Parametrically optimized flameless heater system to generate heat

The flameless heater system includes an energy source comprising a diesel engine configured to create volumes of air, a hydraulic system to control engine loading for heat generation and for air moving, and a control system, operatively coupled with the energy source and the hydraulic system to control at least one of a speed of the diesel engine, a loading of the diesel engine, or a fan speed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate to flameless heater systems.

BACKGROUND

Flameless heaters have been used to provide heat in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions. These heaters must be able to operate in extreme conditions for extended periods of time without operator control and monitoring, in various temperatures and weather conditions. The requirement of flameless heat is essential in certain locations, as wellhead gases may be volatile and an ignition source, such as a spark or open flame, could set off an uncontrolled fire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a flameless heater system. Flameless heaters are used to provide heat in harsh and potentially hazardous environments, such as oil fields or grain drying. Flameless heaters operate in environments that include volatile gasses that may be ignited by an ignition source, such as a spark or an open flame. The use of flameless heaters in such environments reduce the risk of explosions or uncontrolled fires by providing heat without the use of an ignition source.

One example of a flameless heater system utilizes an internal combustion engine to drive a fluid based heat generator. The heat generator shears a fluid, causing the fluid to heat. The heated fluid is then circulated through hoses using an engine-driven pump to a storage tank. The heated fluid is then transferred from the storage tank to a fluid-to-air heat exchanger, where the heat is extracted from the heated fluid. Another example of a flameless heater system utilizes an internal combustion engine to drive a fan while moving magnets to create heat.

However, the delay between the startup of a conventional flameless heater and the ability to produce full capacity heated air flow is considerable. At the time of startup, the engine block and fluids are cold, and time is needed to warm the engine block and engine fluids to operating temperatures. Furthermore, while the engine block and fluids are warming, an air mover is distributing air from the heater assembly, effectively cooling the engine block. Also, without having the ability to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid, more time is needed for the fluid to reach operational conditions. Accordingly, a conventional flameless heater system that takes a considerable amount of time to reach operating temperatures may not be suitable for time dependent heating purposes.

Embodiments of the present disclosure address the issues of conventional flameless heater systems by implementing systems and controls to reduce the time needed to generate heated air produced by a flameless heater system. By utilizing an independent heating system, thermal energy may be produced from converting energy provided by an energy source. The use of an independent air system allows for the flow of to be controlled to hamper the air's ability to cool the engine block before operating temperatures are reached. The use of an independent hydraulic system allows the flow of hydraulic fluid to be controlled to lessen the fluid's ability to cool the engine block before operating temperatures are reached. Additionally, by using both an independent speed system and an independent braking system, engine loading may be controlled to adjust the engine's power output. The use of an independent temperature system allows temperatures in various locations of the flameless heater system to be controlled to local, remote, and telemetry-based user parameters. The result is an improved flameless heater system that generates heat, improving the performance of the flameless heater system, and allows the flameless heater system to be used in various processes, where a conventional flameless heater system may take too long to adequately preform its function.

In embodiments, flameless heaters may be placed in different operating conditions that require the same air flow rate but at a much different static pressures. The control system can adjust the rotational speed of a fan to achieve the same airflow over a range of static pressures by increasing or reducing the output of a hydraulic motor. Thus once the user selects the desired air temperature for the heater outlet air, the control system can maintain that temperature despite a host of changes in operating conditions, such as inlet air temperature, static pressure demand, fuel burn rate, etc., further improving the performance of the flameless heater system.

FIG. 1illustrates a configuration of a flameless heater system100in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The flameless heater system100may include a fuel source110, an energy source120, a heating system130, an air system140, a hydraulic system150, a speed system160, a braking system170, a temperature system180, and a control system190.

The control system190may be operatively coupled to the fuel source110, the energy source120, the heating system130, the air system140, the hydraulic system150, the speed system160, the braking system170, and the temperature system180. The control system190may also be operatively coupled to one or more sensors, as will be described below atFIG. 2, that gather data on various parameters of flameless heater system100. The control system190includes a processing device configured to monitor the various parameters of flameless heater system100and control various operations of flameless heater system100. For example, the control system190may monitor the fuel level of fuel source110, the power output of energy source120, the heat output of heating system130, the air velocity of air system140, the fluid velocity of hydraulic system150, the structure speed of speed system160, the engine loading of braking system170, the air temperature of temperature system180, etc.

