US20080092872A1 - Draft control system and method for heating systems - Google Patents
Draft control system and method for heating systems Download PDFInfo
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- US20080092872A1 US20080092872A1 US11/961,057 US96105707A US2008092872A1 US 20080092872 A1 US20080092872 A1 US 20080092872A1 US 96105707 A US96105707 A US 96105707A US 2008092872 A1 US2008092872 A1 US 2008092872A1
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- Prior art keywords
- draft
- draft plate
- control unit
- control
- control system
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N3/00—Regulating air supply or draught
- F23N3/02—Regulating draught by direct pressure operation of single valves or dampers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23L—SUPPLYING AIR OR NON-COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS OR GASES TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS IN GENERAL ; VALVES OR DAMPERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CONTROLLING AIR SUPPLY OR DRAUGHT IN COMBUSTION APPARATUS; INDUCING DRAUGHT IN COMBUSTION APPARATUS; TOPS FOR CHIMNEYS OR VENTILATING SHAFTS; TERMINALS FOR FLUES
- F23L13/00—Construction of valves or dampers for controlling air supply or draught
- F23L13/06—Construction of valves or dampers for controlling air supply or draught slidable only
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N3/00—Regulating air supply or draught
- F23N3/04—Regulating air supply or draught by operation of single valves or dampers by temperature sensitive elements
- F23N3/042—Regulating air supply or draught by operation of single valves or dampers by temperature sensitive elements using electronic means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N3/00—Regulating air supply or draught
- F23N3/06—Regulating air supply or draught by conjoint operation of two or more valves or dampers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/003—Systems for controlling combustion using detectors sensitive to combustion gas properties
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2223/00—Signal processing; Details thereof
- F23N2223/38—Remote control
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
- F23N2235/02—Air or combustion gas valves or dampers
- F23N2235/06—Air or combustion gas valves or dampers at the air intake
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
- F23N2235/02—Air or combustion gas valves or dampers
- F23N2235/10—Air or combustion gas valves or dampers power assisted, e.g. using electric motors
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Regulation And Control Of Combustion (AREA)
- Solid-Fuel Combustion (AREA)
Abstract
A draft control system and method can provide for automated control of the air drafting for heating systems. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. Draft plate control system can comprise a control unit, one or more input devices, and one or more actuation systems. During operation, the control unit can receive a signal from an input device and use the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one or more draft plates.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/778,732, filed Feb. 13, 2004, entitled “Draft Control System and Method for Heating Systems” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/447,459, filed Feb. 14, 2003, entitled “Draft Control System and Method”.
- The present invention relates to heating systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a draft control method and system for controlling the drafting of air within heating systems.
- For airtight stove appliances used for heating applications, the combustion cycle is controlled by the amount of air flowing into the stoves. The air is required to complete the combustion cycle with a fuel source, with the combustion cycle also influenced by the specific design of the firebox, the type of fuel, and the exhaust system. A basic firebox comprises an airtight box with a door for loading fuel, a manually-operated draft control arrangement to control the pilot, primary, secondary and any other air intakes for combustion, and a flue system for exhaust in order to maximize efficiency and optimize burn time. The draft control arrangement comprises a draft plate covering the opening for the pilot, primary and secondary intakes, and operates by manually pushing and pulling a control lever connected to the draft plate to control the amount of an air opening for the air intakes.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , a conventionaldraft control arrangement 100 may comprise adraft box 102 having anair opening 112 configured to allow air intake into a firebox.Air opening 112 is covered by adraft plate 104, the movement of which is controlled by pushing or pulling on amanual control lever 106 to adjust the amount of air intake into the firebox. A mechanical linkingsystem 118 such as a co-axial cable is used to connectmanual control lever 106 todraft plate 104. - Such conventional manually-operated draft control arrangements have various drawbacks. For example, if a single plate is used to control all of the air intake openings, due to a linear relationship between the amount of air opening 112 against the supplied air to the firebox via the pilot, primary and secondary intakes, the performance of the stove appliance is limited. In addition, if multiple plates are used for each air intake, the combination and complexity of such a control lever system is not feasible for manual operation, and far too complex for any user to operate. Further, it is impossible to develop a control relationship based on the performance of the stove in terms of burn time, heating capacity and thermostatic control.
