US 7,492,269 B2 · Self diagonostic flame ignitor

Abstract

Techniques for monitoring operation of a flame ignitor are provided. In one embodiment, multiple inputs are received. The inputs are received from at least one of a first group of inputs and a second group of inputs. The first group includes a flame rod voltage, a stop signal for deactivation of the flame ignitor, a fuel supply interruption signal, and an air supply interruption signal. The second group includes a start signal for activation of the flame ignitor, and a flame proven signal indicating presence of a flame produced by the flame ignitor. If inputs from the first group are received, a cause of a failure of the flame ignitor is determined. If inputs from the second group are received, a reliability of the flame ignitor is determined.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for monitoring operation of a flame ignitor including a flame rod for igniting a flame within a combustion chamber, comprising:

receiving one of (i) first input including a DC voltage of the flame rod, and (ii) second input including a plurality of start signals, each indicative of an operator instruction to activate the flame ignitor, and one or more flame proven signals, each indicative of a presence of a flame produced by the flame ignitor responsive to a respective one of the plurality of start signals;
if the first input is received, computing an AC voltage based upon the received first input, and determining if the flame rod is dirty based on the computed AC voltage;
and
if the second input is received, determining, based upon the received second input, a reliability of the flame ignitor.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self diagonostic flame ignitor

Life of this patent

Self diagonostic flame ignitor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20