A power control method for an induction hob

Abstract

The invention relates to a power control method for an induction hob with a first heating zone (12) arranged in a manner that induces a load on a first coil (20) and at least a second heating zone (14) arranged at a distance from the first heating zone (12) in a manner that induces a load on a second coil (30). The power control method comprises the steps of adjusting the step values (S1, S2) of the first and second coils connected to a first generator (40) in an operating mode, and if the adjusted step values exceed the corresponding maximum power value of the first generator (40), distributing the power of the first generator by a switched power source (60) to the corresponding first and second coils for the duration of the step values according to the switching times (T1, T2) obtained by multiplying the ratio of the switching period (T) to the total step value with the step values of the first and second coils.

Description

[0001] A POWER CONTROL METHOD FOR AN INDUCTION HOB

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a method provided for controlling a heating zone of an induction cooking hob.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Producing separate products for the use of both a single power source and multiple power sources in the heating zones of induction hobs constitutes a major problem in terms of time, cost, and resources. Therefore, the most practical and cost-effective solution is to design products that can work with both a single power source and multiple power sources. However, a potential performance loss is observed when a product designed to work with multiple power sources is operated with a single power source. Furthermore, setting appropriate powers for the relevant heating elements is challenging. In addition, the difference in instantaneous powers between neighboring activated induction coils makes continuous power transmission difficult.

[0006] EP4013189A1 an induction cooking hob comprising at least one cooking zone for heating a cooking vessel. The cooking zone comprises at least a first induction coil and a second induction coil, the first induction coil and the second induction coil being configured to heat the cooking vessel alone or in collaboration with one another. The induction cooking hob further comprises a power unit operatively connected to and configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil and a control interface configured to receive a requested power from a user, the requested power defining and / or being indicative about the power to be delivered to the cooking vessel. The power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil such that the first induction coil delivers, in use, a first power ranging between a first minimum deliverable power and a first maximum deliverable power and the second induction coil delivers, in use, a second power ranging between a second minimum deliverable power and a second maximum deliverable power. The power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a respective powering scheme chosen from a set of powering schemes. The power unit is configured to choose the respective powering scheme in function of the requested power and the first minimum deliverable power, the second minimum deliverable power, the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a power control method that ensures uninterrupted power transmission while increasing heating efficiency in induction hobs.

