EP4141344A2 - Method for inspecting and monitoring a heating device, using a sensor-generated image - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and device for inspecting and monitoring a heating device (1), having at least one optical device (3), comprising at least the following steps:
a) Capturing at least one image of at least one component (5) within a housing (2) of the heater (1) by means of at least one optical device (3),
b) evaluating the image captured in step a).

The procedure serves to check the heater (1), similar to a visual inspection by a specialist who is familiar with the system, in particular with regard to optical and/or thermal changes, moisture, noise and/or vibrations, and thus enables conclusions to be drawn about the technical condition of the heater (1 ).

Description

The invention relates to a method for inspecting and monitoring a heating device using an image generated by sensors.

A heater is usually inspected at regular intervals by a person who is familiar with the system. For an inspection and the associated visual inspection, the heater housing must be opened and the heater shut down. As part of an inspection, changes within the heater, such as dirt or moisture, and the associated incipient damage can be detected by an expert assessment. Disadvantages are the high expenditure, in particular the costs and loss of time for the journey to the specialist, as well as the fact that the heater has to be switched off for the inspection and the associated loss of comfort.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the invention to propose a method for inspecting and monitoring a heating device which at least partially overcomes the problems of the prior art described. In particular, the method is intended to facilitate early detection of damage and, if possible, to be able to be carried out without shutting down the heater.

In addition, the method to be proposed here should be simple, cost-effective and, if possible, can also be carried out on existing systems, and should not increase the complexity of a heating device, or only increase it insignificantly.

These objects are solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous refinements of the solution proposed here are specified in the independent patent claims. It is pointed out that the features listed in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful manner and define further refinements of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred configurations of the invention being presented.

1. a) Erfassen mindestens eines Bildes von mindestens einer Komponente innerhalb eines Gehäuses des Heizgerätes mittels mindestens einer optischen Einrichtung,
2. b) Auswerten des in Schritt a) erfassten Bildes.

A method for inspecting and/or monitoring a heating device, having at least one optical device, contributes to this and includes at least the following steps:

1. a) Capturing at least one image of at least one component within a housing of the heater using at least one optical device,
2. b) evaluating the image captured in step a).

Steps a) and b) can be carried out at least once in the specified order. In particular, however, step a) can also be repeated several times before step b) is carried out.

The invention can be used in particular for inspecting and/or monitoring a heating device. An inspection or monitoring serves to check the heater, similar to a visual inspection by a specialist who is familiar with the system, in particular with regard to optical and/or thermal changes, moisture, noise and/or vibrations, and allows conclusions to be drawn about the technical condition of the heater. When a fault condition is detected, a method proposed here may include an appropriate automatic response, such as an automatic emergency shutdown of the heater. According to an advantageous embodiment the method can be carried out regularly, for example a possibly prescribed regular visual inspection by a specialist in attendance can be replaced by a (re)performance of a method proposed here. Executed at rather short intervals, for example every minute or hour, a method proposed here can also be used for (automated and/or remote) monitoring of a heating device.

In principle, the method can be used or implemented with any type or structure of a heater, in particular with oil or gas heaters and heaters comprising a heat pump or circulating water heaters. The heater can have any installation position, for example on the floor or wall-mounted. The heater is, in particular, a gas heater that is set up to burn a fuel gas, such as natural gas and/or hydrogen, with the supply of ambient air and to generate heat energy, for example to heat a heat transfer medium of a heating circuit and/or to provide a hot water supply. In particular, the heater can be a condensing boiler. The heater generally has a combustion chamber and a delivery device that can deliver a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air into a combustion chamber. The combustion products can then be discharged through an exhaust system.

An optical device can consist of several parts or assemblies, in which case at least one imaging sensor can be included. The imaging sensor can be arranged inside and/or outside of a housing of the heating device. Advantageously, several imaging sensors can also be arranged inside and/or outside the housing of the heater in such a way that as complete an image as possible of relevant components inside the housing of the heater can be recorded. In particular, multiple (different) imaging sensors can be arranged such that multiple (Different) images can be detected, for example with different wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Step a) can be triggered or initiated by a counter at a predetermined point in time. It is alternatively or cumulatively possible for step a) to be triggered by a regulation and control unit if, for example, an operating parameter of the heater reaches a threshold value. Of course, step a) can also be started "manually", e.g. on the basis of a specific instruction from an inspector. Step a) can in particular be initiated "remotely", ie via an instruction via a cloud, a radio unit or the like.

