초록 ▼

Systems and methods are disclosed that optimize the combustion process in various reactors, furnaces, and internal combustion engines. Video cameras are used to evaluate the combustion flame grade. Depending on the desired form, standard or special video devices, or beam scanning devices, are used t

Systems and methods are disclosed that optimize the combustion process in various reactors, furnaces, and internal combustion engines. Video cameras are used to evaluate the combustion flame grade. Depending on the desired form, standard or special video devices, or beam scanning devices, are used to image the combustion flame and by-products. The video device generates and outputs image signals during various phases of, and at various locations in, the combustion process. Other forms of sensors monitor and generate data signals defining selected parameters of the combustion process, such as air flow, fuel flow, turbulence, exhaust and inlet valve openings, etc. In a preferred form, a neural networks initially processes the image data and characterizes the combustion flame. A fuzzy logic controller and associated fuzzy logic rule base analyzes the image data from the neural network, along with other sensor information. The fuzzy logic controller determines and generates control signals defining adjustments necessary to optimize the combustion process.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for controlling parameters of a combustion process to maintain the combustion process in a region about specified set points of the parameters comprising the acts of:(a) directing an imaging device at the combustion process;(b) activating the imaging device to

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for controlling parameters of a combustion process to maintain the combustion process in a region about specified set points of the parameters comprising the acts of:(a) directing an imaging device at the combustion process;(b) activating the imaging device to view the combustion process and generate an imaging output signal that varies in accordance with variations in the combustion process;(c) operating additional sensors to monitor other parameters of the combustion process and to generate sensor outputs that vary in accordance with variations in the combustion process;(d) inputting the output signal from the imaging device to a computer processor having at least a part thereof configured as a neural network;(e) operating the neural network to process the output signal and to generate a combustion classification signal defining a parameter of the combustion process;(f) inputting the combustion classification signal and the sensor outputs to a decision analysis computer having at least a part thereof configured as a fuzzy logic controller with associated fuzzy inference rules defining combustion control actions depending on various combinations of sensor outputs and flame grade classification;(g) inputting a region of combustion parameters about specified set points of the combustion parameters;(h) operating the decision analysis computer to: (i) analyze the combustion classification signal and sensor outputs in accordance with the fuzzy inference rules to determine appropriate combustion control actions to maintain the combustion process depending on various combinations of the sensor outputs and combustion classification signals in the region of combustion parameters; and (ii) generate combustion control signals defining adjustments to at least one combustion parameter; and(i) applying the combustion control signals to adjust at least one combustion parameter to maintain the combustion process in the region of combustion parameters.