WO2019145854A1

WO2019145854A1 - System for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one

Info

Publication number: WO2019145854A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/050529
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claudio BELLINTANI; Giuseppe SORRENTINO
Original assignee: Bellintani Claudio; Sorrentino Giuseppe
Priority date: 2018-01-24
Filing date: 2019-01-22
Publication date: 2019-08-01
Also published as: IT201800001712A1

Abstract

A system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, comprising a stove/boiler (12) which comprises a combustion chamber (28), provided with a front glazing unit (48), and an air intake pipe (30), the stove/boiler (12) being associated with a remote processing device (14) connected to a telematic device (18) operated by a user (20) by means of a telematic communication network (16); the stove/boiler (12) comprises at least one flame sensor (47) which is arranged outside the combustion chamber (28) and at the front glazing unit (48), the flame sensor (47) being configured to detect at least one mass of a flame, and to provide at least one value of the mass of the flame to a usage data collection module (62) comprised in the remote processing device (14); the remote processing device (14) is configured to perform a first comparison between the at least one value of the mass of the flame and at least one reference value of the mass of the flame comprised in reference data storage means (68) comprised in the remote processing device (14), and to adjust the combustion process of the stove/boiler (12) on the basis of an outcome of the first comparison, driving a screw feeder motor (26), an air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor (34) and a hot air delivery motor (38) which are comprised within the stove/boiler (12).

Description

SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING THE COMBUSTION PROCESS OF A STOVE/BOILER, PARTICULARLY A PELLET-FIRED ONE

The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one. The system described herein is particularly but not exclusively useful and practical in the field of systems for the production and distribution of heat and hot water, such as for example home heating systems.

Currently, various types of pellet-fired stoves are used which can integrate or replace the traditional heating system. The operation of these stoves is similar to that of traditional stoves and is based essentially on the combustion of a densified biofuel produced from pulverized biomass (also known by the name“pellet”) for the production of heat to be delivered in home environments. The heat produced by the combustion of the pellet is released in the surrounding environment both by natural convection and with the aid of a ventilation system that contributes to the diffusion of hot air.

However, known solutions are not free from drawbacks, which include the lack of control on the loading of the fuel, particularly pellets, inside the brazier in the step for igniting the flame of the stove/boiler.

Another drawback of these known solutions resides in the lack of a control related to the mass of the flame in order to adjust the combustion process of the stove/boiler.

A further drawback of these known solutions resides in that they do not provide for any control over the composition of the exhaust gases in output from the stove/boiler.

Another drawback of these known solutions resides in that they do not allow to verify the quantity of fuel, particularly pellets, that is present inside the brazier, from which the pellet itself might escape in case of an excessive quantity.

A further drawback of these known solutions resides in that they do not perform any type of control on the air intake.

Another drawback of these known solutions resides in the lack of an automatic control of the status of the brazier.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned limitations of the background art, devising a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, that allows to improve the efficiency of the combustion process while reducing energy consumption and the release of harmful exhaust gases produced by the stove/boiler.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to conceive a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, that is capable of operating with an electric power supply comprised between approximately 3.3V and 12V.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, that allows to reduce the consumption of pellets needed for the combustion process.

A further object of the present invention is to conceive a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, that allows to detect the mass of the flame in order to optimize the combustion process.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, that allows to detect the quality of the exhaust gases released by the stove/boiler, preventing the release of toxic exhaust gases.

A further object of the present invention is to conceive a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, that allows to increase the temperature of the combustion air inside the stove/boiler, produce less polluting exhaust gases, reduce the consumption of oxygen and increase the efficiency of the stove/boiler. Yet another object of the present invention is to devise a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, that allows to adjust the air intake.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, that is highly reliable, relatively easy to provide and at competitive costs if compared with the background art.

This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to claim 1.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view of an embodiment of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing schematically the plurality of sensors present in an embodiment of the stove/boiler comprised in the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing schematically an embodiment of the remote processing device comprised in the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention.

