Induction Cooktop Single Power Module Dynamic Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops face high costs due to power electronics assemblies being oversized to accommodate simultaneous full heating power across multiple zones, which is rarely required in practice, leading to inefficient energy usage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A hob design with a single power electronics assembly and a switching device that connects inductors to multiple inverters, allowing flexible power distribution and reducing the number of inverters needed, while providing intelligent power management to ensure sufficient heating power without exceeding the available nominal power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power electronics assemblies are dimensioned to accommodate simultaneous full heating power across multiple zones, then all heating zones can be operated at full power, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the system continuously monitors the total power demand across all heating zones and dynamically adjusts individual zone power levels. When the sum of selected heating powers exceeds the available nominal power, the system automatically reduces power to less critical zones while maintaining priority zones at full power, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing full power capability and controlling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters by dynamically adjusting the power output of individual heating zones based on overall system demand. Instead of maintaining fixed full-power capability in all zones simultaneously, the system varies power parameters in real-time according to actual usage patterns and available capacity, eliminating the need for oversized power electronics assemblies.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single power electronics assembly is used for multiple heating zones, then costs are reduced, but power distribution flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution control into multiple independent control channels, each managing a specific heating zone. The single power electronics assembly is divided into multiple inverter units, with each inverter responsible for one or more heating zones. This segmentation allows flexible power distribution across zones while using a single, cost-effective power electronics assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power electronics assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple heating zones simultaneously. The system incorporates a common rectifier that feeds multiple inverters, allowing the same hardware platform to dynamically allocate power to different zones based on demand, thereby achieving versatility without requiring separate power assemblies for each zone.
3Power
If full power is available in all heating zones simultaneously, then heating performance is maximized, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing more heating power capacity than is typically needed in all zones simultaneously. The system is designed with the capability to deliver full power to any individual zone or combination of zones, but in practice, only the required amount of power is activated at any given time. This avoids the energy waste of maintaining full-power readiness across all zones continuously while preserving the ability to maximize heating performance when needed.
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 design reduces costs by eliminating unnecessary power electronics components, allows flexible control of heating zones, and prevents overheating by indicating when the selected power exceeds the available capacity, ensuring efficient energy use and user awareness of power limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a single power electronics assembly with a common rectifier used for the inductors for rectifying an AC voltage supplied by a single phase of a household power supply system
Implementation Method 2
a hob with a number of inductors and with at least three heating zones that can be operated by the inductors
Implementation Method 3
An induction hob with inductor heating elements is known from EP 0 971 562 B1
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention is relates to a cook-top having multiple inductors (10) and having at least three heating zones (12) operated by the inductors (10). In order to be able to provide an inexpensive cook-top, it is proposed that the inductors (10) are supplied with heating currents by a single electronic power module (14) having a rectifier (16) that is used jointly for the inductors (10) for rectifying an alternating current supplied by a single phase (18) of a household electrical system (34).