Integrated power supply and control system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated power supply and control system and method. The systems and methods utilize an energy storage device, a memory, and a processor to provide controlled direct current (DC) energy suitable for operating a narrowband semiconductor irradiation array in accordance with an appropriate pulse width modulation pattern to achieve cooking / heating of food.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 1, 2016, with application number 201680057710.5 and title "Integrated Power Supply and Control System and Method".

[0003] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 212,941, filed September 1, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] In designing workbench appliances, various trade-offs are inherent. Size and footprint are design constraints, cost is a design constraint, and available power is another. These design decisions are advantageously made entirely based on consumer preferences, performance requirements, product characteristics, energy efficiency, and many other factors. The embodiments described herein relate to providing and facilitating unique integrated power supply and control configurations. Background Technology

[0005] As background technology, most home kitchens have only a 120-volt outlet near the countertop. Older houses, apartments, and residences built before the 1970s may only have 15-amp circuits available unless recently renovated. Kitchens in homes built from approximately 1975 onwards will typically have a 20-amp 120-volt outlet available near the countertop. Therefore, since "wattage" is calculated as the product of volts and amperes, only about 1,800 watts of 120-volt AC power is generally available in American homes. While more recent homes may have 2,400 watts available at outlets, designers cannot expect 2,400 watts to be available to all customers if they want to appeal to the broadest possible customer base. While a 2,400-watt product may be acceptable to many customers, it inherently limits the ultimate size of the market that a given product can address. While these numbers and precise available currents vary for households worldwide, all plugs intended for kitchen or other countertop installations typically have a substantially lower available current than the dedicated power circuits intended for larger built-in appliances. Many larger appliances are hardwired into higher power circuits. Often, a further reduction in available power is specified based on the current capacity indicated on the fuse or circuit breaker for safety.

[0006] Many kitchens have other very large appliances (such as stovetops, built-in or wall-mounted ovens, and cooktops) that are powered on circuits with much higher voltage and greater current capacity, ranging from 30 amps to 70 amps (7,200 watts to 16,800 watts). A very high percentage of kitchens have heavier 240-volt circuits available, but these are typically only used for built-in appliances and not for countertop outlets or plugs. Even though the cost is not high, the prospect of adding a 240-volt outlet can be quite daunting for consumers considering affordable countertop products.

[0007] Therefore, it is easy to conclude that all types of worktop products must be designed to function within the 1,800-watt power range available to virtually every household consumer. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect of the currently described embodiments, an integrated power supply and control system for use in a narrowband food processing or cooking system having a narrowband semiconductor irradiation device array for supplying narrowband infrared energy to food articles includes: an energy storage section configured to store and release energy as direct current (DC) suitable for operating the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array; a memory section configured to store instructions relating to at least one pulse width modulation pattern representing a cooking or irradiation sequence; and a control processor configured to execute the instructions from the memory section and, based on the at least one pulse width modulation pattern, control the energy supply to the array from at least one of the energy storage section and an external power source to implement the cooking or irradiation sequence, and configured to control the power supplied to a monitored cooling system of the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array. In another aspect of the currently described embodiments, most of the energy is supplied by the energy storage section.

[0009] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, most of the energy is supplied by the external power source.

[0010] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the energy storage section supplies electricity to the cooling system.

[0011] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the energy storage section stores and releases more electricity than can be drawn from a standard wall socket.

[0012] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the power available from the energy storage section is at least twice the power of a standard wall socket.

[0013] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the energy storage section is at least one of a chemical battery, a fuel cell, or a high-discharge capacitor.

[0014] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the energy released from the energy storage section is provided in a regulated constant current mode.

[0015] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the control processor is capable of using at least a predetermined cooking recipe to supply programmed electrical output to the array to control the heating process.

[0016] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the energy stored in the energy storage section is charged, recharged, or fully refilled by a solar panel connected to the system.

[0017] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the control processor is connected to the Internet to facilitate changes, updates, or modifications to the charging and discharging behavior of the energy storage segment, including timing the charging time of the energy storage segment.

[0018] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the charging and discharging cycles may be spaced further apart in time to facilitate slow cooking or maintain the distribution curve.

