WO2005108870A2 - Dispositif de commande d'un dispositif d'amortissement a millivolt - Google Patents

Dispositif de commande d'un dispositif d'amortissement a millivolt Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005108870A2
WO2005108870A2 PCT/US2005/015233 US2005015233W WO2005108870A2 WO 2005108870 A2 WO2005108870 A2 WO 2005108870A2 US 2005015233 W US2005015233 W US 2005015233W WO 2005108870 A2 WO2005108870 A2 WO 2005108870A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
damper
comparator circuit
control device
voltage
battery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/015233
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2005108870A3 (fr
Inventor
Cory A. Weiss
Original Assignee
Flue Sentinel, Inc.
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 Flue Sentinel, Inc. filed Critical Flue Sentinel, Inc.
Priority to EP05745330A priority Critical patent/EP1745246A2/fr
Publication of WO2005108870A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005108870A2/fr
Publication of WO2005108870A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005108870A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • F23L11/00—Arrangements of valves or dampers after the fire
    • F23L11/005—Arrangements of valves or dampers after the fire for closing the flue during interruption of burner function
    • 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
    • F23L13/02—Construction of valves or dampers for controlling air supply or draught pivoted about a single axis but having not other movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24B—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES FOR SOLID FUELS; IMPLEMENTS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH STOVES OR RANGES
    • F24B1/00—Stoves or ranges
    • F24B1/18—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces
    • F24B1/185—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces with air-handling means, heat exchange means, or additional provisions for convection heating ; Controlling combustion
    • F24B1/189—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces with air-handling means, heat exchange means, or additional provisions for convection heating ; Controlling combustion characterised by air-handling means, i.e. of combustion-air, heated-air, or flue-gases, e.g. draught control dampers 
    • F24B1/1895—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces with air-handling means, heat exchange means, or additional provisions for convection heating ; Controlling combustion characterised by air-handling means, i.e. of combustion-air, heated-air, or flue-gases, e.g. draught control dampers  flue-gas control dampers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C15/00—Details
    • F24C15/001—Details arrangements for discharging combustion gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2223/00—Signal processing; Details thereof
    • F23N2223/14—Differentiation
    • 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
    • F23N2235/04—Air or combustion gas valves or dampers in stacks