The energy source120converts fuel205from the fuel source110into energy. In embodiments, the energy source120may be an internal combustion engine. For example, the energy source120may be a diesel engine. In some embodiments, the energy source120may be a turbine engine. For example, the energy source120may be a jet engine.

The fuel source110is a storage system for the fuel that is to be provided to energy source120. Examples of fuel sources may include, but are not limited to, storage tanks, containers, bladders, reservoirs and the like. The type of fuel stored at fuel source110may be based on the type of energy source120used by the flameless heater system100. For example, if energy source120is a diesel engine, then fuel source110may store diesel fuel. The fuel source110is operatively coupled to the energy source120to provide fuel205from fuel source110to the energy source120. For example, one or more hoses or tubes may be coupled between the fuel source110and the energy source120to provide the fuel205to the energy source120. In embodiments, one or more pumps may be utilized to move the fuel205from the fuel source110to the energy source120.

Upon receipt of the fuel, the energy source120converts the fuel into energy, as previously described. The energy generated by the energy source120may be provided to a heating system130that is operatively coupled to the energy source120. The heating system130may be configured to convert the energy received from energy source120into thermal energy (e.g., heat).

In embodiments, the heating system130may be a radiant heater that emits infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the heating system130may be a convection heater that utilizes a heating element to heat the air in contact with the heating element by thermal conduction. In some embodiments, the heating system130may be a heat pump that utilizes an electrically driven compressor to operate a refrigeration cycle that extracts heat energy from outdoor air, the ground or ground water, and moves the heat into the space to be warmed. In embodiments, the heating system130may be an electrical resistance heating element. In some embodiments, the heating system130may be a fluid based heat generator configured to shear a fluid to generate heat. In embodiments, the heating system130may be an induction heater configured to generate heat by electromagnetic induction. In an embodiment, the heating system130may be any device that converts energy generated by energy source120into thermal energy.

The energy generated by energy source120may further be provided to an air system140operatively coupled to energy source120. The air system140may be configured to utilize the energy provided by energy source120to alter airflow of the flameless heater system100. In embodiments, air system140may be a fan configured to utilize the energy provided by the energy source120to produce air flow that is introduced into the flameless heater system100. In some embodiments, the air system140may be rotating structure configured to control airflow of the flameless heater system100. In embodiments, other types of air systems may be utilized by the flameless heater system100.

The energy generated by energy source120may further be provided to a hydraulic system150operatively coupled to energy source120. The hydraulic system150may be configured to utilize the energy provided by energy source120to control the flow of hydraulic fluid used in flameless heater system100. In embodiments, hydraulic system150may be a pump configured to utilize the energy provided by the energy source120to regulate hydraulic fluid flow that is introduced into the flameless heater system100. In some embodiments, the hydraulic system150may comprise valves to regulate hydraulic fluid flow that is introduced into the flameless heater system100. In embodiments, other types of hydraulic systems may be utilized by the flameless heater system100.

The energy generated by energy source120may further be provided to a speed system160that is operatively coupled to energy source120. The speed system160may be configured to utilize the energy provided by energy source120to control the speed of rotating structure used in flameless heater system100. In embodiments, speed system160may include a variable speed drive configured to utilize the energy provided by the energy source120to control rotating disks within the flameless heater system100. In embodiments, other types of speed systems may be utilized by the flameless heater system100.

The energy generated by energy source120may further be provided to a braking system170that is operatively coupled to energy source120. The braking system170may be configured to utilize the energy provided by energy source120to produce engine loading in flameless heater system100. In embodiments, braking system170may be an actuator configured to utilize the energy provided by the energy source120to adjust a magnetic field location with respect to rotating structure used in the flameless heater system100. In embodiments, other types of braking systems may be utilized by the flameless heater system100.

