DC cooking appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric cooking appliances typically rely on alternating current (AC) as the primary power source, which is inconvenient in situations where AC is not readily available, such as in marine vessels or off-grid locations, as it requires the use of inverters to convert DC power to AC.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance that utilizes direct current (DC) powered heating elements as its primary heat source, eliminating the need for AC heating elements and inverters, and is suitable for marine vessels, RVs, and off-grid structures, powered by high voltage DC batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC powered heating elements are used in cooking appliances, then the heating power and cooking performance are improved, but the appliance cannot operate without AC power source and requires inverters in DC environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter from AC to DC, allowing the heating element to operate directly from DC power sources (battery, alternator, solar) without requiring AC input or inverter conversion. This parameter change enables the appliance to function in marine vessels, RVs, and off-grid locations where only DC power is available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC powered heating elements are used as primary heat source, then the appliance can operate without AC and inverters, but the heating power and cooking performance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using high voltage DC (30V or more, preferably 40V or more) to increase the power output capability of the DC heating element. Higher voltage allows for higher power delivery while maintaining reasonable current levels, thereby achieving sufficient heating performance for cooking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a controller that dynamically adjusts the power delivery to the heating element based on cooking requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to optimize heating performance across different cooking scenarios while operating from DC power sources of varying capacity.
3Power
If high voltage DC batteries are used to power the cooking appliance, then the heating performance is improved, but the safety risks and electrical hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically manages the high voltage DC power delivery, adjusting it based on cooking needs and safety requirements. This dynamic control prevents dangerous current levels while maintaining sufficient heating performance, and can quickly respond to fault conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the electrical parameters and cooking conditions, allowing the controller to adjust power delivery in real-time. This feedback ensures safe operation by preventing overheating, excessive current draw, and other hazardous conditions while maintaining optimal cooking performance.
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 DC powered cooking appliance effectively provides a reliable heat source without the need for inverters, making it suitable for locations where AC is not available, while also reducing energy consumption and increasing portability.
Implementation Method 1
Activation of the DC powered heating element by the controller heats a cooking surface
Implementation Method 2
the heating element is an induction DC powered heating element
Implementation Method 3
induction DC powered heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A DC powered cooking appliance which uses an induction or a resistance based DC heating element and excludes AC powered heating elements and preferably does not rely on directly connected combustion powered heating elements. Some embodiments include wattage of 1500 watts or less, voltages of 40 or 48 volts or more and are installed on a boat, van, rv or bus such that an inverter of that boat, van, rv or bus is not electrically connected to the cooking appliance.