With reference to the above cited figures, the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, comprises substantially a stove/boiler 12, a remote processing device 14, associated with the stove/boiler 12, and a telematic device 18, operated by a user 20 and connected to and in communication with the remote processing device 14 by virtue of a telematic communication network 16, such as for example the Internet.

The stove/boiler 12 of the system 10 according to the invention is preferably a stove/boiler of the pellet- fired type. The stove/boiler 12 is configured to produce heat and hot water by means of combustion of a quantity of fuel, particularly pellets.

With particular reference to Figure 1, in an embodiment of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the stove/boiler 12 comprises: a fuel tank 22; a screw feeder 24; a screw feeder motor 26; a combustion chamber 28; a brazier 29 comprised in the combustion chamber 28; a front glazing unit 48 that delimits the front wall from the combustion chamber 28; an air intake pipe 30; an air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34; a hot air outlet 32; a hot air delivery motor 38; an ignition/extinguishing switch or contact 36; a spark plug or more preferably a laser for flame ignition 40; a tank opening/closing panel 42; and a flue 44. The air intake pipe 30 and the flue 44 are directly or indirectly connected to the combustion chamber 28.

In an embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the air intake pipe 30 comprises an air intake butterfly valve 31 and an air intake butterfly valve motor 58, the air intake butterfly valve 31 being coupled to the shaft of the air intake butterfly valve motor 58. The air intake butterfly valve 31 is a valve. In practice, the air intake butterfly valve 31 is an obstruction disk hinged inside the air intake pipe 30, which rotates between a closing position and an open position of the cross-section for the passage of air through the air intake pipe 30.

In a preferred embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the stove/boiler 12 further comprises an exhaust gas recovery pipe 45, which connects or blends the air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34 to the combustion chamber 28. Preferably, a first portion of the exhaust gas recovery pipe 45 is arranged proximate to the flue 44. The exhaust gas recovery pipe 45 allows the reintroduction of a portion of the exhaust gases produced by combustion directly into the combustion chamber 28.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the exhaust gas recovery pipe 45 comprises an exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve and an exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor 59, the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve being coupled to the shaft of the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor 59. The exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve is a valve. In practice, the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve is an obstruction disk hinged inside the exhaust gas recovery pipe 45, which rotates between a closing position and an open position of the cross-section for the passage of the exhaust gases through the exhaust gas recovery pipe 45.

The operation of a generic pellet-fired stove is briefly described herein. Following the ignition of the stove 12 by the user 20 by means of actuation of the ignition/extinguishing switch 36, the screw feeder 24, actuated by the screw feeder motor 26, draws a quantity of pellets from the tank 22 and transports this quantity of pellets into the brazier 29 comprised in the combustion chamber 28. Once the quantity of pellets is placed inside the brazier 29, the air entering the combustion chamber 28 of the stove 12 through the air intake pipe 30, typically connected to the outside environment, provides the fuel/oxidizer mix and the spark plug for flame ignition 40 generates a flame, allowing to start the combustion process of the pellets. In the meantime, the convection air is released by the hot air delivery motor 38 toward the hot air outlet 32, so that the heat is exchanged between this air and the external surface of the combustion chamber 28, heated by the heat produced by the combustion. Finally, the exhaust gases produced by the combustion are expelled by means of the air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34 and through the flue 44.

In a preferred embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, a portion of the exhaust gases produced by the combustion is reintroduced directly in the combustion chamber 28 by means of the exhaust gas recovery pipe 45.

The temperature of the air entering the combustion chamber 28 through the air intake pipe 30, which as mentioned arrives from the outside environment, is usually much lower than the temperature of the combustion air already present in the combustion chamber 28. Therefore, when the external air enters the combustion chamber 28, it lowers the temperature of the flame by a few degrees. By heating the combustion air by means of the exhaust gases produced by combustion and then recovered, the temperature of the flame is higher and therefore the efficiency of the stove 12 increases.

With particular reference to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the stove/boiler 12 further comprises: a brazier sensor 46; a flame sensor 47; an exhaust gas sensor 50; an internal temperature sensor 52; a tank sensor 54; and an external temperature sensor 56.

