FLAME IONIZATION DETECTION FOR PAN DETECTION AND POWER MANAGEMENT IN A GAS COOKTOP

Abstract

A gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and is configured to compare the ionization current to a setting of the valve and modify the amount of gas supplied to the burner when the difference between the ionization current and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to gas cooktop, and, more specifically, to a gas burner with an electrode that provides ignition of a gas and measures ionization current.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and the electrode. The control system is configured to compare the ionization current to a setting of the valve and detect if a difference between the ionization current and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold. The control system is further configured to modify the amount of gas supplied to the burner until the difference is within the predetermined threshold.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A translation module is configured to translate the ionization current to an analog voltage. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and the translation module. The control system is configured to compare the analog voltage to a setting of the valve and detect if a difference between the analog voltage and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold. The control system is further configured to modify the amount of gas supplied to the burner until the difference is within the predetermined threshold.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and the electrode. The control system is configured to monitor the ionization current and compare the ionization current to a predictive model stored in a memory of the control system to determine a presence of a cooking vessel on the burner. The control system to, upon determining an absence of the cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, generate a signal to reduce the setting of the valve.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a gas cooktop appliance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top schematic view of a gas cooktop appliance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a disassembled top perspective view of a burner for a gas cooktop appliance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a control system for a gas cooktop appliance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of an analog voltage translated from an ionization current of a gas cooktop appliance between a series of gas flow settings, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of an analog voltage translated from an ionization current of a gas cooktop appliance between an on position and an off position without a cooking vessel, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of an analog voltage translated from an ionization current of a gas cooktop appliance between an on position and an off position with a cooking vessel, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a gas burner with an electrode that provides ignition of a gas and measures ionization current. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, reference numeral 10 generally designates a gas cooktop appliance. The gas cooktop appliance 10 includes a burner 12A, a gas supply circuit 14 in fluid communication with the burner 12A, and a valve 16A for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner 12A from the gas supply circuit 14. An electrode 18A is configured to provide an ignition spark 20 and to obtain an ionization current 22. A control system 100 is operably coupled with the valve 16A and is configured to compare the ionization current 22 to a setting of the valve 16A and modify the amount of gas supplied to the burner 12A when the difference between the ionization current 22 to the setting of the valve 16A is above a predetermined threshold.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gas cooktop appliance 10 may include a plurality of burners 12A-12D, each with a different electrode 18A-18D and valve 16A-16D. The gas supply circuit 14 may provide gas to each of the burners 12A-12D by operation of the valves 16A-16D. Each electrode 18A-18D and each valve 16A-16D may be electrically coupled to the control system 100 via an electric circuit 24. In this manner, the control system 100 may be configured to change a setting of the valves 16A-16D and receive the ionization current 22 from the electrodes 18A-18D. The gas cooktop appliance 10 may include a user interface 26 that includes control knobs 28 (or other types of user inputs) for manually adjusting corresponding valves 16A-16D between settings. The settings include an off setting and a variable temperature setting for providing a variety of temperatures. The user interface 26 may also include buttons 30 (e.g., push buttons or touch buttons) that allow a user to input other operational parameters and preferences and a display 32 that shows operational status and user input. The gas cooktop appliance 10 may include an oven compartment 34 and a door 36 that provides access to the oven compartment 34.