[0019] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the system further includes a charge monitoring component capable of monitoring the energy level of the energy storage segment and determining whether sufficient energy is available to achieve the desired heating result before starting to heat the recipe, and providing notification accordingly.

[0020] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the system further includes components capable of monitoring the presence / absence of an external power source and optimizing the heating formula to achieve the desired result in the event of any additional energy supply.

[0021] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the system further includes a plurality of control channels to control the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array to achieve different heating results in different portions of the food article.

[0022] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the system further includes components capable of performing at least one of the following: reading, scanning, interpreting, or implementing a heating recipe, and scaling or otherwise interpreting the recipe based on the state or specific electrical configuration of the food processing or cooking system or its components.

[0023] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the system further includes components for retrieving an updated heating recipe from an external source.

[0024] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the system further includes a connection component that allows the system to share the energy stored in the energy storage segment with peripheral devices or to share other control and / or support functions of the system.

[0025] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the peripheral device utilizes a narrowband semiconductor array to supply target infrared energy to food items.

[0026] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the system further includes a DC / DC converter.

[0027] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, at least one of the narrowband semiconductor irradiation arrays generates at least 100 watts of photon emission power.

[0028] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the system further includes an additional energy storage section.

[0029] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the energy supply to the array is undisturbed and spike-free.

[0030] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, an integrated power supply and control method for use in a narrowband food processing or cooking system having an array of narrowband semiconductor irradiation devices includes: storing instructions regarding at least one pulse width modulation pattern representing a cooking or irradiation sequence in a memory segment; controlling DC power supply to the array from at least one of an energy storage segment and an external power source based on the at least one pulse width modulation pattern; and controlling power supplied to a monitored cooling system of the array.

[0031] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the method further includes using a plurality of control channels to control the DC energy that has been pulse-width modulated.

[0032] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, most of the energy is supplied by the energy storage section.

[0033] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, most of the energy is supplied by the external power source.

[0034] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the control includes providing energy released from the energy storage section in an regulated constant current mode.

[0035] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the control includes using at least a predetermined cooking recipe to supply programmed electrical output to the array to control the heating process.

[0036] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the method further includes changing, updating, or modifying the charging and discharging behavior of the energy storage segment, including timing the charging time of the energy storage segment.

[0037] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the method further includes monitoring the energy level of the energy storage segment and determining whether sufficient energy is available to achieve the desired heating result before starting to heat the recipe and providing notification accordingly.

[0038] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the method further includes monitoring the presence / absence of an external power source and optimizing the heating formula to achieve the desired result if any additional energy is provided.

[0039] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the method further includes controlling multiple channels to the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array to obtain different heating results in different parts of the food article.

[0040] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the method further includes at least one of the following: reading, scanning, interpreting, or implementing a heating recipe, and scaling or otherwise interpreting the recipe based on the state or specific electrical configuration of the food processing or cooking system or its components.

[0041] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the method further includes retrieving an updated heating recipe from an external source.

[0042] In another aspect of the currently described embodiment, the method further includes sharing energy stored in the energy storage segment with peripheral appliances or sharing other control and / or support functions. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 These are examples of representative diagrams illustrating a system according to the embodiments described herein;

[0044] Figure 2 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method according to the embodiments described herein; and,

[0045] Figure 3 This is an example of a block diagram illustrating a system according to the embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0046] A completely new type of cooking technology is currently being introduced to consumers. This is called "digital heat injection." It uses narrowband infrared energy generated by an array of semiconductor devices (e.g., narrowband semiconductor devices) including laser diodes or LEDs in a food processing or cooking unit or oven to cook food in a high-quality manner, but at a speed generally faster than cooking times achievable with other cooking technologies that include both conventional and solid-state microwave ovens. In at least one instance of this system, the emitted narrowband infrared energy has a wavelength or narrow wavelength band that matches at least one desired absorption characteristic of the food. In this system, at least one of the arrays used for cooking the food is expected to have a minimum specification of, for example, 100 watts of optical or photon emission power.

