentration of the organic components in the flame, as long as this concentration does not exceed a value in the range 100 to 1000 p.p.m. With higher concentrations, however, the sensitivity of the detector increases considerably; with a concentration of about 1% the sensitivity may even be double.
  • GB 922910 A discloses a method of detecting the presence of organic material in gases supplied to the flame of a flame ionization detector which burns hydrogen or a mixture of hydrogen and other gases such as nitrogen, argon or helium in the presence of a separately supplied combustion supporting gas, wherein the combustion supporting gas consists of a mixture containing carbon dioxide in addition to oxygen or a compound giving off oxygen.
  • WO 2010/094673 A1 is directed to providing an alternative premix burner with a control device and to provide a burner control system, which permits to verify the occurrence of combustion, show proof of clean combustion and permits an accurate signal evaluation. It is a further object WO 2010/094673 A1 to provide a burner control system which permits to control the air gas ratio of a burner.
  • WO 2010/094673 A1 teaches a premix gas burner having a burner surface which exhibits a plurality of flow passages and at least two ionisation electrodes connected to a measuring device and preferably also to a control device.
  • the ionization electrodes are arranged at different distances from the burner surface and the ionization electrodes are arranged electronically in parallel and electric currents are measured over each ionisation electrode and the burner surface, the burner thus serving as earth in the electrical circuit.
  • the measured currents provide a more accurate verification of the occurrence of combustion and show proof of the combustion quality.
  • WO 2019/122976 A1 is directed to providing a device and method for control of the flame of a gas burner which is able to generate a flame signal with a reduced delay with respect to the variation of the flame and which is able to generate a flame signal with a greater resolution.
  • WO 2019/122976 A1 proposes a control device for control and detection of the flame of a burner, comprising an ionization electrode arranged, in use, at a region in which a flame of the burner is present, and an electric circuit for generating a triangular voltage signal having a triangle wave form and connected to the ionisation electrode in such a way that on varying the ionisation current the average value of the triangular voltage signal also varies.
  • the device also comprises an output circuit connected to the circuit for generating the triangular voltage signal and comprising an electronic group for generating a duty-cycle as a function of the average value of the triangular voltage signal.
  • EP3663648A1 is directed to providing a device and a method which, by means of non-invasive measurement, enable precise regulation of the mixing ratio of combustion air to fuel gas (lambda value), and also for different compositions of the fuel gas, in particular when hydrogen is added.
  • EP3663648A1 discloses a device for influencing or regulating the mixing ratio (lambda) of combustion air and a gaseous fuel, which are supplied through a gas supply line and a combustion air supply line to a combustion chamber in a housing, with a pump arranged in front of or behind a junction with the gaseous fuel of the combustion air supply line and at least one first optical filter and at least one first optical sensor are provided on or in the housing, wherein the first optical sensor is arranged such that light from the combustion chamber can reach the first sensor via the first optical filter.
  • EP3663648A1 further discloses a method for influencing or regulating the mixing ratio (lambda) of combustion air and a gaseous fuel which are burned together in a combustion chamber, the light produced during the combustion being selectively filtered and by at least a first optical sensor in one electrical sensor signal is converted, the strength of which is evaluated in an electronic module, the supply of combustion air and / or gaseous fuel to the combustion chamber being changed and the change in the sensor signal caused thereby being evaluated and the supply of combustion air and / or gaseous fuel is set or regulated depending on the result of the evaluation.
  • Prior art documents disclose devices, systems and methods that are not configured to determine the best operating mode of the boiler based on the composition of the combustion gas.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a control mechanism for a gas boiler that is efficient in the determination of the best operating mode.
  • control mechanism for a gas boiler for combusting combustion gas comprising:
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a method for operating a gas boiler by means of which different types of combustion gas combusted by the boiler can be used.
  • Method for operating a gas boiler that combusts combustion gas comprising:
  • An advantage of the present mechanism is that it can be used equally with gas boilers employing different types of fuel gases, such as pure hydrogen fuel, pure carbon, in particular hydrocarbon, fuel (i.e. natural gas or LPG) or a combination of hydrogen fuel and carbon fuel.
  • fuel gases such as pure hydrogen fuel, pure carbon, in particular hydrocarbon, fuel (i.e. natural gas or LPG) or a combination of hydrogen fuel and carbon fuel.
  • the control unit Based on the fact that the control unit detects a signal exclusively receiving from the flame sensor and the ionization electrode the information whether a flame is present and/or whether an ionization current is measured, it is possible to identify if the fuel gas is pure hydrogen or if carbons are present in the gas mixture. Consequently, the control unit can set a corresponding operating mode for the gas boiler dependent on the type of combustion gas.
