Induction heating adapter system and method

Abstract

An induction heating adapter includes a base portion including a planar first coil and a planar second coil. The induction heating adapter further includes an adapter portion defining a curved cavity and including a curved third coil corresponding to the curved cavity, the adapter portion configured to retain a curved container within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion. The induction heating adapter further includes an electrical connection between the base portion and the adapter portion. The base portion is configured to be disposed on a burner region of a furnace top of an induction furnace, where the bending vessel is disposed within the bending cavity, and the burner region of the induction furnace includes a furnace coil configured to wirelessly generate an electrical current in the base portion, the current causes induction heating of a curved vessel disposed within the curved cavity.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a nonprovisional application and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 476,306, filed on December 20, 2022, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A WIRELESS POWERTRANSMISSION INDUCTIVE HEATING ADAPTERS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0003] This application is also related to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 692,714, filed on March 11, 2022, entitled “APPLIANCE LEVEL BATTERY-BASED ENERGY STORAGE,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 An example of an electric building system is shown that includes a building that can obtain power from various suitable sources such as an electrical grid, one or more solar panels, and / or a battery system.

[0005] Figure 2 Examples of load sources that may be associated with an electrically powered building system in one embodiment are shown.

[0006] Figure 3a An example of a furnace load source is shown that includes a battery system that may be an internal component of the furnace, an integrated component of the furnace, disposed within a housing of the furnace, or the like.

[0007] Figure 3b Another exemplary embodiment of a battery system is shown that may be part of a power distribution system and may be disposed on and / or in a wall of a building and may include a receptacle configured to receive power from a power line and a battery.

[0008] Figure 3c Another exemplary embodiment of a battery system having a battery and a power cord with a plug is shown, where the battery system can be a unit positioned between a furnace load source and an outlet that is part of a power distribution system.

[0009] Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of a battery system is shown, which may include one or more batteries, a processor, memory, a clock, a battery control system, a communication system, an interface, and a power bus.

[0010] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a battery network is shown that includes three battery systems, a battery server, and a user device operatively connected via a network.

[0011] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of an induction heating adapter is shown that includes a base portion and an adapter portion electrically coupled via a connection.

[0012] Figure 7 An embodiment of an induction heating adapter having a base portion comprising a first unit and a separate second unit, wherein the first unit comprises a first coil and a first ferrite and the second unit comprises a second coil and a second ferrite is shown.

[0013] Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of an induction heating adapter is shown.

[0014] Figure 9 An electrical schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an induction heating adapter is shown.

[0015] Figure 10 An electrical schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of an inductive heating adapter including a matching capacitor and an inductor for matching impedance is shown.

[0016] Figure 11 An induction heating adapter is shown that includes an extension coil electrically coupled to a first coil via one or more connections.

[0017] Figure 12 An embodiment of an induction heating adapter is shown wherein a base portion is coupled to an adapter portion via a plurality of arms to secure the adapter portion to the base portion, and wherein the induction heating adapter includes a fan.

[0018] Figure 13a An example of a cooking vessel is shown that includes a fully continuous curved base including a base lowest point that is the point or small area from which the curved sidewalls extend.

[0019] Figure 13b An example of a cooking vessel is shown that includes a partially curved base including a base lowest point that is a flat area from which the curved sidewalls extend.

[0020] Figure 13c An example of a cooking vessel is shown that includes a flat base including a base lowest point that is a flat area from which vertical sidewalls extend.

[0021] Figure 14 An example is shown in which a base portion of an induction heating adapter is configured to supply power to a plurality of adapter portions via respective couplers.

[0022] Figure 15 An exemplary embodiment of an induction heating adapter is shown that includes first and second base portions disposed over respective first and second burner zones on a furnace roof of a furnace.

[0023] Figure 16a An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the base portion of the induction heating adapter is electrically coupled to a load source via a connection.

[0024] Figure 16b An induction heating adapter including an electrical plug is shown.

[0025] Figure 17 A method of using an embodiment of an induction heating adapter is shown.

[0026] It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale and that for illustrative purposes, elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The drawings do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Induction cooking can be performed using direct induction heating of the cooking vessel, rather than relying on indirect radiation, convection, or radiant heat. In various examples, induction cooking allows for high power and rapid temperature rise, and in various examples, changes in heat settings can be nearly instantaneous. The rapid, direct heating of the cooking vessel allows for precise control of cooking temperatures, making induction cooktops an ideal choice for many professional chefs and home cooks in a variety of applications.

[0028] In various embodiments of an induction stove, a cooking vessel (e.g., made of ferromagnetic material) is placed on the stove surface, directly above an induction coil. This coil can be a type of electrical transformer, with the cooking vessel acting as the secondary coil and the stove itself acting as the primary coil. When the stove is turned on, alternating current flows through the induction coil, generating a dynamic magnetic field. This magnetic field induces eddy currents, which flow in a circular path within the thin layer of the cooking vessel's base, encountering electrical resistance as they flow. This resistance generates heat, which is then transferred to the food inside the vessel to cook. In various examples, this heat generation process can be very efficient because it occurs directly within the cooking vessel, reducing heat loss to the surrounding environment. In various examples, induction cooking may require sufficient electrical coupling between the cooking vessel and the stove to achieve desired operation. For example, in various embodiments, the base of the cooking vessel must be flat and in full contact with the stove surface to ensure maximum efficiency.

[0029] In various embodiments, creating a suitable electrical coupling between a flat-bottomed cooking vessel and the induction coil in the stove top may be fairly straightforward, but may be more difficult for cooking vessels with different form factors (such as a wok, bowl, tagine, Indian wok / kadai, potthi, teriyaki, spelt, or jingi pan) because they may not have a flat bottom, but may be round, curved, etc.

[0030] Additionally, in various embodiments, the induction stove will primarily heat only the bottom of the cooking vessel that is proximate to the stove's induction coils. However, in some instances, it may be desirable to heat other portions of the cooking vessel, such as the sides of a pot, pan, or pressure cooker (e.g., a saucepan, frying pan, skillet, sauté pan, soup pot, Dutch oven, skillet, omelette pan, slow cooker, etc.).

[0031] Various embodiments discussed herein include systems and methods for a wireless transmission induction heating adapter comprising a set of coils configured to transfer inductive power from an induction stove burner to a cooking vessel. Some embodiments include a set of one or more ferrites positioned adjacent to the set of coils to improve inductive energy transfer between the coils. The set of coils may include: a burner coil (e.g., a flat coil that can be positioned atop an induction stove burner to enable power to be transferred from the stove to the burner coil); at least one intermediate coil configured to inductively receive energy from the burner coil; and a form factor coil electrically connected to the intermediate coil and having different form factors (e.g., curved) to enable inductive energy transfer to cooking vessels corresponding to different form factors. Such systems and methods in various embodiments can be used to enable use of an induction stove with cooking vessels that, due to their shape, are not suitable or cannot be adapted for use with an induction stove. For example, in some embodiments, such systems and methods may enable the use of an induction stove to heat curved pots or pans (eg, woks) that would not normally be possible or suitable on an induction stove due to the curvature of the cooking vessel.

[0032] Furthermore, while various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to cooking and cooking vessels, it should be understood that the systems and methods disclosed herein can be adapted for use in a variety of suitable applications in which materials are heated in a vessel, including environments such as laboratory work, manufacturing, engineering, art, and the like. For example, such activities can include soap making, candle making, fabric dyeing, cosmetic manufacturing, chemistry, wax art, jewelry making, distillation, heat treating metals, curing ceramics or pottery, melting thermoplastics, preparing pharmaceutical compounds, polymerization reactions, and the like. Furthermore, some embodiments can include flat cooking vessels, such as baking pans, and the like.

[0033] Further embodiments include systems that push battery storage from centralized installations in the home to the point of load ("the edge," in analogy with edge computing). In such a distributed energy storage model, appliances can be equipped with onboard batteries and can self-manage their demands on the home and utility grid. Some embodiments of the battery system can be built into the home itself. In various embodiments, this can enable storage behind a variety of suitable appliances or other load sources without integrating the battery into the appliance or load source itself. The battery device can be mounted behind the wall plug itself, or in front of the plug as an intermediary between the appliance and the wall socket.

[0034] In various examples, having multiple appliances with batteries throughout a home provides the ability for the batteries and appliances to transfer power usage to each other. For example, if appliance one is fully charged or nearly fully charged and it is desired that appliance two take up a portion of the electrical load by being powered on, appliance one can be queried to determine if this is possible without interrupting or overloading the circuit.

[0035] In some embodiments, induction stoves, refrigerators, water heaters, heat pumps, and washing machines are examples of appliances that can be equipped with battery storage systems. Power tools can be equipped with this type of battery storage technology and battery management intelligence to balance how and when power is drawn from the grid. In some embodiments of a connected home where batteries are connected behind a plug, this can be done on a microscale, optimizing electricity usage throughout the home.

[0036] Some embodiments may include an induction heating adapter comprising a base portion and an adapter portion electrically coupled via a connection, such as a wire. The base portion may include a first coil and a second coil, which in some examples are disposed between a first ferrite and a second ferrite. The adapter portion may define a cavity and may include a third coil, and in some examples may include a third ferrite.

[0037] The induction heating adapter can be positioned over the burner area of ​​a stove top, with the cooking vessel positioned within a cavity defined by the adapter portion. The burner area of ​​the stove can include a stove coil positioned below or within the stove top (e.g., beneath a glass panel). In various embodiments, the first and second coils of the base portion can function as an intermediary wireless transformer to transmit power to the adapter portion via the connection, thereby inductively heating the cooking vessel.

[0038] In various embodiments, the first coil can be flat and positioned adjacent to the induction cooktop coil, such as on a glass or ceramic cooktop in the burner area. In various embodiments, the second coil can be flat and positioned adjacent to the first coil, such that the first coil induces a counteracting current in the second coil. The third coil can be electrically connected to the second coil, such that a current can be driven in the third coil. The third coil can be curved, or have another specialized or desired form factor geometry, such that a curved pot, pan, or wok can be positioned sufficiently close to the third coil to induce a counteracting current in such a cooking vessel, thereby generating induction heating and thereby enabling induction cooking.

[0039] In various embodiments, one or more inductive heating adapters may be configured to receive and / or transmit power within an electric building system as discussed below, including intelligently sharing, using, and / or storing power among one or more other load sources, batteries, and the like.

[0040] For example, Figure 1 An example of an electric building system 100 is shown that includes a building 105 that may obtain electrical power from various suitable sources, such as an electrical grid 110, one or more solar panels 115, etc. Such power may be used to power various suitable load sources 200 (e.g., appliances, components, systems, vehicles, etc.), such as a heat pump 120, an electric furnace 125, a refrigerator 130, an electric vehicle 135, a water heater 140, electric floor heating elements 145, etc. The power may be distributed to or between such load sources 200 via an electrical distribution system 150, which may include power lines 155, electrical subcomponents 160 that provide power to electrical outlets 165, etc.

[0041] One embodiment includes an induction stove 125 that plugs into a standard 120V plug / outlet without requiring additional installation. In some embodiments, such an induction stove can be operated using a 120V, 15A power source, with an inductor output of 3200W and an auxiliary power output of 120V AC, 60Hz. In some embodiments, the stove 125 can include a 4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery that stores received power and is configured to operate the stove 125 entirely or at least partially based on power from the battery. One embodiment of the stove 125 is 29 7 / 8 inches wide, 28 15 / 16 inches deep (including handles), 37 7 / 8 inches tall, 36 inches above the cooking surface, with adjustable feet that can add up to 1 / 2 inch of additional height, and has an oven capacity of 4.55 cubic feet.