The energy generated by energy source120may further be provided to a temperature system180operatively coupled to energy source120. The temperature system180may be configured to utilize the energy provided by energy source120to measure and control temperatures to local, remote, and telemetry-based user parameters used in flameless heater system100. In embodiments, temperature system180may be a thermometer configured to determine one or more of an air inlet temperature, a cabinet temperature, a fan inlet temperature, a discharge air temperature, or a remote probe temperature within flameless heater system100. In some embodiments, temperature system180may be a resistance temperature detector configured to determine one or more of an air inlet temperature, a cabinet temperature, a fan inlet temperature, a discharge air temperature, or a remote probe temperature within flameless heater system100. In some embodiments, temperature system180may be a thermocouple configured to determine one or more of an air inlet temperature, a cabinet temperature, a fan inlet temperature, a discharge air temperature, or a remote probe temperature within flameless heater system100. In embodiments, other types of temperature systems may be utilized by the flameless heater system100.

FIG. 2illustrates a configuration of a flameless heater system200utilizing an internal combustion engine energy source in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The flameless heater system200includes fuel source110, heating system130, air system140, hydraulic system150, speed system160, braking system170, temperature system180, and control system190, as previously described atFIG. 1.

The fuel source110may be operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine210to provide fuel stored at the fuel source110to the internal combustion engine210. In embodiments, the internal combustion engine210may be a reciprocating engine, such as a diesel engine. In some embodiments, the internal combustion engine210may be a turbine engine, such as a jet engine. The internal combustion engine210may generate energy211using the fuel provided by fuel source110, as previously described. Another byproduct of the generation of energy211by the combustion engine210may be thermal energy (e.g., heated air230).

In embodiments, an alternator212may be operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine210. The alternator212may convert the energy211produced by the internal combustion engine210into electricity215. In some embodiments, other types of generators may be utilized by the flameless heater system200to produce electricity for the various systems of flameless heater system200.

In some embodiments, the heated air230that is the result of the reaction that takes place in the internal combustion engine210and/or the use of the alternator212may also be used as a heat source to supplement the heat generated by heating system130. The heated air230may be provided to a heat transfer system235operatively coupled to the combustion engine210and/or the alternator212. The heat transfer system235may be configured to move the heated air230from the internal combustion engine210and/or the alternator212to a desired location. In an embodiment, the heat transfer system235may include one or more fans that are configured to move the heated air230. In embodiments, the heat transfer system235may include one or more pumps that are configured to move the heated air230. In embodiments, electricity215generated by the alternator212may be provided to the heat transfer system235to power various components of the heat transfer system235. For example, the electricity215may be used to power the fans, pumps, etc. of the heat transfer system235. In some embodiments, the heated air230moved by the heat transfer system may be combined in the outflow airstream of the flameless heater system200with the heat generated by heating system130.

In embodiments, heating system130may be operatively coupled to combustion engine210. Energy211that is the result of the reaction that takes place in the internal combustion engine210may be provided from the internal combustion engine210to the heating system130. The heating system130may be operatively coupled to the alternator212to receive the energy211generated by the internal combustion engine210as electricity215to produce thermal energy within the flameless heater system200, as previously described.

In embodiments, air system140may be operatively coupled to internal combustion engine210. Energy211that is the result of the reaction that takes place in the internal combustion engine210may be provided from the internal combustion engine210to the air system140. The air system140may be operatively coupled to the alternator212to receive the energy211generated by the internal combustion engine210as electricity215to measure and regulate the outflow airstream of the flameless heater system200, as previously described.

In embodiments, hydraulic system150may be operatively coupled to combustion engine210. Energy211that is the result of the reaction that takes place in the internal combustion engine210may be provided from the internal combustion engine210to the hydraulic system150. The hydraulic system150may be operatively coupled to the alternator212to receive the energy211generated by the internal combustion engine210as electricity215to measure and regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid of the flameless heater system200, as previously described.

In embodiments, speed system160may be operatively coupled to combustion engine210. Energy211that is the result of the reaction that takes place in the internal combustion engine210may be provided from the internal combustion engine210to the speed system160. The speed system160may be operatively coupled to the alternator212to receive the energy211generated by the internal combustion engine210as electricity215to control the speed of rotating structure within the flameless heater system200, as previously described.

In embodiments, braking system170may be operatively coupled to combustion engine210. Energy211that is the result of the reaction that takes place in the internal combustion engine210may be provided from the internal combustion engine210to the braking system170. The braking system170may be operatively coupled to the alternator212to receive the energy211generated by the internal combustion engine210as electricity215to produce engine loading in the flameless heater system200, as previously described.

