Induction Hob Control Unit for Flexible Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating devices lack flexibility in power distribution and heating area coverage, leading to inefficient energy use and uneven heating.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating device employs a control unit to operate multiple induction heating units in sections, with a heating frequency unit providing high-frequency energy and a switching arrangement that establishes direct connections between the heating frequency unit and induction heating units, allowing for flexible power distribution and overlapping heating areas to achieve uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple induction heating units are supplied in parallel by an inverter, then the heating power is sufficient, but the flexibility in power distribution and heating area coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the induction heating system into multiple independent heating units (first induction heating unit and second induction heating unit) that can be controlled separately. Each unit can be operated independently or in combination, allowing flexible power distribution across different heating zones without requiring a completely redesigned power distribution system.
2Reliability
If induction heating units operate continuously, then heating coverage is maintained, but energy consumption increases and switching elements wear out
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit operates the induction heating units in periodic sections rather than continuously. The first induction heating unit operates in a first operating section and the second induction heating unit operates in a second operating section, with the sections being temporally separated. This periodic operation maintains heating coverage while reducing energy consumption and wear on switching elements compared to continuous operation.
3Loss of energy
If heating units are operated in sections with time separation, then energy consumption is reduced, but the heating area coverage may become uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operation of multiple induction heating units in a coordinated manner where the first induction heating unit and second induction heating unit are both controlled by the same control unit. The heating areas of these units are positioned to overlap or be adjacent, and their operation in sequential sections ensures uniform heating across the entire cooking surface while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 enhances flexibility and efficiency by allowing for flexible power distribution and uniform heating across a larger area, reducing energy consumption and wear on switching elements while maintaining even heat generation over time.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating element through which high-frequency alternating current flows in at least one operating state. The induction heating element is preferably intended to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, heating medium
Implementation Method 2
which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, heating medium, in particular a cooking utensil, which are converted into heat
Implementation Method 3
at least one damping capacitance connected in parallel to the bidirectional unipolar switches, which is formed in particular by at least one capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an induction heating device, in particular an induction hob device, with at least one heating frequency unit (60a; 60b; 60c; 60d, 61d) and at least three induction heating units (20a, 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a; 20b, 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b; 20c, 22c, 24c, 26c; 20d, 22d, 24d, 26d) which are assigned to the heating frequency unit (60a; 60b; 60c; 60d, 61d). In order to enable flexible heating power allocation, it is proposed that the induction heating device has at least one control unit (64a; 64b; 64c; 64d) which is designed to operate at least two of the induction heating units (20a, 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a; 20b, 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b; 20c, 22c, 24c, 26c; 20d, 22d, 24d, 26d) sectionally in at least one operating mode.