Gas Burner Closed-Loop Temperature Control with Fuel Flow Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas burners lack effective closed loop control systems that ensure safe and appropriate power levels for cooking utensils, leading to potential safety hazards and performance inefficiencies during assisted cooking routines.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop appliance with a gas burner and a fuel regulating device, controlled by a system that determines and maintains a maximum fuel flow rate based on the cooking utensil's size, using a controller to adjust the fuel flow to achieve a target temperature while preventing excessive flame sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional control algorithms are used to regulate gas burner power in closed loop cooking, then temperature control capability is improved, but safety hazards occur due to excessive flame size exceeding pan capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring pan temperature via a temperature sensor and adjusting the gas valve position accordingly. The controller compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and dynamically regulates fuel flow to maintain the desired temperature while preventing excessive flame development through continuous feedback adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fuel flow rate based on real-time temperature measurements and pan characteristics. The gas valve position is continuously modified during operation to adapt to changing thermal conditions, ensuring the flame size remains appropriate for the specific pan being used while achieving target temperature
2Productivity
If maximum power output is used to achieve target temperature quickly, then cooking speed is improved, but safety hazards occur due to flames reaching up and engulfing sides of cookware
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the fuel flow rate parameter dynamically based on pan characteristics and thermal conditions. By adjusting the fuel flow to match the pan's heat capacity and surface area, the system achieves optimal heating speed without generating flames that exceed safe limits for the specific cookware size and type
3Power
If conventional gas burners operate without fuel flow limitation, then heating capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to safety issues during assisted cooking routines
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous temperature monitoring and feedback control to regulate fuel flow. The controller adjusts the gas valve position based on real-time temperature data, ensuring the burner operates within safe power limits while maintaining effective heating capability for assisted cooking routines
Solution Approach 2:
The gas valve acts as an intermediary device between the fuel source and the burner. It mediates the fuel flow to achieve the desired balance between heating capability and safety, allowing the system to deliver appropriate power levels without exceeding safe operating limits for the specific cooking situation
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
This solution enables safe and efficient closed loop cooking by ensuring the gas burner operates within the safe power limits of the cooking utensil, preventing hazards and optimizing cooking performance.
Implementation Method 1
These gas burners typically combust a mixture of gaseous fuel and air to generate heat for cooking
Implementation Method 2
The orifice ejects a jet of gaseous fuel which entrains air while passing through the Venturi mixing throat
Data Source
AI summary
A gas burner assembly and a method of operating the same are provided. The gas burner assembly includes a gas burner and a fuel regulating device for providing a flow of fuel to the gas burner to heat a cooking utensil. The method is a closed loop cooking method that includes monitoring the temperature of the cooking utensil and adjusting the power output of the burner accordingly to drive the utensil temperature to a target cooking temperature or profile. However, the burner power is limited to a maximum fuel flow rate, e.g., to ensure safe operation and to prevent the flames from the gas burner from engulfing the sides of the cooking utensil.