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the burner 12A is illustrated in a disassembled condition. It should be appreciated that each of the burners 12B-12D may have the same configuration as the burner 12A. The burner 12A may fluidically connect to the gas supply circuit 14 via a gas inlet 38 that supplies fuel to the burner 12A through an injector orifice 40 at a terminal end of the gas inlet 38. The injector orifice 40 may be secured in position below a cooktop aperture 42 with a bracket 44 that is fastened to an underside of a cooktop 46. A burner assembly 48 may include a burner base 50 defining a venturi opening 52, a swirl spreading disk 54 with a crenellated outer wall 56, and an annular burning cap 58. The annular burning cap 58 may direct gas and/or flame through the crenellated outer wall 56. The electrode 18A is positioned to provide the ignition spark 20 to the provided gas. The valve 16A may be coupled to the gas inlet 38 or anywhere along the gas supply circuit 14. Each valve 16A-16D may be configured as a control valve that receives instructions from the control system 100 and/or manually opens via the knobs 28. In some embodiments, a translation module 60 (e.g., a current-to-voltage converter circuit) is electrically located between each of the electrodes 18A-18D and the control system 100. The translation module 60 may be singular or there may be a translation module 60 associated with each electrode 18A-18D (e.g., four). The translation module 60 is configured to receive the ionization current 22 from one of the electrodes 18A-18D and provide an analog voltage 62 to the control system 100. The translation module 60 may be hardware (e.g., an integrated circuit), executable instructions contained within the control system 100, or combinations thereof. The ionization current 22 and the analog voltage 62 may be directly proportional. The translation module 60 may provide an output of the analog voltage 62 within a range, for example, between 0 V and 5 V.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the control system 100 of the gas cooktop appliance 10 may include at least one electronic control unit (ECU) 102. The at least one ECU 102 may include the processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 may include any suitable processor 104. Additionally, or alternatively, each ECU 102 may include any suitable number of processors, in addition to or other than the processor 104. The memory 106 may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives) and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, the memory 106 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, or the like. The memory 106 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 106 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 104, cause the processor 104 to, at least, perform the functions associated with the components of the gas cooktop appliance 10. A combination of components of the cooktop appliance 10, including one, more, or each of the valves 16A-16D, the electrodes 18A-18D, the user interface 26, and the translation module 60 may, therefore, be controlled by the control system 100. The memory 106 may, therefore, include a vessel detection module 108, a valve setting module 110, an ionization current heat profile 112, and operational parameter module 114.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to receive the ionization current 22 from the electrodes 18A-18D and/or the analog voltage 62 from the translation module 60. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the analog voltage 62 from the translation module 60 with a series of valve settings corresponding to gas output. When the flame is on, air around the burner 12A is ionized causing change in the ionization current 22 and, therefore, also the analog voltage 62. The control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to compare the ionization current 22 and/or the analog voltage 62 with the ionization current heat profile 112 to determine the presence of the flame and extrapolate a present flame output of the burner 12A by the magnitude of the ionization current 22 and/or the analog voltage 62. In other words, the ionization current heat profile 112 may include predictive models (e.g., temperature profiles) or other translational algorithms that, once the ionization current 22 and/or the analog voltage 62 is received, can be used to extrapolate the flame output. In this manner, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to compare the present flame output of the burner 12A with the valve setting (e.g., via the valve setting module 110) to determine if the present flame output of the burner 12A corresponds to the expected flame output associated with the valve setting. More particularly, the valves 16A-16D may include a plurality of settings that correspond to predicted models of expected flame output for those settings that are saved in the valve setting module 110.

