Induction Hob Control Unit Energy Efficiency Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooking hobs face inefficiencies in energy usage, as existing systems do not dynamically adapt to optimize energy transfer and dissipation, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates and compares dissipated electric energy with a threshold value, adjusting working parameters of the induction cooking hob to maintain or change power transfer, ensuring energy efficiency by periodically reassessing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the induction cooking hob operates at high power transfer to cook faster, then cooking speed is improved, but energy dissipation increases reducing overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts working parameters based on real-time monitoring of energy transfer and dissipation. The control unit continuously adapts the operating state of the induction cooking hob to optimize the balance between cooking speed and energy efficiency, transitioning between different power levels and operational modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback signals from sensors that monitor the actual energy transfer to the cookware and the dissipated energy in the system. This feedback is used to compare actual performance against target values and adjust working parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining adequate cooking speed.
2Loss of energy
If the system continuously monitors and adjusts working parameters to optimize energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions within a single integrated component: it monitors energy transfer, calculates dissipated energy, compares actual values against target values, determines operational states, and adjusts working parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each control function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes energy efficiency by changing operational parameters such as power level, frequency, and duty cycle of the induction heating elements. Rather than adding complex hardware, the solution relies on dynamic parameter adjustment through software control algorithms that process sensor data and modify operating conditions to minimize energy dissipation.
3Loss of energy
If the system prioritizes energy efficiency over cooking speed, then energy efficiency is improved, but cooking time is elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically reassesses the operational state and energy efficiency metrics, transitioning between different operating modes. Rather than maintaining a single fixed state, the system uses periodic evaluation to switch between high-power rapid cooking modes and energy-efficient lower-power modes, balancing overall cooking time against energy consumption over the complete cooking cycle.
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 approach dynamically optimizes energy efficiency, allowing users to prioritize efficiency over speed, while ensuring minimal excess energy dissipation, thereby enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
An induction cooking hob comprises one or more induction coils, at least one induction generator
Implementation Method 2
an induction heating coil operable to inductively heat a load with a magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling an induction cooking hob, wherein said method comprises an operation mode for estimating the energy efficiency (EE), and wherein said operation mode includes the steps of: a) estimating (12) the dissipated electric energy (ED) of the induction cooking hob, b) comparing (14) the dissipated electric energy (ED) with a threshold value (EDthr) for said dissipated electric energy (ED), c) maintaining (16) the current working parameters of the induction cooking hob, if the dissipated electric energy (ED) is not bigger than the threshold value (EDthr), d) changing (18) the current working parameters, if the dissipated electric energy (ED) is bigger than the threshold value (EDthr), and e) repeating the steps a) and b) and then c) or d), respectively, after a predetermined time period.