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for controlling a damper, and more particularly to a damper control device for a fireplace.
  • a damper can be positioned in the flue and used to keep the air out.
  • the damper is movable between a closed position which prevents air from leaking into or out of the home, to an open position which allows air to flow and exhaust products of combustion to flow out of the home.
  • Such known dampers are controlled by a chain, handle, lever or the like. An operator has to remember to open the damper prior to starting a fire in the fireplace, or else the products of combustion would become trapped in the home.
  • the products of wood fireplaces can include soot and smoke.
  • U.S. Patent 6,257,871 B1 to Weiss et al discloses a highly efficient damper control device particularly useful for gas appliances which regulates air flow in a furnace using the power of generated by a thermopile in a pilot light.
  • fireplace dampers may be subjected to significantly higher load requirements than dampers in furnaces. Further, for fireplace dampers, resistive losses increase with the increased distance between the pilot light and the damper. It would be desirable to provide a damper control device for a fireplace with a thermopile providing power to the damper and to the gas valve without relying on power from a utility or land based power source.
  • a millivolt damper control device comprises a damper positioned in a flue, wherein the damper is movable between a closed position where the flue is blocked and an open position, a thermoelectric device having an input voltage, a battery having a voltage, and a controller comprising a comparator circuit which compares the input voltage with a reference voltage based upon the voltage of the battery. When the input voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, the comparator circuit transmits a damper signal to move the damper to the open position.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view illustrating a chimney incorporating a millivolt damper control device in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the damper, showing a battery and circuit board with a comparator circuit.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cam and switches that the cam contacts as the damper motor rotates, providing information to the comparator circuit about the position of the damper.
  • Figs. 4-10 are schematic and block circuit diagrams showing stages of a call for fire at the fireplace.
  • Fig. 1 shows a chimney 10 having a fireplace 12, a flue 14 which receives products of combustion from the fireplace, and a damper 20.
  • the fireplace 12 is a gas fireplace, with the gas supplied by a gas line 29.
  • the damper 20 is movable by electric motor 44 via rotatable shaft 34 between a closed position where it prevents outside air from flowing down into the flue and from there leaking into a house, to an open position (as shown in Fig. 1 ) where the products of combustion can escape to the outside.
  • a thermoelectric device such as thermopile 31 is positioned in a pilot light and provides sufficient electrical power to control a solenoid actuated gas valve 28.
  • a controller 41 controls the position of the damper 20 and the gas valve 28, and comprises the circuit board 46 positioned near the damper 20, preferably at least partially within a box 30 to shield it from the elements.
  • Wiring 22 electrically connects the circuit board 46 and the gas valve 28, and wiring 23 electrically connects the gas valve with the thermoelectric device. Diagnostic information about the status of the various elements of the millivolt damper control device may be displayed at status module 16.
  • the damper 20 is installed in the flue 14.
  • Fig. 2 shows the damper 20 positioned in a damper pipe, drive motor 44 (preferably a DC electric motor) and accompanying circuit board 46 positioned in a preferably weatherproof damper control box (partially removed).
  • the rotatable shaft 34 operatively connects the drive motor and the damper.
  • the rotatable shaft serves to space the drive motor and electronic controls away from the flue and damper pipe.
  • shaft 34 is preferably at least partially enclosed by the box 30 to protect the shaft from weathering, dirt, etc.
  • a portion 37 of the damper pipe 32 may extend beyond a mounting member 36, shown in Fig. 2 as a ring-like structure. The portion 37 is adapted to fit inside the flue 14, and mounting brackets 38 are adapted to receive bolts that would fit into the chimney, thereby securing the damper 20 and damper pipe 32 to the chimney.
  • any one of several control devices may be used to turn the fireplace fire on and off.
  • an on/off switch 25 may be provided (shown in Fig. 1).
  • a temperature control may be used, so that the fireplace fire is ignited when the temperature in the room drops below a predetermined level.
  • an on/off switch or thermostat control could be incorporated into a handheld wireless or remote device.