- In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a draft control system and method can provide for automatic control of the air drafting for heating systems, such as stoves and the like. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. Draft plate control system can comprise a control unit, one or more input/output devices, and one or more actuation systems. During operation, the control unit can receive an input command signal corresponding to a heating parameter from an input device and control the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one or more draft plates.
- The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures in which like numerals denote like elements and:
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FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional manual draft control configuration for manually controlling a damper plate; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary draft control system in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary draft control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary draft control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary draft control system comprising a manual override system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary draft feedback control loop in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary stove with a firebox having a draft control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention may be described herein in terms of various functional components. It should be appreciated that such functional components may be realized by any number of structural and hardware components configured for operation with electrical, mechanical, gravitational, magnetic, and other actuating forces configured to perform the specified functions. In addition, the present invention may be practiced in any number of heating system contexts and that the stove and firebox systems described herein are merely one exemplary application for the invention. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for transmission or flow of heat and exhaust from the fireboxes, and such general techniques that may be known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail herein. Finally, various components may be suitably coupled together in various manners, including by direct connections or connected together through one or more other components.
- In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a draft control system and method can provide for automatic control of the air drafting for heating systems, such as for a heating stove within a firebox. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. For example, with reference to
FIG. 2 , an exemplarydraft control system 200 comprises a draftplate control system 202 and adraft plate 204. -
Draft plate 204 is coupled to in various manners todraft control system 202.Draft plate 204 may comprise any number of configurations for covering an air opening to a firebox, i.e.,draft plate 204 may comprise any device or component actuated upon by which such actuation varies the intake amount of combustion air to a combustion area. By example, such configurations may include any polygonal-shaped or circular-shaped plate, a three-dimensional component such as a block or stopper, or any another single or multi-component mechanical system that may facilitate regulation of the airflow to the combustion area. - Draft
plate control system 202 is configured to receive aninput command 201 and to automate operation ofdraft plate 204.Input command 201 comprise a command input signal corresponding to a heating parameter or characteristic, such as request for increased or decreased temperature, airflow, gas emissions and the like, and can be generated and received in various manners, for example from an input device such as a local control pad, a sensor device and/or remote control device. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, draftplate control system 202 can comprise a control unit, one or more input/output devices, and one or more actuation systems. For example during operation, the control unit can receive an input command signal from an input device and control the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one ormore draft plates 204. - For example, with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 3 , an exemplarydraft control system 300 comprises a draftplate control system 302 and adraft plate 304.Draft plate 304 can comprise any conventional configuration for use within a heating system such as stoves to adjust an amount of draft air opening. For example,draft plate 304 can be configured for adjustment of the air opening to feed airflow into pilot, primary and/or secondary intakes to a firebox or other heating stove component. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment,draft plate 304 is configured within a draft box. For example, with reference toFIG. 4 , anexemplary draft box 402 can comprise adraft plate 404 configured to adjust an amount ofair opening 412. In this example,draft plate 404 can slide along guide rails to increase or decreaseair opening 412; however,draft plate 404 can also be adjusted by lifting and lowering, e.g., one or more sides ofdraft plate 404, to increase or decreaseair opening 412.Draft box 402,draft plate 404 andair opening 412 can be configured in any size, shape or orientation within a heating stove or other like appliance. - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, draft
