EP4303493A1 - Rapid flame controller with continuously variable response - Google Patents

Rapid flame controller with continuously variable response Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4303493A1
EP4303493A1 EP22762724.7A EP22762724A EP4303493A1 EP 4303493 A1 EP4303493 A1 EP 4303493A1 EP 22762724 A EP22762724 A EP 22762724A EP 4303493 A1 EP4303493 A1 EP 4303493A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
injectors
fuel
phase shift
valves
control
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP22762724.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Remo CARVALHO
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.)
Industrial Atilla Ltda
Original Assignee
Industrial Atilla Ltda
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 Industrial Atilla Ltda filed Critical Industrial Atilla Ltda
Publication of EP4303493A1 publication Critical patent/EP4303493A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23D—BURNERS
    • F23D14/00—Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N1/00—Regulating fuel supply
    • F23N1/005—Regulating fuel supply using electrical or electromechanical means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
    • F23N5/20—Systems for controlling combustion with a time programme acting through electrical means, e.g. using time-delay relays
    • F23N5/206—Systems for controlling combustion with a time programme acting through electrical means, e.g. using time-delay relays using electrical or electromechanical means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
    • F23N2235/12—Fuel valves
    • F23N2235/14—Fuel valves electromagnetically operated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
    • F23N2235/12—Fuel valves
    • F23N2235/18—Groups of two or more valves
    • 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 present invention relates to a fast flame controller with continuously variable response to be used in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, capable of providing greater accuracy, repeatability and precision in process control.
  • the innovation is directed towards the field of regulation and control of gaseous fuel.
  • Equipment with direct or indirect heating are used in current processes of heating, drying and roasting food products, said processes using electrical devices or apparatuses for burning gaseous fuels as heat sources.
  • valves are employed to control gas flow, serving as a means to adjust flame intensity, capable of controlling the energy input into the process and of indirectly adjusting temperature.
  • valves In order to mitigate these issues, the market employs high-cost valves with refined designs. Such valves are sometimes equipped with mechanical flow linearization through the profile of the seat and actuator assembly, as well as actuation systems using stepper motors or servo motors.
  • Patent EP2923057_B1 titled “Fuel injector calibration and trimming,” employs a control of the gas volume, correcting the amount according to a prior calibration, which indicates losses and differences between nominal and actual injected quantities.
  • Patent US6244525_B1 titled “Fuel injector for an internal combustion engine,” adds rotation to the injection and modifies the injector profile to enhance nozzle response speed and eliminate dead time.
  • This invention aims to provide a fast flame controller with continuously variable response for use in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, enabling more accurate, repetitive and refined process control.
  • This controller consists of one or a set of electromagnetic or piezoelectric fuel injectors/valves (3) that match the fuel demand of the systems, allowing, through electro electronic actuation, a precise control of the flow of fuel to be burned and an indirect control of the main energy source introduced into the process where the injectors/valves are employed.
  • These fuel injectors/valves (3) comprise: an injection valve provided with a movable needle; a support body; and an electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator.
  • the apparatus employs one or more processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing and power amplification (1), forming an electronic system to control the flow of fuel through adjustment of injection timings, drive frequency and phase shift (Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) of the fuel injectors/valves (3), which results in instantaneous and repetitive control of flame intensity with a wide linear working range, allowing for a compensation of fuel characteristics and operating conditions, making use of injection phases, when multiple injectors are used, aiming at reducing flame pulsation and enhancing stability.
  • processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing and power amplification (1), forming an electronic system to control the flow of fuel through adjustment of injection timings, drive frequency and phase shift (Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) of the fuel injectors/valves (3), which results in instantaneous and repetitive control of flame intensity with a wide linear working range, allowing for a compensation of fuel characteristics and operating conditions, making use of injection phases, when multiple injectors are
  • the present invention aims at providing a fast flame controller with continuously variable response to be used in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, capable of providing a more accurate, repetitive and precise control of the processes.
  • the product to be protected consists of one or more processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing and power amplification (1), which, by means of command lines (2), control the gas quantity (4) through one or a set of gaseous fuel injectors/valves (3), providing an appropriate gas output (5) to meet the fuel demand of the heating, drying and roasting systems for food products ( Figure 1 ).
  • Each of these fuel injectors/valves (3) is characterized by comprising: an injection valve provided with a movable needle to regulate the flow of fuel through an injection nozzle; a support body with a feed channel ending at the injection valve; and an electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator comprising a spring, which tends to keep the needle in a closed position, an electromagnet or piezoelectric crystal and a retainer, arranged inside the support body, against the direction of the spring, mechanically coupled to the needle.
  • said fuel injectors/valves (3) provide a refined control of the flow of fuel to be burned, and a consequent indirect control of the main energy source introduced into the process where the injectors/valves are employed.
  • the processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing, and power amplification (1) form an electronic system to control the flow of fuel through adjustment of injection timings, drive frequency and phase shift (Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) of the fuel injectors/valves (3).
  • the number of fuel injectors/valves (3) will depend on their functional characteristics, flow rate, linearity curve, and on the system's demand where they will be employed. There must be a number of fuel injectors/valves (3) to ensure a suitable compromise between minimum and maximum flame in the burner system employed. It should also be avoided injectors/valves (3) from operating in a nonlinear region by adjusting the injection opening time (T). The combination of the number of fuel injectors/valves (3) and the adjustment of their opening times guarantees flame control.
  • phase shift strategy between the fuel injections of each injector is employed, such as for example: in the case of 2 injectors, a 180° valve opening phase shift ( Figure 2 ); in the case of 3 injectors, a 120° phase shift ( Figure 3 ); in the case of 4 injectors, a 90° phase shift ( Figure 4 ), and so on, wherein the phase shift is inversely proportional to the number of injectors.
  • this system efficiently controls flow of gaseous fuel, guaranteeing a rapid and precise flame intensity control (energy source modulation) with reduced pulsation. All of this comes at a low cost and is suitable for operation, safety and durability conditions.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)

