Pulsed Electric Field Chamber Feedback for Accurate Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsed electric field processing technologies face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of processing target objects, leading to deteriorated sterilization quality due to discrepancies in resistivity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed electric field processing apparatus that includes a temperature computing unit to calculate processing temperatures based on resistance values and calibration, and a power supply control unit to adjust the pulsed power supply based on these temperatures, ensuring precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a resistivity measurement device is disposed upstream of the sterilization processing unit to control pulse voltage, then the control system can operate, but the measured resistivity differs from the actual resistivity in the sterilization processing unit, causing inaccurate temperature control and deteriorated sterilization quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrode pair within the sterilization processing unit as an intermediary measurement element. This electrode pair directly measures the resistivity of the liquid material at the actual processing location, serving as a mediator between the control system and the sterilization process. The measured resistivity value is then used to calculate and adjust the pulse voltage, ensuring accurate temperature control and sterilization quality without the measurement errors introduced by upstream measurement devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pulse voltage is adjusted based on upstream resistivity measurement, then power consumption can be managed, but temperature control accuracy deteriorates due to resistivity differences between measurement location and processing location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the electrode pair continuously measures the resistivity of the liquid material directly in the sterilization processing unit. This real-time resistivity measurement is fed back to the control system, which then adjusts the pulse voltage output accordingly. The feedback loop ensures that power consumption is optimized while maintaining accurate temperature control, as the control decisions are based on actual processing conditions rather than upstream measurements.
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
Accurate temperature control enhances the processing quality of target objects by maintaining optimal conditions, preventing flavor and nutrient degradation while ensuring effective sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of first electrodes to generate a pulse electric field by being applied with the pulse voltage
Implementation Method 2
the resistance value being acquired from the pulse voltage and a pulse current flowing through the processing target object in the first processing chamber when the pulse voltage is applied to the first electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsed electric field processing apparatus includes: a pulsed power supply that generates a pulse voltage; a pair of electrodes that generates a pulse electric field; a processing chamber that is disposed between the electrodes and includes a space through which a processing target object in a liquid state passes and in which the pulse electric field is generated; a temperature computing unit that computes a processing temperature that is a temperature of the processing target object in the processing chamber on the basis of a resistance value and a preset calibration value, the resistance value being acquired from the pulse voltage and a pulse current flowing through the processing target object in the processing chamber when the pulse voltage is applied to the electrodes; and a power supply control unit that controls the pulsed power supply on the basis of the processing temperature and a preset target temperature.