In embodiments, temperature system180may be operatively coupled to combustion engine210. Energy211that is the result of the reaction that takes place in the internal combustion engine210may be provided from the internal combustion engine210to the temperature system180. The temperature system180may be operatively coupled to the alternator212to receive the energy211generated by the internal combustion engine210as electricity215to measure and control temperatures to local, remote, and telemetry-based user parameters used in the flameless heater system200, as previously described.

Flameless heater system200may include one or more air sensors245. In embodiments, the air sensor245may be configured to measure the velocity of air in a volume of space within the flameless heater system200. In some embodiments, the air sensor245may be configured to detect the quality of air (such as measuring the amount of ozone, atmospheric particulate matter, carbon monoxide, etc.) in a volume of space within the flameless heater system200. The air sensor245may be operatively coupled to the control system190to provide the measured velocity and/or air quality to the control system190. The control system190may utilize the measured velocity and/or air quality to adjust parameters and/or operations of the flameless heater system200, as will be described in further detail below.

Flameless heater system200may further include one or more hydraulic sensors255. In embodiments, the hydraulic sensor255may be configured to measure the velocity of fluid in a volume of space within the flameless heater system200. In some embodiments, the hydraulic sensor255may be configured to measure the pressure of hydraulic fluid in a volume of space within the flameless heater system200. In some embodiments, the hydraulic sensor255may be configured to monitor the amount of fluid in a volume of space within the flameless heater system200. The hydraulic sensor255may be operatively coupled to the control system190to provide the measured velocity, pressure, and/or amount of the hydraulic fluid to the control system190. The control system190may utilize the measured velocity, pressure, and/or amount of the hydraulic fluid to adjust parameters and/or operations of the flameless heater system200, as will be described in further detail below.

Flameless heater system200may further include one or more speed sensors265. In embodiments, the speed sensor265may be configured to measure a speed of the rotating structure within the flameless heater system200. The speed sensor265may be operatively coupled to the control system190to provide the measured velocity to the control system190. The control system190may utilize the measured velocity to adjust parameters and/or operations of the flameless heater system200, as will be described in further detail below.

Flameless heater system200may further include one or more braking sensors275. In embodiments, the braking sensor275may be configured to measure the amount of engine loading produced within the flameless heater system200. The braking sensor275may be operatively coupled to the control system190to provide the amount of engine loading to the control system190. The control system190may utilize the amount of engine loading to adjust parameters and/or operations of the flameless heater system200, as will be described in further detail below.

Flameless heater system200may further include one or more temperature sensors285. In embodiments, the temperature sensor265may be configured to measure a temperature of a volume of space being heated by the flameless heater system200. In some embodiments, such measurements may include one or more of an air inlet temperature, a cabinet temperature, a fan inlet temperature, a discharge air temperature, or a remote probe temperature. The temperature sensor285may be operatively coupled to the control system190to provide the measured temperature(s) to the control system190. The control system190may utilize the measured temperature(s) to adjust parameters and/or operations of the flameless heater system200, as will be described in further detail below.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of an engine loading and variable braking system300in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In embodiments, variable braking system300may correspond to braking system170ofFIG. 1. Variable braking system300includes a magnet arm actuator330and a pivoting magnet arm320configured to adjust a magnetic field location with respect to rotating structure. In theFIG. 3embodiment, the rotating structure is rotating disks310. In embodiments, the rotating disks310may be interleaved between the magnets of the pivoting magnet arm320such that each of the rotating disks310is positioned between a pair of magnets of the pivoting magnet arm320. The magnet arm actuator330may be used to move the pivoting magnet arm320into a desired position relative to the rotating disks310to generate a magnetic field that functions as a braking mechanism for the rotating disks310. For example, the magnet arm actuator330may move the pivoting magnet arm320to a position that is closer to the rotating disks310, increasing the magnetic forces exerted on the rotating disks310, to increase the braking forces exerted on rotating disks310. In the embodiment, speed system160comprises a variable speed hydraulic motor for magnetic engine loader (MEL)350to control the speed of the rotating disks310independently from other parameters of the flameless heater system200. In the embodiment, a result is the ability to produce an engine loading using the magnetic braking assembly, controlled by a variable braking system, while independently controlling the speed of the rotating disks using a variable speed drive system.