The brazier sensor 46 of the stove/boiler 12 is configured to detect at least one quantity of fuel that is present in the brazier 29 comprised in the combustion chamber 28. The brazier sensor 46 is arranged externally to the combustion chamber 28 and at the front glazing unit 48, and the detection of the quantity of fuel that is present in the brazier 29 is performed through the front glazing unit 48. Preferably, the brazier sensor 46 is an optical sensor using a laser beam.

In an embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, in the adjustment of the fuel loading in the brazier 29 by means of the screw feeder 24, the brazier sensor 46 operates with the following parameters: maximum object detection distance equal to 2.4 meters; range measurement sampling frequency equal to 1 Hz; power supply equal to 5 Vdc (Volt Direct Current) at 150 mA and operating temperature from 0°C to +85°C.

The flame sensor 47 of the stove/boiler 12 is configured to detect at least one mass of a flame that is present in the combustion chamber 28. The flame sensor 47 is arranged externally to the combustion chamber 28 and at the front glazing unit 48, and the detection of the flame mass that is present in the combustion chamber 28 is performed through the front glazing unit 48. ft is stressed that the flame sensor 47 is different from a temperature sensor, since it is configured to detect a mass of flame and not a temperature.

Preferably, the flame sensor 47 is an infrared (1R in acronym) optical sensor. The infrared flame sensor 47 is an optical electronic device that reacts immediately to the infrared thermal radiation emitted by the flame and is calibrated on the frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum of the flame in order to ignore the infrared thermal radiation emitted by the sun, by any lamps and/or by other light and infrared radiation sources.

In practice, in presence of an open flame, the infrared flame sensor 47 behaves like to an eye, since it“sees” the infrared thermal radiation emitted by the flame.

The minimum size of the flame that the infrared flame sensor 47 is capable of detecting varies in relation to the distance between the sensor 47 and the flame. The minimum size of the flame that can be detected doubles at half the distance and halves at half the distance, and is about 2-3% of the distance, for example at 10 meters the minimum size of the detectable flame is 20-30 centimeters.

The visible light generated by the flame is only a small part of the radiated energy. Most of the radiated energy comprises invisible thermal radiation of the infrared spectrum, emitted by any body with a temperature higher than absolute zero, with a wavelength that varies with the temperature of the body. The infrared flame sensor 47“sees” very well this invisible thermal radiation of the infrared range, while it is substantially “blind” to visible light.

Moreover, the infrared thermal radiation passes through the exhaust gas while visible light does not pass through the exhaust gas. For this reason, the infrared flame sensor 47 detects the flame even in presence of exhaust gas inside the combustion chamber 28.

The flame sensor 47 provides in output an analogue electrical signal that is proportional to the mass of flame detected, and advantageously a digital electrical signal that activates an optional status indicator lamp, for example of the LED (Light Emitting Diode) type.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, the flame sensor 47 operates with the following parameters: detection distance equal to 1 meter (with a flame 5 centimeters high); field of view comprised within a 90° wide cone; power supply equal to 5 Vdc; sensitivity adjustable by means of a potentiometer; polarity reversal protection; operating temperature from -25°C to 80°C; detected wavelength 760-1100 nm and detection angle equal to 60° in breadth; reaction time equal to 15 ps.

The exhaust gas sensor 50 of the stove/boiler 12 is configured to detect at least one composition of exhaust gases present in the flue 44 during the combustion process. Advantageously, the exhaust gas sensor 50 is comprised in the flue 44. In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, the exhaust gas sensor 50 is further configured to detect combustible gases, such as for example LPG, propane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In another embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the exhaust gas sensor 50 operates with the following parameters: 2.5 Vdc to 5 Vdc power supply and operating temperature from 0°C to +125°C.

The internal temperature sensor 52 of the stove/boiler 12 is configured to detect at least one value of temperature of the air that arrives from the hot air outlet 32. Advantageously, the internal temperature sensor 52 is arranged proximate to the hot air outlet 32. In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the internal temperature sensor 52 operates with the following parameters: power supply from 3V to 5V; measurable temperature range from -55°C to +200°C; accuracy equal to ±0.5°C (in the [-55°C, +200°C] range); 9-bit to 12-bit resolution and 12-bit temperature conversion time equal to 750 milliseconds.