[0042] As discussed in more detail herein, in various embodiments, the load source 200 can be associated with the battery 305 and / or the battery system 300, respectively (see, e.g., Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c ); however, in some embodiments, the electric building system 100 may include one or more building system batteries 170 that are not directly associated with a particular load source 200 and may be configured to store energy for the electric building system 100 that is typically distributed to the grid 110, the load sources 200 associated with the electric building system 100, etc. In some embodiments, the building system battery 170 may not be present.

[0043] Although Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of an electric building system 100 is shown, but such embodiment should not be construed as limiting the variety of load sources 200 that can be powered in conjunction with batteries and / or battery systems, etc. For example, Figure 2 1 shows additional examples of load sources 200 that can be associated with the electric building system 100 in additional embodiments. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the electric building system 100 may relate to single-family homes, it should be understood that additional embodiments may relate to multi-family homes, mixed-use buildings, commercial buildings, laboratories, factories, airports, farms, or other suitable buildings, structures, or land. Furthermore, some embodiments may be applicable to vehicles or structures such as cruise ships, offshore platforms, airplanes, buses, and the like.

[0044] In addition, although Figure 1 The example shows an electric building system 100 associated with an electrical grid 110 (such as a regional electricity supplier that supplies power to the plurality of buildings 105 and / or the electric building system 100), but in further embodiments, the electric building system 100 may not be associated with or connected to an electrical grid 110. Additionally, although Figure 1 The example shows an electric building system 100 that obtains power from one or more solar panels, but in other embodiments, any suitable additional or alternative power generation systems and methods may be part of the electric building system 100, such as wind turbines, hydroelectric turbines, geothermal generators, nuclear power systems, chemical or combustion generators, etc.

[0045] First, such approaches can bring energy storage to homes more cost-effectively than the current status quo. As the order-of-magnitude difference between EV and home battery prices demonstrates, it can be much cheaper to factory-install batteries in appliances rather than in homes because no inspection or custom electrical work may be required. When a homeowner replaces an appliance at the end of its useful life, the additional storage capacity defaults to the home along with the new appliance, which in various embodiments may not require custom installation or electrical work. In this way, in various examples, a home can naturally acquire the ability to shift demand and meet a significant portion of its energy needs with renewable energy through a standard technology upgrade cycle—for example, a homeowner never needs to choose to purchase a $10,000 home battery and hire an electrician to install it.

[0046] Furthermore, various embodiments of such methods can eliminate the significant upgrade costs required to replace fossil fuel appliances. Many appliances (e.g., induction stoves and electric dryers) require the installation of dedicated, high-capacity circuits, but only operate at their full capacity for a short period of time. This electrical work can significantly increase the cost of such an upgrade, providing a significant barrier and potentially negating any value proposition that the increased efficiency of these more advanced appliances might offer. For example, a four-burner induction cooktop with an oven costs $1,000 to $2,000 and can be installed by a homeowner or general contractor for $150 to $200 (assuming an appropriate 240V circuit is already available). However, if the induction stove is replacing a natural gas stove, the likelihood of having an appropriate, unused circuit in the right location is very low, and installing the required 30-amp to 40-amp appliance circuit can cost approximately $800 to $1,000, with an additional $380 to $460 if the run from the circuit breaker to the stove is long or inconvenient. Furthermore, in most cases, the available electrical service was designed assuming fossil fuel use and is inadequate for such a large additional circuit. In such cases, upgrading the service panel could add another $1,500 to $4,000 to the project cost, making the total cost of replacing a natural gas furnace two to six times the base cost of a new appliance.

[0047] In various embodiments, appliances with integrated or associated batteries as discussed herein can eliminate the need to upgrade electrical service because they can provide the required high current during use while drawing only a small average power from the existing 110v outlet for recharging. In the case of an induction stove, the vast majority of dinner cooking needs can be met by a 0.75 kWh to 1.5 kWh integrated battery, where the simulated dinner cooking needs of 3,000 households, 365 days a year, have been aggregated into a histogram. If factory installed at current EV prices, such a battery would only add $100 to $200 to the cost of the appliance, and even less as the scale of the industry continues to reduce costs. As a result, the total project cost for the homeowner to eliminate this residential emission source remains predictable and low, and the dinner cooking load (which primarily occurs outside the solar production window) can be cost-effectively shifted to being powered by renewable energy.

[0048] Additionally, a centralized primary home battery may require a large, dedicated inverter to provide AC power, even though many appliances (such as induction stoves) use internal rectification to convert power back to DC. In various embodiments, placing batteries at these load points can allow appliances to be powered directly with DC, drawing only modest AC from the power outlet. At a system level, in various embodiments, this can eliminate the inverter-rectifier cycle for power drawn and delayed from the grid and significantly reduce the power demand on the inverter powered by the rooftop solar array. The result can be reduced system cost and increased efficiency due to the elimination of power conversion.

[0049] Furthermore, the large battery packs that might be required for primary household batteries are often damaged by a single bad cell. In contrast, a commercial battery pack of approximately 1 kWh that could be used to power household appliances may be easier to manage than centralized batteries and, in various implementations, easier to replace in the event of a failure. In some implementations, having fewer cells under a battery management system (BMS) can allow for better control of charge cycles, mechanical and thermal stresses, and more robust health diagnostics, resulting in longer battery life. The price point of the battery management system and supporting power electronics can make increasing their number less of a cost barrier. As an added benefit of this approach, in some implementations, smaller battery packs for point-of-load storage may be more suitable for second-life applications in plug-in EV batteries—the supply of which is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. Even after use in an EV, such batteries are expected to retain 70% of their initial capacity and last another ten years in their second-life applications.

[0050] Steering Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c , various exemplary embodiments of a battery system 300 including one or more batteries 305 are shown. Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stove 125 load source (e.g., an induction stove) is shown as being associated with or having an internal battery system 300, but it should be understood that various other suitable load sources 200 may be suitable for various embodiments. In various embodiments, the stove 125 load source 200 may include a stove top 126 having a plurality of (e.g., four) burner zones 127. As discussed in more detail herein, in various embodiments, the burner zones 127 may be associated with corresponding induction coils, heating elements, etc. that generate heat for cooking.

[0051] Figure 3aAn example of a furnace 125 load source 200 is shown that includes an embodiment 300A of a battery system 300 having a battery 305. For example, the battery system 300A can be an internal component of the furnace 125, an integrated component of the furnace 125, disposed within the housing of the furnace 125, etc. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the battery system 300A and / or the battery 305 can be an integral part of the furnace 125, such that such portion cannot be removed from the furnace 125 or cannot be easily removed from the furnace. In some examples, this can include such portion being enclosed within the housing of the furnace 125 such that such portion is not accessible to a user from the outside. However, in some examples, the battery 305 can be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as discussed herein.

[0052] like Figure 3a As shown in FIG, the stove 125 may include a power cord 310 having a plug 315 configured to couple to a power outlet 165 of the power distribution system 150. For example, the power distribution system 150 may supply power to the outlet 165 via the power line 155, wherein the outlet 165 is located in the building 105 ( Figure 1 ) on a wall of a building, with power cord 155 extending through the wall, etc. The stove 125 can be plugged into an outlet 165, which can provide power to the stove 125 and the battery 305 of the battery system 300, which can be configured to store electricity and / or provide power to the stove 125, as discussed herein.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more batteries 305 and / or battery systems 300 can be integrated into the load source 200 at the factory where the load source is manufactured (e.g., integrated into the appliance housing), or can be integrated into the load source aftermarket. For example, the load source 200 (e.g., an appliance) can be specifically designed to allow the appropriate number of batteries 305 and / or other components of the battery system 300 to be integrated into their normal housing. This can allow such load sources 200 or appliances to be placed within a residence without having to make any changes to the way they are integrated into standardized fixtures (such as counters). In various embodiments, the electrical connections to the batteries 305 and / or other components of the battery system 300 are made at the factory and fully integrated into the appliance circuit. This can allow the load source 200 (such as an appliance that utilizes DC current (e.g., an induction stove)) to directly obtain power from one or more batteries 305 without the added cost of a high-power inverter.

[0054] In some embodiments, the battery can be designed to be integrated into a load source (e.g., an appliance) in an aftermarket factory setting. For example, a company that is not the original equipment manufacturer of the appliance purchases a new appliance, installs the battery system 300 in their own facilities, and resells the appliance as a new appliance. In some examples, the remodeler installs one or more batteries 305 and / or elements of the battery system 300 in the housing of the appliance, wiring them directly to the integrated electrical system of the appliance. If such a high-voltage connection is required in the case where it is considered that there is a danger if the high-voltage connection is not handled by a professional, this may be desirable in some embodiments. In addition, in some embodiments where the load source 200 (e.g., an appliance) has an internal rectifier circuit (such as an induction cooker, etc.) that converts 60Hz AC current into DC, it may be desirable in some examples to connect the battery system 300 directly to the internal circuit of the load source (e.g., to avoid adding expensive high-power inversion).

[0055] Figure 3b Another exemplary embodiment 300B of a battery system 300 is shown, including a battery 305 and a receptacle 165. For example, the battery system 300B can be part of the power distribution system 150 and can be located on and / or in the wall of the building 105. The battery system 300B can include a receptacle 165 configured to receive power from the power line 155 and a battery 305. In various embodiments, the receptacle 165 and / or the battery 305 can be internal components of the battery system 300B, integrated components of the battery system 300B, located within the housing of the battery system 300B, etc. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the receptacle 165 and / or the battery 305 can be an integral part of the battery system 300B, such that such portion cannot be removed or cannot be easily removed from the battery system 300B. In some examples, this can include such portion being enclosed within the housing of the battery system 300B, such that such portion is not accessible to a user from the outside except for the interface plug of the receptacle. However, in some examples, the battery 305 can be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as discussed herein.

[0056] like Figure 3b As shown in FIG, the furnace 125 may include a power cord 310 having a plug 315 that is configured to couple to a power outlet 165 of the battery system 300B. For example, the battery 305 of the battery system 300B and / or the power distribution system 150 (via the power line 155) may provide power to the outlet 165, where the outlet 165 is located on a wall of the building 105 ( Figure 1 ), where the power cord 155 extends through a wall, between an outlet and an appliance, etc. The power cord 115 can be configured to provide power to the battery 305, which can be stored by the battery 305, as discussed herein.

[0057] In some embodiments, the battery 305 and the elements of the battery system 300 are designed to be nested with a load source (e.g., an appliance) as a foundation or backing, etc. In various examples, such nesting can be done by the customer. The battery 305 and / or the elements of the battery system 300 can be designed to be nested directly outside the appliance, such as by taking into account the shape and expected location of the appliance within the house 105. In various examples, one or more batteries 305 and elements of the battery system 300 (e.g., a power control stage) are packaged in a manner that allows them to be placed directly next to the appliance. The appliance can be plugged into the battery system 300, which is then plugged into the wall.

