Induction Cooktop Inverter Relay Commutation Power Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops with multiple inverters experience significant power fluctuations on the mains line during the idling of relays, leading to undesirable power drops and potential flicker, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A power delivery system where a selected inverter momentarily idles to enable relay commutation, and an active inverter increases its output power during this idling period to compensate for the power drop, thereby reducing fluctuations on the mains line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a selected inverter is momentarily idled to enable relay commutation, then relay switching is achieved, but power fluctuations occur on the mains line
Solution Approach 1:
The active inverter increases its output power before and during the idling period of the selected inverter, creating a compensating power surge that counteracts the power drop caused by relay commutation. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful power fluctuation from occurring on the mains line.
Solution Approach 2:
The active inverter acts as an intermediary power source that compensates for the power deficit created when the selected inverter is idled. By adjusting its output power, it mediates the power balance on the mains line, ensuring stability despite the relay commutation events.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an active inverter increases its output power during another inverter's idling period, then power fluctuations are reduced, but the active inverter operates at higher power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The active inverter operates in a periodic manner, increasing its power output only during specific intervals when another inverter is idled for relay commutation. During normal operation periods, it maintains standard power levels. This periodic power adjustment achieves power stability without requiring the active inverter to continuously operate at elevated power levels.
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 effectively mitigates power fluctuations on the mains line by compensating for the power drop during relay commutation, ensuring more stable and uniform power delivery, which meets regulatory standards and reduces flicker.
Implementation Method 1
induction cooktops typically employ high frequency inverters to apply power to induction coils in order to heat a load
Data Source
AI summary
A power delivery system and method for an induction cooktop are provided herein. A plurality of inverters are each configured to apply an output power to a plurality of induction coils electrically coupled thereto via corresponding relays. A selected inverter is operable to momentarily idle to enable commutation of a relay connected thereto. An active inverter is operable to increase its output power for the duration in which the selected inverter is idled in order to lessen power fluctuations experienced on a mains line.