The tank sensor 54 of the stove/boiler 12 is configured to detect at least one quantity of fuel that is present in the tank 22. Advantageously, the tank sensor 54 is arranged inside the tank 22. In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the tank sensor 54 is further configured to emit a luminous and/or acoustic signal if the quantity of pellets inside the tank 22 is below a preset threshold. In a further embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the tank sensor 54 operates with the following parameters: power supply from 4.5V to 5.5V; operating temperature -10°C to +60°C; storage temperature -40°C to +70°C and detection distance from 4 centimeters to 80 centimeters.

The external temperature sensor 56 of the stove/boiler 12 is configured to detect at least one environmental temperature value. Advantageously, the external temperature sensor 56 is arranged outside the stove/boiler 12. In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the external temperature sensor 56 operates with the following parameters: power supply from 3V to 5V; measurable temperature range from -55°C to +200°C; accuracy equal to ±0.5°C (in the [-55°C, +200°C] range); 9-bit to 12-bit resolution and 12-bit temperature conversion time equal to 750 milliseconds.

With particular reference to Figure 3, in one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the remote processing device 14 comprises: a control unit 60; a usage data collection module 62; an ignition/extinguishing module 64; usage data storage means 66; reference data storage means 68; a screw feeder motor management module 70; an air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor management module 72; and a hot air delivery motor management module 74.

A portion of the operation of the remote processing device 14, which as mentioned is associated with the stove/boiler 12, is managed remotely directly by the user 20 by means of the telematic device 18, which, as mentioned, is connected to and in communication with the same remote processing device 14 by means of a telematic communication network 16.

Advantageously, the remote processing device 14 is connected to a 12V battery assembly. By way of example, the 12V battery assembly can be recharged by solar panels, which ensure the operation of the remote processing device 14 for a given time period in absence of electric power supply, or by a 12V power supply connected to the electric mains.

The control unit 60 is the main functional element of the remote processing device 14 of the system 10 according to the invention, and for this reason it is connected to and in communication with the other elements comprised in said remote processing device 14.

The control unit 60 of the remote processing device 14 is provided with appropriate capabilities for calculating and interfacing with the other elements of the remote processing device 14, and is configured for command, control and coordinate the operation of the elements of the remote processing device 14 to which it is connected and with which it is in communication. Moreover, the control unit 60 is configured to compare at least one value detected by one of the sensors comprised in the stove/boiler 12 with a respective reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68.

The usage data collection module 62 of the remote processing device 14 is configured to receive the values detected by the plurality of sensors comprised in the stove/boiler 12. The usage data collection module 62 is connected to the usage data storage means 66, by means of the control unit 60.

The ignition/extinguishing module 64 of the remote processing device 14 is configured to ignite or extinguish the stove/boiler 12, for example following a command issued remotely by the user 20 by means of the telematic device 18, particularly by activating the flame ignition laser 40. In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the flame ignition laser 40 operates with the following parameters: operating voltage equal to 3.3V; operating temperature equal to 2000°C; wavelength equal to approximately 450 nm and start-up time < 1 sec.

The usage data storage means 66 of the remote processing device 14, such as for example a database, are configured to store the values detected by the plurality of sensors comprised in the stove/boiler 12. In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the usage data storage means 66 comprise a database stored on conveniently sized storage media.

The reference data storage means 68 of the remote processing device 14, such as for example a database, are configured to store the reference values for each sensor comprised in the stove/boiler 12. These reference values are set up by the user 20 by means of the telematic device 18 connected to the remote processing device 14. By way of example, the setup of the reference values related to the plurality of sensors arranged in the stove/boiler 12 by the user 20 allows said user to select a maximum or minimum threshold for each sensor arranged in the stove/boiler 12, in order to improve the efficiency of the combustion process according to the requirements. In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the reference data storage means 68 comprise a data base stored on conveniently sized storage media.