As part of step a), a single (overview) image and/or multiple (detail) images can be captured. It is possible that a series of images (video) will be captured. It is possible that an image captured in this way essentially relates to a (single) component and/or a housing interior area that can be assigned to a (single) component. It is possible that when step a) is carried out, multiple images, which may include different interior areas of the housing and/or components, are created.

It is possible that an optical device is stationary while step a) or all steps a) are being carried out and consequently always captures the same image. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible for a (possibly different) optical device to be adjustable while executing step a) or when executing several steps a), for example with regard to the direction of view, a zoom, etc. It is possible that several optical devices generate or record detailed images that relate to adjacent areas of components and/or housing interior areas.

If at least some of the images or all of the images from step a) have been captured, step b) can be triggered automatically. This step b) can include image processing as a preparatory process, e.g. by assembling captured images (partially) superimposed, adjusted, etc. The at least one image is then checked in particular with regard to a change and/or deviation from a predefined state and/or a previous image capture. This can be done automatically and/or using a (computer) image analysis. It is possible that step b) can also be carried out at least partially "remotely" by the specialist staff, where this can possibly be carried out in real time, ie the specialist staff evaluates the images generated in step a) directly (at the same time).

If necessary, it is possible that, based on the evaluation in step b), step a) is (immediately) carried out again, with the setting of the optical device possibly being changed or adjusted while step a) is carried out again.

The at least one optical device can include at least one device for beam bundling. The device for concentrating the rays can comprise at least one optical converging lens, so that, similar to a wide-angle lens, a large angle of view within the housing of the heater can be recorded by an imaging sensor. Advantageously, the largest possible image area in the housing of the heater can be captured by an imaging sensor.

The at least one optical device can be a device for enlarging, similar to a telescope lens. In this way, an enlarged image of a component or a relevant region thereof can advantageously be captured from a spaced-apart position.

A device for focusing beams can be arranged on and/or within a housing, in particular integrated into a wall of the housing. The device for concentrating rays can be arranged and aligned in such a way that an image from a position outside the housing with an imaging sensor through the device for concentrating rays with a large angle of view and thus from as many as possible for an inspection relevant areas or components of the heater can be detected. Advantageously, the device for beam bundling can also have a spacing device, in particular with a contact surface for a recording device comprising an imaging sensor, which can ensure simple handling combined with comparable image quality and a constant image section. The recording device can be a camera or an IR camera, for example, in particular a (network-enabled) mobile terminal device having such a camera.

An optical device with a device for focusing beams in or on the housing can ensure a very simple and cost-effective way of carrying out an inspection in particular. For example, a system operator can use a mobile terminal device to capture analyzable images of the interior of the heating device at regular intervals or when problems arise, without having to shut it down. Advantageously, a mobile network-enabled terminal could supply the captured image(s) via the network to carry out step b). It would also be conceivable for the mobile terminal to be set up to carry out a method proposed here.

At least one imaging sensor can be arranged in the housing of a heater and in step a) the at least one image can be captured by means of the at least one imaging sensor arranged inside the housing.

Relevant components can in particular be components that are subject to a high potential for damage and/or wear. The relevant components can be, for example, a combustion chamber or a burner and its gas supply, a heating circuit pump, a gas valve, a heat exchanger, an air supply and/or a conveying device (fan).

The optical device can include at least one imaging sensor, which can be a light sensor, a sensor for infrared (IR) radiation, a lidar and/or a radar sensor. A light sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor (CCD or CMOS) that can detect the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. An IR sensor can be a thermal imaging sensor, which advantageously makes it possible to detect thermal changes in components of the heating device. A lidar and/or radar sensor can measure distances and thus detect physical changes within the heater, such as deformation.