FIG. 4is an illustration400an example of a variable speed drive system and an air system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 4, a variable speed hydraulic fan motor450allows air system140to independently control the air flow of the flameless heater system200. In an embodiment, the variable speed hydraulic fan motor450may be mounted to a fan460that would enable the air flow of flameless heater system200to be controlled by air system140. By increasing or decreasing the output of the variable speed hydraulic fan motor450, the rotational speed of fan460may achieve the same airflow over a range of static pressures. Additionally, the embodiment discloses two separate hydraulic pumps440that are attached to a diesel engine410. In some embodiments, the diesel engine may correspond to energy source120ofFIG. 1or internal combustion engine210ofFIG. 2. Although described as having two hydraulic pumps coupled to the diesel engine, embodiments of the disclosure may utilize any number of hydraulic pumps. In this embodiment, the hydraulic pumps440function to independently control the fuel burn rate of the flameless heater system200. TheFIG. 4embodiment also includes the variable speed hydraulic motor for MEL350. The variable speed hydraulic motor may allow for the adjustment of the rotational speed of the rotating disks310ofFIG. 3, as previously described atFIG. 3. In embodiments, the variable speed hydraulic motor for MEL350may be used in conjunction with the variable braking system300ofFIG. 3to control engine loading using the magnetic braking assembly.

FIG. 5depicts a flow diagram of a method500for utilizing a flameless heater to generate heat in accordance with one implementation of the present disclosure. In embodiments, various portions of method500may be performed by flameless heater systems100or200ofFIGS. 1 and 2, respectively.

With reference toFIG. 5, method500illustrates example functions used by various embodiments. Although specific function blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in method500, such blocks are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other blocks or variations of the blocks recited in method500. It is appreciated that the blocks in method500may be performed in an order different than presented, and that not all of the blocks in method500may be performed.

At block510, a control system (e.g., processing device802) receives parameters associated with the flameless heater system. In an embodiment, the parameters may be a temperature, a velocity, a pressure, a distance, engine revolutions per minute (RPM), or a fuel burn rate.

At block520, the control system identifies an adjustment to be made to the one or more parameters associated with the flameless heater system, as previously described.

At block530, the control system adjusts at least one of a speed of an engine of the flameless heater system, a loading of the engine, or a fan speed of the flameless heater system. In some embodiments, the speed of the engine may be adjusted via the hydraulics system, which regulates the fuel burn rate of the flameless heater system through hydraulic pumps440. To adjust engine loading, in embodiments, the speed system may be used to control the speed of rotating structure within the flameless heater system, and/or the braking system may use an actuator to adjust the distance between a pivoting magnetic arm and the rotating structure. In some embodiments, the rotating structure's speed is regulated by a variable speed hydraulic motor350that is controlled by the hydraulics system. In some embodiments, the fan speed may be adjusted via the air system, which may distribute air from the heater assembly by altering the airflow of the flameless heater system using a fan460. In some embodiments, the fan speed may be regulated by a variable speed hydraulic fan motor450that is controlled by the hydraulics system.

FIG. 6depicts a flow diagram of a method600for controlling a flameless heater system in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. In embodiments, various portions of method600may be performed by control system190ofFIGS. 1-2.

With reference toFIG. 6, method600illustrates example functions used by various embodiments. Although specific function blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in method600, such blocks are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other blocks or variations of the blocks recited in method600. It is appreciated that the blocks in method600may be performed in an order different than presented, and that not all of the blocks in method600may be performed.

At block610, a control system (e.g., processing device802) receives parameters (e.g., temperatures, velocities, pressures, distances, engine RPM, fuel burn rate, etc.) associated with a flameless heater. In embodiments, the control system may receive the temperature from one or more temperature sensors of a flameless heater system. In an embodiment, the temperature may correspond to a temperature of a volume of space that is being heated by the flameless heater system. For example, the temperature may correspond to the temperature of a room being heated by the flameless heater system. In some embodiments, the control system may receive the velocity from one or more air sensors of the flameless heater system. In embodiments, the velocity may correspond to a speed of the volume of space that is being targeted by the flameless heater system. In some embodiments, the control system may receive the velocity from one or more hydraulic sensors of the flameless heater system. In embodiments, the velocity may correspond to a speed of the fluid that is being targeted by the flameless heater system. In an embodiment, the control system may receive the velocity from one or more speed sensors of the flameless heater system. In embodiments, the velocity may correspond to a speed of rotating structure that is being targeted by the flameless heater system. In some embodiments, the control system may receive the engine power output from one or more braking sensors of the flameless heater system. In embodiments, the power output may correspond to the engine fuel burn rate that is being targeted by the flameless heater system.