Abstract

Fast flame controller with continuously variable response is a fast flame controller with continuously variable response designed for use in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, enabling greater accuracy, repeatability and refinement in the process control. The processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing and power amplification (1) form, together with electromagnetic or piezoelectric fuel injectors/valves (3), an electromechanical system for controlling the flow of gaseous fuel. This control is achieved by adjusting the injection timings, drive frequency and phase shift (Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) of the fuel injectors/valves (3), resulting in instantaneous and repetitive control of flame intensity with a wide linear working range, and allowing compensation for fuel characteristics and operating conditions, utilizing injection phases, when multiple injectors are used, to reduce flame pulsation and enhance stability. The innovation is directed towards the field of regulation and control of gaseous fuel.

Description

    FIELD OF APPLICATION
  • The present invention relates to a fast flame controller with continuously variable response to be used in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, capable of providing greater accuracy, repeatability and precision in process control.
  • The innovation is directed towards the field of regulation and control of gaseous fuel.
    • PRIOR ART
  • Equipment with direct or indirect heating are used in current processes of heating, drying and roasting food products, said processes using electrical devices or apparatuses for burning gaseous fuels as heat sources.
  • For systems using gaseous fuels, mechanical valves are employed to control gas flow, serving as a means to adjust flame intensity, capable of controlling the energy input into the process and of indirectly adjusting temperature.
  • In prior art, mechanical valves of ball, needle, gate, or cylinder types are employed, with rotary and linear mechanical or electromechanical actuators, to restrict the flow of gas and to control the flow rate. These devices have limited actuation speed and, at times, exhibit significant hysteresis and reduced repeatability and stability.
  • In order to mitigate these issues, the market employs high-cost valves with refined designs. Such valves are sometimes equipped with mechanical flow linearization through the profile of the seat and actuator assembly, as well as actuation systems using stepper motors or servo motors.
  • In view of this, attempts were made to create a system for effective control of gaseous fuel flow, that is, with a rapid and precise response, that assures process safety, that is suitable to electric-electronic controls to simultaneously ensure the mechanical and electrical resistance required for the machine's operation. Moreover, it should not exhibit disadvantages like hysteresis and a complex design.
  • Patent EP2923057_B1 , titled "Fuel injector calibration and trimming," employs a control of the gas volume, correcting the amount according to a prior calibration, which indicates losses and differences between nominal and actual injected quantities. Patent US6244525_B1 , titled "Fuel injector for an internal combustion engine," adds rotation to the injection and modifies the injector profile to enhance nozzle response speed and eliminate dead time.
  • In order to avoid the need of changing tools or calibration services, the present invention adopts the concept of patent US10158347-B2 , titled "Device and method for providing a signal having an adjustable pulse duty factor," to control the flow of gaseous fuel in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, using one or a set of gaseous fuel injectors (valves) controlled by processors to adjust injection timings, drive frequency and phase shift (Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) of the fuel injectors/valves (3), resulting in instantaneous and repetitive control of flame intensity with a wide linear working range, compensating for fuel characteristics and operating conditions, and making use of injection phases, when multiple injectors are used, to reduce flame pulsation and to enhance stability.
    • OBJECTIVES
  • To provide a fast flame controller with continuously variable response to be used in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, enabling a more accurate, repetitive and refined process control.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention aims to provide a fast flame controller with continuously variable response for use in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, enabling more accurate, repetitive and refined process control.
  • This controller consists of one or a set of electromagnetic or piezoelectric fuel injectors/valves (3) that match the fuel demand of the systems, allowing, through electro electronic actuation, a precise control of the flow of fuel to be burned and an indirect control of the main energy source introduced into the process where the injectors/valves are employed. These fuel injectors/valves (3) comprise: an injection valve provided with a movable needle; a support body; and an electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator.