[0058] For example, in some embodiments, the battery 305 and / or components of the battery system 300 may be packaged as a flat panel sized to be the same size as, similar to, no larger than, or slightly smaller than the footprint of a conventional refrigerator, the width and depth of which are typically standardized to match the depth of a counter. In some examples, such a refrigerator would be placed on top of a thin battery pack, effectively connecting appliances and increasing storage without significantly interfering with the use, appearance, or placement of the appliances.

[0059] In various embodiments, the battery 305 and / or battery system 300 can be designed to be placed at an outlet panel. For example, the battery 305 and / or battery system 300 can be packaged in a flat panel that plugs directly into a standard wall outlet. These panels can be designed to be low-profile and can allow appliances to be pushed against a wall in a typical plan. The battery 305 and / or battery system 300 can be fixed to a wall immediately behind an appliance (such as a dryer, refrigerator, or water heater in some embodiments) with little change in the placement of the appliance.

[0060] Figure 3c Another exemplary embodiment 300C of a battery system 300 is shown having a battery 305 and a power cord 310 with a plug 315. For example, the battery system 300C can be a unit disposed between the load source 200 of the furnace 125 and an outlet 165 that is part of the power distribution system 150. The outlet 165 can be disposed on and / or in a wall of the building 105 and can be configured to receive power from the power line 155.

[0061] In various embodiments, the battery 305 can be an internal component of the battery system 300C, an integrated component of the battery system 300C, disposed within a housing of the battery system 300C, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the battery 305 can be an integral part of the battery system 300C, such that such part cannot be removed from the battery system 300C or cannot be easily removed from the battery system, which in some examples can include such part being enclosed within a housing of the battery system 300C. However, in some examples, the battery 305 can be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as discussed herein.

[0062] like Figure 3c As shown in FIG, the battery system 300C may include a power cord 310 having a plug 315 configured to couple to a power outlet 165 of the power distribution system 150. For example, the power distribution system 150 (via the power line 155) may supply power to the outlet 165, wherein the outlet 165 is disposed on a wall of the building 105 ( Figure 1 ), wherein the power cord 155 extends through a wall, etc. The outlet 165 can be configured to supply power to the battery 305, which can be stored by the battery 305, as discussed herein, and can power the furnace 125 load source 200. Additionally, in various embodiments, the outlet 165 can be configured to provide power to the furnace 125 load source 200 via the battery system 300C. The furnace 125 can be electrically coupled to the battery system 300C in various suitable ways, including directly via the power cord 310 or via the power cord 310 that is removably plugged into the battery system 300C via a plug 315 or other suitable element.

[0063] Additionally, it should be appreciated that the electric building system 100 may include any suitable number and type of battery systems 300, including Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and 3c However, in some examples, there may be no specific Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and 3c One or more of the battery systems 300 shown in .

[0064] An exemplary embodiment includes a first battery system that is an integral component of a first load source among the plurality of load sources and is disposed within a housing of the first load source, the first load source including a first power cord that plugs into a first outlet among the plurality of outlets, the first battery system including a first battery that is configured to obtain and store power from the first outlet, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by power stored by the first battery and to be fully powered by power obtained from the first outlet and to be partially powered by both the first battery and power obtained from the first outlet; and a second battery system that includes a second battery and a second outlet among the plurality of outlets, the second battery system being disposed within a wall of the building, wherein the second load source includes a second power cord that plugs into a second outlet among the plurality of outlets, wherein the second battery is configured to obtain and store power from the power distribution system. , the second load source is configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the second battery and is configured to be fully powered by the power obtained from the distribution system and is configured to be partially powered by both the second battery and the power obtained from the distribution system; and a third battery system, the third battery system is electrically arranged between the third load source and a third socket of the plurality of sockets, the third battery system includes a third power cord plugged into the third socket, wherein the third load source includes a fourth power cord plugged into a fourth socket of the third load source, the third battery system includes a third battery, the third battery is configured to obtain and store power from the third socket, the third load source is configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the third battery and is configured to be fully powered by the power obtained from the third socket via the third battery system and is configured to be partially powered by both the third battery and the power obtained from the third socket via the third battery system.

[0065] The battery system 300 may include various suitable components. For example, Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a battery system 300 is shown, which may include one or more batteries 305 , a processor 410 , a memory 420 , a clock 430 , a battery control system 440 , a communication system 450 , an interface 460 , and a power bus 470 .

[0066] For example, in some embodiments, the battery system 300 may include a computing device that can be configured to perform the methods discussed herein or portions thereof. The memory 420 may include a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor 410, cause the battery system 300 to perform the methods discussed herein or portions thereof, or other suitable functions. The clock 430 may be configured to determine a date and / or time (e.g., year, month, day of the week, day of the year, time, etc.), which, as discussed in more detail herein, may be used in some examples to configure the storage and / or discharge of power by the battery 305 based on time.

[0067] The battery control system 440 in various embodiments can be configured to control the storage and / or discharge of power from the battery 305 based on instructions from a processor or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the battery control system 440 can determine various aspects, characteristics, or states of the battery 305, such as the state of charge (e.g., percentage charged or discharged), battery charge capacity, battery health, battery temperature, etc. For example, in various embodiments, the battery system 300 can include various suitable sensors to determine such aspects, characteristics, or states of the battery 305 or aspects, characteristics, or states of other elements of the building system 100, which can include environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, etc., inside or outside the building 105.

[0068] In various embodiments, the communication system 450 can be configured to allow the battery system 300 to communicate via one or more communication networks as discussed in more detail herein, which in some embodiments may include wireless and / or wired networks and may include communications with devices such as one or more other battery systems 300, user devices, servers, etc.

[0069] Interface 460 may include various elements configured to receive input and / or present information (e.g., to a user). For example, in some embodiments, the interface may include a touch screen, a keyboard, one or more buttons, one or more lights, a speaker, a microphone, a tactile interface, etc. In various embodiments, a user may use interface 460 for various suitable purposes, such as configuring battery system 300, viewing aspects, characteristics, or status of battery system 300, configuring network connections for battery system 300, etc.

[0070] The power bus 470 can be configured to obtain power from one or more sources and / or provide power to one or more load sources 200. For example, in various embodiments, the power bus 470 can be connected to one or more power outlets 165 (see, e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3c) or other suitable interface with the power distribution system 150, or directly from a power source such as the grid 110, solar panels 115, etc. The power so obtained can be stored via one or more batteries 305 or can be directed to one or more load sources 200 connected to the battery system 300. The power so obtained can be directed to such one or more load sources 200 via one or more batteries 305 or bypassing one or more batteries 305.

[0071] The one or more batteries 305 can be any suitable system configured to store and discharge energy. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more batteries 305 can include lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), rechargeable lead acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), lithium ion polymer (LiPo), rechargeable alkaline batteries, etc. As discussed herein, rechargeable in various embodiments can be defined as being able to store and discharge energy multiple times without a significant decrease in the ability to store and discharge energy for at least multiple cycles (e.g., 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 10k, 100k, 1M, 10M, 100M, etc.). While various preferred embodiments can include chemical storage of electrical energy, in other embodiments, the one or more batteries 305 can be configured to store energy in various suitable ways, such as mechanical energy, compressed fluid, thermal energy, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, one or more batteries 305 may include or be defined by a removable case that allows one or more batteries 305 to be scaled or replaced. In some examples, a battery pack may be comprised of small sub-battery packs that can be easily removed. In some examples, this may allow for replacement of old or faulty battery cells. Additionally, in some examples, such a configuration may allow for fine-tuning of battery pack sizing within a network of battery systems 300, as discussed herein. For example, one or more batteries 305 may be initially sized and co-located with an intended load source 200.

[0073] As the battery system 300 (or electric building system 100 or battery network 500) monitors and learns the particular behavior of the load sources 200, the behavior of users associated with the load sources 200, and the like, a determination may be made that one or more batteries 305 of the battery system 300 are too large or too small. Likewise, a different battery system 300 on the network of battery systems 300 may determine that its battery pack is too large or too small, or another device may make such a determination as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the battery system 300 may indicate via the interface 460 that the battery system 300 would be better utilized if a sub-pack (e.g., one or more batteries 305 of a plurality of batteries) were moved from one load source 200 to another load source (e.g., by moving one or more batteries 305 from a first battery system 300 to a second battery system 300 within the electric building system 100). Determining the size of an electric building system 100 or a battery network 500 (see FIG. 4 ) is discussed in greater detail herein. Figure 5 ) of one or more batteries 305.

[0074] You should understand that Figure 4 The example of is merely one exemplary embodiment of the battery system 300, and battery systems 300 having fewer or more elements or having less or more complexity are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 4 In some embodiments, one or more of the elements of the battery system 300 may not specifically exist, may exist in any suitable plurality, and so on. In some embodiments, the communication system 450 may be lacking, and the battery system 300 may not be operable for wired and / or wireless communication with other devices. In some embodiments, elements such as the processor 410 and the clock 430 may not exist. In some examples, the interface 460 may include multiple interface elements or complex interfaces, or may be a simple interface 460 in some embodiments, or may not exist. In some embodiments, the interface for the battery system 300 may be embodied on a separate device such as a user device (e.g., a smart phone, a laptop computer, a home automation system, or other suitable device). In addition, the battery system 300 can have various suitable sizes, including systems weighing 1 to 5 pounds, 10 to 30 pounds, 50 to 100 pounds, 150 to 500 pounds, 500 to 1,500 pounds, etc.

[0075] Steering Figure 5, shows an exemplary embodiment of a battery network 500, which includes three battery systems 300A, 300B, 300C, a battery server 510, and a user device 520 operatively connected via a network 530. In various embodiments, the network can include various suitable wired and / or wireless networks, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wired connections, cellular networks, the Internet, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired connections, etc. In various embodiments, the battery systems 300A, 300B, 300C can communicate with each other via a communication system 450 (see Figure 4 ) communicate with each other and / or with the battery server 510 and the user device 520.

[0076] In some embodiments, the battery system 300 can obtain data from, send data to, or be controlled by one or both of the battery server 510 and the user device 520, as discussed in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the battery server 510 and / or the user device 520 can be remote from or proximate to the battery system 300 of the battery network 500. For example, in some embodiments, the battery system 300 can be located within or associated with a load source 200 of a premises, and the user device 520 can be used to configure the battery system 300, either alone or in combination. In some examples, the user device 520 can be a smartphone and can be used by a user while in or around a premises, or while the user is away from the premises. In some examples, the battery server 510 can be a remote physical or cloud-based server or server system that can be configured to store data related to the battery system 300, store data provided by the battery system 300 and / or the user device 520, or configure the battery system 300 and / or the user device 520, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0077] Although Figure 5 The embodiment of the battery network 500 of FIG. 5 shows one example, but it should be understood that a variety of suitable additional configurations of the battery network 500 are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, any suitable number of battery systems 300 can be part of the battery network 500, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 50, 100, 1k, 10k, 100k, 1M, 5M, 10M, 50M, etc. Similarly, there can be any suitable number of battery servers 510 and user devices 520, or one or both of the battery servers 510 and user devices 520 can be absent. In addition, in some examples, the battery server 510 and / or user device can be part of one or more battery systems 300 and need not be as shown. Figure 5For example, in some embodiments, there may be a network having multiple battery systems 300, wherein one or more of such battery systems have the capabilities, functionality, elements, etc. of one or both of a battery server 510 and a user device 520. For example, a mesh network having multiple battery systems 300 may have a central hub battery system 300 that controls, stores data for, or provides data to the entire network.

