Decentralized Kitchen Heating Control via Master-Slave Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen electrical heating device control systems are not modularly expandable, requiring new wiring for adding or removing heaters and are not suitable for smaller kitchens, where a simpler and flexible solution is needed to manage power consumption without exceeding a defined maximum value.
Innovation Solution
A method and device with a decentralized control system where each heating device has a control unit with a communication bus, allowing devices to communicate and determine power consumption to ensure total power does not exceed a threshold, with a master-slave configuration to manage power distribution efficiently and flexibly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized control device is used to manage power consumption of heating devices, then power distribution control is achieved, but the system becomes non-modular and requires new wiring when adding or removing heaters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into decentralized control units, each heating device having its own control unit with master or slave status. This segmentation eliminates the need for a centralized control device and complex wiring, allowing modular expansion where devices can be added or removed without rewiring the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces communication devices as intermediaries between heating devices, enabling them to exchange power consumption data and coordinate power distribution without requiring physical wiring changes. This intermediary communication layer allows flexible system configuration and expansion.
2Ease of operation
If a complex centralized control system is implemented, then precise power management is achieved, but the device becomes too complex for smaller kitchens with limited heating devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts its complexity based on the number of heating devices present. One device is designated as master and coordinates with slave devices, allowing the system to function efficiently whether there are 3 or 30 heating devices, making it suitable for both small and large kitchens without requiring different system architectures.
3Power
If all heating devices operate at desired power levels independently, then each device meets its heating requirements, but the total power consumption exceeds the maximum connection value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where control units continuously monitor power consumption data and exchange information about current power usage. Based on this feedback, the master control unit coordinates power distribution to ensure the total power consumption remains within the maximum connection value while still meeting heating requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption parameters of individual heating devices based on overall system conditions. When the sum of desired power levels exceeds the maximum connection value, the control units modify power consumption parameters to redistribute power within available capacity, preventing overload while maintaining heating functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is used to control the consumption of electrical energy for a plurality of electric heating appliances (1) in a kitchen, each with its own appliance control unit (11). The appliance control unit comprises a control device (12), a storage device (13), a communication device (14), and input elements (15) for specifying the desired power level, whereby the communication devices (14) of the heating appliances (1) can communicate with each other. One of the switched-on heating appliances (1) with the corresponding appliance control unit (11) is designated as the master (M). The other switched-on heating appliances (1) with their corresponding appliance control units (11) are defined as slaves (S). The desired or possible power levels of all switched-on heating appliances (1) are communicated to the master (M) via the communication devices (14).The master (M) determines the power consumption of all connected heating devices (1) so that a predetermined threshold is not exceeded.