  • power to control the position of gas valve 28 is derived from the thermoelectric device, and typically js in the millivolt (less than 1 volt) range.
  • the battery 24 (and not the thermopile) provides electrical power to run the damper motor and to the circuit board 46.
  • the controller 41 has a comparator circuit 40 which is used to open or close the blade(s) of the damper based on an electric signal from the external control (thermostat, manual switch, etc.).
  • Fig. 3 shows a cam 52 which rotates with the output shaft 34 in response to rotation of the motor 44.
  • the cam 52 has a series of ramped surfaces that engage limit switches 60, 62, 64.
  • the switches 60, 62 and 64 activate throw contacts S4, S2, S3, respectively, on printed circuit board 46. These throw contacts on the circuit board correspond to the respective switch position, and in turn the switch positions indicate the relative position of the damper. In this way, information is provided to the controller to control the position of the damper and the gas valve, and to provide a damper status signal indicating whether the damper is in the open position or closed position.
  • Controller 41 allows the damper to be controlled by the typically low millivolt power (e.g. 500-600 mV) supplied by the fireplace thermopile 31 , while relying on voltage from the battery for operation.
  • Figs. 4-10 show schematic diagrams of the circuit for the operation of the millivolt damper control device. In response to rotation of the cam 52 the various switches are thrown and the corresponding throw contacts S2, S3 and S4 switch between the normally closed contacts 71 , 74, 77 and the normally open contacts 72, 75, 78. In Fig.
  • the device is in stand-by mode, motor 44 is inactive, gas valve 28 is closed so the fireplace fire is off (except for a pilot light), and throw contacts S2, S3, and S4 are shown each electrically connected with between a common contact 70, 73, 76 and a corresponding normally closed contact 71 , 74, 77.
  • Power for the comparator circuit 40 is supplied by the on-board battery 24.
  • the battery supplies at least 3.6 VDC.
  • a battery with suitable power, voltage and durability characteristics is a 3.6 V D-Cell battery made by Tadiran of Israel.
  • Fig. 5 shows the electrical connections made when an operator desires a fire at the fireplace.
  • a Call For Fire begins when switch 25 (or other suitable controller) is thrown and contact 125 is closed, generating a fireplace signal to open the gas valve. Prior to this occurring, however, the damper 20 is sent a call to move to the open position.
  • the comparator circuit 40 ensures that the damper is in the open position before the gas valve is opened.
  • the comparator circuit 40 compares a reference voltage from the battery 24 (between contacts 2 and 4) with an input voltage from the thermoelectric device 31 (between contacts 6 and 4). If the input voltage from the thermoelectric device exceeds the reference voltage, then the device is considered to be receiving power from the thermopile 31.
  • thermopile voltage is at least 80 mV and typically less than 1V. That is, reference voltage is at least 80 mV, so comparator circuit will supply voltage to the motor when the input voltage meets or exceeds 80 mV.
  • the motor 44 rotates, rotating the cam 52 with it until the switches are tripped and the contacts S2, S3 and S4 thrown as shown in Fig. 6.
  • Switching S2 into contact with normally open contact 72 (which coincides with the damper reaching the open position) opens the circuit supplying power to the motor, stopping the motor.
  • S3 and S4 are now switched into contact with 78 and 75, respectively. These throw contacts are redundant, and when both are closed, a voltage generated by the thermopile 31 may be applied to the gas valve 28, opening the valve and starting a fire at the fireplace. Thus, the fire is only started after the damper has been moved to the open position.
  • Fig. 7 shows switch 125 moved to an open position, indicating that switch 25 or the like has been turned off.
  • the input signal is removed and Shut Off begins as power is cut to the gas valve 28.
  • the comparator 40 detects the drop in voltage and advantageously initiates a time delay, allowing products of combustion time to leave the flue.
  • Comparator circuit contacts 2-3 are switched to 2-1 , applying voltage across the motor 44 to move the damper to the closed position.
  • the cam surfaces may be staggered so that the switches/throw contacts are reset at different times. For example, S3 may be returned first, reconnecting contact 76 with 77, as shown in Fig. 9. Next, S4 may be returned, reconnecting contact 73 with 74 as shown in Fig. 10. Finally, S2 may be returned, returning the controller to Stand-By Mode as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the comparator circuit 40 may ignore the input voltage for a period of time between the end of the time delay and the time when S4 has reconnected between 73 and 74. This prevents the damper from getting stuck during the period of time when it is returning to the closed position if the input signal is reintroduced.