plate control system 302 can comprise aninput device 306, acontrol unit 308, and anactuating system 310.Input device 306 is configured to receive aninput signal 301, such asinput signal 201 forcontrol system 202, and provide acontrol signal 307 to controlunit 308.Control unit 308 is configured to processcontrol signal 307 to determine if any adjustment ofdraft plate 304 is required, i.e., any automated or controlled adjustment of the position ofdraft plate 304 to regulate an air opening. If no adjustment is necessary,draft plate 304 can be maintained in a current position; if however an adjustment is needed,control unit 308 is configured to send anoutput control signal 309 toactuation system 310 to adjust andreposition draft plate 304 to provide a desired opening. -
Input device 306 may comprise any type, number or combination thereof of devices that can be used to accept and/or receive an input command and transmit a command signal to controlunit 308. For example,input device 306 can be configured as a control pad and/or as a remote-control device for providing a command signal to controlunit 308. Thus,input device 306 may comprise a keyboard, keypad, touch pad or screen, or any other control pad configuration and the like configured to providecommand signal 307. In addition, to facilitate regulated adjustment ofdraft plate 304, one ormore input devices 306 may include various types of sensor devices, such as thermostats, tachometer or other position indicators, gas emission measurement devices, or any other sensor device configured to determine a characteristic relating to heating systems, such as temperature, barometric pressure, air flow, gas emissions, and/or position ofdraft plate 304 relative to an air opening for the firebox. In addition to operating as an input-only device,input devices 306 may also comprise any output display or readout to provide information regarding any characteristic relating to heating systems. Such displays or readouts can be configured separate from or configured within any control pads, remote-control devices and the like. - Input 306 may be coupled to control
unit 308 in various manners for carrying signals to and fromcontrol unit 308. For example,input device 306 may be configured for direct connection through electrical wiring, or may configured with a wireless or remote transmitter device such as a remote control, a cellular device, a wireless electronic organizer, and the like, or any other methodology to allow for communicating withcontrol unit 308. Thus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a user may remotely sendinput command signal 307 to controlunit 308. For example, a user may operate aninput device 306 comprising a local remote control unit to provide a desired setting of temperature, airflow or any other characteristic within the heating stove. As another example, a user driving home from work may decide to set the firebox to operate at a given temperature; thus, input/output device 306 may allow for a user to input a signal by wireless transmission, such as from a cellular phone or other remote transmission device to a local receiver device. - In addition,
input device 306 may be configured within an open-loop system, whereininput device 306 merely providescommand signal 307 to controlunit 308 to facilitate position adjustment ofdraft plate 304, e.g., such as to merely open andclose draft plate 304 in a manner similar to the opening of a variable position sunroof for an automobile. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment,input device 306 can also be configured as a sensor device, such as a thermostatic or other temperature device, airflow device, gas emissions measurement device, a pressure device, and/or a position device configured within a feedback loop to regulate movement ofdraft plate 304. For example, with momentary reference toFIG. 6 , an input device may comprise aninput device 605, such as a control pad and/or remote device, configured to provide acommand signal 607 to controlunit 608, and asensor 620, such as a thermostatic, airflow and/or position sensor, configured to determine characteristics relating todraft box 602, such as temperature, flow and/or an amount of air opening.Sensor 620 is configured in a closed-loop arrangement to provide a feedback signal to acontrol unit 608, thus enablingcontrol unit 608 to suitably regulate position of a draft plate withdraft box 602 according to information from the feedback signal. While adraft box 602 is illustrated, asensor 620 could also be configured to determine characteristics relating to a firebox, a heating stove, and/or any external information relating to heating systems, such as the various examples illustrated herein. - In accordance with various other exemplary embodiments, draft