[0047] Since narrowband cooking time is typically proportional to the amount of narrowband infrared energy targeted at the food, it is desirable to use a sufficiently large array with adequate irradiation power to fully utilize the technology. When sufficient power is available to supply the array, cooking times for steaks, individual main courses, or frozen dinners can be as short as one to three minutes. However, if the array size and power are halved, the time will roughly double, and if it is halved again, the time will double again. While deliciousness will persist regardless of cooking time, some of the advantages of rapid cooking times will be diminished. When cooking is facilitated by some form of solid-state array, it is desirable to configure oven technology such that a sufficient number of solid-state devices are included in the array so that the user can benefit from the full range of advantages offered by the technology. As an example, an 1,800-watt appliance might take 7 minutes to cook an item, while a 3,600-watt appliance can cook the same item in approximately 3.5 minutes. Arrays of semiconductor-based RF or microwave devices (such as those manufactured by NXP) can have the same power requirements and somewhat similar power supply controllers as narrowband infrared devices. In some higher power configurations, the concepts taught in this invention may also be beneficial.

[0048] Generally, the number of joules of input energy is directly proportional to the cooking time of food. However, some food items, due to the more sensitive nature of their constituent tissues, cannot tolerate input energy exceeding a certain threshold level. Generally, narrow-band ovens with higher joule output will cook proportionally faster as the radiant energy output increases. This is especially true in the case of deep-penetrating wavelengths and during at least some portions of the cooking cycle. Depending on the many factors that can be derived as part of the development of an ideal cooking recipe for a given food item or combination of items, the full power of the array may not be used for all or even part of the cooking recipe cycle.

[0049] For example, a high input energy level per unit time is desirable during the initial stages of cooking frozen foods. Subsequently, depending on the exact food being cooked, gradually reducing the input energy per unit time to achieve the optimal combination of rapid cooking time for best taste and cooking results is optimal. Due to the nature of diode-type semiconductor devices typically used for narrowband cooking, pulse-width modulation (PWM) of the on-time to achieve the desired energy input power distribution curve for a specific cooking application is often more desirable. Narrowband array diodes, operating at optimal voltage and current, have better lifetime, better output efficiency, and are more likely to avoid untimely failures and / or produce appropriate Joule output. If the device is supplied with lower voltage or lower current, while it may produce less output, the wall-mount efficiency will generally be worse on a Joule per watt output basis. Because less energy is output as photons at suboptimal voltage / current, the device will generate more heat and require more cooling. Too much current can be devastating for diode devices, so some form of current control is absolutely necessary.

[0050] Therefore, the advantageous (e.g., optimal) power supply according to the currently described embodiment will have controlled and constant current and voltage, but will be able to pulse on and off within a desired duty cycle. In other words, to achieve an 80% power level, the power supply and control system will be switched on for 80% of the selected irradiation time. This can take the form of switching on for 4 seconds and off for 1 second, then switching on again for 4 seconds and off for 1 second, and repeating, for example, until the end of the irradiation time. Alternatively, since the semiconductor device can respond in microseconds or faster, it can be a much faster pulse, for example, switching on for 0.8 seconds and off for 0.2 seconds in a repeating sequence. Similarly, if a 20% irradiation power output is desired, then the exact opposite sequence is used, whereby the device or array is powered for 1 millisecond and then off for 4 milliseconds. If it is desired to fully utilize speed, then it can be switched on for 1 microsecond and off for 4 microseconds, which is practically fast enough to have the effect of continuously generating a 20% power level.

[0051] A well-thought-out cooking recipe for a given food likely involves several different duty cycle power levels introduced over time. This cooking recipe can be provided to the system in various ways. For example, the recipe can be provided via sensor readings from a physical object (e.g., from a cookpack) provided by another source (e.g., the Internet), or manually or otherwise input. The recipe can be used as described herein. For example, to implement the recipe, the following may be desirable: using an 80% duty cycle power level for the first 10 seconds of cooking something, then increasing it to 100% for the next 30 seconds, then decreasing it to 20% for the next 10 seconds, followed by another 20 seconds back to 100%, followed by another low power balance period, followed by a high power cooking period, and then a 2-minute ramp-down period where it starts at 80% and then gradually ramps down by 10% every 10 seconds until the cooking sequence is completed at a 30% level. The semiconductor array is equivalent to a fully digital heat source, thus in at least one form according to the embodiments described herein, power supply switching and the battery itself are capable of handling the needs of rapidly pulsating high-current draw loads. In at least one form, the control system is capable of recalling from memory a string of potential long pulse-width modulation patterns representing a cooking recipe (e.g., a truly optimal cooking recipe). Digital narrowband cooking or solid-state microwaves can typically prescribe various devices to be controlled individually or in small groups, such that irradiation or RF energy is modulated accordingly. In more sophisticated embodiments of this technology, feedback sensors can further refine the actual pulse-width modulation for any, many, or all semiconductor devices, and can further refine the cooking recipe substantially more significantly. The control system has sufficient controlled output channels to facilitate pulsation for any device or group of devices that requires pulse-width modulation according to its own recipe. This facilitates zoned cooking as needed. In at least one form, the control system and integrated current-controlled power supply are capable of remembering and executing these sequences as an essential part of a well-thought-out recipe.