The screw feeder motor management module 70 of the remote processing device 14 is configured to drive the screw feeder motor 26 of the stove/boiler 12, which can be controlled electronically, preferably by PWM modulation (Pulse Width Modulation), and is adapted to actuate rotationally the screw feeder 24 of the stove/boiler 12 for loading the fuel, particularly pellets, inside the brazier 29.

The air intake and exhaust gas discharge management motor module

72 of the remote processing device 14 is configured to drive the air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34 of the stove/boiler 12, which can be controlled electronically, preferably by PWM modulation, and is adapted to actuate rotationally a fan associated therewith, allowing both air intake through the air intake pipe 30 of the stove/boiler 12 and exhaust gases discharge through the flue 44 of the stove/boiler 12.

The hot air delivery motor management module 74 of the remote processing device 14 is configured to drive the hot air delivery motor 38 of the stove/boiler 12, which can be controlled electronically, preferably by PWM modulation, and is adapted to actuate rotationally a fan associated therewith, allowing the release of hot air through the corresponding outlet 32 of the stove/boiler 12.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the remote processing device 14 comprises furthermore an air intake butterfly valve motor management module 76, configured to drive the air intake butterfly valve motor 58 of the stove/boiler 12, which can be controlled electronically, preferably by PWM modulation. The air intake butterfly valve motor management module 76 is adapted to actuate rotationally the air intake butterfly valve 31 of the stove/boiler 12, allowing (or preventing) the intake of air that arrives from the outside environment, through the air intake pipe 30 of the stove/boiler 12, by opening (or closing) the air intake butterfly valve 31.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the remote processing device 14 further comprises an exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor management module 78, configured to drive the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor 59 of the stove/boiler 12, which can be controlled electronically, preferably by PWM modulation. The exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor management module 78 is adapted to actuate rotationally the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve of the stove/boiler 12, allowing (or preventing) the reintroduction of a portion of the exhaust gases produced by combustion directly into the combustion chamber 28, through the exhaust gas recovery pipe 45 of the stove/boiler 12, by opening (or closing) the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve. In one embodiment of the invention, the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor management module 78 drives the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor 59 as a function of the value of the exhaust gas composition, provided by the exhaust gas sensor 50.

Preliminarily, within the step for igniting the flame of the stove/boiler

12, after the user 20 has actuated the ignition/extinguishing switch 36 of the stove/boiler 12, the remote processing device 14 activates the brazier sensor 46. After the preset maximum quantity of fuel in the brazier 29, loaded by means of the screw feeder 24, has been reached, the remote processing device 14 deactivates the brazier sensor 46 and activates the flame ignition laser 40.

The stove/boiler 12 comprises at least one flame sensor 47 arranged externally to the combustion chamber 28. The flame sensor 47 is configured to detect at least one mass of a flame, and for providing at least one flame mass value to a usage data collection module 62 comprised in the remote processing device 14.

Then, again within the flame ignition step of the of the stove/boiler 12, the remote processing device 14 activates the flame sensor 47. If the flame mass value, supplied by the flame sensor 47, does not reach the flame mass reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the remote processing device 14 is configured to start the step for extinguishing the flame of the stove/boiler 12, by deactivating the flame ignition laser 40, and to send to the telematic device 18, i.e., to the user 20, an error message indicating that the flame value has not been reached.

If instead the flame mass value, provided by the flame sensor 47, reaches the flame mass reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the remote processing device 14 is configured to deactivate the flame ignition laser 40, activating subsequently the driving of the screw feeder motor 26, of the air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34, of the hot air delivery motor 38, of the air intake butterfly valve motor

58, of the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor 59, and so forth, with the corresponding start of the pellet combustion step.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the remote processing device 14 is configured to perform a first comparison between the flame mass value, which is provided by the flame sensor 47, and a reference flame mass value comprised in the reference data storage means 68 comprised in the remote processing device 14. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to adjust the combustion process of the stove/boiler 12 on the basis of an outcome of the first comparison. If the flame mass value detected by the flame sensor 47 does not reach the reference flame mass value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the screw feeder motor 26 is deactivated, while the air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34, the hot air delivery motor 38, and so forth, are driven proportionally to the value detected by the flame sensor 47. If instead the flame mass value detected by the flame sensor 47 exceeds the reference flame mass value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the screw feeder motor 26, the air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34, the hot air delivery motor 38, and so forth, are all driven proportionally to the value detected by the flame sensor 47.