plate control system 302 can comprises a plurality of different input/output devices. For example, with momentary reference toFIG. 4 , aninput device 406 can comprise one ormore sensors 420, a localized control pad and/or aremote control unit 422. Thus, not only can inputdevice 306 provide a command signal to acontrol unit 408 to establish a desired position for adraft plate 404, input device can also comprises at least onesensor 420 to generate feedback information signals to controlunit 408 to provide regulated position control. An example may be the use of anairflow sensor 420 configured to monitor the volumetric airflow within a given area of a firebox, e.g., in that it may be desirable to monitor and control the circulation of heat transfer in a given area of a firebox, anairflow sensor 420 may regulate such a condition. Another example may include a motion sensor, wherein it may be preferable to maximize the efficiency of the heating stove and only deliver heating when a given area is occupied, wherein such occupation may be detected by a motion sensor. Moreover, it may be preferable to only deliver adequate heating when a person is occupying a given area, since animals, heavy air flow and the like may inadvertently activate a motion sensor; thus, it may be preferable to use a voice sensor, wherein the detection of an audible signal in a measurable decibel range activates a sensor coupled to controlunit 408. Still further, another example may be the use of asensor 420 to facilitate adjustment of the combustion of a heating stove through control ofdraft plate 404, depending on the time of day. For example, alight sensor 420 may send a feedback signal to controlunit 408 to facilitate adjustment of the position ofdraft plate 404 depending on the amount of light that is available; i.e. daylight. As yet another example, atiming sensor 420 may be utilized to allow for the increase in the output of the heating stove at a time when people are most likely present in a given area, and to decrease output when they are absent, such as during a typical workday. In yet another example, aweather sensor 420 may be utilized to detect weather conditions external to the room including the heating system. These and other sensor embodiments are merely for exemplary purposes, and any type or number of sensors may be used without affecting the scope of the invention. - For example, in addition to temperature, airflow and gas emission or other environment detection sensors, a
draft control system 400 may also be configured with other types of sensors, for example, draft plate position sensors. For example,draft plate 404, which may be configured to be guided along guide rails within a draft box, may also be configured with limit switches, linear potentiometers, or other like devices to confirm the actual position and/or movement ofdraft plate 404 relative to anair opening 412. Such switches and other devices can be configured in a closed-loop feedback arrangement withcontrol unit 408 to facilitate the positional regulation ofdraft plate 404 in a closed-loop system. In addition, such position sensors may also be suitably configured within anactuation system 410, such as tachometers and other like devices to monitor gear and/or drive rotational movements to determine positional movement ofdraft plate 404. - With reference again to
FIG. 3 ,control unit 308 can comprise a computer, microprocessor, and/or any other conventional control device configuring for receiving input signals and for providing control signals and/or output signals. Such control signals and/or output signals can be realized through various algorithms, software codes, output terminals and modules, or any other conventional processes for providing such signals.Control unit 308 can also various types of solid-state or other electronic devices and components for processing information, and/or receiving and providing input and output signals, respectively.Control unit 308 can be configured in various manners proximate to or within a heating system, such as within a housing, enclosure or any other configuration for containing a control unit. In addition,control unit 308 can also be suitably surrounded with various types of insulation materials to enable the various devices and components withincontrol unit 308 to withstand higher temperatures. -
Control unit 308 is configured to receive and process one or more input signals received from input device(s) 306 and provide control signals toactuation system 310 for adjustment ofdraft plate 304. For example,control unit 308 can be configured to receive an “open” or “close” input signal and provide a corresponding control signal toactuation system 310 to suitably open orclose draft plate 304 to adjust the amount of draft opening within a firebox. The control signals can be configured to fully open or fullyclose draft plate 304, or to partially open orclose draft plate 304, such as by timing devices, algorithms, position feedback devices, or other like devices. - With additional reference again to
FIG. 4 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment,control unit 408 can be configured to receive one or more feedback signals 420 from input device(s) 406, such as temperature or any other types of sensors. For example, control unit 330 can receive information from feedback signals and compare such information to input command signals to determine whetherdraft plate 404 warrants adjustment. For example, with further momentary reference again toFIG. 6 ,control unit 608 can receive both acommand signal 607 from aninput device 605, such as an input display panel or a remote control unit, and a feedback signal 621 from asensor device 620, such as a temperature sensor. Based on the assessment by a software algorithm or other like process,control unit 608 can determine whetherdraft plate 304 warrants any further positional adjustment. - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment,