[0052] For improved or optimal results, in at least one form of the embodiments described herein, the power supply should be able to supply interference-free, spike-free, and drop-free pulse-modulated power at voltages and currents consistent with the narrow-band array configuration designed for it and with the precise type of diodes or semiconductor devices employed. Conventional power supplies capable of tolerating high currents and performing interference-free pulse modulation are often quite large and expensive. They also have high input power requirements that can easily be two, three, four, or more times greater than the power available from a 120-volt 15 or 20-amp threshold plug circuit. This becomes a limitation for implementations utilizing narrow-band cooking on a workbench unit or where higher power input AC circuits are not readily available, economical, or readily accessible. Implementing this technology for much higher power appliances is desirable, also because the battery portion of the system can prove more economical than the large AC-to-DC power supply that would otherwise be required.

[0053] According to the embodiments described herein, exemplary solutions to these challenges include high-current energy storage systems with integrated current control and pulse modulation capabilities to drive narrowband semiconductor arrays with appropriately constrained and controlled DC power. This system can be capacitor-based, battery-based, or hybrid, but the ability to integrate current control and perform pulse modulation without interference according to the instructions and specifications of the control system described above is crucial. In at least one form, the output voltage and current limits must be perfectly matched to the input requirements of the semiconductor or diode array to protect the device's lifetime while still providing appropriate irradiation.

[0054] Ultimately, the power supplied to the array must be direct current (DC) or converted to DC to provide the array with the correct current-controlled electrical energy, ultimately resulting in, for example, 100+ watts of optical or electronic power output on at least one of the array components. Historically, many heat-generating arrays (e.g., light bulbs) have been used interchangeably or designed to function properly on uncontrolled AC or DC power inputs, but narrowband radiating points or semiconductor arrays inherently require current-controlled DC power. This is the distinguishing aspect of the present invention. Narrowband device arrays will typically be engineered with strings of diodes connected in series to increase the input voltage driving the array. This can mean designing a relatively high voltage to make the array's input current more reasonable. If it is not designed this way, the input voltage can be very low, but the array's input current can far exceed the actual current delivery. Keeping the input voltage around 100 volts DC to keep the current and wire parameters within reasonable ranges, but entirely up to the electrical designer to systematically optimize this aspect for their specific situation, is desirable. Regardless of the designer's specifications, the battery array must be configured with sufficient series capacity to provide the correct higher voltage with adequate current capacity.

[0055] The storage system or battery will also be integrated, allowing the controller to monitor the temperature of the diodes / array and then power the cooling system, which will keep the array assembly at a safe and efficient operating temperature.

[0056] Based on the embodiments described herein, an exemplary solution is described below to the challenges of high-power narrowband digital cooking array systems capable of operating with standard 15A 120V circuitry. References Figure 1 An example of a narrowband oven or food processing or cooking system 10, having a large irradiation array 12 for irradiating the oven cavity 14, is driven by a special power supply control system 20. In at least one form, the array is an array of narrowband semiconductor irradiation devices used to supply narrowband infrared energy to food or food articles. A feedback sensor 15 is also shown, which is optional and can take various forms.

