Gas flow and combustion control system

Abstract

A system for controlling the flow and combustion of natural gas and/or liquid propane in a ventless fireplace. The system utilizes an ODS pilot in combination with a burner, an electronic control module, a gas control valve, an igniter, and a flame rectification sensor. When the pilot is lit, an ionized flame is provided and the current of the flame rectification sensor is rectified, providing a signal to the electronic control module to maintain the delivery of gas to the pilot and main burner via the gas control valve. When the oxygen level within the fireplace falls below a predetermined level, the flame at the pilot becomes unstable and this prevents the rectification of current at the flame rectification sensor, signaling the electronic control module to cease the flow of gas the burner and pilot via the gas control valve.

1 . A gas and combustion control system for a ventless gas fireplace, comprising: 
 an electronic spark to pilot control module;    a gas control valve connected to and controlled by said control module;    a main gas burner and an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot fluidly connected to said control valve;    an electronic igniter disposed in proximity to said pilot and connected to said control module; and    a flame rectification sensor disposed in proximity to said pilot to sense a flame produced by said pilot, said flame rectification sensor connected to said control module.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  including a bracket connected to said pilot and supporting said igniter and said flame rectification sensor.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said igniter and said flame rectification sensor are adjacent each other and at an outlet end of said pilot.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  including a bracket connected to said pilot and supporting said igniter and said flame rectification sensor.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said control module includes a wireless receiver such that said control module can be wirelessly controlled.  
   
   
       6 . A ventless fireplace, comprising: 
 an electronic spark to pilot control module;    a gas control valve connected to and controlled by said control module;    a main gas burner and an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot fluidly connected to said control valve;    an electronic igniter disposed in proximity to said pilot and connected to said control module; and    a flame rectification sensor disposed in proximity to said pilot to sense a flame produced by said pilot, said flame rectification sensor connected to said control module.