Switchable Percolator Heater Circuit for Low-Voltage Water Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric instantaneous water heaters designed for European mains voltage struggle to efficiently heat water to a desired temperature in countries with lower voltage, such as the USA, due to technical limitations in existing circuit systems.
Innovation Solution
An electric instantaneous water heater with an actuator that alternately supplies heating current to multiple heaters arranged in separate circuits, using semiconductor relays or program-based actuators, ensuring only one heater is active at a time, and incorporating heat storage elements to maintain efficient heating even at low voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two heaters are connected in series for 220V operation, then the heater system can operate on European voltage, but rapid and sufficient heating of very cold water is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between series and parallel heater configurations based on detected voltage levels. The system transitions from a static circuit design to a dynamic one where heater connections are reconfigurable, allowing optimal heating performance for both 220V and 110V operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical circuit parameters (series/parallel configuration) in response to voltage parameter changes. By detecting voltage level and adjusting heater connectivity, the system adapts its electrical parameters to maintain effective heating across different voltage environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two heaters are connected in parallel for 110V operation, then the heater system can operate on US voltage, but the heating efficiency is insufficient for very cold water
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures heater connections based on operating voltage, transitioning from fixed to adaptive circuit topology. This allows the system to optimize energy utilization for heating efficiency while maintaining compatibility with different voltage standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic voltage detection and switching cycles to alternate between series and parallel heater configurations. This periodic reconfiguration ensures optimal heating efficiency is achieved during each operating cycle regardless of the voltage standard being used.
3Productivity
If a switchable actuator is implemented to alternate heater operation, then heating efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heater system into multiple independent heating elements with separate control circuits. This segmentation allows individual heater control through the switching actuator, improving heating efficiency while managing complexity through modular circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the switching actuator monitors operational conditions and adjusts heater activation accordingly. This feedback control optimizes heating efficiency by alternating heater operation based on real-time system state, while the automated feedback loop manages the complexity of the switching mechanism.
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 solution enables reliable and efficient heating of water to a desired temperature range even at low mains voltages, achieving similar heat input as if both heaters were operated simultaneously, while allowing universal use across different voltage regions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electric heaters (5a, 5b) attached to a flow tube (3)... which are alternately supplied with heating current
Implementation Method 2
the heat accumulator heats up more evenly due to the heat input from all heaters... the heat accumulator is first heated by the heater and only after the actuator has switched over to another heater, heat is released
Implementation Method 3
Both are usually made of aluminum or aluminum compounds and act as a heat conductor towards the liquid-contacted inner surface of the flow tube
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The percolator (1) has a passage tube (3) for a fluid, and electrical heaters (5a, 5b) attached to the tube and arranged within separate electric circuits (9a, 9b). A switch acting as a programmable actuator (11) that supplies the heaters with heating current, during operation, in a change-over cycle. Heat storage-reinforcement elements (7a, 7b) are attached between the heaters and a fluid-contacted inner surface of the tube. The actuator is formed such that the cycle is shorter than time required for heat transmission from a heat emitting surface of the heaters to the fluid in the tube. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a coffee-fully automatic machine including a supply voltage switching device (2) a method for heating a fluid by an electric percolator.