It should be noted that if the value detected by the flame sensor 47 is minimum or low, the flame is “high”, while if said detected value is maximum or high, the flame is“low”.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the remote processing device 14 is further configured to drive the air intake butterfly valve motor 58 comprised in the air intake pipe 30 on the basis of an outcome of the first comparison.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, the stove/boiler 12 further comprises at least one brazier sensor 46, arranged externally to the combustion chamber 28. The brazier sensor 46 is configured to detect at least one quantity of fuel present in the brazier 29, and for providing at least one value of the quantity of fuel present in the brazier 29 to the usage data collection module 62 comprised in the remote processing device 14. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to perform a second comparison between the value of the quantity of fuel present in the brazier 29, provided by the brazier sensor 46, and a reference value of the quantity of fuel present in the brazier 29 comprised in the reference data storage means 68. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to adjust the quantity of fuel, particularly pellets, that is present in the brazier 29 on the basis of an outcome of the second comparison.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, the stove/boiler 12 further comprises at least one exhaust gas sensor 50 comprised in the flue 44. The exhaust gas sensor 50 is configured to detect at least one exhaust gas composition in the flue 44, and to provide at least one value of the exhaust gas composition to the usage data collection module 62 comprised in the remote processing device 14. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to perform a third comparison between the value of the exhaust gas composition, provided by the exhaust gas sensor 50, and a reference value of the exhaust gas composition comprised in the reference data storage means 68. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to start the step for extinguishing the flame of the stove/boiler 12 on the basis of an outcome of the third comparison.

If the value of the exhaust gas composition detected by the exhaust gas sensor 50 exceeds the reference value of the exhaust gas composition comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the stove/boiler 12 starts the extinguishing step in order to avoid the discharge of harmful exhaust gases into the surrounding environment.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, the remote processing device 14 is further configured to drive the exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor 59 comprised in the exhaust gas recovery pipe 45 on the basis of an outcome of the third comparison.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, the stove/boiler 12 further comprises at least one internal temperature sensor 52 arranged proximate to a hot air outlet 32. The internal temperature sensor 52 is configured to detect at least one temperature of air arriving from the hot air outlet 32 and to provide at least one value of the temperature of the air arriving from the hot air outlet 32 to the usage data collection module 62 comprised in the remote processing device 14. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to perform a fourth comparison between the value of the temperature of air arriving from the hot air outlet 32, which is provided by the internal temperature sensor 52, and an air temperature reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to drive the screw feeder motor 26, the air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor 34 and the hot air delivery motor 38 of the stove/boiler 12 on the basis of an outcome of the fourth comparison, proportionally to the value detected by the internal temperature sensor 52.

If the value of the temperature of the air arriving from the hot air outlet 32 is lower than the air temperature reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the remote processing device 14, particularly the screw feeder management module 70, drives the screw feeder motor 26 proportionally to the value detected by the internal temperature sensor 52, in order to insert pellets in the brazier 29 of the stove/boiler 12. If instead the value of the temperature of the air arriving from the hot air outlet 32 exceeds the air temperature reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the remote processing device 14 interrupts the driving of the screw feeder motor 26 and activates the brazier sensor 46 to check the quantity of fuel that is present in the brazier 29 of the combustion chamber 28, activating the step for cleaning the brazier 29.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, the stove/boiler 12 further comprises at least one tank sensor 54 arranged in a tank 22. The tank sensor 54 is configured to detect at least one quantity of fuel present in the tank 22, and to provide at least one value of the quantity of fuel present in the tank 22 to the usage data collection module 62 comprised in the remote processing device 14. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to perform a fifth comparison between the value of the quantity of fuel present in the tank 22, provided by the tank sensor 54, and a reference value of the quantity of fuel present in the tank 22 comprised in the reference data storage means 68. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to indicate the quantity of fuel that is present in the tank 22 on the basis of an outcome of the fifth comparison.