At block620, the control system determines if the parameters received at block610satisfy a threshold. In embodiments, one threshold may correspond to a temperature value. In embodiments, the temperature may satisfy the threshold if the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold. For example, if the threshold is 72 degrees and the temperature received at block610is 75 degrees, then the temperature satisfies the threshold. In some embodiments, the temperature may satisfy the threshold if the temperature is less than or equal to the threshold. For example, if the threshold is 72 degrees and the temperature received at block610is 68 degrees, then the temperature satisfies the threshold. In an embodiment, multiple thresholds may be used to create a range of temperatures. For example, a first threshold may be used that specifies a temperature less than or equal to 65 degrees satisfies the first threshold and a second threshold may be used that specifies a temperature greater than or equal to 75 degrees satisfies the second threshold. Accordingly, if the received temperature is outside of the specified temperature range (e.g., is less than or equal to 65 degrees or greater than or equal to 75 degrees), then the temperature satisfies the threshold.

In some embodiments, another threshold may correspond to a velocity value. In embodiments, the velocity may satisfy the threshold if the velocity is less than or equal to the threshold. In an embodiment, the velocity may satisfy the threshold if the velocity is greater than or equal to the threshold. For example, if the threshold is not to exceed 5 feet per second and the velocity received at block610is 2 feet per second, then the velocity satisfies the threshold. In some embodiments, the velocity may satisfy the threshold if the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold. For example, if the threshold is 10 feet per second and the velocity received at block610is 12 feet per second, then the temperature satisfies the threshold. In an embodiment, multiple thresholds may be used to create a range of velocities. For example, a first threshold may be used that specifies a velocity less than or equal to 3 feet per second satisfies the first threshold and a second threshold may be used that specifies a velocity greater than or equal to 15 feet per second satisfies the second threshold. Accordingly, if the received velocity is outside of the specified velocity range (e.g., is less than or equal to 3 feet per second or greater than or equal to 15 feet per second), then the velocity satisfies the threshold.

In some embodiments, another threshold may correspond to an engine loading value. In embodiments, the engine loading value may satisfy the threshold if the braking system's output is less than or equal to the threshold. In an embodiment, the engine loading value may satisfy the threshold if it is less than or equal to the threshold. For example, if the threshold is not to exceed a set distance measured between the pivoting magnet arm and the rotating structure and distance received is less than the threshold, then the loading value satisfies the threshold resulting in less breaking output and greater engine loading. In some embodiments, the loading value may satisfy the threshold if the distance is greater than or equal to the threshold. For example, if the threshold is to exceed a set distance measured between the pivoting magnet arm and the rotating structure and distance received is greater than the threshold, then the loading value satisfies the threshold resulting in more breaking output and less engine loading. In an embodiment, multiple thresholds may be used to create a range of loading values. For example, a first threshold may be used that specifies a distance measured between the pivoting magnet arm and the rotating structure satisfies the first threshold and a second threshold may be used that specifies a larger distance measured between the pivoting magnet arm and the rotating structure satisfies the second threshold. Accordingly, if the received loading value is outside of the specified distance range (e.g., is less than one distance or greater than or equal to a larger distance), then the engine loading satisfies the threshold.

In some embodiments, multiple thresholds may be used for other parameters. For example, the control system may utilize a temperature threshold corresponding to a temperature value and a velocity threshold corresponding to a velocity value. In embodiments, the threshold may be provided via a user interface of the control system. In some embodiments, the threshold may be provided via a temperature regulating device, such as a thermostat.

In embodiments, other thresholds may correspond to a pressure, an engine RPM, or a fuel burn rate value. If the temperature, velocity, pressure, engine RPM, and fuel burn rate satisfy their respective thresholds, at block630the control system adjusts the heat output of a heating system and/or the velocity output of an air, hydraulic, speed system and/or the engine power output of a breaking system of the flameless heater system. For example, if the temperature received at block610is too high (e.g., is greater than the threshold at block620), then the control system may decrease the heat output of the heating system or choose to modify the engine power output through the braking system. In another example, if the temperature received at block610is too low (e.g., is less than the threshold at block620), then the control system may increase the heat output of the heating system. The control system would also have the option to support the increase in heat output by reducing one or more fan speeds, controlled by the air system, or reducing the flow of hydraulic fluid, controlled by the hydraulic system.