  • a combustion gas is a gas that is combusted by a burner of the boiler.
  • the combustion gas comprises air and fuel gas.
  • the combustion gas can be premixed before it is supplied to the burner.
  • the fuel gas can be a natural gas, methane, ethylene, propane, butane, coal gas, biogas etc., mixtures of the same, and mixtures of the same additionally comprising hydrogen or hydrogen, in particular pure hydrogen. Pure hydrogen is present if the fuel gas has a at least a value comprised between 95 mol% and 98 mol% of hydrogen.
  • the control unit is an electric control unit. Additionally, the control unit is adapted to receive electric sensor signals and to output electric control signals.
  • the control unit can comprise at least one processor and/or a printed circuit board.
  • the ionization electrode is used to detect a ionization current that the burner control can measure. This current is present only if there is a flame and if the gas is a carbon one e.g. natural gas or LPG (C x H y ). It is known that the carbon containing compounds present in the gas reduces the resistance of the flame allowing the passage of an electrical current so that by measuring the electrical current it is known whether the combustion gas comprises carbon containing compounds.
  • the flame detection signal comprises the information whether a flame is present.
  • the ionization detection signal comprises the information whether a ionization current is present.
  • the flame sensor is an ultraviolet (UV) sensor able to detect a UV radiation and accordingly the presence of a flame.
  • the flame detector can be a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. A flame is present if the temperature sensor measures a temperature above a predetermined temperature.
  • UV sensors respond more quickly to changes in flame status since they are not subjected to black body radiation and lack of inertial memory of a thermocouple.
  • the control mechanism can set the operating mode of the boiler, in particular selectively, based on the acquired flame detection signal or the acquired flame detection signal and the acquired ionization detection signal. It depends on the type of combustion gas whether a flame detection signal and/or a ionization detection signal are detected. However, the capability to use both signals for the control enables that different types of combustion gas can be supplied to the boiler.
  • the control unit sets an operating mode by the control unit. However, if the flame sensor detects that a flame is present and the ionization electrode detects a ionization current, the control unit sets the operating mode dependent on the acquired ionization detection signal. As is explained later, by using the ionization detection signal, it is possible to further differentiate between different operating modes. In particular, the ionization detection signal is first checked. Based on the result, the type of gas is determined, and the corresponding operating parameters are set by a comparison with a map stored in the control unit.
  • a first operating mode is set by the control unit.
  • the control unit comprises hydrogen with a concentration that is higher than a predetermined value, for example 95 mol%
  • a first operating mode is set by the control unit.
  • the first flame detection signal is acquired and/or the operating mode corresponds to a mode for operating a hydrogen boiler.
  • a hydrogen boiler is a boiler to which fuel gas is supplied that comprises at least 95 mol % hydrogen.
  • pure hydrogen can be supplied to the hydrogen boiler.
  • the first device i.e. flame sensor or ionization electrode
  • reacting is the device first detecting the flame, in particular for the detection of the flame after ignition. If the ionization electrode is not able to detect the flame, it means that there is only hydrogen and the system is set for pure hydrogen.
  • the control unit sets a second operating mode.
  • a predetermined value in particular 95 mol %
  • the control unit sets a second operating mode.
  • the second operating mode corresponds to a mode for operating a boiler using a mixed fuel gas, for example hydrogen and natural gas.
  • the control unit sets a third operation mode. This state is identified by considering the ionization detection signal. In this case both the flame sensor detects the presence of a flame and the ionization electrode detects a ionization current, a third operating mode is set by the control unit.
  • the third operating mode corresponds to a mode for operating a carbon boiler using a pure hydrocarbon fuel gas.
  • the ionization electrode can be used.
  • the flame sensor is used to determine whether the fuel gas comprises more than 95 mol % hydrogen.
  • the ionization detection signal varies based on the composition of fuel gas in the combustion gas, for example as a function of the presence or absence of carbons.
  • the ionization detection signal varies based on an air to fuel gas ratio in the combustion gas, for example as a function of an air excess factor ⁇ .
  • This factor defined as the ratio of the actual air to fuel ratio of the mixture relative to the stoichiometric air to fuel ratio, can influence the efficiency of the gas boiler.
  • An air excess factor ⁇ smaller than 1 means that there is not enough air for all of the fuel gas to combust, which means fuel gas is wasted and exits via a flue channel not combusted or partially combusted. This decreases the efficiency of the boiler. Also, the flame temperature may become too high.