Abstract

Selon l'invention, un dispositif de commande d'un dispositif d'amortissement à millivolt comprend un dispositif d'amortissement amovible entre une position fermée, à laquelle un flux est bloqué et une position ouverte, un dispositif thermoélectrique possédant une tension d'entrée, une batterie présentant une tension, et un dispositif de commande pourvu d'un circuit de comparateur qui permet de comparer la tension d'entrée avec une tension de référence, en fonction de la tension de la batterie. Lorsque la tension d'entrée est supérieure ou égale à la tension de référence, ledit circuit de comparateur sert à transmettre un signal de dispositif d'amortissement afin de déplacer le dispositif d'amortissement en position ouverte.
PCT/US2005/015233 2004-05-04 2005-05-03 Dispositif de commande d'un dispositif d'amortissement a millivolt WO2005108870A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05745330A EP1745246A2 (fr) 2004-05-04 2005-05-03 Dispositif de commande d'un dispositif d'amortissement a millivolt

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US56800304P 2004-05-04 2004-05-04
US60/568,003 2004-05-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005108870A2 true WO2005108870A2 (fr) 2005-11-17
WO2005108870A3 WO2005108870A3 (fr) 2006-01-19

Family

ID=35124507

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/015233 WO2005108870A2 (fr) 2004-05-04 2005-05-03 Dispositif de commande d'un dispositif d'amortissement a millivolt

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20050247304A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1745246A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005108870A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090191493A1 (en) * 2008-01-29 2009-07-30 Field Controls Llc. Apparatus and method for controlling a damper in a gas-fired appliance
US8113823B2 (en) * 2008-01-29 2012-02-14 Field Controls, Llc Apparatus and method for controlling a damper in a gas-fired appliance
JP4571206B2 (ja) * 2008-07-08 2010-10-27 リンナイ株式会社 強制給排気式暖房器
US8297524B2 (en) * 2009-09-03 2012-10-30 Honeywell International Inc. Damper control system
US10634385B2 (en) 2009-09-03 2020-04-28 Ademco Inc. Heat balancing system
US8371286B2 (en) * 2009-10-22 2013-02-12 Michael McCown Mechanical damper control
US9874352B2 (en) * 2010-07-13 2018-01-23 Innovative Hearth Products, Llc Hood for emission control for fireplace
US9427107B2 (en) * 2011-09-13 2016-08-30 Iot Controls Llc Automated temperature control system for a solid-fueled cooker
GB201310736D0 (en) * 2013-06-14 2013-07-31 Nu Flame Ltd An adjustable baffle system for a gas fire
US10151482B2 (en) 2015-06-24 2018-12-11 Dexen Industries, Inc. System for igniting and controlling a gas burning appliance
FR3041418B1 (fr) * 2015-09-23 2017-11-17 Commissariat Energie Atomique Systeme de collecte de chaleur d'un conduit de fumisterie avec un canal de circulation de fluide caloporteur
US11181275B2 (en) * 2018-03-06 2021-11-23 Boneless Grills Sl Universal device for the automation of solid fuel barbecues and ovens

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4649808A (en) * 1986-01-06 1987-03-17 Robert Ward Fireplace damper assembly
US4846400A (en) * 1988-04-12 1989-07-11 Crouse Scott L Method of and apparatus for automatic damper control
US5231377A (en) * 1991-08-19 1993-07-27 Clark Richard V Electronic close damper alert unit
US5555876A (en) * 1994-10-17 1996-09-17 Francisco, Jr.; Richard V. Chimney safety and control system
US5575274A (en) * 1993-07-30 1996-11-19 Depalma; Thomas M. Gas log fireplace system
US6257871B1 (en) * 2000-03-22 2001-07-10 Effikal International, Inc. Control device for a gas-fired appliance

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4204833A (en) * 1978-02-06 1980-05-27 Scotty Vent Dampers Safety control for furnace burner
US4406396A (en) * 1980-03-24 1983-09-27 Habegger Millard A Method and apparatus for regulating flue draft
US4404613A (en) * 1981-06-04 1983-09-13 Flair Manufacturing Corp. Double switch fuse assembly
US4489376A (en) * 1982-04-12 1984-12-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Industrial process control apparatus and method
US5039006A (en) * 1989-08-16 1991-08-13 Habegger Millard A Home heating system draft controller

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4649808A (en) * 1986-01-06 1987-03-17 Robert Ward Fireplace damper assembly
US4846400A (en) * 1988-04-12 1989-07-11 Crouse Scott L Method of and apparatus for automatic damper control
US5231377A (en) * 1991-08-19 1993-07-27 Clark Richard V Electronic close damper alert unit
US5575274A (en) * 1993-07-30 1996-11-19 Depalma; Thomas M. Gas log fireplace system
US5555876A (en) * 1994-10-17 1996-09-17 Francisco, Jr.; Richard V. Chimney safety and control system
US6257871B1 (en) * 2000-03-22 2001-07-10 Effikal International, Inc. Control device for a gas-fired appliance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1745246A2 (fr) 2007-01-24
US20050247304A1 (en) 2005-11-10
WO2005108870A3 (fr) 2006-01-19

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