Induction Hob Heating Frequency Units Rectifier Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops face inefficiencies due to disproportionate losses in rectifier units, particularly in semiconductor components, which affect electrical efficiency and comfort during high-power operations.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating device incorporates multiple heating frequency units connected to different energy sources via switching units, allowing for selective energy source utilization, simultaneous operation, and parallel rectifier unit switching, along with a control unit to manage power consumption and rectify AC voltage efficiently, reducing losses and enhancing electrical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple heating frequency units are connected to different energy sources via rectifier units, then power handling capability is improved, but losses in semiconductor components of rectifier units increase disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power handling into separate heating frequency units (each with associated rectifier units) that can be independently connected to different energy sources. This segmentation allows selective operation of rectifier units based on power demand, avoiding the need to operate all rectifier units at high power levels and thus reducing disproportionate losses in semiconductor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching units enable dynamic reconfiguration of the system, allowing heating frequency units to be selectively connected or disconnected from energy sources based on real-time power demands. This dynamic operation ensures that rectifier units operate only when needed and at appropriate power levels, minimizing energy losses in semiconductor components while maintaining high power handling capability when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heating frequency units are selectively connected to different energy sources, then electrical efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple switching units
Solution Approach 1:
The switching units are designed with multi-functionality, serving both to connect/disconnect heating frequency units from energy sources and to enable parallel operation of rectifier units. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated switching components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining the ability to selectively connect units to different energy sources for improved electrical efficiency.
3Power
If rectifier units are switched in parallel on the load side, then power handling is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for managing parallel rectifier unit operation are merged into the existing control unit that already manages the heating frequency units and switching operations. This consolidation allows the control unit to coordinate parallel rectifier switching alongside other system functions, improving power handling while minimizing the increase in control complexity through integrated rather than separate control mechanisms.
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 configuration significantly improves electrical efficiency by minimizing losses in rectifier units and allowing for higher power handling, thereby increasing comfort and operational efficiency during various power demands.
Implementation Method 1
generates an oscillating electrical signal, preferably with a frequency of at least 1 kHz, in particular at least 10 kHz, advantageously at least 20 kHz, and in particular at most 100 kHz
Implementation Method 2
intended to convert a high-frequency alternating current, in particular an alternating current with a frequency between 20 kHz and 100 kHz, into an alternating magnetic field which, through induction and/or magnetic reversal effects
Implementation Method 3
generates heat through induction and/or magnetic reversal effects
Implementation Method 4
through induction and/or magnetic reversal effects
Implementation Method 5
intended to rectify an electrical AC voltage which is present at input contacts and to output it at output contacts. An output voltage of the rectifier unit is preferably a pulsating DC voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention is based on an induction heating apparatus, in particular an induction hob apparatus, with at least two heating frequency units (30, 32) which are intended to be connected to different energy sources (14, 16). In order to achieve an increased electrical efficiency, it is proposed that the domestic appliance has at least one first switching unit (40), which is intended to connect at least the two heating frequency units (30, 32) to a single one of the at least two energy sources (14, 16) in at least one operating mode.