Motor controller for draft inducer motor in a furnace and method of use
AssigneeRegal Beloit America, Inc.
InventorsDevan Scroggins, Paul Steven Mullin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A motor controller for a draft inducer motor that operates an inducer blower in a furnace is provided. The motor controller includes a communication interface operable to receive a signal from a system controller. The signal represents a command to operate the draft inducer motor. The motor controller includes a processor operable to operate the draft inducer motor in accordance with a predefined motor speed profile during at least one of an ignition stage and a combustion stage of the furnace.
Claims20
A motor controller for a motor that operates a blower in a furnace, the motor controller comprising:
- a memory configured to store a motor speed profile, the motor speed profile comprising a plurality of predefined time periods, the plurality of predefined time periods comprising:
- a first predefined time period for ramping motor speed to a first motor speed, the first motor speed being defined for an ignition stage;
- a second predefined time period for the ignition stage at the first motor speed;
- and
- a third predefined time period for ramping motor speed from the first motor speed to a second motor speed, the second motor speed being defined for a stabilization stage;
- and
- a processor operable to control the motor in accordance with the motor speed profile during the plurality of predefined time periods.
A method of controlling a motor that operates a blower in a furnace, the method comprising:
- storing, in a memory, a motor speed profile, the motor speed profile comprising a plurality of predefined time periods, the plurality of predefined time periods comprising:
- a first predefined time period for ramping motor speed to a first motor speed, the first motor speed being defined for an ignition stage;
- a second predefined time period for the ignition stage at the first motor speed;
- and
- a third predefined time period for ramping motor speed from the first motor speed to a second motor speed, the second motor speed being defined for a stabilization stage;
- and
- operating, by a processor of a motor controller for the motor, the motor in accordance with the motor speed profile during the plurality of predefined time periods.
A furnace comprising:
- a blower;
- a motor coupled to the blower and operable to drive the blower to generate an airflow;
- and
- a motor controller comprising:
- a memory configured to store a motor speed profile, the motor speed profile comprising a plurality of predefined time periods, the plurality of predefined time periods comprising:
- a first predefined time period for ramping motor speed to a first motor speed, the first motor speed being defined for an ignition stage;
- a second predefined time period for the ignition stage at the first motor speed;
- and
- a third predefined time period for ramping motor speed from the first motor speed to a second motor speed, the second motor speed being defined for a stabilization stage;
- and
- a processor operable to control the motor in accordance with the motor speed profile during the plurality of predefined time periods.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.