MODULAR DRAFT CONTROL SYSTEM

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/714,655, entitled “MODULAR DRAFT CONTROL SYSTEM” and filed on Oct. 31, 2024, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in the entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to combustion systems, and more particularly, to draft control in combustion systems.

BACKGROUND

Generally, in order to maintain a target set point in a combustion system such as a gas fired or oil fired boiler system, a draft control system is configured in the flue duct to modulate and control the amount of draft coming out of the back of the combustion chamber. The draft control system typically includes a damper configured within a device enclosure, as well as one or more sensors that are mounted directly to the device enclosure by sheet metal screws. The sensors sense a temperature and/or pressure of the gases in the flue duct, and the sensed temperature/pressure is used by a controller to cause an actuator to control the damper. In some existing draft control systems, the actuator is assembled on mounting brackets on the device enclosure such that when the actuator moves so does the device enclosure. Further, the electronics are typically mounted together, and all electrical connections are configured into a tight enclosure. An optional safety switch may also be mounted directly to the device enclosure by sheet metal screws. Such configuration of the existing draft control systems typically requires time consuming and error prone field wirings by a certified technician. Additionally, in case of a failure of the actuator, the sensors, the safety switch, etc., the entire draft control system may need to be replaced.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An example implementation includes a modular draft control system. The modular draft control system includes a housing configurable in a flue duct. The modular draft control system further includes a damper assembled within the housing and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct. The modular draft control system further includes a modularly replaceable actuator configured to be mounted on the housing for controlling an open/close status of the damper. The modular draft control system further includes one or more modularly replaceable sensors configured to be mounted on the housing for sensing at least one of a temperature or a pressure of the gas flow in the flue duct. The modular draft control system further includes a modularly replaceable control unit configured to control the modularly replaceable actuator based on one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors. The modular draft control system further includes a mounting bracket assembled on an outer surface of the housing, the mounting bracket sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit, the mounting bracket also sized for mounting thereon a modularly replaceable remote hub device that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit.

A further example implementation includes a method of modular draft control. The method includes receiving, by a modularly replaceable control unit of a modular draft control system, one or more signals from one or more modularly replaceable sensors mounted on a housing configured in a flue duct, wherein a mounting bracket assembled on an outer surface of the housing is sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit, the mounting bracket also sized for mounting thereon a modularly replaceable remote hub device that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit. The method further includes determining, by the modularly replaceable control unit, based on the one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors, a first open/close target status for a damper assembled within the housing and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct. The method further includes sending, by the modularly replaceable control unit, to a modularly replaceable actuator mounted on the housing, one or more first control signals configured to control the modularly replaceable actuator to cause the damper to reach the first open/close target status.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example modular draft control system, according to some aspects;

FIG. 2 is an example configuration of the modularly replaceable control unit of the modular draft control system of FIG. 1, according to some aspects;

FIG. 3 is a first example configuration of the modular draft control system of FIG. 1 configured for an appliance, according to some aspects;

FIG. 4 is a second example configuration of the modular draft control system of FIG. 1 configured for the appliance, according to some aspects;

FIG. 5 is a third example configuration of the modular draft control system of FIG. 1 configured for the appliance, according to some aspects;

FIG. 6 is an example wiring diagram of power distribution for the modularly replaceable control unit of the modular draft control system of FIG. 1, according to some aspects;

FIGS. 7-10 are an example input/output wiring diagram of the modularly replaceable control unit of the modular draft control system of FIG. 1, according to some aspects;

FIG. 11 is an example cloud-based remote monitoring system for the modular draft control system of FIG. 1, according to some aspects;

FIG. 12 is an example response flow diagram of the cloud-based remote monitoring system of FIG. 11, according to some aspects;

FIG. 13 is an example system connectivity diagram of the cloud-based remote monitoring system of FIG. 11, according to some aspects;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example computing device which may implement all or a portion of a component or device in any one of FIGS. 1-13, according to some aspects; and