[0057] For example, by using a processor or controller 22, the power supply and control system 20 has the capability to pulse-width modulate a suitable amount of current-limited energy, thereby repeatedly representing a taught, stored, or retrieved pulse-width modulated pattern string of cooking or irradiation sequences stored in a configured memory segment 24 within the power supply and control system 20. In this regard, the processor or controller (or control processor) is configured to execute instructions from the memory segment and control the energy supply to the array from at least one of the energy storage segment and an external power source to implement the cooking or irradiation sequence based on at least one pulse-width pattern, and is configured to control the power supplied to the monitored cooling system of the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array. In this way, the control processor will be able to supply a programmed power output to the array to control the heating process using at least a predetermined cooking recipe. In at least one form, the energy is provided in a regulated constant current mode.

[0058] The power supply and control system is capable of controlling the precise current level of all electrical pulses, ensuring they are at the specified voltage and current of the driven digital narrowband array. An electrical or energy storage system 28, integrated with the power supply control, replaces a conventional AC / DC converter power supply; this system may include, for example, a high-current-capacity battery, a high-current-capacity capacitor, a fuel cell, or a hybrid system. The energy storage section 28 of system 20 is capable of storing sufficient electrical energy to meet the power requirements of a specific cooking stage in system 10. In at least one form, the energy storage device or section or medium is configured to store and release energy as direct current (DC) suitable for operating the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array. In at least one form, the instantaneous wattage capacity will be several times (e.g., more than twice) the capacity that can be drawn from a standard wall socket (e.g., a typical 120-volt 15-amp circuit) to facilitate high-power narrowband or solid-state microwave cooking.

[0059] In at least one form of the embodiments described herein, most of the energy supplied by the system is provided by an energy storage section. Alternatively, most of the energy may be supplied by an external power source. Furthermore, the energy storage section may also supply power to the cooling system of the array. In at least one form, the energy storage section may provide all the energy for the system. This allows operation in many environments, including situations where an external power source is unavailable and / or where portability is desired.

[0060] The power supply and control system 20 is intelligent enough to calculate and report whether there is sufficient stored electrical energy to complete the next specified cooking recipe. The control system 20 monitors the coulombs of electricity passing through the power supply in both charging and discharging modes, ensuring it is always aware of the remaining electrical power in the energy storage segment (e.g., a battery (e.g., a chemical battery), a fuel cell, or a capacitor (e.g., a high-discharge capacitor)). The system 20 has a variety of functions and features programmed to include monitoring battery health and / or intelligent charging, enabling the battery to be charged according to the owner's specifications and preferences, including the ability to charge during the cheapest off-peak electricity hours. The control system 20 also has the ability to network with other electrical appliances and personal electronic devices to utilize the electricity stored in the battery (if needed in an emergency) and to recharge other devices. The control system 20 can monitor and control high-power recharging systems, or can monitor recharging via very low-power charging systems or via solar power charging systems. The system 20 also has the ability to accommodate additional energy storage devices added to increase its base power. This can be used, for example, in appliances with a basic capacity for cooking an average of four meals using an embedded power storage device. By adding additional expansion storage packs (e.g., using quick-connect fittings), the capacity can be increased to potentially six meals. It can also have the ability to expand with second, third, or more expansion storage packs to allow for even longer cooking times. This system can have the capability to practically provide backup power to other appliances or electrical devices in the event of a power outage or emergency. Furthermore, the battery or energy storage section can be monitored to determine, for example, full charge time, remaining usage or cooking time, cooking capacity, required recharge time, recharge scheduling, or cooking start capacity or time.

[0061] This power supply and control system 20 can be advantageously integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) to keep its owner fully informed of a wide range of information, including cooking progress and remaining time, information on recharging time and recharging for specific purposes, current solar power availability, and other information. The system may include or be configured to monitor the presence / absence of external power and optimize heating recipes to achieve desired results if any additional energy is provided. It may have grid awareness to intelligently delay charging until off-peak hours for optimal savings and lowest costs. For example, the control processor may be connected to the Internet to facilitate changes, updates, or modifications to the charging and discharging behavior of energy storage segments, including timing the charging of energy storage segments to utilize, for example, a desirable electricity cost. The power supply controller is also intended to operate and monitor the cooling system of the narrowband array. The power supply control system can also perform and control long-cycle cooking (e.g., using charging and discharging cycles with large time intervals) for the purpose of very slow cooking or maintaining something at a certain temperature for an extended period. It will still perform pulse-width modulation (PWM) for energy delivery, but will space it out and deliver energy with extremely low duty cycles over long periods. The system can be intelligent enough to charge as needed between PWM discharges.