control unit 308 can also be configured for providing output signals. For example, with reference toFIG. 4 ,control unit 408 can be configured with adisplay panel 423 that provides various operational characteristics, such as, for example, temperature readings from one or more locations, airflow measurements, draft plate position, gas emissions, exterior temperature measurements, programmed temperature or other control settings, indicator lights or signals, or any other information related to operation of a heating system. Such a display can be configured proximate to controlunit 408, such as within the same housing, or remotely to controlunit 408, e.g., mounted within a separate wall unit and/or withinremote control unit 422. -
Actuation system 310 is configured for adjustment ofdraft plate 304 as directed and controlled bycontrol unit 308.Actuation system 310 can be communicatively coupled to controlunit 308 in various manners, such as through direct wiring connections, wireless communications, or any other communications methodology, to receive control signals fromcontrol unit 308.Actuation system 310 can also comprise various arrangements for providing adjustment ofdraft plate 304. For example, actuation system 340 may comprise one or more drive boxes, gearboxes, pulleys, drive train and sprocket systems, and/or various linkage systems. - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, with reference again to
FIG. 4 , anactuation system 410 can comprise adrive box 416, one ormore movement mechanisms 414 such as gearboxes, and alinkage mechanism 418.Drive box 416 is configured to drivemovement mechanisms 414 to facilitate operation oflinkage mechanism 418.Drive box 416 can comprise any drive mechanism or configuration for receiving a control signal and for driving other components.Movement mechanisms 414 are suitably configured to enable movement oflinkage mechanism 418.Movement mechanisms 414 can comprise a single gear or any plurality of gears, sprockets or cogs, and can be arranged in any gear ratio, orientation or any other manner for enabling movement and/or operation oflinkage mechanism 418.Linkage mechanism 418 is coupled to draftplate 404 and is configured for adjusting the position ofdraft plate 404.Linkage mechanism 418 can comprise single or multi-piece cables, wires, chains, rods or any other linking configuration or combination of components for coupling betweenmovement mechanisms 414 anddraft plate 404. - In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, in addition to or instead of one or more gears for
movement mechanisms 414,actuation system 410 can comprise adrive box 416 configured with a pulley/spool and cable and/or chain configuration. For example,drive box 416 may be coupled to a pulley/spool 414, with pulley/spool further coupled to a linkage mechanism comprising acable 418. In this example,drive box 416 can suitably turn pulley/spool 414 to wind and unwindcable 418 coupled todraft plate 404, thus adjusting positions ofdraft plate 404. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment,draft plate 404 may be actuated by a magnetic actuation system, e.g.,draft plate 404 and gears or pulleys/spools 414 andlinkage mechanism 418 can be magnetically coupled such that movement by gears, pulleys or spools 414 can suitably enable movement ofdraft plate 404. Accordingly,actuation system 410 can be configured in any manner for receiving control signals fromcontrol unit 408 to facilitate movement ofdraft plate 404. - In accordance with another exemplary embodiment,
draft plate 404 may also be manually actuated. With reference toFIG. 5 ,draft control system 500 may comprise amanual lever 530 coupled to adraft plate 504 through anactuation system 510. For example,manual lever 530 may be coupled toactuation system 510 through alinking mechanism 534, such as cables, wires, chains, rods or any other linking configuration.Actuation system 510 comprises adrive box 516, one ormore movement mechanisms 514, and one ormore movement mechanisms 532.Movement mechanisms 514 are coupled tomovement mechanisms 532 through alinkage mechanism 536 comprising cables, wires, chains, rods or any other linking configuration.Linkage system 534 can be suitably coupled tolinkage system 518 throughmovement mechanism 532 and/or through a removable pin or rod member 535 that can directly link togetherlinkage mechanisms draft plate 504, a person physically manipulatinglever 530 can also manually regulate the position ofdraft plate 504. - With reference to