In one embodiment of the system 10 for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, the stove/boiler 12 further comprises at least one external temperature sensor 56 arranged externally to the stove/boiler 12. The external temperature sensor 56 is configured to detect at least one environment temperature and to provide at least one environment temperature value to the usage data collection module 62 comprised in the remote processing device 14. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to perform a sixth comparison between the at least one environment temperature value, provided by the external temperature sensor 56, and at least one environment temperature reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68. The remote processing device 14 is further configured to drive the screw feeder motor 26 and the hot air delivery motor 38 on the basis of an outcome of the sixth comparison, proportionally to the value detected by the external temperature sensor 56.

If the environment temperature value detected by the external temperature sensor 56 does not reach the environment temperature reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the external temperature sensor 56 generates an acoustic or luminous signal (anomaly). If instead the environment temperature value detected by the external temperature sensor 56 exceeds the environment temperature reference value comprised in the reference data storage means 68, the screw feeder motor 26 and the hot air delivery motor 38 are driven proportionally to the value detected by the external temperature sensor 56.

In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects. In particular, it has been found that the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, thus conceived allows to overcome the qualitative limitations of the background art, since it allows to improve the efficiency of the combustion process while reducing energy consumption and the release of harmful exhaust gases produced by the stove/boiler.

Another advantage of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention resides in that it is capable of operate with an electric power supply comprised between approximately 3.3V and 12V.

A further advantage of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, according to the present invention resides in that it allows to reduce the pellet consumption required for the combustion process, obtaining maximum efficiency.

Another advantage of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention resides in that it allows to detect the mass of the flame in order to optimize the combustion process.

A further advantage of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention resides in that it allows to detect the quality of the exhaust gases released by the stove/boiler, preventing the release of toxic exhaust gases.

Another advantage of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention resides in that it allows to increase the temperature of the combustion air inside the stove/boiler, produce less polluting exhaust gases, decrease the consumption of oxygen and increase the efficiency of the stove/boiler.

Moreover, an advantage of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention resides in that it allows to adjust the air intake.

Finally, another advantage of the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the present invention resides in that it can be installed on the stoves/boilers that are already commercially available, particularly thanks to its simplicity.

Although the system for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to the invention has been conceived particularly to distribute hot water and heat in the environment in which the stove/boiler is placed, it may in any case be used, more generally, to distribute heat/hot water in the adjacent environments by virtue of a duct system arriving from the stove/boiler.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept. All the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

To conclude, the scope of the protection of the claims must not be limited by the illustrations or by the preferred embodiments illustrated in the description as examples, but rather the claims must comprise all the characteristics of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all the characteristics that would be treated as equivalents by the person skilled in the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application no. 102018000001712, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, comprising a stove/boiler (12) which comprises a combustion chamber (28), provided with a front glazing unit (48), and an air intake pipe (30), said stove/boiler (12) being associated with a remote processing device (14) connected to a telematic device (18) operated by a user (20) by means of a telematic communication network (16), characterized in that said stove/boiler (12) comprises at least one flame sensor (47) which is arranged outside said combustion chamber (28) and at said front glazing unit (48), said flame sensor (47) being configured to detect at least one mass of a flame, and to provide at least one value of said mass of said flame to a usage data collection module (62) comprised in said remote processing device (14), said remote processing device (14) being configured to perform a first comparison between said at least one value of said mass of said flame and at least one reference value of said mass of said flame comprised in reference data storage means (68) comprised in said remote processing device (14), and to adjust said combustion process of said stove/boiler (12) on the basis of an outcome of said first comparison, driving a screw feeder motor (26), an air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor (34) and a hot air delivery motor (38) which are comprised within said stove/boiler (12).