[0062] In at least one form, the control processor is configured to control a narrow-band semiconductor irradiation array across multiple channels to achieve different heating results in different portions of a food or food article. The array or portions thereof may respond to different channel controls to achieve this feature.

[0063] Furthermore, in at least one form, the system is configured to perform at least one of the following or includes components for performing at least one of the following: reading, scanning, interpreting, or implementing a heating recipe and scaling or otherwise interpreting the recipe based on the state or specific electrical configuration of the food processing or cooking system or its components. The system's monitorable specifications may include various elements, including, for example, battery status, the number of arrays and power, energy (including resources beyond energy storage sections or media), and the number of control channels.

[0064] Additionally, in at least one form, the power supply and control system 20 will be able to connect to an external source, such as an Internet connection, to update its operating parameters. For example, the system may connect to the Internet (or other suitable network) to retrieve updated information about a particular cooking recipe. This update may be obtained from an appropriate source, for example, if a new cooking procedure for the food or food item is available, or if a new cooking package or container for the food or food item is available. Furthermore, this update will potentially trigger the system to change its operation to adapt to the update.

[0065] In operation, now refer to Figure 2 This describes an exemplary method 100 according to the embodiments described herein. First, the supply and / or control of power is initiated (at 102). Next, the controller or processor 22 reads, retrieves, interprets, implements, or executes instructions stored or maintained in memory segment 24. As described above, these instructions, while potentially taking various forms, will generally include a pulse-width modulation pattern representing a cooking or irradiation sequence for, for example, an array of oven systems 10. Next, power supplied to the array through system 20 is controlled according to the instructions retrieved from the memory segment, including energy from energy storage segment 28 and / or any external power source (e.g., from a wall outlet). In at least one form, power is also supplied and / or controlled for any cooling system (e.g., a monitored cooling system) used for the array.

[0066] Of course, this method 100 is merely an example. Other methods can also be implemented to perform the functionality of the elements in the embodiments described herein. For example, the method may include using multiple control channels to control DC energy that has been pulse-width modulated. The method may result in most of the energy being supplied by an energy storage section, or most of the energy being supplied by an external power source. The control may include providing energy released from the energy storage section in a regulated constant current mode. The control may include supplying a programmed power output to the array to control the heating process using at least a predetermined cooking recipe. The method may include changing, updating, or modifying the charging and discharging behavior of the energy storage section, including timing the charging time of the energy storage section. The method may include monitoring the energy level of the energy storage section and determining whether sufficient energy is available to achieve the desired result before starting the heating recipe and providing notification accordingly. The method may include monitoring the presence / absence of an external power source and optimizing the heating recipe to achieve the desired result if any additional energy is provided. The method may include controlling multiple channels to a narrowband semiconductor irradiation array to obtain different heating results in different parts of a food item. The method may include at least one of the following: reading, scanning, interpreting, or implementing a heating recipe, and scaling or otherwise interpreting the recipe based on the state or specific electrical configuration of the food processing or cooking system or its components. The method may include retrieving an updated heating recipe from an external source. The method may include sharing energy stored in an energy storage section with peripheral appliances or sharing other control and / or support functions of the system.

[0067] Now for reference Figure 3 The display includes Figure 1 Another exemplary embodiment of the system described herein. It should be understood that the features described above (including...) Figure 1 Systems and combinations Figure 2The characteristics of the described method can be implemented in Figure 3 In this system, those skilled in the relevant field will understand. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates system 300. In at least one form, system 300 is a food processing or cooking system using a power supply and control system according to the embodiments described herein, and is connected thereto via an AC plug 301 to a power source (e.g., an external power source) that may take the form of an AC wall socket or outlet. AC plug 301 is connected to an AC / DC converter 302, which is connected to an input bus 303. An alternative power input 304 is also optionally connected to the input bus 303. Alternative power input 304 can accommodate various alternative power sources, such as solar power, generators, fuel cells, etc. Alternative power input 304 can provide supplemental power to the system or provide power to or charge components of the system (e.g., energy storage medium or section 306 (described below)). For example, the energy storage section can be charged, recharged, or fully recharged by a solar panel connected to the system. Furthermore, a DC / DC converter can also be provided to the system to ensure that all components of the system receive the correct voltage for proper or optimal operation.