FIG. 7 , in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, anexemplary heating stove 700 configured with a draftplate control system 701 is illustrated.Heating stove 700 comprises a substantiallyairtight firebox 760 configured for combustion. In an exemplary embodiment,firebox 760 is brick-layered, but can comprise any other materials, structures or configurations for combustion use within heating stoves.Heating stove 700 is configured with a mainintake air path 740 divided into two sections, anINTAKE 1 and anINTAKE 2. For example, a first section comprising air frommain intake 740 at the bottom ofheating stove 700 feedsINTAKE 1, the airflow which is controlled by afirst draft box 702 and afirst draft plate 704 before entering intofirebox 760. Through control of position ofdraft plate 704 by draftplate control system 701,INTAKE 1 can feedpilot air 762 and also channel air up to aprimary air intake 764. - A second section comprising air from
main intake 740 can also feed anINTAKE 2, which is control by asecond draft box 752 and asecond draft plate 754. The intake air throughINTAKE 2 anddraft plate 754 can be suitably channeled into one or more secondary air intakes S, for example, located at points E, F, G and H of tubes configured underneath baffles offirebox 760, before the intake air enters intofirebox 760 for combustion. In the exemplary embodiment,draft boxes firebox 760, withdraft plates draft boxes firebox 760, withINTAKE 1 andINTAKE 2 coupled to draftboxes draft plates firebox 760 to allow for the exiting of airflow. - In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, draft
plate control system 701 comprises an enclosure 703 configured for housing a control unit and actuation system. In this exemplary embodiment, enclosure 703 is configured proximate the bottom ofheating stove 700; however, enclosure 703 can be suitably configured in various orientations relative toheating stove 700. The control unit can be coupled to a pair of drive boxes within enclosure 703, a first drive box, a first movement mechanism, and a first linkage mechanism configured for adjustment ofdraft plate 704 and a second drive box, second movement mechanism and a second linkage mechanism configured for adjustment ofdraft plate 754. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the first and second drive boxes can suitably adjustdraft plates mechanism 418, based upon conditions detected by one or more sensors located at points C, D, E, F, G and/or H, such as temperature, airflow and the like. The signal of each sensor can be sent to the control unit within draftplate control system 701 to adjust the amount of airflow throughINTAKE 1 andINTAKE 2 through control ofdraft plates exhaust flue 770. - Various input command signals, such as burn parameters and thermostatic control, can be provided to the control unit by entering of desired parameters, for example through a local control pad coupled to the control unit, and/or by a
remote control unit 722. As described earlier,remote control unit 722 can comprise any type of remote transmitter device for providing wireless or remote signals to a control unit. Accordingly, an exemplary draftplate control system 701 and method can provide for manual, automatic and/or regulated control of the drafting forheating stove 700, allowing for an optional burn rate and thermostatic control to be achieved. - Although a separate drive box and/or movement mechanism for
draft plates draft plates heating stove 700 as a result of the ability to control drafting with multiple draft plates through draftplate control system 701. For example, additional draft plates can be configured at one or more additional locations C, D, E, F and G, such as byadditional linkage mechanisms 716. Although not shown, a connection fan for the heat source can also be implemented withheating stove 700, for example, betweenfirebox 760 and a heat shield in the back ofheating stove 700, and controlled by the control unit within draftplate control system 701. - The present invention sets forth a draft control system and method that are applicable to various heating system applications. It will be understood that the foregoing description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. Various modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements set forth herein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the location of components to match the design of the heating system, the different types of solid fuel applications, and the variations in one or multiple controls for air intakes into the heating system can be suitably modified, adjusted, and/or re-configured. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (40)
1. A draft control system configured for regulating heat within a heating system, said draft control system comprising:
a draft plate configured to control combustion airflow, said draft plate configured with an air opening for providing airflow into said heating system; and
a draft plate control system configured for automation of positional movement of said draft plate within said heating stove, said draft plate control system configured for receiving an input command signal and for actuating said draft plate to adjust said air opening.
2. The draft control system according to claim 1 , wherein said draft plate control system comprises:
at least one input device configured for receiving an input command;
a control unit for assessing an input command signal from said at least one input device and for providing a control signal;
an actuation system configured for adjustment of said draft plate upon receiving said control signal.