In some embodiments, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to automatically modify the valve setting and/or generate a notification for a user to manually modify the valve setting upon a determination that the present flame output is different than the expected flame output by the predetermined threshold (e.g., 5% difference or greater, 10% difference or greater, 15% difference or greater, 20% difference or greater, 25% difference or greater, or 30% difference or greater). Accordingly, accuracy of the valve setting may be maintained over the operational life of the gas cooktop appliance 10 such that a user input to the valve setting results in the expected flame output. The valve setting module 110 may receive inputs from the user interface 26. For example, the valve setting module 110 may receive inputs based on a setting selected on an associated one of the knobs 28 or other types of heat setting user inputs (e.g., buttons that select a specific temperature or setting that may be graphically generated on the display 32).

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the analog voltage 62 is illustrated without a cooking vessel (e.g., a pan, pot, plate, and/or the like) on the burner 12A (FIG. 6) and with the cooking vessel on the burner 12A (FIG. 7). The ionization current 22 changes (i.e., and the analog voltage 62 likewise changes) as a result of the size of the flame but also as a result of a change to the shape of the flame. These changes follow predictive models (e.g., saved in the operational parameter module 114) that can be used to determine if a cooking vessel is located on the burner 12A or if the placement of the cooking vessel is correct. Therefore, as a cooking vessel is placed on the burner 12A, the ionization current 22 and the analog voltage 62 change. In this manner, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to determine if the cooking vessel is located on the burner 12A. For example, the vessel detection module 108 may include instructions (e.g., profile data) for the processor 104 to compare with the ionization current 22 and/or the analog voltage 62 to determine the presence, absence, or incorrect (e.g., off-center) placement of the cooking vessel. In this manner, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may change the valve setting and/or generate a notification to a user based on the presence, absence, or incorrect placement of the cooking vessel.

For example, upon a determination of the presence of the cooking vessel, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to modify the valve setting (e.g., to increase the present flame output). In some embodiments, the gas cooktop appliance 10 may have an active cooking setting (e.g., selectable via the user interface 26 and/or as a standard operation principle of the cooktop appliance 10) that permits automatic modification of the valve setting. In some embodiments, upon a determination of the absence of the cooking vessel, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to modify the valve setting. For example, if the valve setting is on and the flame is detected, a predetermined amount of time without the presence of the cooking vessel may result in the valve setting being turned down to a non-zero setting or completely off. In some embodiments, if the valve setting is on and the flame is detected, a predetermined amount of time without the presence of the cooking vessel may result in generating a notification to a user to adjust the valve setting or otherwise place the cooking vessel on the burner 12A. In some embodiments, the control system 100 may be configured to, if the valve setting is on and the flame is detected a predetermined amount of time without the presence of the cooking vessel, first generate a notification to a user or turn the burner down. Then after a second predetermined amount of time that is longer than the first predetermined amount of time, completely turn the valve off so that gas is no longer supplied to the burner 12A. The first predetermined amount of time may be 10 seconds or more, 15 seconds or more, 20 seconds or more, 30 seconds or more, or 1 minute or less and the second predetermined threshold may be double the first predetermined threshold (e.g., after an additional 10 seconds or more, 15 seconds or more, 20 seconds or more, 30 seconds or more, or 1 minute or less). In some embodiments, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to determine that the cooking vessel is only partially located over the burner 12A (i.e., that the cooking vessel is incorrectly placed on the burner 12A). Upon determining incorrect placement of the cooking vessel, the control system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may be configured to generate a notification to the user and/or adjust (e.g., reduce) the valve setting.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-7, it should be appreciated that the control system 100 may make determinations via communication signals from the valves 16A-16D, the electrodes 18A-18D, the user interface 26, and the translation module 60 as described herein. The determinations may include cooking vessel identification, accuracy of the valve settings, and other functions and methodologies described herein. Once the determination is made, the control system 100 may be configured to automatically adjust the valve settings or generate alerts to instruct the user to manually make changes to the valve settings. The alerts may be generated visually on the display 32 or audibly via the user interface 26 or another component. In some embodiments, the control system 100 may generate an alert and automatically make changes to the valve setting, such that the alert simply notifies a user.

The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and the electrode. The control system is configured to compare the ionization current to a setting of the valve and detect if a difference between the ionization current and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold. The control system is further configured to modify the amount of gas supplied to the burner until the difference is within the predetermined threshold.

According to another aspect, an ionization current is translated into an analog voltage by a translation module prior to being compared with a setting of a valve.

According to yet another aspect, a control system is further configured to monitor an analog voltage and compare the analog voltage to a predictive model stored in a memory of the control system to determine a presence of a cooking vessel on a burner.

According to still yet another aspect, a control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of a cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, reduce a setting of a valve.

According to another aspect, after the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of a valve is reduced to off.

According to yet another aspect, after the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of a valve is reduced to a lower, non-zero setting.

According to still yet another aspect, after a second predetermined amount of time that is greater than the first predetermined amount of time a setting of the valve is turned to off.

According to another aspect, a control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of a cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, generate a notification to a user.

According to yet another aspect, a control system includes a memory and a processor, the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to compare an analog voltage to a temperature profile of a setting of a valve.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A translation module is configured to translate the ionization current to an analog voltage. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and the translation module. The control system is configured to compare the analog voltage to a setting of the valve and detect if a difference between the analog voltage and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold. The control system is further configured to modify the amount of gas supplied to the burner until the difference is within the predetermined threshold.