The optical device can (additionally) include a light source in order to sufficiently illuminate (possibly at predeterminable times) relevant areas within the housing for capturing a (light) image. The light source can be, for example, a lighting device known from photography, in particular an LED light source.

An image captured in step a) can be (temporarily) stored on an (electronic) storage medium. The storage medium can be, for example, a memory of a regulation and control unit of the heater.

An image captured in step a) can be transmitted via a (data) network, in particular the Internet, or made available via an interface. In particular in connection with at least one imaging sensor arranged inside the housing, an automated implementation of a method proposed here can be implemented.

The evaluation in step b) can, for example, be carried out by an expert. In particular, an evaluation can include suitable algorithms for detecting error states, or by so-called artificial intelligence and/or by executing a computer program set up for this purpose. The computer program could be carried out, for example, by a regulation and control unit of the heater or a mobile (network-enabled) end device.

The evaluation can include a comparison with a reference image. The reference image can represent an image captured at an earlier point in time and/or a reference state of the heating device. A reference image can advantageously have been captured by the same sensor as the image captured in step a), in order to ensure good comparability. A comparison with a reference image can take place as part of an automated implementation of a method proposed here.

An evaluation according to step b) can include superimposing images of different sensor types, in other words an identification of relevant components in different images, in particular different imaging sensors. For example, evaluating a light image, a thermal image and/or a radar image of a component can enable a very comprehensive assessment of the condition of the component. By linking the images from different imaging sensors and identifying relevant components, different sensor data for one component can advantageously be combined and evaluated. This configuration of an evaluation of a captured image according to step b) can also advantageously be carried out automatically, for example when executing a computer program.

Time series of images captured in step a) can be evaluated as part of step b). For example, speeds of changes in the heater can be determined in this way, which in turn can be used to estimate the probability of failure or the time of failure.

As part of the evaluation according to step b), (determined and/or stored) operating data of the heater can also be used. The operating data can in particular be operating parameters such as the output of the heating device and/or the conveyor device and/or data from temperature or other sensors, in particular a flame monitor. For example, in an evaluation of a thermal image of a combustion chamber or a burner, the performance data of the heating device, data from temperature sensors and/or flame monitoring at the time the image is recorded can be used. The inclusion of operating data can enable a comprehensive insight into the technical condition of a component of the heating device and, associated with this, in particular more precise estimates of failure times.

An image captured in step a) can contain a reference code arranged in the image area, which is included in an evaluation in step b). The reference code can in particular be a 2D code, for example a data matrix code. The reference code can be arranged at a position in the heating device that is detected by an imaging sensor. Contamination of the sensor can advantageously be detected using reference codes. The reference code can be arranged on at least one relevant component, for example glued on, and thus enable verification of the image captured in step a).

In step a), additional data can be recorded by at least one detector, which can then also be taken into account in the evaluation. The at least one detector can in particular be a sound, structure-borne sound, gyro, humidity, temperature, dust and/or vibration sensor. In this way, additional data that enable a more comprehensive picture of the technical condition of the heating device can advantageously be fed to an evaluation in step b). For example, a heating circuit pump in a critical state of wear can often be identified by a change in operating noise and/or vibrations, which can be identified, for example, by means of a Structure-borne noise sensor were detected. Compared to a sound sensor (microphone), a structure-borne sound sensor can advantageously eliminate data security concerns of users or residents.

An image captured in step a) and/or a result of an evaluation according to step b) can be made available in step c) via an interface to a network for retrieval, sent via a network, in particular the Internet, and/or via an optical and /or acoustic indicator of the heater are displayed. A specialist who is familiar with the system can thus use one or more images recorded in step a) to inspect an operating heating device without having to be on site. A provision of results of an evaluation according to step b) can include estimated times of failure of relevant components and provide clues for planning maintenance work by a person who is familiar with the system. Step c) can be carried out after an evaluation, ie after step b), but after step a) has been carried out, in particular if the images recorded in step a) are to be made available or transmitted. In this case, an evaluation can be carried out by evaluating an image captured in step a), which was provided via an interface and/or sent via a network after step a) according to step c).

