Electric Range Voltage Switching for Peak Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for electric ranges do not effectively limit peak power usage while maintaining peak performance of multiple heating elements, particularly when both cooktop and oven elements are in operation.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that includes a controller communicating with both cooktop and oven elements, switching between two voltage states based on their operational states, supplying a first voltage when the oven is off and a second voltage when it is on, thereby optimizing power distribution and reducing peak consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If full voltage is supplied to the cooktop element when the oven is active, then the cooktop performance is maintained, but the peak power usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage supplied to the cooktop element based on the operational state of the oven. When the oven is active, the controller reduces voltage to the cooktop from the full voltage level, thereby reducing peak power consumption while maintaining adequate cooking functionality. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between limiting peak power and maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the electrical parameter (voltage) supplied to the cooktop element based on the oven's operational state. By switching between different voltage levels (full voltage when oven is off, reduced voltage when oven is on), the system effectively manages peak power usage while preserving cooktop usability during oven operation.
2Power
If voltage is reduced to the cooktop element when the oven is active, then peak power usage is limited, but the cooktop performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial voltage reduction to the cooktop element when the oven is active, rather than complete shutdown. This partial action approach limits peak power consumption while maintaining sufficient cooking capability, resolving the contradiction between power limitation and functionality preservation.
3Productivity
If full voltage is supplied to both oven and cooktop simultaneously, then both elements operate at peak performance, but the electrical system experiences excessive peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements dynamic voltage management that responds to the combined operational state of the oven and cooktop. When both elements are requested to operate, the system dynamically adjusts voltage distribution to prevent excessive peak demand while maintaining adequate performance for both heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring and adjustment of voltage supply based on the operational states of heating elements. The controller continuously evaluates the need for full power and adjusts voltage levels accordingly, creating a periodic control cycle that manages peak energy demand while maintaining productivity.
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
The system effectively limits peak power usage while maintaining high performance of heating elements by adjusting voltage supply according to the operational states of the cooktop and oven, ensuring efficient energy use and reducing wear on electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
The switch is configured to supply a first voltage or a second voltage to the cooktop element from a voltage source
Implementation Method 2
a system for power management of a plurality of heating sources for an electric range
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a system for power management of a plurality of heating sources for an electric range. The system includes a cooktop element, an oven element, and a switch in electrical connection with the cooktop element. The switch is configured to supply a first voltage or a second voltage to the cooktop element from a voltage source. The system further includes a controller in communication with the oven element and configured to control the at least one switch. The controller is configured to control the switch in a first state and a second state. In the first state, the controller controls the switch to supply the first voltage to the cooktop element in response to an off-state of the oven element. In the second state, the controller controls the switch to supply the second voltage to the cooktop element in response to an on-state of the oven element.