  • The apparatus employs one or more processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing and power amplification (1), forming an electronic system to control the flow of fuel through adjustment of injection timings, drive frequency and phase shift (Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) of the fuel injectors/valves (3), which results in instantaneous and repetitive control of flame intensity with a wide linear working range, allowing for a compensation of fuel characteristics and operating conditions, making use of injection phases, when multiple injectors are used, aiming at reducing flame pulsation and enhancing stability.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention aims at providing a fast flame controller with continuously variable response to be used in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, capable of providing a more accurate, repetitive and precise control of the processes.
  • The product to be protected consists of one or more processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing and power amplification (1), which, by means of command lines (2), control the gas quantity (4) through one or a set of gaseous fuel injectors/valves (3), providing an appropriate gas output (5) to meet the fuel demand of the heating, drying and roasting systems for food products (Figure 1).
  • Each of these fuel injectors/valves (3) is characterized by comprising: an injection valve provided with a movable needle to regulate the flow of fuel through an injection nozzle; a support body with a feed channel ending at the injection valve; and an electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator comprising a spring, which tends to keep the needle in a closed position, an electromagnet or piezoelectric crystal and a retainer, arranged inside the support body, against the direction of the spring, mechanically coupled to the needle. By means of electro electronic actuation, said fuel injectors/valves (3) provide a refined control of the flow of fuel to be burned, and a consequent indirect control of the main energy source introduced into the process where the injectors/valves are employed.
  • The processors and circuits for power supply, process sensing, and power amplification (1) form an electronic system to control the flow of fuel through adjustment of injection timings, drive frequency and phase shift (Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) of the fuel injectors/valves (3). This results in an instantaneous and repetitive control of flame intensity with a wide linear working range, compensating for fuel characteristics and operating conditions, and making use of injection phases, when multiple injectors are used, to reduce flame pulsation and to enhance stability.
  • The number of fuel injectors/valves (3) will depend on their functional characteristics, flow rate, linearity curve, and on the system's demand where they will be employed. There must be a number of fuel injectors/valves (3) to ensure a suitable compromise between minimum and maximum flame in the burner system employed. It should also be avoided injectors/valves (3) from operating in a nonlinear region by adjusting the injection opening time (T). The combination of the number of fuel injectors/valves (3) and the adjustment of their opening times guarantees flame control. To ensure flame stability, a phase shift strategy between the fuel injections of each injector is employed, such as for example: in the case of 2 injectors, a 180° valve opening phase shift (Figure 2); in the case of 3 injectors, a 120° phase shift (Figure 3); in the case of 4 injectors, a 90° phase shift (Figure 4), and so on, wherein the phase shift is inversely proportional to the number of injectors.
  • Thus, it is evident that this system efficiently controls flow of gaseous fuel, guaranteeing a rapid and precise flame intensity control (energy source modulation) with reduced pulsation. All of this comes at a low cost and is suitable for operation, safety and durability conditions.
    • LIST OF FIGURES
    • Figure 1 - Block diagram of the fast flame controller with continuously variable response.
    • Figure 2 - Valve opening phase shift for 2 injectors/valves.
    • Figure 3 - Valve opening phase shift for 3 injectors/valves.
    • Figure 4 - Valve opening phase shift for 4 injectors/valves.

Claims (3)

  1. A fast flame controller with continuously variable response consisting of one or a set of electromagnetic or piezoelectric fuel injectors/valves (3) which allows, by means of electro electronic actuation, a precise control of the flow of fuel to be burned used in heating, drying and roasting systems for food products, characterized by using the combination of number of fuel injectors/valves (3), adjustment of injection timings, drive frequency and primarily the phase shift strategy between the injections of fuel of each injector, the phase shift being inversely proportional to the number of injectors, in order to ensure flame control and stability.
  2. The fast flame controller with continuously variable response of claim 1, characterized by following a predefined and tabulated calibration of phase shift dependent on the number of injectors used during roasting.
  3. The fast flame controller with continuously variable response of claim 2, characterized by using a phase shift inversely proportional to the number of injectors, using a formula for the calculation of a phase shift angle, wherein the obtained angle is equal to the division of 360 degrees and the number of injectors used (Phase Shift 360/N, wherein N is the number of injectors).
EP22762724.7A 2021-03-02 2022-03-21 Rapid flame controller with continuously variable response Pending EP4303493A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR2021039375 2021-03-02
PCT/IB2022/052542 WO2022185294A1 (en) 2021-03-02 2022-03-21 Rapid flame controller with continuously variable response

