Induction Hob Heating Circuit with Shared Half-Bridge Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing induction cooking hobs with half-bridge topology for induction heating coils are costly due to the need for multiple converters and result in high power losses, leading to increased energy consumption and the requirement for temperature-resistant components and cooling devices.
Innovation Solution
A heating circuit with a reference half-bridge and auxiliary half-bridges, where each resonant circuit can be excited as a full bridge by connecting to either the reference or auxiliary half-bridges via a switchable connecting device, reducing thermal stress and energy consumption, and allowing for selective control of resonant circuits without the need for separate converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a distinct converter with half-bridge topology is provided for each resonant circuit to enable individual power control, then continuous adjusting of output power per cooking zone is achieved, but system cost increases considerably due to expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resonant circuits are merged into a single full-bridge circuit by sharing the reference half-bridge and selectively connecting auxiliary half-bridges, eliminating the need for separate converters for each cooking zone while maintaining individual power control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reference half-bridge serves multiple functions by being shared across all resonant circuits, and the auxiliary half-bridges can be selectively connected to different resonant circuits, creating a universal power conversion architecture that reduces overall component count
2Ease of operation
If half-bridge topology is used for each converter to control resonant circuits, then individual zone control is achieved, but power losses increase and thermal stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple half-bridge converters into a single full-bridge circuit by sharing the reference half-bridge and selectively connecting auxiliary half-bridges to different resonant circuits, reducing total power losses through improved power distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device dynamically connects auxiliary half-bridges to different resonant circuits based on operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize power distribution and minimize losses under varying load conditions
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 reduces component requirements and costs, minimizes power losses, and allows for flexible control of cooking zones, optimizing energy use and reducing the need for cooling, while maintaining comparable output power.
Implementation Method 1
Heating circuit for induction heating coils of an induction cooking hob
Implementation Method 2
each having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein an induction heating coil is arranged in each resonant circuit. Said induction heating coils are in particular for heating of cooking vessels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heating circuit (10) for induction heating coils (L1 - L4) of an induction cooking hob and to an induction cooking hob including such a heating circuit. In the heating circuit, there are in each case two auxiliary half bridges (30, 35) interconnected to excite a respective resonant circuit for an induction heating coil such that the resonant circuit is excited by a full bridge. Thereby, lost heat is considerably reduced. Via a connecting device (40) the auxiliary half bridges (30, 35) can be controlled to excite induction heating coils, which are partly or fully covered by a cooking vessel.