Beverage preparation machine and method for the control of a thermal conditioning device of such a beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoblocks in beverage preparation machines face challenges in accurately controlling temperature and optimizing heating energy, leading to lengthy pre-heating periods and sub-optimal beverage quality due to thermal inertia and variable environmental and power supply conditions.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a thermal conditioning device featuring a controller and self-learning mode that adjusts start-up parameters based on temperature ramp values, ensuring precise control of the start-up phase to reach operative temperature, minimizing temperature overshoots and undershoots, and optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a thermoblock with high thermal capacity is used to accumulate heat energy, then the thermal energy storage is improved, but the heating time becomes excessively long due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is divided into multiple phases: a first heating phase with high power to quickly raise the thermoblock temperature, followed by a second heating phase with reduced power to reach the target temperature precisely. This segmentation allows the system to overcome thermal inertia without excessive total heating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating process uses periodic power adjustment with distinct phases - an initial high-power phase followed by a lower-power phase. This periodic action pattern enables efficient heat accumulation while preventing overheating and reducing total heating time.
2Measurement precision
If the start-up phase is extended to ensure accurate temperature control, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the time to reach operative temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating power is dynamically adjusted during the start-up phase based on real-time temperature measurements. The controller modifies the power level at different stages of heating, applying high power initially and then reducing it as the target temperature approaches, achieving both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating parameters (power level, duration) are changed during the start-up phase. The system transitions from a first power level to a second, lower power level based on temperature feedback, optimizing both heating speed and temperature accuracy.
3Device complexity
If environmental conditions and power supply variations are not compensated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the beverage quality becomes sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that provide feedback to the controller during the start-up phase. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to adjust heating power in real-time, compensating for environmental conditions and power supply variations to ensure consistent beverage quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment during operation, automatically compensating for variations in environmental conditions and power supply. The controller monitors temperature and power consumption, and autonomously modifies heating parameters to maintain optimal performance without external intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables accurate and efficient heating of liquids to target temperatures, ensuring optimal beverage preparation conditions from the first use after start-up, regardless of environmental or power supply variations, by dynamically adjusting start-up parameters and energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
resistive heating cable cast in the mass
Implementation Method 2
high thermal conductivity for the transfer of the required amount of accumulated heat to the liquid circulating therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a thermal conditioning device (71), such as a heater or cooler, said thermal conditioning device (71) comprising a control unit (4) for controlling a start-up phase of the thermal conditioning device (71) from a temperature of inactivity to an operative temperature, the control unit (4) comprising: a controller with a start-up profile for starting-up the thermal conditioning device (71), wherein the start-up profile has at least one parameter and the controller has a self-learning mode for adjusting the at least one parameter; and a temperature sensor connected to the controller for measuring a temperature of the thermal conditioning device (71); wherein the self-learning mode causes the controller during a start-up phase to: calculate a ramp value representative of a rate of change in temperature during the start-up phase of the thermal conditioning device; adjust the at least one parameter as a function of the adjusted ramp value; use the adjusted at least one parameter for a remainder of the start-up phase. A method for operating and calibrating the thermal conditioning device of such a beverage preparation machine.