Infrared Radiant Burner Conversion for Open-Top Gas Stovetops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open-top gas burner systems are inefficient as they heat the air around the grate, which then transfers heat to cooking vessels, leading to increased energy consumption and longer cooking times, and replacing them with infrared radiant burners requires significant modifications and is costly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus to convert an open-top burner system to a radiant burner system by blocking airflow through the central opening of the venturi burner, positioning a radiant burner head assembly over the venturi, and using an emitter to direct heat efficiently, which includes a plenum, perforated members, and support members for improved heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an open-top gas burner system is used, then the structure is simple and installation is easy, but heat transfer efficiency is poor and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The radiant burner head assembly is nested within the existing venturi burner structure. The venturi burner body is retained, and the radiant burner head is inserted into its central opening, creating a nested configuration that achieves infrared heat transfer without complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
An emitter assembly acts as an intermediary between the gas flame and the cooking vessel. The emitter absorbs thermal energy from the flame and radiates infrared energy directly to the cookware, mediating the heat transfer process to improve efficiency.
2Productivity
If an infrared radiant burner is installed, then heat transfer efficiency improves and cooking time is reduced, but modification cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion kit is divided into separate modular components: a radiant burner head assembly, an emitter assembly, a support structure, and a central opening plug. This segmentation allows for staged installation and simplifies the conversion process from a complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi burner body serves dual functions: it continues to provide gas mixing and flame generation while also serving as the housing for the radiant burner head assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall structure.
3Loss of energy
If an infrared radiant burner is installed, then energy consumption is reduced, but installation cost and kitchen modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiant burner head assembly is pre-configured with the emitter and support structures before installation. The central opening plug is prepared in advance to seal the venturi opening. These preliminary preparations simplify the actual installation process and reduce on-site modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion kit uses relatively simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and installed. The emitter assembly and support structures are designed as straightforward metal components rather than complex assemblies, reducing overall installation cost.
4Loss of energy
If the central opening of the venturi burner is blocked, then radiant heat transfer is improved, but airflow through the burner is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The central opening plug selectively blocks only the central opening while leaving the annular channel open. This local differentiation allows secondary air to enter through the annular channel for combustion, while preventing heat loss through the central opening, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency without restricting necessary airflow.
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 conversion results in a more efficient heat transfer directly to cooking vessels, reducing energy consumption and cooking time while allowing for a cost-effective upgrade from traditional open-top burners without extensive modifications.
Implementation Method 1
Gas-fed infrared burners are more efficient than similar open-top gas-fired burners
Implementation Method 2
A known design for gas fired cook tops in ranges includes separate burner assemblies for each cooking location, with each burner assembly including a venturi and a burner head
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying an open-top burner system to a radiant burner system involves providing a stovetop having an open top burner system which includes a grate, burner head, and a venturi burner. The venturi burner includes an open top annular channel about a central opening. Further provided are a central hole plug, an emitter, and a radiant burner head assembly. To modify the stovetop, the grate and burner head are removed from the stovetop and the central plug is used to block airflow through the central opening. The radiant burner head assembly is next positioned over the venturi burner and the emitter is positioned over the radiant burner head assembly. This series of steps thereby converts the assembly from a traditional open-top burner system to a radiant burner system. A kit may be provided to facilitate the process.