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an example method of draft control by the modular draft control system of FIG. 1, according to some aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Some present aspects provide a modular draft control system that is configurable in the flue duct of a combustion system (e.g., a gas fired or oil fired boiler system) to modulate and control the amount of draft coming out of the back of a combustion chamber in order to maintain a target set point. The modular draft control system according to the present aspects includes one or more modular components that are modularly/separately replaceable if needed. As used herein, a “modular” component refers to a component that can be readily/separately replaced in a system, thus obviating the need for replacing the entire system in case of a fault or other issue in the modular component. As used herein, a “modularly replaceable” component refers to a modular component that is replaceable by virtue of being “modular” as defined above. For example, as used herein, a “modular actuator” or a “modularly replaceable actuator” of a draft control system refers to an actuator that can be replaced in the draft control system, thus obviating the need for replacing the entire draft control system in case of a fault or other issue in the modular/modularly replaceable actuator. This definition similarly extends to a “modular” or “modularly replaceable” sensor, switch, relay, enclosure, etc., as used herein.

Turning now to the figures, example aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components described herein, where components in dashed lines may be optional.

Referring to FIG. 1, a modular draft control system 100 according to some present aspects includes a housing 102 that is configurable in a flue duct of a combustion system such as a boiler system, such as by replacing a portion of the flue duct with the housing 102 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-5 described below). The modular draft control system 100 further includes a damper 104 assembled within the housing 102 and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct within which the housing 102 is configured. The modular draft control system 100 further includes a modularly replaceable actuator 106 configured to be direct mounted on the housing 102 for controlling an open/close status of the damper 104. For example, in some aspects, the modularly replaceable actuator 106 is controllable to cause the damper 104 to rotate about an axis 108 and be positioned at a specific angle to control the gas flow within the flue duct within which the housing 102 is configured.

The modular draft control system 100 further includes one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110 configured to be mounted on the housing 102 for sensing at least one of a temperature or a pressure of the gas flow in the flue duct within which the housing 102 is configured. The modular draft control system 100 further includes a modularly replaceable control unit 112 configured to control the modularly replaceable actuator 106 based on one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110.

For example, in one non-limiting aspect, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 reads a draft value from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110. In some non-limiting example aspects, the draft value may typically be between +1″ to −1″ Water Column (WC). The modularly replaceable control unit 112 compares the draft value to a target setpoint (which may be set by a user). If the draft value indicates that the pressure in the flue duct of the appliance is greater than the setpoint, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 controls the modularly replaceable actuator 106 to open the damper 104. Alternatively, if the draft value indicates that the pressure in the flue duct of the appliance is less than the setpoint, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 may control the modularly replaceable actuator 106 to close the damper 104.

In some aspects, the modular draft control system 100 also includes a modularly replaceable safety switch 120 configured to be mounted on the housing 102. The modularly replaceable safety switch 120 is configured to shut down an appliance (e.g., see FIGS. 3-5 described below) responsive to a safety event, e.g., responsive to a pressure in the flue duct of the appliance being higher than a threshold pressure value. The safety functionality of the modularly replaceable safety switch 120 is standalone and independent of any other control or safety functionality provided by the modularly replaceable control unit 112.

Accordingly, unlike some existing draft control systems where the actuator and electronics are mounted together in a tight enclosure, the present aspects implement the modularly replaceable actuator 106, the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110, the modularly replaceable safety switch 120, and the modularly replaceable control unit 112 as separate modular components.

Specifically, for example, unlike some existing draft control systems where the sensors and the safety switch are mounted directly to the electronics enclosure by sheet metal screws, the housing 102 of the modular draft control system 100 according to some present aspects includes respective dedicated ports for modularly mounting the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110 and the modularly replaceable safety switch 120 thereon.

The modular draft control system 100 further includes a mounting bracket 114 assembled on an outer surface of the housing 102, where the mounting bracket 114 is sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit 112 or alternatively a modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit 112. In some optional alternative aspects where the modularly replaceable control unit 112 is mounted on the mounting bracket 114, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 may be communicatively coupled with a modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure 118 that is configured for appliance “Demand” and “Enabled” with industrial cabling.

For example, in some non-limiting aspects, the appliance may communicate with the modular draft control system 100 using two digital control signals. The first digital control signal is the “Demand” signal from the appliance indicating that the unit needs to run (e.g., a boiler needs to run to make temperature or steam). When the “Demand” signal is received by the modularly replaceable control unit 112, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 starts its sequence and sends an “Enabled” signal back to the appliance indicating that the modularly replaceable control unit 112 is online and in a safe/ready condition. When the appliance receives the “Enabled” signal, the unit starts. The Quick Connect cabling according to the present aspects allows for a quick standard connection between the modularly replaceable control unit 112 and the modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure 118, which reduces installation time and material cost and avoids possible wiring errors.