2. A system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet- fired one, according to claim 1, characterized in that said stove/boiler (12) further comprises at least one brazier sensor (46) which is arranged outside said combustion chamber (28) and at said front glazing unit (48), said brazier sensor (46) being configured to detect at least one quantity of fuel that is present in a brazier (29) comprised in said combustion chamber (28), and to supply at least one value of said quantity of fuel that is present in said brazier (29) to said usage data collection module (62) comprised in said remote processing device (14), said remote processing device (14) being further configured to perform a second comparison between said at least one value of said quantity of fuel that is present in said brazier (29) and at least one reference value of said quantity of fuel that is present in said brazier (29) comprised in said reference data storage means (68), and to adjust said quantity of fuel that is present in said brazier (29) on the basis of an outcome of said second comparison.

3. The system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said stove/boiler (12) further comprises at least one exhaust gas sensor (50) comprised in a flue (44), said exhaust gas sensor (50) being configured to detect at least one composition of exhaust gases in said flue (44), and to supply at least one value of said exhaust gas composition to said usage data collection module (62) comprised in said remote processing device (14), said remote processing device (14) being further configured to perform a third comparison between said at least one value of said exhaust gas composition and at least one reference value of said exhaust gas composition comprised in said reference data storage means (68), and to start a step for extinguishing said flame of said stove/boiler (12) on the basis of an outcome of said third comparison.

4. The system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stove/boiler (12) further comprises at least one internal temperature sensor (52) which is arranged proximate to a hot air outlet (32), said internal temperature sensor (52) being configured to detect a temperature of air that arrives from said hot air outlet (32) and to supply at least one value of said temperature of air that arrives from said hot air outlet (32) to said usage data collection module (62) comprised in said remote processing device (14), said remote processing device (14) being further configured to perform a fourth comparison between said at least one value of said temperature of air that arrives from said hot air outlet (32) and at least one reference value of said air temperature comprised in said reference data storage means (68), and to drive said screw feeder motor (26), said air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor (34) and said hot air delivery motor (38) comprised in said stove/boiler (12) on the basis of an outcome of said fourth comparison.

5. The system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stove/boiler (12) further comprises at least one tank sensor (54) arranged in a fuel tank (22), said tank sensor (54) being configured to detect at least one quantity of fuel that is present in said tank (22), and to supply at least one value of said quantity of fuel that is present in said tank (22) to said usage data collection module (62) comprised in said remote processing device (14), said remote processing device (14) being further configured to perform a fifth comparison between said at least one value of said quantity of fuel that is present in said tank (22) and at least one reference value of said quantity of fuel that is present in said tank (22) comprised in said reference data storage means (68), and to indicate said quantity of fuel present in said tank (22) on the basis of an outcome of said fifth comparison.

6. The system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stove/boiler (12) further comprises at least one external temperature sensor (56) arranged externally to said stove/boiler (12), said external temperature sensor (56) being configured to detect at least one environmental temperature and to provide at least one value of said environmental temperature to said usage data collection module (62) comprised in said remote processing device (14), said remote processing device (14) being further configured to perform a sixth comparison between said at least one environmental temperature value and at least one reference value of said environmental temperature which is comprised in said reference data storage means (68), and to drive said screw feeder motor (26) and said hot air delivery motor (38) on the basis of an outcome of said sixth comparison.

7. The system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said air intake pipe (30) comprises an air intake butterfly valve (31) that rotates between a closed position and an open position of the section of said air intake pipe (30), said remote processing device (14) being configured to drive an air intake butterfly valve motor (58) comprised in said air intake pipe (30) on the basis of an outcome of said first comparison.

8. The system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stove/boiler (12) further comprises an exhaust gas recovery pipe (45) that connects said air intake and exhaust gas discharge motor (34) to said combustion chamber (28).

9. The system (10) for optimizing the combustion process of a stove/boiler, particularly a pellet-fired one, according to claim 8, characterized in that said exhaust gas recovery pipe (45) comprises an exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve, which rotates between a closed position and an open position of the cross-section of said exhaust gas recovery pipe (45), said remote processing device (14) being configured to drive an exhaust gas recovery butterfly valve motor (59) comprised in said exhaust gas recovery pipe (45) on the basis of an outcome of said third comparison.