Combustion detection device with a thermoelectric generator
AssigneeFagor, S. Coop.
InventorsFélix Querejeta, José J. Anttxia
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The apparatus (1,1′) for the detection of gas combustion in an domestic gas heater or a water heater is designed as an independent installation unit mounted on a shared support bracket (8,8′), provided with a thermoelectric generator assembly (4–6, 20–26) for supplying a safety valve (16) and a main gas valve (17) of the gas heater, generating two respective lower (Vb) and higher (Vd) voltages therefor. The thermoelectric assembly (4–6,20–26) heated by a pilot flame (3) is built up by means of one or two flat Peltier type p-n junction cells (4, 20–21), which are connected to a heat transmission element (5,25) licked by the pilot flame (3) and to a shared heat sink (6,22).
Claims6
Apparatus for detecting gas combustion adapted to a domestic free-standing gas heater or a water heater provided with a safety valve (16), a main gas valve (17) and an electronic control unit, the detection apparatus (1′) comprising,
- a mounting bracket (8′) for supporting the detection apparatus (1′) shaped for fitting on the gas heater or the water heater,
- a pilot burner (2) with at least one pilot flame (3) for faulty combustion detection, and an igniter (10) incorporated on the support bracket (8′),
- a thermoelectric generator assembly (20–26) heated by the pilot flame (3), supplying through two electric outputs (13,12) respectively, a low voltage (Vb) for energizing said safety valve (16) and for detection of combustion deficiencies in the pilot flame (3), and a higher voltage (Vd) for powering the main valve (17) and the electronic unit of the gas heater,
- wherein the thermoelectric assembly (20–26) is incorporated on said support bracket (8′) forming a compact mounting unit with the pilot burner (2), and includes two flat thermoelectric cells (20,21) made up with semiconductor p-n junctions, each one provided with one of said electrical outputs (13,12), a heat transmission element (25) which is licked by the pilot flame (3), a heat sink (22) to the environment forming a thermal path (25,21,20,22) shared by both thermoelectric cells (20,21), and thermal connection means (24,26) between both cells (20,21).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.