Auto flame-out detection and reignition method for a gas burner of a cooktop appliance

摘要

A system is provided to automatically detect and reignite one or more gas burners on a cooktop appliance. Upon determining the absence of a flame at a gas burner, a time period Δtd is allowed to elapse during which no flame is detected before sparking is initiated to relight the burner. The value of Δtd is based upon the rate of flow of gaseous fuel to the burner with longer time periods being used for lower gas flow rates and shorter time periods being used for higher gas flow rates.

主权项

1. A method for operating a burner assembly of a cooktop appliance, comprising the steps of:
supplying gaseous fuel to a burner of the burner assembly; monitoring a rate of flow of gaseous fuel to the burner; determining a time period Δtd that is based upon the rate of flow of gaseous fuel to the burner; detecting whether a flame is present at the burner and, if not, then activating a spark igniter for the burner after a time period Δtd has elapsed during which no flame is detected at the burner; wherein the magnitude of time period Δtd is inversely proportional to the rate of flow of gaseous fuel to the burner.