Steam Iron Boiler Control for Lower Peak Power Draw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ironing systems with electric resistances for heating the iron plate and a water boiler experience random activation, leading to significant peak energy absorption, which increases overall electric consumption and makes them less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that alternates the supply of electric energy to the resistances based on temperature set points and oscillation ranges, prioritizing the boiler's heating resistance during temperature adjustments and optimizing cycle times to reduce energy peaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If both electric resistances (iron plate and water boiler) are activated simultaneously, then both heating functions are fulfilled, but peak energy absorption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control device activates the water boiler resistance and iron plate resistance in alternating periodic cycles rather than simultaneously. The water boiler resistance is activated first for a predetermined time period, then deactivated while the iron plate resistance is activated. This periodic alternating action ensures both heating functions are fulfilled while preventing simultaneous peak power consumption, thereby reducing overall electric consumption and peak energy absorption.
2Power
If the activation of two electric resistances is alternated, then peak energy absorption is reduced, but the heating efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control device prioritizes activating the water boiler resistance before the iron plate resistance. By preliminarily heating the water in the boiler first, the system ensures that steam generation capability is established before full power is applied to the iron plate. This preliminary action sequence optimizes the alternating activation pattern to maintain heating efficiency while reducing peak power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts the activation timing and duration of each resistance based on the heating requirements. The predetermined time periods for each resistance activation are optimized to ensure adequate heating performance while minimizing peak power demand. This dynamic control approach balances power distribution between the two resistances to maintain overall heating efficiency.
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 reduces overall electric consumption and minimizes peak energy absorption by strategically managing the activation of the resistances, enhancing the efficiency and usability of the ironing system.
Implementation Method 1
an iron equipped with an electric resistance
Implementation Method 2
a boiler, also associated with a corresponding electric resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Device for optimizing the energy absorbed by an ironing system comprising an iron (11), connected to a boiler (13) by means of a feed pipe (12). A resistance (20) of the iron (11) and a resistance (21) of the boiler (13) are associated to respectively the iron (11) and the boiler (13). The iron (11) has at least a temperature adjustment means (22), and at least a temperature detector (16) for detecting the temperature (Tc) inside the boiler (13). The device also comprises a processing system (17) able to receive the temperature values at least from the temperature detector (16) of the boiler (13), and is conditioned at least by the values detected by said temperature detector (16) in order to supply electric energy to the resistance (20) of the iron (11) or to the resistance (21) of the boiler (13).