[0078] In various embodiments, there may be different battery groups associated with a given user or administrator in the battery network 500. For example, in some embodiments, there may be multiple separate electric building systems 100 (see, e.g., Figure 1 ), each electric building system includes multiple battery systems 300, and each of these individual electric building systems 100 may be associated with a different user or administrator and respectively controlled by a different user device 520 associated with the different user or administrator. However, in some embodiments, all such individual electric building systems 100 may communicate with the same battery server 510, which may be configured to store data associated with different user or administrator accounts associated with different electric building systems 100. Such aggregated data may be used to configure information or provide information to multiple different electric building systems 100, as discussed in more detail herein, including network-wide, world-wide, country-wide, state-wide, county-wide, town-wide, neighborhood-wide, etc.

[0079] Despite the advantages listed for appliance-integrated batteries and batteries associated with appliances discussed herein (e.g., battery system 300), in some examples, the described approaches of various embodiments may significantly disrupt the status quo and may introduce numerous risks. For example, a simple implementation of point-of-use batteries may result in an increase in the total storage capacity required for a household. If the size of appliance battery 305 or appliance-associated battery 305 is poorly matched to energy demand patterns, some capacity may remain unused, resulting in wasted reserves. Mitigation strategies for this risk may include one or more of the following.

[0080] For example, in some embodiments, the sizing of the battery 305 can be based on data analysis and the use of predictive models to achieve the best correlation between estimates of load shifts and field performance. In some examples, such sizing can include determining the size of one or more batteries 305 to be installed entirely within a given load source 200 based on expected usage within a given electric building system 100, location within the electric building system, regional location, etc. Similarly, in some embodiments, a user can be provided with a recommendation regarding the size of the battery 305 associated with a given load source 200, which can include a recommendation regarding the size of the modular battery 305 associated with the load source 200 (e.g., internally, externally, within a wall outlet, etc.).

[0081] Additionally, as discussed herein, the electric building system 100 or battery network 500 can include multiple battery systems 300 associated with respective load sources 200, wherein each of the battery systems 300 includes one or more modular batteries 305. In various embodiments, the electric building system 100 or battery network 500 can monitor the multiple battery systems 300 and determine whether a modular battery 305 should be removed from the battery system 300; added to the battery system 300; moved from one battery system 300 to another; removed and replaced with a larger or smaller modular battery 305; removed and replaced with a healthier battery 305; etc. In some embodiments, such monitoring can be performed by one of the multiple battery systems 300, by the battery server 510, by the user device 520, etc.

[0082] For example, a method of determining the configuration of a plurality of batteries 305 of a plurality of battery systems 300 within an electric building system 100 or a battery network 500 may include obtaining data regarding the current configuration of the plurality of batteries 305. For example, in some embodiments, the batteries 305 inserted into the battery system 300 may have identifiers indicating characteristics of the batteries 305 (e.g., a unique battery identifier, a battery model identifier, etc.), or a user may input information regarding the battery configuration. In some embodiments, such battery configuration data may be obtained directly from interrogation of the plurality of battery systems 300, may be stored in a user power profile, indicated by a user, etc.

[0083] The method may also include monitoring the usage and / or performance of the plurality of batteries 305 and / or battery system 300. For example, such usage and / or performance data may be stored in a user power profile. A determination may be made based on the usage and / or performance data, the current battery configuration, and characteristics of desired and / or undesired performance of the batteries 305, battery system 300, electric building system 100, battery network 500, etc., whether a change should be made to the current battery configuration. If a change is determined to be appropriate (e.g., a change is desired), one or more suggested changes may be indicated to the user (e.g., via interface 460, user device 520, etc.). Such a determination may be made based on available additional capacity (e.g., additional batteries that can be coupled to one or more open battery slots of the battery system 300), the ability to substitute batteries of different sizes (e.g., allowing for substitution of battery slots with larger and / or smaller batteries), etc.

[0084] For example, it may be determined that the electric building system 100 or the battery network 500 will be able to store and / or use more renewable energy (e.g., from the solar panels 115) rather than using power from the grid 110 by increasing the size of one or more batteries 305. In some examples, it may be appropriate to increase the total battery storage capacity of the electric building system 100 or the battery network 500 regardless of the location of the battery system 300 (e.g., regardless of the load source 200 associated with the battery system).

[0085] However, in some examples, it may be desirable to increase the capacity of a battery system 300 associated with a particular load source 200 that frequently consumes more energy than the capacity of one or more batteries 305 of the battery system 300. In other words, it may be determined that increasing the storage capacity at a given battery system 300 may allow for storage of sufficient renewable power such that typical usage of the load source 200 associated with that given battery system 300 when renewable power is not directly available does not require (or requires less) grid power to power that load source 200, which may be desirable from a cost and / or environmental perspective.

[0086] In some examples, such as when the energy storage capacity of one or more batteries 305 of the battery system 300 is only minimally or rarely used (e.g., at most 5% to 10% of the battery storage capacity is used), it may be determined to reduce the capacity of the battery system 300 associated with a particular load source 200. In such examples, it may be desirable to relocate one or more batteries 305 to another battery system 300 that can better utilize the storage capacity, or to reduce the physical size of the battery system 300, which may be desirable to reduce the visibility of the battery system 300 or allow for more ideal placement of the load source 200 (e.g., appliances) around the battery system 300.

[0087] In another example, it may be determined that one or more batteries 305 of a battery system are degrading in performance over time, which may indicate that one or more batteries are failing and may make it desirable to indicate that such one or more batteries 305 are replaced or removed (e.g., due to poor performance, fire hazard, etc.).

[0088] In another example, considering how a given load source 200 is used or operated, it can be determined that a different type of battery 305 may be suitable for coupling with the battery system 300 associated with the given load source 200. For example, if the given load source 200 is typically used at high power for short periods of time, it can be determined to replace the first battery 305 with a second battery that has better performance for such power usage. Similarly, if the load source 200 is continuously turned on at low power, it can be determined to replace the first battery 305 with a second battery that has better performance for such power usage.

[0089] While some examples of determining a battery configuration may involve an electric building system 100 or battery network 500 having multiple battery systems 300, in some embodiments, such battery configuration determination may involve an electric building system 100 or battery network 500 having only a single battery system 300, or may be applied at the level of a single battery system 300 (e.g., regardless of and without knowledge of the presence of other battery systems 300 in the electric building system 100 or battery network 500).

[0090] Furthermore, while various embodiments relate to determining a battery configuration for long-term use to support typical use of a load source 200, in some embodiments, atypical or emergency power needs can be identified and a temporary battery configuration can be suggested. For example, in special circumstances, when usage patterns deviate from normal, one or more batteries 305 can be moved between end uses (e.g., between different battery systems 300). In some examples, a sub-battery pack can be brought from one load source 200 to another to facilitate this need. In another example, it can be suggested to add batteries 305 to the battery system 300 or replace replacement batteries 305 to accommodate temporary or atypical power needs (e.g., during a grid outage, during a vacation when cooking may be more frequent, during a heat wave, etc.).

[0091] In various embodiments, removal, insertion, or replacement of battery 305 may be performed manually by a user. However, some embodiments may include a mobile, autonomous device that transfers power between appliances via portable batteries or battery replacement.

[0092] Additionally, in some embodiments, onboard or network control laws can adapt to usage patterns, which can allow a given battery capacity to be adapted to anticipated demand. Furthermore, these laws in various embodiments can be configured to adapt to local time-of-use rates, allowing for behind-the-scenes energy arbitrage. The implementation of these control laws can be based on reinforcement learning and control techniques, accompanied by a best-practice user interface that allows homeowners to monitor and adjust.

[0093] Steering Figure 6 , shows an exemplary embodiment of an inductive heating adapter 600 that includes a base portion 610 and an adapter portion 650 electrically coupled via a connection 680 (e.g., a wire). The base portion 610 includes a first coil 620 and a second coil 630 disposed between a first ferrite 622 and a second ferrite 632. The adapter portion 650 defines a cavity 652 and includes a third coil 660 and a third ferrite 662.

[0094] As shown in this example, the induction heating adapter 600 can be positioned on the burner area 127 of the stove top 126 of the stove 125, with the cooking vessel 601 positioned within a cavity 652 defined by the adapter portion 650. The burner area 127 of the stove 125 can include a stove coil 690 positioned below or within the stove top 126. In various embodiments, the first coil 112 and the second coil 114 of the base portion 610 can serve as an intermediary wireless transformer to communicate power to the adapter portion 650 via the connection 680, thereby inductively heating the cooking vessel 601.

[0095] For example, in various embodiments, the first coil 620 can be flat and positioned adjacent to the furnace coil 690 of the induction furnace 125 (e.g., on the furnace roof 126 at the burner area 127). In various embodiments, the second coil 630 can be flat and positioned adjacent to the first coil 112 such that the first coil 620 induces a canceling current 850 in the second coil 620 (see, e.g., Figure 8 ). The third coil 660 can be electrically connected to the second coil 630 (e.g., via connection 680) so that current can be driven in the third coil 660. The third coil 660 can be curved, or have another specialized or desired form factor geometry, such that a curved cooking vessel 610 (e.g., a pot or pan) can be positioned sufficiently close to the third coil 660 (e.g., within the cavity 652) to induce a canceling current 850 in the cooking vessel 610 to cause inductive heating of the cooking vessel 601 and thereby allow inductive cooking in the cooking vessel 601.

[0096] In some embodiments, the base portion 610 can be a unitary body including the first and second coils 620, 630 and the first and second ferrites 622, 632. For example, the first and second coils 620, 630 and the first and second ferrites 622, 632 can be disposed together within a housing. However, in some embodiments, the base portion can include any number of separate bodies, units, pieces, etc. (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.). For example, in one embodiment, the first coil 620 and the first ferrite 622 are disposed together (e.g., within a first housing), and the second coil 630 and the second ferrite 632 are disposed together (e.g., within a second housing separate from the first housing).

[0097] In some examples, such an embodiment in which the base portion 610 comprises two separate pieces may be desirable to allow for the use of different versions of such elements, such as using different sized first coils 620, different types of first coils 620, different configurations of first coils 620, etc., as may be required based on different furnaces 125, furnace tops 126, burner zones 127, etc. In some examples, such a modular configuration may be desirable to allow for the use of different adapter portions 650. Additionally, as discussed, one or both of the first ferrite 622 and the second ferrite 632 may not be present in the base portion 610 or its pieces.

[0098] In some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can be separate from the base portion 610 or a portion of the base portion 610 other than the connection 680, or the adapter portion 650 can be coupled to the base portion 610 or a portion of the base portion 610. For example, Figure 7 An embodiment 700 of the induction heating adapter 600 is shown, and wherein the base portion 610 includes a first unit 710 and a separate second unit 720, wherein the first unit 710 includes a first coil 620 and a first ferrite 622, and the second unit 720 includes a second coil 630 and a second ferrite 632. The second unit 720 and the adapter portion 650 may be coupled via at least the connection 680 and may define a top unit 730.

