Integrated Power and Control for Pulse-Driven Infrared Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Countertop appliances are limited by the standard 1,800-watt power available at 120-volt outlets, restricting their size and functionality, especially when using high-powered narrowband semiconductor cooking technology that requires more energy for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power supply and control system utilizing an energy storage section, memory, and processor to manage direct current energy for narrowband semiconductor irradiation arrays, enabling pulse width modulation and efficient power distribution, with the capability to store and discharge energy exceeding standard outlet capacity, and integrate with external power sources and cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard 120-volt outlets are used, then broad market appeal is achieved, but power availability is limited to 1,800 watts
Solution Approach 1:
A portable power supply unit acts as an intermediary between standard 120-volt outlets and high-powered countertop appliances. This mediator converts and stores electrical energy, then delivers it in high-power bursts when needed, enabling appliances to exceed the 1,800-watt limitation of standard outlets while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is stored in advance in the portable power supply unit before high-power operation is needed. The system pre-charges capacitors or batteries during low-demand periods, allowing the appliance to access stored energy and operate at power levels higher than what the outlet can provide in real-time.
2Productivity
If high-powered semiconductor irradiation arrays are used, then cooking efficiency is improved, but power requirements exceed standard outlet capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor irradiation arrays operate in periodic pulses rather than continuous mode. The portable power supply delivers energy in controlled bursts, allowing the arrays to reach high power levels during active cooking intervals while consuming less average power, thereby exceeding outlet capacity during needed moments without continuously overloading the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of power delivery by using pulse width modulation and intermittent operation. Instead of maintaining constant high power, the arrays switch between high-power states and low-power or off states, allowing the average power consumption to remain within outlet limits while achieving high instantaneous power for efficient cooking.
3Speed
If continuous high power is supplied, then cooking speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsing of the semiconductor arrays rather than continuous operation. High-power intervals deliver the energy needed for fast cooking, followed by lower-power or idle intervals that reduce overall energy consumption. This allows the system to achieve cooking speed improvements without proportionally increasing total energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable power supply unit autonomously manages energy storage and delivery timing. It monitors the cooking process and automatically provides power bursts when needed for high-speed cooking, then conserves energy during periods when the appliance is idle or in lower-power modes, optimizing the balance between cooking speed and energy consumption without constant user intervention.
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
Enables high-powered narrowband cooking with efficient energy use, allowing faster cooking times and versatile operation, including portability and integration with peripheral appliances, while optimizing energy use and extending cooking duration.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage section to store and discharge energy as direct current (DC) suitable for operating the arrays
Implementation Method 2
narrowband semiconductor irradiation devices to supply narrowband infrared energy to a comestible item
Implementation Method 3
a memory section to store instructions on at least one pulse width modulation pattern and a control processor to execute the instructions from the memory section and control a supply of energy from at least one of the energy storage section and an external power source to the arrays based on the at least one pulse width modulation pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electrical power supply and control system and method are provided. Such a system and method utilize energy storage, memory and a processor to provide controlled direct current (DC) energy suitable for operating narrowband semiconductor irradiation arrays according to appropriate pulse width modulation patterns to achieve cooking/heating of comestibles.