Further details of various example alternative configurations of assembling the modularly replaceable control unit 112 in the modular draft control system 100 are described below with reference to FIGS. 3-5.

Unlike some existing draft control systems in which interconnecting the actuator, sensors, switches, control unit, etc. requires field wiring, various modular components of the modular draft control system 100 (e.g., 106, 110, 112, 116, 118, 120) may be communicatively coupled with each other, as needed, using Quick Connect cable connectors 122, thus obviating the need for time consuming and error prone device field wiring. As used herein, “Quick Connect cables” are cables that have cable end fitting that are couplable by only pushing corresponding fittings of two cable ends together. Such fittings are also referred to as “Quick Connect” or “Push Connect” fittings.

Unlike some existing draft control systems in which the sheet metal enclosure of the electronics/control unit does not comply with National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings, in some present aspects, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 has a NEMA rated enclosure with a clear cover through which a display (e.g., a liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, see FIG. 2 described below) of the modularly replaceable control unit 112 is viewable. In some alternative present aspects where the configuration of the modular draft control system 100 includes the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 and/or the modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure 118 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 5 described below), the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 and/or the modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure 118 may also have a NEMA rated enclosure.

In some aspects, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 may include various modular components and may therefore be expandable and assembled in various alternative modular configurations in which only faulty components need to be replaced. For example, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 may include a programmable logic controller (PLC), a modularly replaceable power supply, one or more modularly replaceable relays, one or more modularly replaceable sensors, etc.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, in one example modular configuration, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 may include a modularly replaceable 120V AC power supply 204 configured next to a PLC 202, and may also include terminals 206 configured next to the PLC 202 for providing 24V DC connections. The modularly replaceable control unit 112 may also include terminals 207 configured on another terminal row 302, where the terminals 207 provide connections for, e.g., additional 24V DC, ground, analog input/output, sensors, relays, digital input/output, etc.

In some non-limiting aspects, the logic of the modular draft control system 100 may be programmed using soft or hard keys on the PLC 202, e.g., one or more hardware push buttons 208 configured in the PLC 202 and/or one or more soft push buttons 210 provided on a display 212 of the PLC 202. For example, an enable/disable switch may be provided in the PLC 202 through a human machine interface (HMI), such as via one or more hard keys configured on the PLC 202 and/or one or more soft keys provided on an LCD display 212 of the PLC 202.

In some alternative or additional aspects, the PLC 202 may support a short range communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) that allows for programming the logic of the modular draft control system 100 by scanning a quick response (QR) code via an application running on a short range communication-enabled device of a technician/user (e.g., a handheld device, a smartphone, etc.).

Unlike some existing draft control systems where only 24V DC power supply is provided out of the box, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 according to some present aspects provides the modularly replaceable 120V AC power supply 204 out of the box, as well as a 120V AC to 24V DC power supply (see, e.g., FIG. 6 described below).

Unlike some existing draft control systems that only support the MODBUS communication protocol, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 according to some present aspects is configured to support both MODBUS and BACNET communication protocols.

Unlike some existing draft control systems where direct field terminations to PLC are required, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 according to some present aspects may be connected to various field components via Quick Connect cable connectors 122, and therefore obviates the need for time consuming and error prone field wiring of devices.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the modular draft control system 100 is configurable in various configurations depending on where the modularly replaceable control unit 112 is mounted and whether or not the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 and/or the modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure 118 are included in the modular draft control system 100, as described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 3, for example, in one non-limiting example configuration of the modular draft control system 100, the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 is mounted on the mounting bracket 114 and is communicatively coupled with the modularly replaceable control unit 112, the modularly replaceable actuator 106, and the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110, using Quick Connect cable connectors 122. For example, in some cases, the housing 102 of the modular draft control system 100 may be assembled at a location on a flue duct 602 that is a certain distance away from a corresponding appliance 604 (e.g., several feet above a boiler). In these cases, the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 may be mounted on the mounting bracket 114 of the housing 102, while the modularly replaceable control unit 112 is assembled at the appliance level (e.g., ground level) so that the modularly replaceable control unit 112 is accessible/viewable at the appliance level. Further, the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 provides a marshalling panel adjacent to the damper 104 (with “marshalling” referring to grouping of input/output wirings), so that various components of the modular draft control system 100 may be connected to the modularly replaceable control unit 112 by way of a Quick Connect cable connector 122 that connects the modularly replaceable control unit 112 with the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an alternative non-limiting example configuration of the modular draft control system 100, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 may be directly mounted on the mounting bracket 114 and is communicatively coupled with the modularly replaceable actuator 106 and the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110, using Quick Connect cable connectors 122. This configuration may be desirable in cases where the modular draft control system 100 is configured within the flue duct 602 at a certain height that makes the modular draft control system 100 accessible/viewable at the appliance level.