[0099] Figure 12 An embodiment 1200 of the induction heating adapter 600 is shown in which the base portion 610 is connected via a plurality of adapter arms 1210 (only one of the plurality of adapter arms 1210 is connected in the embodiment 1200 of FIG. Figure 126 (which is visible in the figure) is coupled to the adapter portion 650, thereby securing the adapter portion 650 to the base portion 610 or a portion thereof. For example, such a base portion can be a single, integral unit or can include separate first and second units. In some embodiments, one or more connections 680 can extend around or within one of the adapter arms 1210. In various embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can be coupled to the base portion 610 via multiple adapter arms 1210 such that the respective centers of the first coil 620, the second coil 630, and the third coil 660, as well as the center of the concave curved cavity 652, are arranged along a common axis. In further embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can be coupled to the base portion 610 in various suitable ways.

[0100] In some modular embodiments, use of the induction heating adapter 600 can include placing a first body (e.g., including the first coil 620) on the burner area 127 of the stove top 126 of the stove 125, covering the stove coil 690, and placing a second body (e.g., including the second coil 630) on the first body. Some embodiments can include complementary grooves, notches, pins, slots, etc. (e.g., defined by one or both of the first and / or second bodies), which, in some examples, can be configured to properly align or couple the second body to the first body. In some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can be coupled to the second unit, or the adapter portion 650 can then be placed on the second unit. The cooking vessel 601 can be placed in the cavity 652 of the adapter portion 650. The stove coil 690 in the burner area 127 can be turned on, thereby generating current in the connection 680 via the base portion 610 and inductively heating the cooking vessel 601 via the adapter portion 650.

[0101] While various embodiments discussed herein relate to an adapter portion 650 and a separate cooking vessel 601, in some embodiments, a cooking vessel 601 can include one or more coils (e.g., integrally), and such a cooking vessel 601 can be coupled to a base portion 610 via a connection 680, or can be inserted into the base portion 610 (e.g., via a connection 680). In some embodiments, such a cooking vessel 601 having one or more coils can be a curved cooking vessel 601, or can be a flat cooking vessel 601, such as a heating pad, a baking sheet, a paella pan, a frying pan, a skillet, a crepe pan, a teppanyaki grill, a pizza grill, a baking sheet, a non-stick frying pan, or the like.

[0102] In some embodiments, this inductive heating can occur automatically when the oven coil 690 is turned on. However, in some embodiments, the inductive heating adapter 600 can include a switch or the like that can control the flow of current to the connection 680, control the flow of current to the third coil 660, etc. In some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can include a sensor that detects whether the cooking vessel 601 is properly present in the cavity 652 of the adapter portion 650 (e.g., a physical button pressed by the cooking vessel 601, or a suitable cooking vessel sensor such as an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a weight or pressure sensor, etc.), and prevents current from flowing to the third coil 660 or the connection 680 if it is determined that the cooking vessel 601 is not properly present in the cavity 652 of the adapter portion 650.

[0103] Steering Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the ferrite (e.g., the first ferrite 622, the second ferrite 632, or the third ferrite 662) can be a ceramic element including a combination of iron oxide (Fe2O3) and other metals (such as nickel, zinc, or manganese oxide). Although some example ferrites may be related to ceramic materials having ferromagnetic properties, in some embodiments, the ferrite can include any suitable composition that improves the effectiveness of induction, etc. For example, in some embodiments, one or more ferrites can include a malleable soft magnet (e.g., a malleable soft ferromagnet), which in some embodiments can enable the third coil 116 to have flexibility, scalability, configurability, etc., as discussed herein.

[0104] In various examples, ferrites can have electromagnetic properties that are desirable in various embodiments discussed herein, including induction heating applications, among others. For example, ferrites can have high magnetic permeability, which can mean that the ferrites can be easily magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field, which can help concentrate and direct the magnetic flux generated by the induction coil. In another example, ferrites can have low electrical conductivity, which can help control and direct the magnetic field while minimizing eddy currents within the associated coils. Eddy currents can cause energy losses and reduce the efficiency of the induction heating process, so using ferrites in some examples can help mitigate these losses. In another example, ferrites can have heat resistance, which can allow such ferrites to withstand the high temperatures generated by the induction coils during cooking and prevent the ferrites from physically breaking down or losing or degrading the properties discussed above when exposed to heat.

[0105] In the context of the induction stove coil 690 and other coils discussed herein (e.g., coils 620, 630, 660), ferrites can be used as core materials within and / or around the windings of such coils. Such ferrites can help shape and concentrate the magnetic field generated by the coil, directing it to one or more desired elements, such as another coil, the cooking vessel 601, etc. In some embodiments, a third ferrite 662 associated with the third coil 660 can enhance the efficiency of energy transfer from the third coil 660 to the cooking vessel 601 by focusing or concentrating the magnetic flux generated by the third coil 660 and reducing energy losses within the third coil 660. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first ferrite 622 and / or the second ferrite 632 can enhance the efficiency of energy transfer associated with the base unit 610 (e.g., energy transfer between and / or among the stove coil 690, the first coil 620, and / or the second coil 630).

[0106] Thus, by incorporating ferrites or ferrite materials into the inductive heating adapter 600 (e.g., associated with one or more coils), the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the inductive heating adapter 600 can be improved while ensuring safety and durability even under high-temperature cooking conditions. However, in some embodiments, some or all of the ferrites discussed herein may be completely or partially absent, and thus the specific examples herein should not be construed as limiting.

[0107] For example, Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which a first coil 620, a second coil 630, and a third coil 660 are associated with a first ferrite 622, a second ferrite 632, and a third ferrite 662, respectively. In this example, the ferrites 622, 632, and 662 extend radially from the center of the respective coils 620, 630, and 660, wherein the example shows the ferrites 622, 632, and 662 as having four longitudinal rectangular arms arranged at equal angles (i.e., 90 degrees) relative to each other in a cross configuration. However, further embodiments may include any suitable number of such radial arms arranged at the same or different angles relative to each other, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 24, 48, 96, etc., or a range between such example values. However, as discussed herein, one or more of the first ferrite 622, the second ferrite 632, and the third ferrite 662 may not be present, or the ferrites may be present in other suitable shapes or configurations.

[0108] In various embodiments, the desired, suitable, or optimal distance between the induction coil and the bottom of the cooking vessel 601 for efficient heating may depend on the design and power of the induction coil, as well as the properties of the cooking vessel 601 being used. For example, as discussed herein, induction heating can operate via magnetic induction, where the magnetic field generated by the coil induces eddy currents in the (e.g., ferrous) material of the cooking vessel 601. In various examples, the closer the cooking vessel 601 is to the coil, the more efficient the energy transfer may be, and the more efficient the heating process may be.

[0109] If cooking container 601 is too far from the coil, the magnetic field may not induce sufficient eddy currents in the cookware, resulting in slower or inefficient heating. On the other hand, if cooking container 601 is too close to the coil, this may lead to problems such as overheating of the coil itself or potential damage to electronics or other systems associated with the coil due to excessive heat transfer. Furthermore, in some examples, the proximity of cooking container 601 may disrupt optimal operation of safety features, potentially detecting the proximity of cooking container 601 as a malfunction or safety hazard.

[0110] In some embodiments, the optimal, suitable, or desired distance between the coil and the cooking container 601 can be 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, etc., or a range between such example values. In a preferred embodiment, the optimal, suitable, or desired distance is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0111] Creating a consistent distance between a flat coil and a cooking vessel 601 having a flat base can be fairly straightforward; however, for a cooking vessel 601 having a generally curved base (e.g., a wok), the flat coil, stove top 126, or burner area 127 can result in a majority of the base surface area, or a significant proportion of the base surface, not being within the optimal, suitable, or desired distance, causing a majority of the base surface area, or a significant proportion of the base surface, of the cooking vessel 601 to be insufficiently heated or not heated at all, which can be undesirable for cooking.

[0112] In various embodiments, the cooking vessel 601 can have circular radial symmetry, have a completely curved base, or have a flat base with flat and curved portions, or have vertical sidewalls, etc. For example, Figure 13a An example of a cooking vessel 601 is shown that includes a completely continuous curved base 1305 that includes a base lowest point 1310 that is the point or small area from which the curved sidewall 1320 extends. Figure 13bAn example of a cooking vessel 601 is shown that includes a partially curved base 1305 including a base lowest point 1310 that is a flat area from which a curved sidewall 1320 extends. Figure 13c An example of a cooking vessel 601 is shown that includes a flat base 1305 that includes a base lowest point 1310 that is a flat area from which vertical sidewalls 1320 extend. Figure 13a 、 Figure 13b and Figure 13c In the example of , the cooking container can have a base plane or axis B and a top plane or axis T, and the base 1305 can at least partially define a cooking cavity 1330. These examples should not be considered limiting, and the sidewall 1320 can be a straight line, an elliptical arc, a circular arc, a parabola, or other suitable regular or irregular curve, a slope, etc.

[0113] As discussed herein, the adapter portion 650 of the induction heating adapter 600 (e.g., the third coil 660 and / or the third ferrite 662) can be configured to define a cavity 652 having an appropriate shape (such as the shapes discussed above) that may or may not directly match or correspond to the entire base 1305 or a portion of the base 1305 of one or more cooking vessels 601.

[0114] In various embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can be configured to create an optimal, suitable, or desired operating distance (e.g., between 1 mm and 5 mm) between the third coil 660 and the base 1305 of the cooking vessel 601 covering a certain amount or percentage of the surface area of ​​the base 1305 of the cooking vessel 601. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can be configured to create an optimal, suitable, or desired distance between the third coil 660 and the base 1305 of the cooking vessel 601 that is at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 square inches, etc., or a range between such example values. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 can be configured to produce an optimal, suitable, or desired distance between the third coil 660 and the base 1305 of the cooking vessel 601 that is at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, etc., of the base 1305, or a range between such example values.

[0115] In various embodiments, the cavity 652 of the adapter portion 650 can be concave and can have circular radial symmetry, with the depth of the cavity being defined by the distance between the smallest edge of the base and the top edge of the adapter portion 650 that defines the cavity 652 (e.g., see Figure 13b , which shows a similar depth D and width W. For example, in some embodiments, the depth of cavity 652 can be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, etc., or a range between such example values. In some embodiments, the width of cavity 652 can be greater than or equal to 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, 48 ​​inches, etc., or a range between such example values.

[0116] In some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 and / or the third coil 660 can be configured to change shape and / or size. In some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 and / or the third coil 660 can be adjustable such that the shape of the adapter portion 650 can be adjusted to accommodate different curved cooking containers or flat cooking containers. For example, in some such embodiments, the third coil 660 can be telescopic such that the height along the length of the radius of the third coil can be raised and lowered to accommodate different shapes, contours, and / or sizes of the cooking container 601. For example, the telescopic third coil 660 can be configured to accommodate the shape, contour, and / or size of the cooking container 601, such as Figure 13a 、 Figure 13b and Figure 13c As shown in , cooking containers 601 of different diameters are included; cooking containers 601 with and without a flat planar portion defining a minimum base 1310; different diameters of the flat planar portion defining the minimum base 1310; side walls 1320 of different lengths; side walls with different slopes and / or curvatures; steep or gentle slopes or curvatures; etc.

[0117] For example, in one example, the third coil 660 may be capable of increasing or decreasing its curvature by 30%. In some embodiments, the third coil 660 can be configured to increase and / or decrease its curvature by at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or the like, or a range between such example values. In some embodiments, the third coil 660 can be configured to have a maximum height variation (e.g., at the edge of the telescoping third coil 660, the maximum height variation is at least 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, or a range between such example values). In some embodiments, the width of the third coil 660 can be expanded.

