Radiant Burner Conversion for More Efficient Gas Cooktops
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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
1Ease of manufacture
If an open-top burner system is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the cooking efficiency is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and flow parameters of gas combustion by introducing a venturi mechanism that creates a vacuum effect, drawing in secondary air to form a gas-air mixture that is then forced through a perforated plate. This transforms the combustion parameters to produce infrared radiation instead of open flames, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency to cookware while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated plate acts as an intermediary component between the venturi and the cookware. It distributes the gas-air mixture uniformly across multiple small openings, creating numerous small flames that generate infrared radiation. This intermediary structure enables efficient radiant heat transfer without requiring complex burner assemblies
2Productivity
If an infrared radiant burner is installed, then the cooking efficiency and heat transfer are improved, but the modification cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The burner system is segmented into distinct functional components: the existing venturi (unchanged), a removable perforated plate with multiple openings, and a central plug. This segmentation allows for easy installation and removal without modifying the permanent structure of the stove, reducing modification complexity while achieving infrared radiant heating
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides primary gas flow control, creates vacuum for secondary air intake, and works with either the original open-top grate configuration or the converted perforated plate configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same base structure to support both traditional and infrared radiant burning modes
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 enhances cooking efficiency by directly transferring heat 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
A venturi burner includes an open top annular channel about a central opening
Implementation Method 2
Gas-fed infrared burners are more efficient than similar open-top gas-fired burners
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.