[0009] To achieve above objective, the invention relates to a power control method for an induction hob involving a first heating zone connected in a manner that induces a load on a first coil and at least a second heating zone connected in a manner that induces a load on a second coil, distanced from the first heating zone. The power control method includes the steps of adjusting the step values of the first and second coils connected to a first generator in an operating mode, and if the adjusted step values exceed the corresponding maximum power value of the first generator, distributing the power of the first generator by a switched power source to the corresponding first and second coils for the duration of the step values according to the switching times obtained by multiplying the ratio of the switching period to the total step value with the step values of the first and second coils. This ensures the operation of coils located in two different heating zones with the use of a generator, thereby producing the energy required for heating. Moreover, uninterrupted power transmission is ensured by determining the switching time according to the coil step values.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of adjusting the step value of a third coil in the operating mode and supplying power to the third coil, which is connected in a manner that induces a load on a third heating zone, by a second generator. Thus, the energy requirement of the third heating zone, which is different from the first and second heating zones powered by the first generator, is met by a different generator.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of adjusting the step values of a third coil and a fourth coil, distanced from the third coil, and supplying power to the fourth coil, which is connected in a manner that induces a load on a fourth heating zone, by the second generator. This ensures that four different heating zones are active with the use of two generators.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, if the maximum power value of the second generator is exceeded in the operating mode, the method includes the step of distributing the power of the second generator by a switched power source to the corresponding third and fourth coils for the duration of the step values according to the switching times obtained by multiplying the ratio of the switching period to the total step value with the step values of the third and fourth coils.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of periodically switching the switched power source according to the power values drawn from the corresponding coils of the first and second generators. This ensures the operation of four different heating zones with two generators without power interruption in the heating zones.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of sequentially operating the coils connected to the first generator and the coils connected to the second generator simultaneously during the switching period of the switched power source. This facilitates uninterrupted power transmission and active operation of the heating zones.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each coil provided on the panel includes a corresponding relay. This allows the coils to be switched to active or inactive states with the help of relays.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum power value of the first generator is limited to 1800 W. This limitation of power values helps to prevent issues such as fire hazards.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the multiplication of the switching period with the step value of the first coil to the total of the step values of the first and second coils is set to determine the switching duration of the first coil. This ensures the operation of coils in the heating zones for a specific duration without energy loss, maintaining the heating zones active.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the multiplication of the switching period with the step value of the second coil to the total of the step values of the first and second coils is set to determine the switching duration of the second coil. This ensures the operation of coils in the heating zones for a specific duration without energy loss, maintaining the heating zones active.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] Figure 1 shows a top-perspective view of the induction hob subject to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] This detailed description explains the subject matter of the invention with references to examples, without any limitation, for a better understanding of the subject.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a top-perspective view of the induction hob subject to the invention. A first heating zone (12) for cooking vessels placed on a panel (10) structure of an induction hob is located. Within the first heating zone (12), a first coil (20) connected to a first generator (40) is situated. A first relay (R1 ) that adjusts the current and voltage values passing between the first coil (20) and the first generator (40) is present. On the panel (10), a second heating zone (14) distanced from the first heating zone (12) is located. Within the second heating zone (14), a second coil (30) connected to the first generator (40) is situated. A second relay (R2) that adjusts the current and voltage values passing between the second coil (30) and the first generator (40) is present. On the panel (10), a third heating zone (16) distanced from the first heating zone (12) is located. Within the third heating zone (16), a third coil (70) connected to a second generator (50) is situated. A third relay (R3) that adjusts the current and voltage values passing between the third coil (70) and the second generator (50) is present. On the panel (10), a fourth heating zone (18) distanced from the first heating zone (12) is located. Within the fourth heating zone (18), a fourth coil (80) connected to the second generator (50) is situated. A fourth relay (R4) that adjusts the current and voltage values passing between the fourth coil (80) and the second generator (50) is present. At the center axis of the panel (10), a switched power source (60) connected to a mains input (90) is located.

[0023] In an operating mode of the induction hob shown in Figure 1 , the first generator (40) induces a load on the first and second coils (20, 30), activating the first and second heating zones (12, 14). The step values of the first and second coils (20, 30) are determined in the operating mode. After determining the step values (S1 , S2) of the first and second coils, the coils (20, 30) operate according to the switching period (T) of the switched power source (60). In the preferred embodiment, the step values of the coils (20, 30) correspond to 1 to 10 steps in the operating mode, ranging from 180 W to 1800 W. The switching duration (T1 ) of the first coil is calculated using the formula T1=T / 10xS1. In the preferred embodiment, the power of the first generator (20) is determined to be 1800 W. If the total step value of the first and second coil step values (S1 , S2) exceeds 10 steps in the preferred embodiment, the switching duration (T1) of the first coil is calculated using the formula T1=T / (S1 +S2)*S1. The same formula is used to determine the switching duration of the second coil (30). The first and second coils (20, 30) are switched sequentially and simultaneously. If the total step value of the third and fourth coil step values (S3, S4) exceeds 10 steps in the preferred embodiment, the switching duration (T3) of the third coil is calculated using the formula T3=T / (S3+S4)xS3. The same formula is used to determine the switching duration of the fourth coil (80). The third and fourth coils (70, 80) are switched sequentially and simultaneously. If the power values drawn by the first and second coils (20, 30) from the first generator (40) are less than the total generator power value, which is 1800 W in the preferred embodiment, the power value (P1 ) for the first coil is calculated using the formula P1 =P / 10xT1. The same formula is applied for the second coil (30) as well. If the power values drawn by the third and fourth coils (70, 80) from the second generator (50) are less than the total generator power value, which is also 1800 W in the preferred embodiment, the power value (P3) for the third coil is calculated using the formula P3=P / 10*T3. The same formula is applied for the fourth coil (80) as well. If the sum of the power values of the first and second coils (20, 30) exceeds the total generator power value, the power value (P1 ) for the first coil is calculated using the formula P1 =P / 10xT 1 . The same formula is applied for the second coil (30) as well. Similarly, if the power values drawn by the third and fourth coils (70, 80) from the second generator (50) exceed the total generator power value, the power value (P3) for the third coil is calculated using the formula P3=P / 10*T3. The same formula is applied for the fourth coil (80) as well. In cases where the drawn power values are high, the relays corresponding to each coil (R1 , R2, R3, R4) are switched during the coil switching durations (T1 , T2, T3, T4).