[0118] In some embodiments, the adapter portion 650 and / or the third coil 660 can be detachable (e.g., via connection 680) so that different adapter portions 650 and / or third coils 660 can be coupled to the base portion 610, which may be desirable to allow adapter portions 650 and / or third coils 660 of different shapes, sizes, and configurations to be provided based on the cooking vessel 601 being used.

[0119] Furthermore, while various embodiments of the cooking container 610 and adapter portion 650 may have circular radial symmetry, further embodiments may have various suitable shapes, such as rectangular regular prisms, trapezoidal regular prisms, hemispherical regular prisms, cones, cylinders, etc. Therefore, the examples shown and discussed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0120] Similarly, although various embodiments discussed herein relate to coils having (eg, substantially) circular radial symmetry (eg, Figure 2 ), including a flat or pancake coil and a coil defining a cavity 652, but the coil can define a variety of other suitable shapes, including a flat shape (e.g., a square or rectangular shape) or a three-dimensional shape as discussed herein. Furthermore, while some examples may include an adapter portion 650 having a single coil (e.g., the third coil 660), further embodiments may include an adapter portion 650 having multiple coils. For example, a first, central adapter portion coil can be flat and configured to correspond to a cooking vessel 601 having a flat base lowest point 1310, and at least a second, peripheral adapter portion coil can be configured to correspond to a curved, angled, or vertical sidewall 1320 of the cooking vessel 601.

[0121] Furthermore, while some embodiments may include pairs of flat coils arranged in adjacent, separate, parallel planes, in further embodiments, any other suitable coil arrangement may be used, including nested coils, bifilar coils, and the like. Furthermore, in various embodiments, adjacent coils may be wound in the same direction (e.g., both clockwise or both counterclockwise), or may be wound in opposite directions (e.g., one clockwise and one counterclockwise). Furthermore, the coils discussed herein may be made from a variety of suitable materials and have a variety of suitable configurations, such as copper, aluminum, ferrite, silver, and the like. In some embodiments, the coils may include Litz wire, such as a wire comprised of multiple individual insulated strands twisted or braided together. The coils may include a variety of suitable structures or components, such as a core material, coil wire, insulation, sheathing, housing, and the like. Such coils and materials may be configured to be heat-resistant, thereby achieving desired electromagnetic properties, and the like. Some or all of the coils of the induction heating adapter 600 may have the same or different structures, compositions, or materials.

[0122] In various embodiments, the first coil 620 can be a flat, planar coil such that it can be positioned on one or more flat burner areas 127 of the furnace roof 126 of the induction furnace 125. In various embodiments, the first coil 620 can be configured to receive energy from the induction furnace coil 690 and inductively transfer this heat energy to the second coil 630. In various embodiments, the shape of the second coil 630 can be complementary to the shape of the first coil 620 such that the second coil 630 can be positioned or positioned adjacent to the first coil 620 to enable inductive energy exchange therebetween. In various embodiments, the second coil 630 can be a flat coil having approximately the same size as the first coil 620.

[0123] For wireless power transfer between the first coil 620 and the second coil 630, it is desirable that the impedance of the driving circuit of the first coil 620 matches the impedance of the second coil 630. This can be achieved in various suitable ways, including, for example, Figure 9 The electrical schematic 900 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first coil 620 and a second coil 630 with a ferrite 910 therebetween. The first coil 620 may receive power (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ) from a power supply 920 (e.g., approximately 60 V, 30 kHz) to the furnace 125. Figure 6 , powered wirelessly via a power connection to the furnace coil 690). In various embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown in diagram 1000 , the inductive heating adapter 600 may include a matching capacitor 1010 and / or a matching inductor 1020 for matching impedance.

[0124] In some embodiments, the inductive heating adapter 600 can have a connection 680, such as one or more wires, which, in various examples, are used to electrically connect components such as the base portion 610 and the adapter portion 650. In some embodiments, the second coil 630 and the third coil 660 are electrically connected via one or more connections 680. In some embodiments, the inductive heating adapter 600 can have any suitable number of connections 680, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc., or a range between such example values. For example, in an embodiment in which the inductive heating adapter 600 has a burner assembly coil as described herein, the inductive heating adapter 600 can include additional connections 680 that connect the burner assembly coil to one or more other coils of the inductive heating adapter 600 (e.g., to the first coil 620).

[0125] In some embodiments, the induction heating adapter 600 may have additional coils or coils with different configurations or locations. Figure 11 As shown in exemplary embodiment 1100 of the induction heating adapter 600, an extension coil 1120 can be electrically coupled to the first coil 620 via one or more connections 680 (e.g., wires). For example, the first coil 620 of the induction heating adapter 600 may be incorrectly sized such that the first coil 620 does not fit within or is otherwise incompatible with the desired induction stove burner area 127 of the stove 125 (e.g., the first coil 620 may be too small). In some such examples, the induction heating adapter 600 may include an extension coil 1120 (e.g., a burner assembly coil) connected to the first coil 620 via one or more connections 680. In some such embodiments, the extension coil 1120 can be positioned over the burner area 127 of the stove roof 126 of the stove 125 and electrically attached to the first coil 620, wherein the first coil 620 is not located over the burner area 127 of the stove roof 126 of the stove 125. The extension coil 1120 may or may not include a ferrite 1122.

[0126] In another embodiment 1400, such as Figure 14As shown in FIG, the base portion 610 of the induction heating adapter 600 can be configured to power the plurality of adapter portions 650 via respective couplers 680 (e.g., via separate wires, taps, etc.). For example, the first adapter portion 650A can include a third coil 660 as discussed herein, and the second adapter portion can include a fourth coil 1460 (e.g., a second third coil 660). As discussed herein, the third coil 660 and the fourth coil 1460 of the first adapter portion 650A and the second adapter portion 650B can be configured to inductively heat the respective first and second cooking containers 601 ( Figure 14 However, in some embodiments, the third coil 660 and the fourth coil 1460 of the first adapter portion 650A and the second adapter portion 650B can be configured to inductively heat a single cooking vessel 601 ( Figure 14 Additionally, in some embodiments, a single adapter portion 650 can include multiple coils (eg, a third coil 660 and a fourth coil 1460).

[0127] Although Figure 14 The example shows two coils (i.e., third coil 660 and fourth coil 1460) powered by a single base portion 610, but further embodiments may include any suitable number of coils powered by a single base portion 610, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 25, 50, 100, etc., or ranges between such example values. Similarly, there may be any suitable number of separate adapter portions 650 that may include one or more coils, where the number of separate adapter portions 650 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 25, 50, 100, etc., or ranges between such example values. Furthermore, the base portion 610 may be configured in various suitable ways and may include a first coil 620 ( Figure 14 ), or other suitable configurations.

[0128] In some embodiments, one or more switches can be configured to turn on and off (individually or collectively) the plurality of separate adapter portions 650. In some embodiments, one or more resistance selectors (e.g., resistor knobs) can be configured to adjust the amount of energy delivered (individually or collectively) to the plurality of separate adapter portions 660. For example, the energy distributed to the two separate adapter portions 650A, 650B can be set so that the first adapter portion 650A can be used for high temperature cooking purposes, while the second adapter portion 650B can be used to maintain the cooking container 601 at a low temperature to maintain food temperature, simmer, keep warm, etc.

[0129] In some embodiments, multiple base portions 610 can provide power to a single adapter portion 650. For example, Figure 15 An exemplary embodiment 1500 is shown that includes a first base portion 610A and a second base portion 610B disposed on respective first and second burner zones 127A, 127B on a roof 126 of a furnace 125. The first and second base portions 610A, 610B can be electrically coupled via a first connection 680A and can be used together to power the adapter portion 650 via a second connection 680B.

[0130] Although Figure 15 The example of FIG. 5 shows the first base portion 610A and the second base portion 610B coupled to each other via first and second connections 680A, 680B between the second base portion 610B and the adapter portion 650, but in further embodiments, such elements may be suitably electrically coupled by various suitable means, including connections 680 from both the first base portion 610A and the second base portion 610B to the adapter portion 650. Furthermore, the adapter portion 650 may be disposed in various suitable locations, such as on top of one of the base portions 610 as discussed herein, near the furnace 125, on the furnace roof 126, etc.

[0131] Although Figure 15 While the example of FIG. 6 illustrates a first base portion 610A and a second base portion 610B powering a single adapter portion 650, further embodiments may include adapter portions 650 powered by any suitable number of base portions 610 (including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc., or ranges between such example values). Similarly, there may be any suitable number of separate adapter portions 650 that may include one or more coils, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 25, 50, 100, etc., or ranges between such example values. For example, in some embodiments, a single adapter portion 650 may include multiple coils. Furthermore, one or more base portions 610 may be configured in any suitable manner and may include a first coil 620 and / or a second coil 630 that may, in some examples, be stacked as discussed herein or in other suitable configurations.

[0132] While various examples herein relate to an inductive heating adapter 600 having an adapter portion 650 for inductive heating of a cooking vessel 601, further embodiments may be configured to power any suitable type of appliance, device, machine, tool, instrument, equipment, system, etc. For example, Figure 16aAn exemplary embodiment 6000 is shown in which a base portion 610 of an induction heating adapter 600 is electrically coupled to a load source 200 via a connection 680. The base portion 610 can be configured to generate the electrical current discussed herein based on an association with the burner zones 127 on the roof 126 of the furnace 125. Thus, the furnace 125 can be configured to power the load source 200 via the base portion 610 and the connection 680.

[0133] In some embodiments, the load source 200 may include, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The load sources shown and described are heat pumps 120, electric stoves 125, refrigerators 130, electric cars 135, water heaters 140, electric floor heating elements 145, etc. In some embodiments, such load sources 200 may include kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, microwave ovens, toasters, blenders, electric kettles, coffee makers, food processors, mixers, electric grills, slow cookers, rice cookers, juicers, stand mixers, electric can openers, bread makers, etc. In some embodiments, the load sources 200 may include televisions, computers, laptops, printers, scanners, Wi-Fi routers, heaters, fans, vent hoods, vacuum cleaners, irons, hair dryers, electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, sewing machines, electric drills, electric screwdrivers, electric lawn mowers, electric blankets, alarm clocks, stereo systems, game consoles, electric pianos, treadmills, electric fireplaces, etc.

[0134] In such Figure 16b In various embodiments shown in FIG, the connection may include a suitable electrical plug 1650 that can allow the inductive heating adapter 600 to power any suitable appliance, device, machine, tool, instrument, equipment, system, etc. that can be plugged into the electrical plug 1650. The inductive heating adapter 600 can generate various suitable types of electricity, including 120V, 240V, etc. Furthermore, while some examples may include a single base portion 610, further embodiments may include any suitable number of base units 610 electrically coupled in various suitable manners and arrangements as discussed herein. Similarly, such one or more base units 610 can be configured to power any suitable plurality of load sources 200, appliances, devices, machines, tools, instruments, equipment, systems, etc. In various embodiments, the electrical plug 1650 may include or be associated with an inverter.