In embodiments, if the velocity of hydraulic fluid is too high, then the control system may determine to decrease the velocity output of the hydraulic system by opening, closing, or throttling one or more valves within the flameless heater system. In another embodiment, if the velocity of hydraulic fluid is too low, then the control system may determine to increase the velocity output of the hydraulic system by activating one or more pumps within the flameless heater system. In embodiments, if the velocity of air is too high, then the control system may determine to decrease the velocity output of the air system by reducing the speed of one or more fans within the flameless heater system. In some embodiments, the one or more fan speeds may be reduced to zero. In another embodiment, if the velocity of air is too low, then the control system may determine to increase the velocity output of the air system by activating one or more fans within the flameless heater system.

If the control system determines the temperature, velocity, pressure, engine RPM, and/or fuel burn rate do not satisfy their respective thresholds, at block640the control system determines to not adjust parameters associated with the respective systems of the flameless heater system.

FIG. 7is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a telematics system700, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The telematics system700may include a control system710of a flameless heater system100, as previously described with respect toFIGS. 1-4. The control system710includes a processing device720that executes a telematics component729. In embodiments, the control system710may be operatively coupled to a data store730and a client device750via a network740. In some embodiments, the data store730may reside in the control system710.

The network740may be a public network (e.g., the internet), a private network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, network740may include a wired or a wireless infrastructure, which may be provided by one or more wireless communications systems, such as a wireless fidelity (WiFi) hotspot connected with the network740and/or a wireless carrier system that can be implemented using various data processing equipment, communication towers (e.g. cell towers), etc.

The client device750may be a computing device, such as a personal computer, laptop, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), gaming console, tablet, etc. In embodiments, the client device750may be associated with a technician for the flameless heater system100.

The data store730may be a persistent storage that is capable of storing data (e.g., parameters associated with a flameless heater system100, as described herein). A persistent storage may be a local storage unit or a remote storage unit. Persistent storage may be a magnetic storage unit, optical storage unit, solid state storage unit, electronic storage units (main memory), or similar storage unit. Persistent storage may also be a monolithic/single device or a distributed set of devices.

In embodiments, data store730may be a central server or a cloud-based storage system including a processing device (not shown). The central server or the cloud-based storage system may be accessed by control system710and/or client device750. Parameters from the flameless heater system100may be transmitted to the data store730for storage. In embodiments, upon receipt of the parameters, the data store730may transmit the parameters to client device750. In some embodiments, the parameters stored at the data store may be accessed by client device750via a user interface. For example, the data store730may generate a graphical user interface (GUI) to present the parameters of the flameless heater system100to client device750. In embodiments, client device750may provide adjustments to one or more parameters of the flameless heater system100to the data store730. In some embodiments, upon receipt of the adjustments, the data store730may transmit the adjustments to the parameters to control system710. In some embodiments, the adjustments to the parameters may be accessed by control system710via a user interface.

In embodiments, telematics component729may transmit parameters of a flameless heater system to client device750. Telematics component729may receive, from client device750, one or more adjustments to one or more parameters of the flameless heater system.

The exemplary computer system800includes a processing device802, a user interface display813, a main memory804(e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM)), a static memory806(e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device818, which communicate with each other via a bus830. Any of the signals provided over various buses described herein may be time multiplexed with other signals and provided over one or more common buses. Additionally, the interconnection between circuit components or blocks may be shown as buses or as single signal lines. Each of the buses may alternatively be one or more single signal lines and each of the single signal lines may alternatively be buses.

The data storage device818may include a machine-readable storage medium828, on which is stored one or more set of instructions822(e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies of functions described herein, including instructions to cause the processing device802to execute a control system (e.g., control system160). The instructions822may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory804or within the processing device802during execution thereof by the computer system800; the main memory804and the processing device802also constitute machine-readable storage media. The instructions822may further be transmitted or received over a network820via the network interface device808.

Embodiments of the claimed subject matter include, but are not limited to, various operations described herein. These operations may be performed by hardware components, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.