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4303493A1 true EP4303493A1 (en) 2024-01-10

Family

ID=83155128

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22762724.7A Pending EP4303493A1 (en) 2021-03-02 2022-03-21 Rapid flame controller with continuously variable response

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4303493A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022185294A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5590642A (en) * 1995-01-26 1997-01-07 Gas Research Institute Control methods and apparatus for gas-fired combustors
FR2773851B1 (en) 1998-01-20 2000-03-24 Sagem FUEL INJECTOR FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
IT1308113B1 (en) * 1999-06-02 2001-11-29 Sit La Precisa Spa VALVE UNIT FOR THE MODULATION OF THE DELIVERY PRESSURE OF A GAS.
CA2387843A1 (en) * 1999-10-18 2001-04-26 Pierre Repper Electronic gas cooktop control with simmer system and method thereof
US6918757B2 (en) * 2002-08-29 2005-07-19 Noritz Corporation Combustion apparatus
US10240785B2 (en) * 2010-01-28 2019-03-26 Noritz Corporation Driving method for solenoid valve, solenoid valve driving apparatus, and combustion apparatus including same
ITPD20110261A1 (en) * 2011-08-03 2013-02-04 Sit La Precisa Spa Con Socio Unico METHOD AND CONTROL SYSTEM OF A MODULATING VALVE UNIT INCLUDING AN ELECTROMAGNET
CA2796614C (en) 2012-11-21 2015-01-06 Westport Power Inc. Fuel injector calibration and trimming
DE102014218010A1 (en) 2014-09-09 2016-03-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Apparatus and method for generating a signal with an adjustable duty cycle
JP7116304B2 (en) * 2018-06-28 2022-08-10 ミツミ電機株式会社 Electronic control devices, semiconductor integrated circuit devices for electronic control, and gas stoves
KR102057972B1 (en) * 2018-10-29 2019-12-20 린나이코리아 주식회사 Electronic valve control method for gas range

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2022185294A1 (en) 2022-09-09
WO2022185294A4 (en) 2022-10-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4700672A (en) Two-fuel injector apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20050252494A1 (en) Piezoelectric fuel injection system with rate shape control and method of controlling same
CN102597470A (en) Method and control device for operating a valve
JP6400781B2 (en) Direct-acting piezoelectric fuel injector with variable flow control
CN107304727B (en) Method and apparatus for optimal drive signal control for electromagnetically activated actuators
EP0655551A2 (en) Fuel injection control apparatus
EP4303493A1 (en) Rapid flame controller with continuously variable response
KR20070062417A (en) Fuel-injection system for an internal-combustion engine and corresponding method for controlling fuel injection
US10450965B2 (en) Fuel metering unit for turbine engine
CN107366585B (en) Method for controlling a fuel pump for a direct injection system
RU2016139441A (en) METHOD AND CONTOURS OF ROCKET ENGINE REGULATION
KR20010033032A (en) Device and constant control of piezoelectric actuators for fuel injection systems
US3797235A (en) Fuel injection apparatus for automotive vehicles using gas turbine power plants
BR202021003937U2 (en) FAST FLAME CONTROLLER WITH CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE RESPONSE
US10100938B2 (en) Variable flow gas valve and method for controlling same
KR101487369B1 (en) Injection valve for direct injection
US7690358B2 (en) Method and device for controlling a valve
CN102016272A (en) Method for activating a piezoactuator in a fuel injector
CN107975437B (en) System and method for controlling fluid ejection
JP2010077838A (en) High-pressure fuel pump control device for engine
US7237516B2 (en) Method for controlling an actuator, using a retaining mark space ratio
JP5380281B2 (en) Multi-source fuel system for variable pressure injection
EP3464874B1 (en) Fuel injection valve unit for an internal combustion piston engine and a method of operating the fuel injection valve unit
KR102001333B1 (en) Method and apparatus for operating piezoelectric actuator of injection valve of fuel injection system of internal combustion engine
US5386851A (en) Two dimensional modulated burner staging valve

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20230928

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

XX Miscellaneous (additional remarks)

Free format text: NO RESTORATION REQUEST DURING INTERNATIONAL PHASE.