[0135] In some embodiments, such an electrical plug 1650 can be a male or female plug (e.g., NEMA 5-15P, NEMA 5-15R, etc.), which in some examples can allow the furnace 125 to receive power from an external source via the induction heating adapter 600. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical plug 1650 can be plugged into the receptacle 165 (see, e.g., Figure 1 、 Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c ), which can be part of or associated with the power distribution system 150, the load source 200, the battery 305, etc. The inductive heating adapter 600 receives power via the plug 1650 of the connection 680, and when the base unit is placed on the burner area 127 on the stove top 126 of the stove 125, the base unit 610 can wirelessly inductively transfer power to the stove coil 690. In various embodiments, this can work in reverse, with the stove coil 690 wirelessly inductively transferring power to the base unit 610.

[0136] In various embodiments, the power obtained by the oven 125 can be stored in the battery 305 of the oven 125, can be used to power the oven 125 (e.g., the oven, one or more oven coils 690, the battery system 305, etc.), or can be used to power other devices, appliances, or load sources 200 that can be electrically connected to the oven 125 (e.g., via the oven's outlet 165, the induction heating adapter 600, etc.). In some embodiments, the oven 125 can be operated partially or entirely via power obtained via the induction heating adapter 600, such that the oven 125 does not need to be plugged into the outlet 135 to operate in whole or in part.

[0137] In various embodiments, one or more induction heating adapters 600 may be configured to operate in a manner such as Figure 1 、 Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b 、 Figure 3c For example, one or more inductive heating adapters 600 may allow the furnace 125 to be part of an electric building system 100 as discussed herein, including intelligent sharing, use, and / or storage of power among one or more other load sources 200, batteries 305, and the like.

[0138] In various embodiments, the induction heating adapter 600 can be any suitably complex or simple system. For example, in some embodiments, the induction heating adapter 600 can include Figure 4 4, such as one or more batteries 305, processor 410, memory 420, clock 430, battery control system 440, communication system 450, interface 460, and power bus 470. However, in some embodiments, these elements may be explicitly absent, and inductive heating adapter 600 may be a simple passive, non-electronic device.

[0139] In some embodiments, the furnace 125 can be configured to identify the presence of an inductive heating adapter 600 on a given burner zone 127 on the furnace roof 126 of the furnace 125. In some examples, this can include simply identifying the presence of an inductive heating adapter 600; the type of inductive heating adapter 600 (e.g., based on a model number or identified features of the inductive heating adapter 600); a unique identifier (e.g., a MAC address, etc.). In some embodiments, the operation of the furnace 125 can be configured based on the identified information regarding the presence, identity, or characteristics of the inductive heating adapter 600. For example, the furnace 125 can identify one or more characteristics or identities of the inductive heating adapter 600 and cause the furnace coil 690 at the burner zone 127 where the inductive heating adapter 600 is located to select and generate a waveform appropriate for the characteristics or identity of the heating adapter 600.

[0140] For example, a method may include the stove 125 (e.g., the battery system 300) determining a characteristic or identity of an inductive heating adapter 600 disposed at a burner zone 127 of the stove top 126; determining a suitable inductive waveform based at least in part on the determined characteristic or identity of the inductive heating adapter 600; and causing the stove coil 690 to generate the determined waveform, which waveform causes a cooking vessel 601 disposed in the inductive heating adapter 600 to be inductively heated. The presence, identity, or characteristic of the inductive heating adapter 600 may be determined in various suitable ways, including via an RFID tag associated with the inductive heating adapter 600; a resistor having a certain value; or wirelessly transmitting information, such as via near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. In some embodiments, the stove 125 may have four burner zones 127, each burner zone configured to recognize the presence, identity, or characteristic of the inductive heating adapter 600 at the corresponding burner zone 127.

[0141] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to cool the induction heating adapter 600 during operation (e.g., to cool one or more coils). Figure 12 An exemplary embodiment 1200 is shown that includes a fan 1220 and / or other suitable thermal control elements. In various embodiments, power for such elements can be obtained from one or more coils of the inductive heating adapter 600, which can include power obtained from an inductor circuit (e.g., a set of coils) via a bridge rectifier and / or a current limiter.

[0142] Steering Figure 17, shows a method 1700 for using an embodiment of the induction heating adapter 600. The method 1700 begins at 1710, where the first coil 620 is positioned on the induction furnace 125, and at 1720, the second coil 630 is positioned on the first coil 620, which in various embodiments enables induction to occur between the first coil 620 and the second coil 630.

[0143] At 1730, the cooking vessel 601 is placed into the adapter portion 650 of the induction stove adapter 600. In various embodiments, the adapter portion 650 includes an adapter coil 660 electrically connected to the second coil 630 via a connection 680. The method 1700 proceeds to 1740 where the induction stove 125 is activated, which can cause the stove coil 690 to generate a current via the first coil 620 and the second coil 630, which powers the adapter coil 660 to cause inductive heating of the cooking vessel 601 disposed in the adapter portion 650.

[0144] In various embodiments, this method 1700 may be able to utilize an induction burner adapter 600 to heat a curved cooking vessel 601 (e.g., a wok) with an induction burner 125. The method 1700 may be implemented using various suitable induction burner adapters 600, including at least one of the induction burner adapters 600 discussed herein.

[0145] At 1710, positioning the first coil 620 on the induction furnace 125 can be used to transfer energy from the induction furnace 125 to the induction furnace adapter 600. In some embodiments, this may require positioning the first coil 620 over the burner area 127 of the furnace roof 126 and sufficiently close to the furnace coil 690 at the burner area 127. If the size of the first coil 620 does not adequately match the size of the furnace coil at the burner area 127, an additional adapter may be required in some examples.

[0146] At 1720, positioning the second coil 630 adjacent to the first coil 620 can be used to enable energy transfer between the first coil 620 and the second coil 630. In various embodiments, the second coil 630 can be placed / positioned on top of the first coil 620. In some embodiments, there can be a locking / connection mechanism so that the second coil 630 "locks" into place on the first coil 620. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the first coil 620 and the second coil 630 can have complementary grooves so that the second coil 630 can be positioned in a unique manner to ensure that the second coil 630 is close enough to enable induction between the first coil 620 and the second coil 630.

[0147] At 1730, placing an adapted curved cooking vessel 601 on the adapter portion 650 can be used to position the cooking vessel 601 to be heated on the induction heating adapter 600 in such a manner that energy transfer can occur via induction between the third coil 660 of the adapter portion 650 and the adapted cooking vessel 601. Because the third coil 660 can be directly connected to the second coil 630 via the connection 680, proper positioning of the curved cooking vessel 601 can be achieved by controlling the induction burner 125 to effect heating of the cooking vessel 601 and, therefore, the cooking vessel 601. In some embodiments, the curved cooking vessel 601 can be unique, such that the shape of the third coil 660 and / or the adapter portion 650 is specifically adapted to the shape of the cooking vessel 601. In some embodiments, the third coil 660 and / or the adapter portion 650 can be flexible, and the shape of the third coil 660 and / or the adapter portion 650 can be modified to enable proper coupling with the cooking vessel 601 so that the cooking vessel 601 is sufficiently induction heated as discussed herein (e.g., based on an appropriate distance between the third coil 660 and the cooking vessel 601).

[0148] Activating the induction burner at 1740 can provide heating to the curved cooking vessel 601. Once the induction heating adapter 600 and cooking vessel components are correctly or properly positioned, activating the induction burner 125 can provide the desired type of cooking or any other type of heating as desired via the cooking vessel 601.

[0149] As used herein, terms such as first, second, third, fourth, etc. are used to characterize and distinguish various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be interpreted as being limited by these terms. The use of numerical terms can be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and / or part from another element, component, region, layer and / or part. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of such numerical terms does not mean order or sequence. Without departing from the embodiments and variants of this paper, such digital references can be used interchangeably. In addition, numerical terms should not be used to imply that specific elements are needed in some embodiments. For example, some embodiments may include a first coil 620 and a third coil 660, but lack a second coil 630. In some embodiments, a second coil 630 and a third coil 660 may be present without the first coil 620.

[0150] Some embodiments may include a system for a wireless power transfer induction heating adapter, the system comprising: a set of coils, the set of coils comprising: a first coil, the first coil being flat and forming a bottom surface of the adapter; a second coil, the second coil being flat and positioned above the first coil; and a third coil having a curved form factor shape; a set of optional ferrites, the set of ferrites comprising: a first ferrite positioned near and below the first coil; a second ferrite positioned near and above the second coil; and a third ferrite positioned below and near the third coil; and an electrical connector electrically connecting the second coil and the third coil.

[0151] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in terms of:

[0152] 1. An induction heating adapter, comprising:

[0153] A base portion, the base portion comprising:

[0154] Flat first coil

[0155] Flat second coil

[0156] a first ferrite defined by a first plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms extending radially from a center of the planar first coil, the first plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms being disposed in a common plane and at the same angle to one another, and

[0157] a second ferrite defined by a second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms extending radially from a center of the planar second coil, the second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms being disposed in a common plane and at the same angle to one another,

[0158] the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the first ferrite, and the second ferrite being arranged in a stacked configuration, wherein the flat second coil is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat first coil, the second ferrite is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat second coil, and the first ferrite is arranged below and directly adjacent to the flat first coil;

[0159] an adapter portion defining a concave curved cavity having circular radial symmetry, having a maximum diameter of at least 6 inches and a maximum depth of at least 3 inches, the adapter portion including a curved third coil and a curved third ferrite corresponding to the concave curved cavity, the adapter portion being configured to create a suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and the base of a curved cooking vessel within a range of 1 mm to 5 mm, covering at least 50 square inches of a surface area of ​​the base of the curved cooking vessel and covering at least 60% of the surface area of ​​the base of the curved cooking vessel disposed in the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion; and

[0160] an electrical connection between the flat second coil and the curved third coil, the electrical connection comprising a wire configured to convey current generated by the flat second coil to the curved third coil,

[0161] wherein the base portion has a flat bottom configured to be positioned on a flat burner area of ​​a flat stovetop of an induction stove, wherein the curved cooking vessel is positioned within a concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion, and

[0162] wherein the flat burner area of ​​the induction stove includes a stove coil disposed below and within the flat stove top, the stove coil being configured to inductively and wirelessly generate an electric current in the base portion, wherein the flat first coil and the flat second coil of the base portion serve as an intermediary wireless transformer to convey the electric current to the curved third coil of the adapter portion via the electrical connection to cause inductive heating of a curved cooking vessel disposed within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion to provide cooking using the curved cooking vessel.

[0163] 2. The induction heating adapter of clause 1, wherein the curved cooking container is a wok.

[0164] 3. An induction heating adapter as described in any one of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the adapter portion is coupled to the base portion via a plurality of adapter arms so that the respective centers of the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the curved third coil and the center of the concave curved cavity are arranged along a common axis.

[0165] 4. The induction heating adapter of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the induction heating adapter consists of:

[0166] The base part,

[0167] The adapter part, and

[0168] The electrical connection.