According to another aspect, a translation module includes a current-to-voltage converter circuit.

According to yet another aspect, a control system is further configured to monitor an analog voltage and compare the analog voltage to a predictive model stored in a memory of the control system to determine a presence of a cooking vessel on a burner.

According to still yet another aspect, a control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of a cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, reduce a setting of a valve.

According to another aspect, after the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of a valve is reduced to a lower, non-zero setting.

According to yet another aspect, after the second predetermined amount of time that is greater than the first predetermined amount of time, a setting of a valve is turned to off.

According to still yet another aspect, a control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of a cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, generate a notification to a user.

According to another aspect, the control system is further configured to generate the notification to a user audibly.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and the electrode. The control system is configured to monitor the ionization current and compare the ionization current to a predictive model stored in a memory of the control system to determine a presence of a cooking vessel on the burner. The control system to, upon determining an absence of the cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, generate a signal to reduce the setting of the valve.

According to another aspect, the signal includes an alert for a user to manually reduce the setting of the valve.

According to yet another aspect, the signal is transmitted to the valve to automatically reduce the setting of the valve.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A gas cooktop appliance comprising: a burner;a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner;a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit;an electrode configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current; anda control system is operably coupled with the valve and the electrode, the control system is configured to: compare the ionization current to a setting of the valve;detect if a difference between the ionization current and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold; andmodify the amount of gas supplied to the burner until the difference is within the predetermined threshold.

2. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 1, wherein the ionization current is translated into an analog voltage by a translation module prior to being compared with the setting of the valve.

3. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 2, wherein the control system is further configured to monitor the analog voltage and compare the analog voltage to a predictive model stored in a memory of the control system to determine a presence of a cooking vessel on the burner.

4. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 3, wherein the control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of the cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, reduce the setting of the valve.

5. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 4, wherein after the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of the valve is reduced to off.

6. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 4, wherein after the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of the valve is reduced to a lower, non-zero setting.

7. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 6, wherein after a second predetermined amount of time that is greater than the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of the valve is turned to off.

8. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 3, wherein the control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of the cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, generate a notification to a user.

9. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 2, wherein the control system includes a memory and a processor, the memory including instructions that cause the processor to compare the analog voltage to a temperature profile of the setting of the valve.

10. A gas cooktop appliance comprising: a burner;a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner;a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit;an electrode configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current;a translation module configured to translate the ionization current to an analog voltage; anda control system is operably coupled with the valve and the translation module, the control system is configured to: compare the analog voltage to a setting of the valve;detect if a difference between the analog voltage and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold; andmodify the amount of gas supplied to the burner until the difference is within the predetermined threshold.

11. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 10, wherein the translation module includes a current-to-voltage converter circuit.

12. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 10, wherein the control system is further configured to monitor the analog voltage and compare the analog voltage to a predictive model stored in a memory of the control system to determine a presence of a cooking vessel on the burner.

13. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of the cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, reduce the setting of the valve.

14. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 13, wherein after the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of the valve is reduced to a lower, non-zero setting.

15. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 14, wherein after a second predetermined amount of time that is greater than the first predetermined amount of time, the setting of the valve is turned to off.

16. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to, upon determining an absence of the cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, generate a notification to a user.

17. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 16, wherein the control system is further configured to generate the notification to a user audibly.

18. A gas cooktop appliance comprising: a burner;a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner;a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit;an electrode configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current; anda control system is operably coupled with the valve and the electrode, the control system is configured to: to monitor the ionization current and compare the ionization current to a predictive model stored in a memory of the control system to determine a presence of a cooking vessel on the burner; andupon determining an absence of the cooking vessel for a first predetermined amount of time, generate a signal to reduce the setting of the valve.

19. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 18, wherein the signal includes an alert for a user to manually reduce the setting of the valve.

20. The gas cooktop appliance of claim 18, wherein the signal is transmitted to the valve to automatically reduce the setting of the valve.