  • a high air excess factor ⁇ means that there is too much air, which air is heated during the combustion, resulting in hot air and uncondensed water vapor due a lower dew point, leaving via the flue channel. This also decreases the efficiency of the boiler. Accordingly, the value of the air to fuel gas ratio and consequently the value of ⁇ needs to be accurately selected to avoid efficiency issues.
  • the ionization detection signal varies based on a concentration of carbon containing compounds in the fuel gas in the combustion gas. In this way, it is possible to determine whether for example the fuel gas is pure carbon or whether hydrogen fuel is also present in the gas mixture.
  • the mechanism when determining which operating mode is the most appropriate for the gas boiler, is not limited to the detection of the flame detection signal and/or the ionization detection signal but also to the analysis of the variation of the ionization detection signal in order to obtain information regarding for example the composition of fuel gas, the air excess factor ⁇ and/or the concentration of carbon containing compounds in the fuel gas, as mentioned above.
  • the control mechanism can be used in an ignition sequence of the gas boiler.
  • a gas sensor measures the ignition ramp.
  • the control mechanism determines whether a flame signal is present. As mentioned above, this is carried out by combining the flame sensor and the ionization electrode. If the flame signal is correctly detected, before completing the ignition phase, an appropriate operating mode for the gas boiler is set by the control unit based on which signal is detected as flame signal, i.e. based on the composition of fuel gas.
  • the control unit is configured to adjust combustion settings of the boiler based on the ionization detection signal.
  • the control unit sets the first operating mode, i.e. only flame detection signal is detected, the control unit adjusts the combustion settings of the boiler based on the flame detection signal.
  • control unit can be configured to cause the interruption of the operation of the boiler when water or water condensate reaches the ionization electrode.
  • the ionization electrode can also work as ignition electrode for creating a spark to ignite the fuel gas in the gas mixture.
  • the same component can be used for more purposes, thereby leading to cost saving.
  • a reduction in oxidation is obtained due to the fact that the spark "cleans" the oxidation.
  • a heating system with a gas boiler and an inventive control mechanism is provided.
  • the control mechanism described above can be integrated in the boiler.
  • the heating system can also comprise additional heating equipment, such as for example gas conduits, water conduits, and/or at least a radiator connected to the water conduits.
  • the flame sensor and the ionization electrode can be located in the boiler, in particular in the burner of the boiler. In this way, both the flame sensor and the ionization electrode can immediately detect the presence of a flame for combustion and at the same time inform the control unit regarding the fuel gas composition and/or concentration of carbon containing compounds.
  • the flame sensor and the ionization electrode can be located at the location of the combustion flame of the burner.
  • the flame sensor and the ionization electrode can be mounted outside the combustion chamber or burner and immediately at the exit of the burner.
  • the ionization electrode can detect a failure of a condensing trap. In fact, if a condensing trap is obstructed and does not discharge, water or water condense can rise on a pipe until reaching the ionization electrode. Accordingly, the water or water condensate can put in short circuit the system and block the boiler. Therefore, the ionization electrode can cause a short circuit in the boiler when a condensing trap is blocked.
  • An advantageous embodiment is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer or by the control unit, cause the computer or the control unit to perform the inventive method. Furthermore, a data carrier is provide on which the computer program is stored and/or data carrier signal is provided which transmits the computer program.
  • an advantageous embodiment is the use of the inventive mechanism for setting a corresponding operating mode of a gas boiler, based on the acquisition of only a flame detection signal or based on the acquisition of both the flame detection signal and a ionization detection signal.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a control mechanism 1 for a gas boiler 2 shown in fig. 2 .
  • the mechanism 1 comprises a UV flame sensor 3 and a ionization electrode 4, both electrically or electronically connected to a control unit 5.
  • the connection between the control unit 5 and the UV flame sensor 3 and the ionization electrode 4 is shown by dotted lines.
  • the UV sensor 3 is a solid state electronic device for sensing the UV radiation emitted during combustion of the fuel gas.
  • the UV sensor 3 is mounted outside the combustion chamber or burner 8 shown in fig. 2 and immediately at the exit of the burner 8, where it is possible to detect the presence of the flame. When a flame is detected, a flame detection signal is generated and sent to the control unit 5.
  • the ionization electrode 4 can comprise for example graphite and detect a ionization current when high temperature is generated by the presence of a flame.