[0169] 5. An induction heating adapter, comprising:

[0170] A base portion, the base portion comprising:

[0171] Flat first coil

[0172] Flat second coil

[0173] a first ferrite, and

[0174] Second ferrite,

[0175] the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the first ferrite, and the second ferrite being arranged in a stacked configuration, wherein the flat second coil is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat first coil, the second ferrite is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat second coil, and the first ferrite is arranged below and directly adjacent to the flat first coil;

[0176] an adapter portion defining a concave curved cavity having circular radial symmetry, the adapter portion including a curved third coil and a curved third ferrite corresponding to the concave curved cavity, the adapter portion being configured to create a suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and a base of a curved cooking vessel disposed within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion;

[0177] an electrical connection between the flat second coil and the curved third coil, the electrical connection comprising a wire configured to convey current generated by the flat second coil to the curved third coil,

[0178] wherein the base portion has a flat bottom configured to be positioned on a flat burner area of ​​a flat stovetop of an induction stove, wherein the curved cooking vessel is positioned within a concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion, and

[0179] wherein the flat burner area of ​​the induction stove includes a stove coil disposed below and within the flat stove top, the stove coil being configured to inductively and wirelessly generate an electric current in the base portion, wherein the flat first coil and the flat second coil of the base portion serve as an intermediary wireless transformer to convey the electric current to the curved third coil of the adapter portion via the electrical connection to cause inductive heating of a curved cooking vessel disposed within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion to provide cooking using the curved cooking vessel.

[0180] 6. An inductive heating adapter as described in clause 5 or 5, wherein the first ferrite is defined by a first plurality of at least four longitudinal rectangular arms extending radially from the center of the flat first coil, the first plurality of at least four longitudinal rectangular arms being arranged in a common plane and at the same angle to each other, and

[0181] The second ferrite is defined by a second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms extending radially from a center of the planar second coil, the second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms being disposed in a common plane and at the same angle to one another.

[0182] 7. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 5 or 6, wherein the adapter portion defines a concavely curved cavity having circular radial symmetry with a maximum diameter of at least 6 inches and a maximum depth of at least 3 inches.

[0183] 8. The induction heating adapter of any one of clauses 5 to 7, wherein a suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and the base of the curved cooking vessel is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0184] 9. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 5 to 8, wherein the suitable operating distance covers at least 50 square inches of surface area of ​​the base of the curved cooking vessel.

[0185] 10. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 5 to 9, wherein the suitable operating distance covers at least 60% of the surface area of ​​the base of the curved cooking vessel.

[0186] 11. An induction heating adapter, comprising:

[0187] A base portion, the base portion comprising:

[0188] a flat first coil; and

[0189] Flat second coil

[0190] an adapter portion defining a curved cavity, the adapter portion including a curved third coil corresponding to the curved cavity, the adapter portion being configured to hold the curved container within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion; and

[0191] an electrical connection between the base portion and the adapter portion,

[0192] wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed on a burner area of ​​a furnace roof of an induction furnace, wherein the curved container is disposed within a curved cavity defined by the adapter portion, and

[0193] Wherein the burner region of the induction furnace includes a furnace coil configured to wirelessly generate an electric current in the base portion, the electric current causing inductive heating of a curved container disposed within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion.

[0194] 12. The inductive heating adapter of clause 11, wherein the base portion further comprises a first ferrite and a second ferrite.

[0195] 13. The inductive heating adapter of any of clauses 11 or 12, wherein the planar first coil and the planar second coil are arranged in a stacked configuration, wherein the planar second coil is arranged on top of and adjacent to the planar first coil.

[0196] 14. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the adapter portion defines a curved cavity having circular radial symmetry.

[0197] 15. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the adapter portion is configured to create a suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and a base of a curved container disposed within a curved cavity defined by the adapter portion.

[0198] 16. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the adapter portion comprises a curved third ferrite.

[0199] 17. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 11 to 16, wherein the electrical connection is between the flat second coil and the curved third coil.

[0200] 18. An induction heating adapter as described in any of clauses 11 to 17, wherein the furnace coil is configured to inductively and wirelessly generate an electric current in the base portion, wherein the flat first coil and the flat second coil of the base portion act as an intermediary wireless transformer to convey the electric current to the curved third coil of the adapter portion via the electrical connection to cause inductive heating of a curved container disposed within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion.

[0201] 19. The induction heating adapter of any of clauses 11 to 18, wherein the adapter portion defines a curved cavity having circular radial symmetry with a maximum diameter of at least 6 inches and a maximum depth of at least 3 inches.

[0202] 20. The induction heating adapter of any one of clauses 11 to 19, wherein the adapter portion is coupled to the base portion such that respective centers of the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the curved third coil, and the center of the curved cavity are disposed along a common axis.

[0203] The described embodiment is prone to various modifications and alternative forms, and its specific examples are shown in the drawings by way of example and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the described embodiment is not limited to the disclosed particular form or method, but on the contrary, the disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents and alternatives. In addition, the elements of a given embodiment should not be interpreted as being applicable only to the exemplary embodiment, so the elements of an exemplary embodiment may be applicable to other embodiments. In addition, in some embodiments, the elements specifically shown in some embodiments may clearly not exist in other embodiments. Therefore, the narration of the elements present in an example should be interpreted as supporting some embodiments in which such elements are clearly not present.

Claims

1. An induction heating adapter, comprising: A base portion, the base portion comprising: Flat first coil Flat second coil a first ferrite defined by a first plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms extending radially from a center of the planar first coil, the first plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms being disposed in a common plane and at the same angle to one another, and a second ferrite defined by a second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms extending radially from a center of the planar second coil, the second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms being disposed in a common plane and at the same angle to one another, the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the first ferrite, and the second ferrite being arranged in a stacked configuration, wherein the flat second coil is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat first coil, the second ferrite is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat second coil, and the first ferrite is arranged below and directly adjacent to the flat first coil; an adapter portion defining a concave curved cavity having circular radial symmetry, having a maximum diameter of at least 6 inches and a maximum depth of at least 3 inches, the adapter portion including a curved third coil and a curved third ferrite corresponding to the concave curved cavity, the adapter portion being configured to create a suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and the base of a curved cooking vessel within a range of 1 mm to 5 mm, covering at least 50 square inches of the surface area of ​​the base of the curved cooking vessel and covering at least 60% of the surface area of ​​the base of the curved cooking vessel disposed in the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion; and an electrical connection between the flat second coil and the curved third coil, the electrical connection comprising a wire configured to convey current generated by the flat second coil to the curved third coil, wherein the base portion has a flat bottom configured to be positioned on a flat burner area of ​​a flat stovetop of an induction stove, wherein the curved cooking vessel is positioned within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion, and wherein the flat burner area of ​​the induction stove includes a stove coil disposed below and within the flat stove top, the stove coil being configured to inductively and wirelessly generate an electric current in the base portion, wherein the flat first coil and the flat second coil of the base portion serve as an intermediary wireless transformer to convey the electric current to the curved third coil of the adapter portion via the electrical connection to cause inductive heating of the curved cooking vessel disposed within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion to provide cooking using the curved cooking vessel.

2. The induction heating adapter of claim 1, wherein the curved cooking container is a wok.

3. The induction heating adapter of claim 1 , wherein the adapter portion is coupled to the base portion via a plurality of adapter arms such that respective centers of the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the curved third coil, and the center of the concave curved cavity are disposed along a common axis.

4. The induction heating adapter of claim 1 , wherein the induction heating adapter is composed of: The base portion, the adapter portion, and The electrical connections.

5. An induction heating adapter, comprising: A base portion, the base portion comprising: Flat first coil Flat second coil a first ferrite, and Second ferrite, the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the first ferrite, and the second ferrite being arranged in a stacked configuration, wherein the flat second coil is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat first coil, the second ferrite is arranged on top of and directly adjacent to the flat second coil, and the first ferrite is arranged below and directly adjacent to the flat first coil; an adapter portion defining a concave curved cavity having circular radial symmetry, the adapter portion including a curved third coil and a curved third ferrite corresponding to the concave curved cavity, the adapter portion being configured to create a suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and a base of a curved cooking vessel disposed within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion; an electrical connection between the flat second coil and the curved third coil, the electrical connection comprising a wire configured to convey current generated by the flat second coil to the curved third coil, wherein the base portion has a flat bottom configured to be positioned on a flat burner area of ​​a flat stovetop of an induction stove, wherein the curved cooking vessel is positioned within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion, and wherein the flat burner area of ​​the induction stove includes a stove coil disposed below and within the flat stove top, the stove coil being configured to inductively and wirelessly generate an electric current in the base portion, wherein the flat first coil and the flat second coil of the base portion serve as an intermediary wireless transformer to convey the electric current to the curved third coil of the adapter portion via the electrical connection to cause inductive heating of the curved cooking vessel disposed within the concave curved cavity defined by the adapter portion to provide cooking using the curved cooking vessel.

6. The inductive heating adapter of claim 5 or 6, wherein the first ferrite is defined by a first plurality of at least four longitudinal rectangular arms extending radially from the center of the flat first coil, the first plurality of at least four longitudinal rectangular arms being arranged in a common plane and at the same angle to each other, and wherein the second ferrite is defined by a second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms extending radially from a center of the planar second coil, the second plurality of at least four elongated rectangular arms being arranged in a common plane and at the same angle to one another.

7. The inductive heating adapter of claim 5 wherein said adapter portion defines said concave curved cavity having circular radial symmetry with a maximum diameter of at least 6 inches and a maximum depth of at least 3 inches.

8. The induction heating adapter of claim 5, wherein the suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and the base of the curved cooking container is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

9. The induction heating adapter of claim 5, wherein said suitable operating distance covers at least 50 square inches of said surface area of ​​said base of said curved cooking vessel.

10. The induction heating adapter of claim 5, wherein the suitable operating distance covers at least 60% of the surface area of ​​the base of the curved cooking container.

11. An induction heating adapter, comprising: A base portion, the base portion comprising: a flat first coil; and Flat second coil an adapter portion defining a curved cavity, the adapter portion including a curved third coil corresponding to the curved cavity, the adapter portion being configured to retain a curved container within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion; and an electrical connection between the base portion and the adapter portion, wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed on a burner area of ​​a furnace roof of an induction furnace, wherein the curved container is disposed within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion, and Wherein the burner region of the induction furnace includes a furnace coil configured to wirelessly generate an electric current in the base portion, the electric current causing inductive heating of the curved container disposed within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion.

12. The inductive heating adapter of claim 11, wherein the base portion further comprises a first ferrite and a second ferrite.

13. The inductive heating adapter of claim 11, wherein the planar first coil and the planar second coil are disposed in a stacked configuration, wherein the planar second coil is disposed on top of and adjacent to the planar first coil.

14. The inductive heating adapter of claim 11 wherein said adapter portion defines said curved cavity having circular radial symmetry.

15. The induction heating adapter of claim 11, wherein the adapter portion is configured to create a suitable operating distance between the curved third coil and a base of the curved container disposed within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion.

16. The induction heating adapter of claim 11, wherein the adapter portion comprises a bent third ferrite.

17. The inductive heating adapter of claim 11, wherein the electrical connection is between the flat second coil and the curved third coil.

18. The inductive heating adapter of claim 11 , wherein the furnace coil is configured to inductively and wirelessly generate an electrical current in the base portion, wherein the flat first coil and the flat second coil of the base portion act as an intermediary wireless transformer to convey the electrical current to the curved third coil of the adapter portion via the electrical connection to cause inductive heating of the curved container disposed within the curved cavity defined by the adapter portion.

19. The inductive heating adapter of claim 11 wherein said adapter portion defines said curved cavity having circular radial symmetry with a maximum diameter of at least 6 inches and a maximum depth of at least 3 inches.

20. The inductive heating adapter of claim 11, wherein the adapter portion is coupled to the base portion such that respective centers of the flat first coil, the flat second coil, the curved third coil, and the center of the curved cavity are disposed along a common axis.

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