Referring to FIG. 5, for example, in an alternative non-limiting example configuration of the modular draft control system 100, the modularly replaceable control unit 112 may be mounted on the mounting bracket 114 and is communicatively coupled with the modularly replaceable actuator 106, the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110, and the modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure 118, using Quick Connect cable connectors 122.

FIG. 6 is an example wiring diagram of power distribution in the modularly replaceable control unit 112 of the modular draft control system 100, according to some aspects. Specifically, in FIG. 6, the modularly replaceable 120V AC power supply 204 is provided out of the box. In this case, the modularly replaceable 120V AC power supply 204 includes a 120V AC to 24V DC converter 902 that is wired to supply 24V DC power 904 to the PLC 202 of the modularly replaceable control unit 112.

FIGS. 7-10 include an example input/output wiring diagram of the modularly replaceable control unit 112 of the modular draft control system 100, according to some aspects. Specifically, the Quick Connect cable connectors 122 according to some present aspects have a customized color-coded pin configuration in plug fittings 124 adapted for plugging corresponding slots into corresponding receiving ends. This obviates the need for the time consuming and error prone installation process where a certified electrician makes individual field wiring connections into a PLC or a terminal strip as is required for some existing draft control systems.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, in addition to a CR1 relay 1002 which closes when the PLC 202 starts the modular draft control system 100, a CR2 relay 1004 is added and is controlled by the modularly replaceable safety switch 120. Accordingly, in a high draft situation, even if the PLC 202 indicates that the modular draft control system 100 can start, the modularly replaceable safety switch 120 does not power the CR2 relay 1004, and the appliance 604 is shut down.

FIG. 11 is an example cloud-based remote monitoring system 1100 for the modular draft control system 100, according to some aspects. The cloud-based remote monitoring system 1100 allows for seamless and quick connection of various appliance devices 1102 (e.g., sensors, relays, actuator, etc.) to a cloud gateway 1104, so that each device may upload information to a data lake 1108 in the cloud 1106, using, e.g., cellular hardwired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc. The data uploaded to the data lake 1108 may be used for visualization and dashboarding 1110. Further, a cloud historian module 1112 may feed the data to monitoring and predictive analytics 1114 that build/use/update performance models 1116 configured for providing failure analysis troubleshooting and response 1118, environmental data monitoring and reporting 1120, and predictive maintenance configured to minimize unplanned downtime 1122, which may be used to manage a parts inventory 1124 and dispatch service 1126 as needed.

FIG. 12 is an example response flow diagram 1200 of the cloud-based remote monitoring system 1100 of the modular draft control system 100, according to some aspects. The response flow diagram 1200 provides a complete response flow based on data collected from various devices. As events happen and failures occur, at 1202 data from plant equipment is uploaded to the cloud data lake 1108. At 1204 near real-time equipment status and trending is performed, followed by historical equipment monitoring and predictive analytics at 1206. At 1208 equipment performance models are continually updated and improved, and at 1210 service response is dispatched based on equipment failure, emissions anomaly, and/or preventative maintenance. The preventative response allows for addressing problems before they happen, based on certain observed symptoms and by using data models. The modularity of the modular draft control system 100 allows for quickly adding new devices to the cloud-based remote monitoring system 1100 and integrating them within the response flow diagram 1200.

