Convection Oven State-Based Parameter Control for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack ovens operate with high precision parameters during both cooking and idle states, leading to inefficient energy use and reduced equipment life.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that distinguishes between cooking and idle states, using separate sets of operating parameter values to optimize heating and fan system operations, including hysteresis temperature and fan duration settings, to enhance energy efficiency and extend oven life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high precision operating parameters are used during both cook and idle states, then cooking quality is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and equipment life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating parameters adjustable based on the operational state. The controller dynamically switches between a first set of parameters during cook state and a second set of parameters during idle state, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to current conditions rather than operating with fixed high-precision parameters at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly implements parameter changes by storing and switching between different sets of operating parameters. The first set includes tighter temperature control and longer fan operation for quality cooking, while the second set includes relaxed parameters for energy-efficient idle maintenance, directly resolving the contradiction through parameter optimization.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision operating parameters are used during both cook and idle states, then cooking quality is improved, but equipment life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on state, reducing the stress on heating and fan systems during idle periods by using relaxed parameters in the second set, thereby extending equipment life while maintaining cooking quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing parameters during idle state (reducing heating intensity, adjusting fan operation), the patent reduces wear and tear on components, directly addressing equipment life concerns while preserving the ability to deliver high-quality cooking when in cook state.
3Ease of operation
If the oven maintains temperature during idle state with same parameters as cook state, then readiness for cooking is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy consumption during idle state by using a second set of parameters with relaxed temperature control bands and adjusted fan operation compared to the first set used during cooking, thereby reducing energy consumption while still maintaining readiness for the next cooking cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
During idle state, the patent applies partial action by maintaining only sufficient temperature readiness rather than full cooking temperature, using relaxed parameters that provide just enough heat and air circulation to prepare for the next cook state without the full energy expenditure of active cooking parameters.
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 allows for reduced energy consumption and less wear on the oven systems by adjusting heating and fan usage based on operational states, thereby improving overall efficiency and extending equipment life.
Implementation Method 1
rack ovens utilizing electric heating elements (e.g., resistive heaters)
Implementation Method 2
one or more fans to move heated air within the oven (e.g., air moves across the heat-exchange tubes and through the cooking chamber over the food product)
Data Source
AI summary
An oven includes a cooking chamber for receiving food product to be cooked, a door movable between an open condition and a closed condition relative to the cooking cavity, a heating system for generating heat and a fan system for moving heated air through the cooking cavity. A controller is configured for controlling the heating system and the fan system. The controller includes an associated memory storing a first set of operating parameter values and a second set of operating parameter values. The controller is configured to identify whether the oven is in the cook state or the idle state. The controller uses the first set of operating parameter values to control the heating system and the fan system during the cook state, and uses the second set of operating parameter values to control the heating system and the fan system during the idle state.