3. The draft control system according to claim 2 , wherein said at least one input device further comprises at least one sensor device configured in a closed control loop with said control unit to facilitate regulation of position of said draft plate.
4. The draft control system according to claim 3 , wherein said at least one sensor device comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, an airflow sensor, a gas emission sensor, and a position sensor.
5. The draft control system according to claim 2 , wherein said at least one input device comprises a remote control unit configured for receiving a plurality of input commands and providing a plurality of input command signals to said control unit.
6. The draft control system according to claim 2 , wherein said control unit comprises a processor configured within an enclosure configured proximate to said heating system.
7. The draft control system according to claim 2 , wherein said control unit is configured for control of a plurality of draft plates.
8. The draft control system according to claim 2 , wherein said actuation system comprises:
at least one drive box configured to receive said control signal from said control unit:
at least one movement mechanism coupled to said at least one drive box; and
a linkage mechanism coupled between said at least one gear device and said draft plate.
9. The draft control system according to claim 8 , wherein said at least one movement mechanism comprises at least one of gears, pulleys, sprockets and spools.
10. The draft control system according to claim 2 , wherein said linkage system comprises at least one of cables, wires, chains and rods.
11. A draft plate control system configured for control of a draft plate within a heating system, said draft plate control system comprising:
at least one input device configured for receiving an input command;
a control unit configured for receiving a command signal from said at least one input device and for providing a control signal;
an actuation system configured for positional adjustment of the draft plate based on said control signal.
12. The draft plate control system according to claim 11 , wherein said at least one input device further comprises a sensor device configured to facilitate positional regulation of said control unit.
13. The draft plate control system according to claim 12 , wherein said at least one sensor device comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, an airflow sensor, a gas emissions sensor, and a position sensor.
14. The draft plate control system according to claim 11 , wherein said at least one input device comprises a remote control unit configured for receiving a plurality of input commands and providing a plurality of input command signals to said control unit.
15. The draft plate control system according to claim 11 , wherein said at least one input device comprises a local control pad configured for receiving a plurality of input commands and providing a plurality of input command signals to said control unit.
16. The draft plate control system according to claim 11 , wherein said actuation system comprises:
a drive box configured to receive said control signal from said control unit;
at least one movement mechanism coupled to said drive box; and
a linkage mechanism coupled between said at least one movement mechanism and the draft plate.
17. The draft plate control system according to claim 16 , wherein said linkage system comprises at least one of cables, wires, chains and rods.
18. The draft plate control system according to claim 11 , wherein said draft plate control system further comprises a manual override system.
19. The draft plate control system according to claim 16 , wherein said draft plate control system further comprises a manual override device, and said actuation system comprises a second linkage system coupled between said manual override device and a second movement mechanism coupled through a first linkage system to said draft plate.
20. The draft plate control system according to claim 11 , wherein said draft plate control system further comprises an output device coupled to said control unit.
21. A draft control method for controlling the airflow within a combustion heating system, wherein said method comprises:
receiving an input command corresponding to a heating parameter;
assessing said input command to determine whether adjustment in position of a draft plate is needed; and
adjusting said draft plate to a new position consistent with said heating parameter.
22. The method according to claim 18 , wherein receiving an input command comprises receiving said input command in an input device and providing an input command signal to a control unit.
23. The method according to claim 22 , wherein assessing said input command comprises assessing within said control unit and determining whether adjustment in position of said draft plate is needed.
24. The method according to claim 23 , wherein said control unit is regulating position of said draft plate.
25. The method according to claim 24 , wherein said control unit is receiving information from a feedback device configured within a closed-feedback loop.
26. The method according to claim 22 , wherein said actuating said draft plate comprises providing a control signal from said control unit to an actuation system linked to said draft plate.
27. The method according to claim 21 , wherein said method further comprises transmitting said input command from a remote control unit to an input device within a draft plate control system.