FIG. 13 is an example system connectivity diagram 1300 of the cloud-based remote monitoring system 1100 of the modular draft control system 100, according to some aspects. In FIG. 13, various field assets 1314 (e.g., field devices, sensors, actuators, equipment, appliances, etc.) communicate with respective cloud gateways/PLCs 1302, and a router 1306 (e.g., a customer's IT router) is used to communicate data between the cloud gateways/PLCs 1302 and the cloud 1106. The cloud 1106 may support a mobile platform that allows for access to the cloud dashboards from various mobile devices 1304 (e.g., laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.). The cloud-connected field assets 1314 are monitored at a customer management and response center 1308 in which the received data is analyzed using developed analytics models, trend anomalies are identified, and service technicians are dispatched as needed. A device management service 1310 includes a software package that monitors the health of all connected cloud gateways/PLCs 1302 and provides geo tracking, error handling, fault handling, firmware updates, etc. A time series data service 1312 includes a software package that provides visualization of all data, creation of performance models, alert tracking, etc.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example block diagram providing details of computing components in a computing device 1400 that may implement all or a portion of one or more components in the modular draft control system 100, such as all or a portion of the modularly replaceable control unit 112 or any other component/device described above with reference to FIGS. 1-13 and/or described below with reference to FIG. 15.

The computing device 1400 may include one or more processors 1402 which, individually or in combination, may be configured to execute or implement software, hardware, and/or firmware modules that perform any functionality of one or more components/devices described above with reference to FIGS. 1-13 and/or described below with reference to FIG. 15.

As used herein, a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors, individually or in combination, configured to perform or operable for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different processors able to perform different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single processor able to perform all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of multiple processors being able to perform different ones of the plurality of actions in combination, a description of a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors configured or operable to perform actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first processor configured or operable to perform a first subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform X) and at least a second processor configured or operable to perform a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first processor, a second processor, and a third processor may be respectively configured or operable to perform a respective one of actions X, Y, and Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more processors each may be configured or operable to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions.

The one or more processors 1402 may include a micro-controller and/or may include a single or multiple set of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, the one or more processors 1402 may be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system.

The computing device 1400 may further include one or more memories 1404, such as for storing local versions of applications being executed by the one or more processors 1402, related instructions, parameters, etc. The one or more memories 1404 may include a type of memory usable by a computer, such as random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), tapes, flash drives, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. Additionally, the one or more processors 1402 and the one or more memories 1404 may include and execute an operating system executing on the one or more processors 1402, one or more applications, display drivers, etc., and/or other components of the computing device 1400.

As used herein, a memory, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories, individually or in combination, configured to store or having stored thereon instructions executable by one or more processors for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different memories able to store different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the instructions for performing different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single memory able to store the instructions for performing all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of one or more memories, individually or in combination, being able to store different subsets of the instructions for performing different ones of the plurality of actions, a description of a memory, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories configured or operable to store or having stored thereon instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a first subset of instructions for performing a first subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform X) and at least a second memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a second subset of instructions for performing a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first memory, and second memory, and a third memory may be respectively configured to store or have stored thereon a respective one of a first subset of instructions for performing X, a second subset of instruction for performing Y, and a third subset of instructions for performing Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more memories each may be configured or operable to store or have stored thereon any one or any combination of instructions executable by one or more processors to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions. Moreover, one or more processors may each be coupled to at least one of the one or more memories and configured or operable to execute the instructions to perform the plurality of actions. For instance, in the above non-limiting example of the different subset of instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z, a first processor may be coupled to a first memory storing instructions for performing action X, and at least a second processor may be coupled to at least a second memory storing instructions for performing actions Y and Z, and the first processor and the second processor may. In combination, execute the respective subset of instructions to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, three processors may access one of three different memories each storing one of instructions for performing X, Y, or Z, and the three processor may in combination execute the respective subset of instruction to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, a single processor may execute the instructions stored on a single memory, or distributed across multiple memories, to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z.

In an aspect, for example, the one or more processors 1402, individually or in combination, and/or the one or more memories, individually or in combination, may be configured to execute or implement a draft control component 1412 that performs any draft control functionality described herein with reference to the modular draft control system 100.

Further, the computing device 1400 may include a communications component 1406 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more other devices, parties, entities, etc., utilizing hardware, software, and services. The communications component 1406 may carry communications between components on the computing device 1400, as well as between the computing device 1400 and external devices, such as devices located across a communications network and/or devices serially or locally connected to the computing device 1400. For example, the communications component 1406 may include one or more buses, and may further include transmit chain components and receive chain components associated with a wireless or wired transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing with external devices.