According to a further aspect, a computer program is also proposed which is set up to (at least partially) carry out a method presented here. In other words, this relates in particular to a computer program (product), comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to execute a method described here. For example, in order to carry out step a), instructions from the computer program can cause the computer to activate a connected (via a cable or wireless connection) imaging sensor, capture an image and save the captured image to a memory of the computer to deposit. Step b) can be carried out, for example, by commands of the computer program which cause the computer to use an algorithm to compare two images (for example recorded at different times by the same imaging sensor), to determine differences and to evaluate them.

According to a further aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is also proposed, on which the computer program is stored. The machine-readable storage medium is usually a computer-readable data carrier.

According to a further aspect, a regulation and control unit for a heating device is also proposed, set up to carry out a method presented here. For this purpose, the regulating and control unit can have a processor, for example, or have it at its disposal. In this context, the processor can, for example, execute the method stored in a memory (of the regulation and control device). In an advantageous embodiment, reference images, reference codes or also images recorded in step a) can be stored in the memory of the regulation and control device.

According to a further aspect, a mobile terminal device, in particular having an imaging sensor, set up to carry out a method proposed here is proposed.

According to a further aspect, a heater with a closed-loop and open-loop control unit presented here is also proposed. The regulation and control device is often part of a heater of the heating system. The heating device is in particular a gas heating device with a gas burner and a delivery device which can deliver a mixture of gas and combustion air (combustible mixture) to a gas burner.

According to a further aspect, a heating device having at least one imaging sensor is arranged inside the housing in such a way that an image of components of the heating device relevant for an inspection can be captured.

According to a further aspect, the use of at least one sensor-generated image of at least one component within a housing of a heater for the automatic inspection, monitoring and/or maintenance of a heater is proposed. The image generated by sensors can in particular be an image captured by an imaging sensor.

The details, features and advantageous configurations discussed in connection with the method can occur correspondingly in the computer program proposed here, the storage medium, the regulation and control device, the heating device and/or the use or vice versa. In this respect, reference is made in full to the statements made there for a more detailed characterization of the features.

A method for inspecting and monitoring a heating device, a computer program, a regulation and control device and a heating device, as well as the use of an image generated by sensors, are thus specified here, which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, the method, the computer program, the regulation and control unit and the heater as well as the use each at least contribute to enabling a comprehensive inspection of a heater without the presence of a specialist and without the heater being shut down. In addition, an automated inspection using a computer program set up for this purpose can significantly reduce the required involvement of a specialist and thus reduce travel and labor costs. Last but not least, service calls can be planned in advance by estimating the times when a critical condition of the heater will occur as part of an evaluation.

Fig. 1:

einen Ablauf eines hier vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens, und

Fig. 2:

ein hier vorgeschlagenes Heizgerät.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. It should be pointed out that the invention should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments given. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be pointed out that the figures and in particular the proportions shown are only schematic. Show it:

Figure 1:

a sequence of a method proposed here, and

Figure 2:

a heater proposed here.

1 shows an example and a schematic of the sequence of a method proposed here. The method is used to inspect a heating device 1. The sequence of steps a) and b) shown in blocks 110 and 120 can occur in a regular method sequence. In particular, step a) in block 110 can also be carried out several times and an evaluation according to step b) can be carried out for several captured images.

Block 110 illustrates step a), after which capturing at least one image of at least one component within a housing of the heating device takes place using at least one optical device. The image to be captured can be, for example, a light image (image in the visible wavelength range of light), a thermal image and/or a radar or lidar image.

Block 120 illustrates step b), after which the image captured in step a) is evaluated. The evaluation can be carried out, for example, by a comparison with an older image, in particular one recorded from the same perspective.

Block 130 illustrates step c), after which a captured image and/or a result of an evaluation of an interface to a network is made available for retrieval via a Network, in particular the Internet, sent and / or can be displayed on an optical and / or acoustic display device of the heater.