[0024] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0025] 10 Panel 70 Third Coil

[0026] 12 First Heating Zone 80 Fourth Coil

[0027] 14 Second Heating Zone 90 Mains Input

[0028] 16 Third Heating Zone R1 First Relay

[0029] 18 Fourth Heating Zone R2 Second Relay

[0030] 20 First Coil R3 Third Relay

[0031] 30 Second Coil R4 Fourth Relay

[0032] 40 First Generator

[0033] 50 Second Generator

[0034] 60 Switched Power Source

Claims

CLAIMS1- A power control method for an induction hob comprising a first heating zone (12) arranged in a manner that induces a load on a first coil (20) and at least a second heating zone (14) arranged in a manner that induces a load on a second coil (30), at a distance from the first heating zone (12), comprising the steps of adjusting the step values (S1 , S2) of the first and second coils connected to a first generator (40) in an operating mode, and if the adjusted first and second coil step values (S1 , S2) exceed the corresponding maximum power value of the first generator (40), distributing the power of the first generator (40) by a switched power source (60) to the corresponding first and second coils (20, 30) for the duration of the step values according to the switching times (T1 , T2) obtained by multiplying the ratio of the switching period (T) to the total step value with the step values of the first and second coils.2- A power control method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of adjusting the step value (S3) of a third coil (70) in the operating mode and supplying power to the third coil (70), which is connected in a manner that induces a load on a third heating zone (16), by a second generator (50).3- A power control method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of adjusting the step values (S4) of a third coil (70) distanced from a fourth coil (80) and supplying power to the fourth coil (80), which is connected in a manner that induces a load on a fourth heating zone (18), by the second generator (50).4- A power control method according to claims 2-3, further comprising the step of distributing the power of the second generator (50) by a switched power source (60) to the corresponding third and fourth coils (70, 80) for the duration of the step values according to the switching times obtained by multiplying the ratio of the switching period (T) to the total step value with the step values of the third and fourth coils (S3, S4), in case the maximum power value of the second generator (50) is exceeded in the operating mode.5- A power control method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of periodically switching the switched power source (60) according to the power values drawn from the corresponding coils (20, 30, 70, 80) of the first (40) and second (50) generators.6- A power control method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of sequentially operating the coils (20, 30) connected to the first generator (40) and the coils (70, 80) connected to the second generator (50) simultaneously during the switching period (T) of the switched power source (60).7- A power control method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a relay (R1 , R2, R3, R4) corresponding to each coil (20, 30, 70, 80) is provided on the panel.8- A power control method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum power value of the first generator (40) is limited to 1800 W.9- A power control method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of setting the switching duration (T1 ) of the first coil such that the multiplication of the switching period (T) with the step value (S1) of the first coil, divided by the total of the step values (S1 , S2) of the first and second coils, gives the switching duration for the first coil.10- A power control method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of setting the switching duration (T2) of the second coil such that the multiplication of the switching period (T) with the step value (S2) of the second coil, divided by the total of the step values (S1 , S2) of the first and second coils, gives the switching duration for the second coil.

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