In some optional aspects, the computing device 1400 may additionally include a data store 1408, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, which provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs. For example, the data store 1408 may be or may include a data repository for applications and/or related parameters not currently being executed by the one or more processors 1402. In addition, the data store 1408 may be a data repository for an operating system, application, display driver, etc., executing on the one or more processors 1402, and/or one or more other components of the computing device 1400.

Also, in some optional aspects, the computing device 1400 may additionally include a user interface component 1410 operable to receive inputs from a user of the computing device 1400 and further operable to generate outputs for presentation to the user (e.g., via a display interface to a display device). The user interface component 1410 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, or any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof. Further, the user interface component 1410 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display interface, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in operation for draft control, computing device 1400 may implement at least a portion of one or more components in FIGS. 1-14 above, such as all or at least a portion of the modularly replaceable control unit 112, and may perform a method 1500 such as via execution of the draft control component 1412 by the one or more processors 1402 and/or the one or more memories 1404, individually or in combination. Specifically, computing device 1400 may be configured to perform the method 1500 for performing an aspect of draft control functionality, as described herein.

At block 1502, the method 1500 includes receiving, by a modularly replaceable control unit of a modular draft control system, one or more signals from one or more modularly replaceable sensors mounted on a housing configured in a flue duct, wherein a mounting bracket assembled on an outer surface of the housing is sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit, the mounting bracket also sized for mounting thereon a modularly replaceable remote hub device that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit. For example, in an aspect, computing device 1400, one or more processors 1402 individually or in combination, one or more memories 1404 individually or in combination, the modularly replaceable control unit 112, and/or the draft control component 1412 may be configured to or may comprise means for receiving, by a modularly replaceable control unit of a modular draft control system, one or more signals from one or more modularly replaceable sensors mounted on a housing configured in a flue duct, wherein a mounting bracket assembled on an outer surface of the housing is sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit, the mounting bracket also sized for mounting thereon a modularly replaceable remote hub device that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit.

For example, the receiving at block 1502 may include the modularly replaceable control unit 112 of the modular draft control system 100 receiving one or more signals from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110 mounted on the housing 102 that is configured in the flue duct 602 of the appliance 604, wherein the mounting bracket 114 is assembled on an outer surface of the housing 102 and is sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit 112, and the mounting bracket 114 is also sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit 112. That is, the mounting bracket 114 is sized such as either one of the modularly replaceable control unit 112 or the modularly replaceable remote hub device 116 can be mounted thereon, thus allowing for the modular draft control system 100 to be configurable in various configurations as described herein with reference to non-limiting example aspects of FIGS. 3-5.

At block 1504, the method 1500 includes determining, by the modularly replaceable control unit, based on the one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors, a first open/close target status for a damper assembled within the housing and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct. For example, in an aspect, computing device 1400, one or more processors 1402 individually or in combination, one or more memories 1404 individually or in combination, the modularly replaceable control unit 112, and/or the draft control component 1412 may be configured to or may comprise means for determining, by the modularly replaceable control unit, based on the one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors, a first open/close target status for a damper assembled within the housing and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct.

For example, the determining at block 1504 may include the modularly replaceable control unit 112 of the modular draft control system 100 determining, based on the one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors 110, a first open/close target status for the damper 104 assembled within the housing 102 and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct 602.

At block 1506, the method 1500 includes sending, by the modularly replaceable control unit, to a modularly replaceable actuator mounted on the housing, one or more first control signals configured to control the actuator to cause the modularly replaceable damper to reach the first open/close target status. For example, in an aspect, computing device 1400, one or more processors 1402 individually or in combination, one or more memories 1404 individually or in combination, the modularly replaceable control unit 112, and/or the draft control component 1412 may be configured to or may comprise means for sending, by the modularly replaceable control unit, to a modularly replaceable actuator mounted on the housing, one or more first control signals configured to control the modularly replaceable actuator to cause the damper to reach the first open/close target status.

For example, the sending at block 1506 may include the modularly replaceable control unit 112 of the modular draft control system 100 sending, to the modularly replaceable actuator 106 mounted on the housing 102, one or more first control signals configured to control the modularly replaceable actuator 106 to cause the damper 104 to reach the first open/close target status.

In some optional aspects, the modular draft control system 100 further comprises a modularly replaceable safety switch 120 configured to be mounted on the housing 102.