[0068] The input bus 303 is connected to the output bus 307 via, for example, two different paths. The first path establishes a direct connection between the input bus 303 and the output bus 307. The second path includes the charge monitor 305 and the energy storage medium 306.

[0069] Charge monitor 305 can take various forms to monitor the charging and discharging capabilities of the energy storage medium or segment 306. Similarly, energy storage medium 306 can take various forms including those described above, such as capacitor-based systems, battery-based systems, chemical systems, fuel cell systems, or hybrid systems. Furthermore, it should be understood that the energy storage medium can be charged using the external power source shown (e.g., AC plug 301 or alternative power input 307) or other power sources (not shown).

[0070] The alternative external load 308 may also be connected to the output bus 307. The alternative external load can take various forms and provide a variety of different capabilities to the system 300. For example, the alternative external load 308 may present a charging port for external devices and appliances. Such external or peripheral devices or appliances may share energy (including energy from the energy storage section) and / or share all other control and / or support functions or features provided in the system, and such devices may also utilize narrowband semiconductor irradiation arrays to supply targeted infrared energy to food items. As just one example, this device may include a toaster.

[0071] The control system 309 and the current control element 310 are also connected to the output bus 307. The control system 309 can implement the capabilities described herein in various forms, including systems (including...). Figure 1 The features and capabilities of the processor or controller 22. In at least one form, the control system 309 includes a processor or control processor that communicates with a user interface 311, a remote interface 312, and various cameras and sensors 313 to achieve, for example, the overall functionality of the system 300.

[0072] In at least one form, the control system 309 will include a memory segment storing a pulse width modulation (PWM) pattern representing a cooking or irradiation sequence to be used in the system to implement a recipe or other programmed function. As shown, the memory segment is integrated with the control system 309; however, the memory segment may also be, for example, made of... Figure 1 The individual components shown in component 24.

[0073] The control system 309 also communicates with the current control element 310 to control the direct current (DC) power supplied to the transmitter array using a pulse width modulation technique of the type mentioned above.

[0074] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are based on exemplary hardware configurations and / or software routines. However, various hardware configurations and / or software routines may be used to implement the embodiments described herein.

[0075] Furthermore, the power supply control system described above can significantly increase the performance of narrowband or semiconductor-based cooking systems, making them more convenient, portable, and accessible to a much wider range of potential owners. The above description outlines some of the capabilities of this particular type of power supply control system solution, but other features, capabilities, and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art as they begin to implement this technology.

[0076] Generally, exemplary embodiments have been described. Modifications and alterations will arise in the minds of others upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments be considered to include all such modifications and alterations, provided that they fall within the scope of protection given to this application by, for example, the permitted claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. An integrated power supply and control system for use in a narrowband food processing or cooking system, the narrowband food processing or cooking system having an array of narrowband semiconductor irradiation devices for supplying narrowband infrared energy to food articles, the integrated power supply and control system comprising: An energy storage section is configured to store and release energy as a direct current (DC) suitable for operating the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array; A memory segment configured to store instructions relating to at least one pulse width modulation pattern representing a cooking or irradiation sequence; and A control processor is configured to execute the instructions from the memory segment and to control the energy supply to the array from at least one of the energy storage segment and an external power source based on the at least one pulse width modulation pattern to implement the cooking or irradiation sequence such that the narrowband infrared energy of the array is modulated accordingly, and is configured to control the power supplied to the monitored cooling system of the narrowband semiconductor irradiation array.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein most of the energy is supplied by the energy storage section.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein most of the energy is supplied by the external power source.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage section supplies electricity to the cooling system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage section stores and releases more electricity than can be drawn from a standard wall socket.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the power available from the energy storage section is at least twice the power of a standard wall socket.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage section is at least one of a chemical battery, a fuel cell, or a high-discharge capacitor.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy released from the energy storage section is provided in a regulated constant current mode.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the control processor is capable of supplying a programmed electrical output to the array to control the heating process using at least a predetermined cooking recipe.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy stored in the energy storage section is charged, recharged, or fully recharged by a solar panel connected to the system.

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