  • the ionization electrode 4 can comprise a particular fire-proof material such as kanthal (iron-chromium-aluminium, FeCrAI) alloy that is resistant to high temperatures and electrochemical corrosion.
  • kanthal iron-chromium-aluminium, FeCrAI
  • the carbon containing compounds present in the combusted gas reduces the resistance of the flame allowing the passage of the electrical current.
  • the ionization electrode 4 is mounted downstream of the burner 8 so that it is exposed to the flame. A corresponding ionization detection signal is generated and sent to the control unit 5.
  • the control unit 5 receives the flame detection signal and the ionization detection signal generated by the flame sensor 3 and the ionization electrode 4, respectively. Based on the fact that the control unit 5 receives information whether a flame and/or a ionization current are detected, a particular operating mode of the boiler is set, for example by selecting among a first, a second, or a third operating mode.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a heating system 6 comprising a gas boiler 2 used for the combustion of carbons and/or hydrogen fuel.
  • the fuel gas is mixed with air and is provided to the burner 8 through a gas mixture channel 9.
  • the heating system 6 comprises a control mechanism 1 including a control unit 5, a UV sensor 3 and a ionization electrode 4. Both the UV sensor 3 and the ionization electrode 4 are located at the in the burner 8 to detect the presence of a flame. Also, the ionization electrode 4 serves as an ignition electrode to create a spark.
  • the UV sensor 3 and the ionization electrode 4 are connected to the control unit 5. Upon receiving the information from the acquired flame detection signal generated by the UV sensor 3 and the ionization detection signal generated by the ionization electrode 4 whether a flame and/or a ionization current is detected, the control unit 5 can set one of the operating modes that is the most appropriate.
  • the ionization electrode 4 can also be used to detect a malfunction of a condensate trap 7. In fact, if the condensate trap 7 is obstructed or does not work correctly, water or the condensate rises on the pipe 10 (arrows) until it touches the ionization electrode 4. In this way, water/condensate puts in short circuit the system and blocks the boiler 2.
  • Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the method 100 for a gas boiler 2 and in particular for operating a gas boiler 2 using the control mechanism 1 as described above.
  • step S101 the presence of a flame for the combustion of a fuel gas in a gas mixture is detected using the flame sensor 3. Accordingly, a corresponding flame detection signal is acquired.
  • step S102 a ionization current is measured using the ionization electrode 4. Accordingly, a corresponding ionization detection signal is acquired.
  • a corresponding operating mode of the boiler 2 is set by the control unit 5 based on the acquisition of the two acquired signal.
  • the control unit 5 sets the operating mode based on the information contained in the signals whether a flame is present and/or whether a ionization current is detected.
  • step S103 three different setting steps can be considered.
  • the fuel gas in the combustion gas comprises hydrogen with a concentration that is higher than 95%.
  • the control unit 5 sets a first operating mode at step S104.
  • the method 100 can comprise a plausibility check step (S107) for controlling whether the ionization electrode 4 is correctly working.
  • the absence of ionization current detection can result from a malfunctioning of the electrode 4.
  • the intensity of the ionization current can be checked by comparing this value with an intensity value of the ionization current of a previous heating cycle (stored in the control unit 5). If no relevant intensity difference is present (for example the intensity value is above a threshold value or within a predefined range), it is concluded that the ionization electrode 4 works correctly and the control unit 5 can set the first operating mode.
  • a relevant intensity difference for example the intensity value is below a threshold value or outside a predefined range
  • the method may be arrested for maintenance and a corresponding alarm message can be generated (S108).
  • the intensity of the ionization current can be detected during a predefined range of time in order to check a possible intensity variation over time in order to perform a predictive maintenance step. If it is determined that the current signal is getting weaker, a corresponding alarm message can be generated for requesting maintenance.
  • the fuel gas in the combustion gas comprises carbons and hydrogen, wherein the concentration of hydrogen is lower than 95%.
  • the control unit 5 sets a second operating mode at step S105.