In some optional aspects, the modularly replaceable safety switch 120 is configured to shut down the appliance 604 responsive to a safety event.

In some optional aspects, the safety event is indicative of a pressure in the flue duct 602 of the appliance 604 being higher than a threshold pressure value.

Some further example aspects of the devices described herein are provided in the following clauses.

• • 1. A modular draft control system comprising:
  • a housing configurable in a flue duct;
  • a damper assembled within the housing and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct;
  • a modularly replaceable actuator configured to be mounted on the housing for controlling an open/close status of the damper;
  • one or more modularly replaceable sensors configured to be mounted on the housing for sensing at least one of a temperature or a pressure of the gas flow in the flue duct;
  • a modularly replaceable control unit configured to control the modularly replaceable actuator based on one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors; and
  • a mounting bracket assembled on an outer surface of the housing, the mounting bracket sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit, the mounting bracket also sized for mounting thereon a modularly replaceable remote hub device that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit.
  • 2. The modular draft control system of clause 1, further comprising a modularly replaceable safety switch configured to be mounted on the housing.
  • 3. The modular draft control system of clause 2, wherein the modularly replaceable safety switch is configured to shut down the appliance responsive to a safety event.
  • 4. The modular draft control system of clause 3, wherein the safety event is indicative of a pressure in the flue duct of the appliance being higher than a threshold pressure value.
  • 5. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modular draft control system is configurable in a first configuration where the modularly replaceable remote hub device is mounted on the mounting bracket and is communicatively coupled with the modularly replaceable control unit, the modularly replaceable actuator, and the one or more modularly replaceable sensors, using Quick Connect cable connectors.
  • 6. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modular draft control system is configurable in a second configuration where the modularly replaceable control unit is mounted on the mounting bracket and is communicatively coupled with the modularly replaceable actuator and the one or more modularly replaceable sensors, using Quick Connect cable connectors.
  • 7. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modular draft control system is configurable in a third configuration where the modularly replaceable control unit is mounted on the mounting bracket and is communicatively coupled with the modularly replaceable actuator, the one or more modularly replaceable sensors, and a modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure, using Quick Connect cable connectors.
  • 8. The modular draft control system of clause 7, wherein the modularly replaceable remote appliance enclosure is configured for appliance demand and enabled with industrial cabling.
  • 9. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modularly replaceable control unit comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC).
  • 10. The modular draft control system of any of the above clauses, wherein the modularly replaceable control unit further comprises a modularly replaceable power supply, one or more modularly replaceable relays, and one or more modularly replaceable second sensors.
  • 11. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modularly replaceable control unit includes a 120V AC power supply.
  • 12. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modularly replaceable control unit is configured to support MODBUS and BACNET communication protocols.
  • 13. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modularly replaceable control unit comprises a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rated enclosure.
  • 14. The modular draft control system of clause 13, wherein the NEMA rated enclosure comprises a clear cover through which a display of the modularly replaceable control unit is viewable.
  • 15. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the modularly replaceable remote hub device comprises a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rated enclosure.
  • 16. The modular draft control system of any one of the above clauses, wherein the housing is configurable in the flue duct by replacing a portion of the flue duct with the housing.
  • 17. A method of modular draft control comprising:
  • receiving, by a modularly replaceable control unit of a modular draft control system, one or more signals from one or more modularly replaceable sensors mounted on a housing configured in a flue duct, wherein a mounting bracket assembled on an outer surface of the housing is sized for mounting thereon the modularly replaceable control unit, the mounting bracket also sized for mounting thereon a modularly replaceable remote hub device that is communicatively couplable with the modularly replaceable control unit;
  • determining, by the modularly replaceable control unit, based on the one or more signals received from the one or more modularly replaceable sensors, a first open/close target status for a damper assembled within the housing and configured to control a gas flow in the flue duct; and
  • sending, by the modularly replaceable control unit, to a modularly replaceable actuator mounted on the housing, one or more first control signals configured to control the modularly replaceable actuator to cause the damper to reach the first open/close target status.
  • 18. The method of clause 17, wherein the modular draft control system further comprises a modularly replaceable safety switch configured to be mounted on the housing.
  • 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the modularly replaceable safety switch is configured to shut down the appliance responsive to a safety event.
  • 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the safety event is indicative of a pressure in the flue duct of the appliance being higher than a threshold pressure value.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”