Outdoor furnace monitor

Abstract

A monitoring system that provides a display, either local or remote, of operation information regarding an outdoor furnace or boiler system. The monitor polls various sensors, including information relative to water temperature, draft fan operation, pump operation, various switch status, safety status, and emissions status. The various sensors may be operationally connected wirelessly with the monitor. The monitor displays operational status information, including indications requiring operator attention. Thus, operator maintenance is more effectively applied as needed rather than also on an information gathering basis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuing non-provisional application of co-pending United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 737,937, entitled Outdoor Furnace Monitor and filed on Nov. 18, 2005 by Warren W. Walborn, the disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a wireless remote monitoring station that monitors the working status of an outdoor furnace system. More specifically, a typical outdoor furnace system is fueled with wood or coal or the like, has a heating chamber and associated hardware, and has a closed loop liquid circulating system and its associated hardware. Outdoor furnace systems are commonly used to heat residential living spaces in which the heat generated by the furnace is often exchanged in a residence by a radiator device connected to a standard forced air system of ductwork to distribute the heat. [0003] Currently, outdoor wood, coal and oth...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0036] The liquid supply circulating system 300 is preferably kept from freezing conditions, including maintaining water temperature and circulation. Thus, the liquid heat transport system has a continuously operating cir

Problems solved by technology

The current state of the art is deficient in several important ways, however.

First, an operator becomes aware that fuel may need to be replenished only when the operator noticed cold air blowing out of the vents, or if by physically going to and visually inspecting the firebox to see if sufficient fuel remains to burn.

Second, there is no provision for remotely indicating whether the water pump is operating correctly.

If the pump fails, overheating of the furnace as well as eventual freezing of the pipes may result, which likely means costly repairs to not only the furnace hardware, but also to the residence structure that the furnace is intended to heat.

Third, there is also no provision to remotely monitor proper draft fan operation.

If the draft fan is not engaged at the proper time, insufficient heat will be produced.

Conversely, if it remains engaged when it is supposed to turn off, overheating of the system is likely.

Thus, one may appreciate that the state of the art of outdoor furnace systems is lacking in several significant areas including safety and effectiveness.

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