  • a third operating mode is set at step S106.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Investigation Or Analysis Of Materials By Electrical Means (AREA)
EP21179112.4A 2021-06-11 2021-06-11 Mécanisme de commande pour chaudière à gaz Withdrawn EP4102135A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21179112.4A EP4102135A1 (fr) 2021-06-11 2021-06-11 Mécanisme de commande pour chaudière à gaz
EP22731247.7A EP4352415A1 (fr) 2021-06-11 2022-06-02 Mécanisme de commande pour une chaudière à gaz
EP22731249.3A EP4352416A1 (fr) 2021-06-11 2022-06-02 Mécanisme de commande pour une chaudière à gaz
PCT/EP2022/065026 WO2022258479A1 (fr) 2021-06-11 2022-06-02 Mécanisme de commande pour une chaudière à gaz
PCT/EP2022/065019 WO2022258477A1 (fr) 2021-06-11 2022-06-02 Mécanisme de commande pour une chaudière à gaz

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4435322A1 (fr) * 2023-03-24 2024-09-25 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Régulation d'un dispositif de combustion

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GB922910A (en) 1960-06-03 1963-04-03 Shell Int Research Flame ionisation detector
GB2037066B (en) 1978-10-09 1983-02-16 Simpson C Flame ionisation detector and method of use thereof
JPS6291722A (ja) * 1985-10-16 1987-04-27 Satake Eng Co Ltd 青焔燃焼ガンタイプ・バ−ナ−
EP1750058A2 (fr) 2005-08-02 2007-02-07 MERLONI TERMOSANITARI S.p.A. Procédé de régulation de combustion avec recherche guidée d'une valeur de consigne
US7244946B2 (en) 2004-05-07 2007-07-17 Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. Flame detector with UV sensor
WO2010094673A1 (fr) 2009-02-20 2010-08-26 Bekaert Combust. Technol. B.V. Brûleur à gaz à pré-mélange avec surveillance et régulation améliorées de la flamme
EP2385300A1 (fr) 2010-05-05 2011-11-09 WORGAS BRUCIATORI S.r.l. Brûleur à pré-mélange
US9928727B2 (en) 2015-07-28 2018-03-27 Carrier Corporation Flame detectors
WO2019122976A1 (fr) 2017-12-21 2019-06-27 Idea S.P.A. Dispositif et procédé de régulation et de détection de flamme de brûleur à gaz
WO2020112333A1 (fr) 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 Carrier Corporation Détecteur de flamme aux ultraviolets
EP3663648A1 (fr) 2018-12-05 2020-06-10 Vaillant GmbH Procédé et dispositif de régulation du rapport de mélange de l'air de combustion et de gaz de combustion dans un processus de combustion
EP3663646A1 (fr) * 2018-12-06 2020-06-10 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Moniteur de flamme
DE102020121934B3 (de) * 2020-08-21 2021-05-20 Viessmann Werke Gmbh & Co Kg Gasbrennervorrichtung und Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Gasbrennervorrichtung

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB922910A (en) 1960-06-03 1963-04-03 Shell Int Research Flame ionisation detector
GB2037066B (en) 1978-10-09 1983-02-16 Simpson C Flame ionisation detector and method of use thereof
JPS6291722A (ja) * 1985-10-16 1987-04-27 Satake Eng Co Ltd 青焔燃焼ガンタイプ・バ−ナ−
US7244946B2 (en) 2004-05-07 2007-07-17 Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. Flame detector with UV sensor
EP1750058A2 (fr) 2005-08-02 2007-02-07 MERLONI TERMOSANITARI S.p.A. Procédé de régulation de combustion avec recherche guidée d'une valeur de consigne
WO2010094673A1 (fr) 2009-02-20 2010-08-26 Bekaert Combust. Technol. B.V. Brûleur à gaz à pré-mélange avec surveillance et régulation améliorées de la flamme
EP2385300A1 (fr) 2010-05-05 2011-11-09 WORGAS BRUCIATORI S.r.l. Brûleur à pré-mélange
US9928727B2 (en) 2015-07-28 2018-03-27 Carrier Corporation Flame detectors
WO2019122976A1 (fr) 2017-12-21 2019-06-27 Idea S.P.A. Dispositif et procédé de régulation et de détection de flamme de brûleur à gaz
WO2020112333A1 (fr) 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 Carrier Corporation Détecteur de flamme aux ultraviolets
EP3663648A1 (fr) 2018-12-05 2020-06-10 Vaillant GmbH Procédé et dispositif de régulation du rapport de mélange de l'air de combustion et de gaz de combustion dans un processus de combustion
EP3663646A1 (fr) * 2018-12-06 2020-06-10 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Moniteur de flamme
DE102020121934B3 (de) * 2020-08-21 2021-05-20 Viessmann Werke Gmbh & Co Kg Gasbrennervorrichtung und Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Gasbrennervorrichtung

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4435322A1 (fr) * 2023-03-24 2024-09-25 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Régulation d'un dispositif de combustion

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WO2022258479A1 (fr) 2022-12-15
WO2022258477A1 (fr) 2022-12-15
EP4352416A1 (fr) 2024-04-17

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