Multi-System Cooking Power Allocation for Dynamic Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking systems, such as coffee machines and icemakers, often have heating and cooling devices that consume more power than needed, leading to inefficiencies as the power usage varies significantly over time, resulting in unused energy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for allocating power between multiple cooking systems by using an inter-system controller to determine time allotments for heating/cooling elements based on requests and temperature thresholds, prioritizing power allocation to ensure efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is allocated to heating/cooling devices in cooking systems, then the devices can heat or cool products effectively, but power is left unused because the allocated power exceeds the actual power needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power allocation to heating and cooling devices based on real-time power consumption monitoring. The controller continuously monitors actual power usage and modifies the allocated power accordingly, transitioning from static power allocation to dynamic adaptation that matches actual device needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors power consumption of heating and cooling devices and uses this information to adjust power allocation. The monitored power consumption data feeds back to the controller, which then optimizes the power distribution to eliminate waste while ensuring adequate power supply.
2Speed
If power is allocated in bursts to heating/cooling devices, then the devices can respond quickly to temperature changes, but power usage varies substantially over time creating inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from burst power allocation to continuous dynamic power allocation. The controller continuously monitors power consumption and adjusts allocation in real-time, maintaining consistent power delivery that matches actual device needs rather than delivering intermittent bursts that cause substantial power usage variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous power allocation to heating and cooling devices based on real-time monitoring. Instead of interrupting power supply in bursts, the controller maintains continuous power delivery adjusted to actual consumption patterns, eliminating idle time and ensuring steady operation.
3Speed
If a boiler uses significant energy to heat liquid from room temperature to brewing temperature, then the liquid reaches the required temperature quickly, but little to no energy is used before heating starts and significantly less energy is used after temperature is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and power consumption monitors to adjust boiler power allocation. The controller receives continuous feedback on the boiler's actual power usage and temperature status, then optimizes power allocation to match the boiler's instantaneous needs, preventing both power waste and insufficient heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power allocation to the boiler based on its heating cycle stage. During active heating, full power is allocated to achieve rapid temperature increase. When the target temperature is reached or heating is not needed, power allocation is reduced or suspended, eliminating unused energy while maintaining heating capability when required.
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 optimizes energy distribution, reducing waste by allocating power according to the specific needs of each cooking system, thereby improving efficiency and reducing overall energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (112) thermally coupled to the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a cooling element (112) thermally coupled to the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking environment is described for allocating power between multiple cooking systems and providing a calculated amount of energy to a cooking system. The cooking systems can each include a receptacle and a heating/cooling element to heat a product within the receptacle. A controller can receive requests for power from the cooking systems. Based on the requests for power, the controller allocates an amount of time within a time period in which the heating/cooling elements of each cooking system receive electrical energy. The controller can also allocate specific intervals within the time period in which the heating/cooling elements receive electrical energy.