28. A heating stove for providing heat to an area, said heating stove comprising:
a firebox configured for combustion of fuel to generate heat;
at least one draft plate configured for adjusting an amount of airflow into said firebox; and
a draft plate control system configured for automated adjustment of said draft plate within said heating stove, said draft plate control system configured for receiving an input command signal and for actuating said draft plate to adjust said air opening based on said input command signal.
29. The heating stove according to claim 28 , wherein said draft plate control system comprises:
at least one input device configured for receiving an input command;
a control unit for assessing an input command signal from said at least one input device and for providing a control signal;
an actuation system configured for adjustment of said draft plate upon receiving said control signal.
30. The heating stove according to claim 29 , wherein said at least one input device further comprises at least one sensor device configured to facilitate regulation of position of said draft plate.
31. The heating stove according to claim 30 , wherein said at least one sensor device comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, an airflow sensor, a gas emission sensor, and a position sensor.
32. The heating stove according to claim 29 , wherein said at least one input device comprises a remote control unit configured for receiving a plurality of input commands and for providing a plurality of input command signals to said control unit.
33. The heating stove according to claim 29 , wherein said control unit comprises a processor configured within an enclosure configured beneath an exhaust fume of the heating stove, said control unit is configured for control of a plurality of draft plates within said heating stove.
34. The heating stove according to claim 29 , wherein said actuation system comprises:
at least one drive mechanism configured to receive said control signal from said control unit:
at least one movement mechanism coupled to said at least one drive box; and
a linkage mechanism coupled between said at least one gear device and said draft plate.
35. The heating stove according to claim 34 , wherein said at least one movement mechanism comprises at least one of gears, pulleys, sprockets and spools.
36. The heating stove according to claim 34 , wherein said linkage mechanism comprises at least one of cables, wires, chains and rods.
37. The heating stove according to claim 28 , wherein said heating stove comprises a plurality of draft plates, each of said plurality of draft plates configured for automated adjustment from said draft plate control system without the need for an automatic level adjustment.
38. The heating stove according to claim 28 , wherein said heating stove comprises a separate manual override system that can be disengaged from said at least one draft plate.
39. A method for draft control within a heating stove, said method comprising:
receiving a command requesting an adjustment to a heating parameter within said heating stove;
assessing whether an adjustment to at least one draft plate position is needed to meet said condition; and
automatically adjusting said at least one draft plate to achieve said heating parameter.
40. The method according to claim 39 , wherein said automatically adjusting comprises regulating position of said at least one draft plate through a closed-feedback loop.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/961,057 US20080092872A1 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2007-12-20 | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US44745903P | 2003-02-14 | 2003-02-14 | |
US10/778,732 US7373937B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2004-02-13 | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
US11/961,057 US20080092872A1 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2007-12-20 | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/778,732 Continuation US7373937B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2004-02-13 | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080092872A1 true US20080092872A1 (en) | 2008-04-24 |
Family
ID=32869633
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/778,732 Expired - Fee Related US7373937B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2004-02-13 | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
US11/961,057 Abandoned US20080092872A1 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2007-12-20 | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/778,732 Expired - Fee Related US7373937B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2004-02-13 | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7373937B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2513724A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004072553A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070255468A1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2007-11-01 | Alps Automotive, Inc. | Vehicle window control system |
US20170038092A1 (en) * | 2014-10-21 | 2017-02-09 | Testo Ag | Method for adjusting a heating system, exhaust measuring device, and adjustment arrangement |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7373937B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2008-05-20 | Fpi Fireplace Products International Ltd. | Draft control system and method for heating systems |
US7870854B2 (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2011-01-18 | FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd | Closed-loop control system for heating systems |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2513724A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 |
WO2004072553A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 |
US7373937B2 (en) | 2008-05-20 |
US20040226553A1 (en) | 2004-11-18 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LITTLE, ROBERT A.;LAU, GEORGE H.K.;THURBER, E. WAYNE;REEL/FRAME:020276/0269;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040513 TO 20040715 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |