Double-Circuit In-Line Heater for Fast Beverage Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-line heaters for beverage preparation machines face challenges in accurately controlling temperature and optimizing heating energy due to thermal inertia and uneven heating, leading to lengthy pre-heating periods and limited regulation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An in-line heater with a low thermal mass design, featuring two independent resistive heating elements and electrical control circuits, and a heat transfer system using an aluminium body with an integrated inox water pipe and thick-film heating elements, allowing for rapid heat-up and precise temperature regulation while adhering to Flicker standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a thermoblock with metal mass and resistive heating cable is used, then heating capacity is improved, but pre-heating time becomes lengthy and temperature control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating zones with separate heating elements along the water flow path. This segmentation allows different parts of the water to be heated simultaneously at different locations, reducing the overall pre-heating time while maintaining effective heating capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating approach transitions from a single bulk heating zone to distributed heating along the length of the thermoblock. By placing multiple heating elements at different positions along the water flow path, the system heats water in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, dramatically reducing pre-heating time.
2Quantity of substance
If a thermoblock with metal mass is used, then thermal capacity for accumulating heat is improved, but temperature control accuracy and regulation precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into multiple independent control zones, each with its own heating element and temperature regulation. This allows precise local temperature control at different points in the water flow, improving overall temperature accuracy despite the presence of thermal mass.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the thermoblock are equipped with heating elements and thermal properties tailored to their specific function. The heating zones have higher thermal capacity for heat accumulation, while the measurement and control zones have lower thermal mass for faster response and higher temperature measurement precision.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heating elements are placed in or on the thermoblock mass, then heating efficiency is improved, but uneven resistive heating and thermal diffusion complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating zones with separate heating elements. Each zone can be controlled independently, simplifying the thermal flow management by creating distinct heating regions rather than a single complex thermal field. This segmentation maintains heating efficiency while reducing thermal diffusion complexity.
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 achieves fast heat-up times, precise temperature control, and compliance with Flicker regulations, ensuring high-quality thermo regulation and efficient energy use in beverage preparation machines.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoblocks usually include one or more resistive heating elements, for instance discrete or integrated resistors, that convert electrical energy into heating energy
Implementation Method 2
They comprise a heating chamber, such as one or more ducts, in particular made of steel, extending through a (massive) mass of metal, in particular made of aluminium, iron and/or another metal or an alloy, that has a high thermal capacity for accumulating heat energy and a high thermal conductivity for the transfer the required amount of the accumulated heat to liquid circulating therethrough whenever needed
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic double-circuit in-Line heater is disclosed, as well as a machine containing the heater and a method of operating the machine.