2 shows, by way of example and diagrammatically, a side view of a heating device 1 with a housing 2. The heating device 1 can have an optical device 3, which has a device for concentrating rays 14 arranged in a wall of the housing 2, an imaging sensor 4 arranged outside of the housing 2, and/or or an imaging sensor 8 arranged within the housing 2 . The device for concentrating radiation 14 can be integrated into the housing 2 so that an imaging sensor 4 arranged outside of the housing 2 can capture an image of relevant components 5 within the housing 2 of the heating device 1 . The device for concentrating rays 14 can be designed similar to a wide-angle (close-up) lens, which can enable an image to be captured in a large first angle of view 6 .

The optical device 3 can also include an imaging sensor 8 with a second angle of view 9 arranged inside the housing 2 of the heating device 1 .

In a development, a reference code 7 can be arranged in particular at a relevant point or on a relevant component 5 of the heating device 1, which can be contained in an image captured according to step a) (block 110). The reference code can be a data matrix code, for example. The reference code 7 contained in an image captured in step a) advantageously makes it possible to identify soiling of the optical device 3 . If relevant contamination of an optical device 3, i.e. in particular the device for focusing radiation 14 and/or the imaging sensor 8 in the housing 2 of the heater 1, is detected by the reference code 7 as part of an evaluation of the image according to step b) (block 120), a relevant person, for example a service technician or a service company, could do this Providing information about this via a network or by sending an appropriate message.

A first detector 11 and a second detector 12 can also be arranged in or on the housing 2 of the heating device 1 and, when carrying out step a), a signal from a first 11 and a second detector 12 can also be detected. A detector 11, 12 can be, for example, a (body) sound, gyro, humidity, temperature, dust and/or vibration sensor.

A method proposed here can be carried out, for example, on a regulating and control device 10 .

reference list

1

heater

2

Housing

3

optical setup

4

imaging sensor

5

components

6

first angle of view

7

Referral Code

8th

imaging sensor

9

second angle of view

10

regulation and control unit

11

first detector

12

second detector

13

network

14

Device for concentrating radiation

Claims (16)

1. A method for inspecting and monitoring a heating device (1), having at least one optical device (3), comprising at least the following steps: a) Capturing at least one image of at least one component (5) within a housing (2) of the heater (1) by means of the at least one optical device (3), b) evaluating the image captured in step a). 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step a) the at least one optical device (3) comprises an imaging sensor (4) arranged outside of the housing (2) of the heater (1) and a device for focusing radiation (14), and the imaging sensor (4) captures an image of at least one component (5) within the housing (2) of the heater (1) by means of the device for focusing radiation (14). 3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step a) an image is captured by means of the at least one optical device (3) comprising at least one imaging sensor (8) within the housing (2) of the heater (1). 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein in step a) an image is captured by means of an imaging sensor (8) inside the heater (1), the imaging sensor (8) being a light sensor, an IR sensor, a lidar sensor and/or is a radar sensor. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an evaluation of the captured image in step b) comprises a comparison with a reference image. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a time series of multiple images captured in step a) is included in an evaluation according to step b). 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a reference code (7) is recorded in an image recorded in step a) and included in an evaluation in step b). 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step a) additional data from at least one detector (11, 12) are recorded and evaluated in step b). 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein in step a) data of at least one detector (11, 12) is recorded, the detector (11, 12) having a sound, gyro, humidity, temperature, dust and/or or vibration sensor. 9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an image captured in step a) and / or a result of an evaluation according to step b) is provided according to step c) via an interface to a network (13) for retrieval and / or via a network (13) is sent. 10. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 10 is stored. 12. Regulation and control device (10) for data processing, comprising a processor which is configured so that it carries out the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 13. Heating device (1) comprising a regulation and control unit (10) according to claim 12. 14. Heating device (1) having at least one imaging sensor (8) arranged inside the housing (2) in such a way that an image of components (5) of the heating device (1) relevant for an inspection can be captured. 15. Use of at least one sensor-generated image of at least one component (5) inside the housing (2) of a heater (1) for the automatic inspection, monitoring and/or maintenance of a heater (1).

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