Beverage preparation machine and method for the control of a thermal conditioning device of such a beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoblocks in beverage preparation machines face challenges in accurately controlling temperature and optimizing heating energy, leading to lengthy pre-heating periods and sub-optimal beverage quality due to thermal inertia and environmental uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a thermal conditioning device featuring a controller and self-learning mode that adjusts start-up parameters based on temperature ramp values, ensuring precise control of the start-up phase to reach operative temperature, minimizing temperature overshoots and undershoots, and optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a thermoblock with high thermal capacity is used to accumulate heat energy, then the thermal energy storage is improved, but the heating time becomes lengthy due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the thermoblock before liquid circulation starts. The controller activates the heating element during a pre-heating phase (step S1010) before the pump is activated, ensuring the thermoblock reaches target temperature in advance. This preliminary action allows the high thermal capacity to be beneficial without extending total heating time, as the bulk heating occurs before water is introduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic heating cycles with alternating heating and cooling phases. The controller periodically activates the heating element (step S1010) and allows cooling periods, creating a rhythmic thermal pattern. This periodic action prevents continuous high-power heating, reducing overall heating time while maintaining the thermoblock's thermal energy storage capability through repeated charge-discharge cycles.
2Speed
If the heating power is increased to reduce pre-heating time, then the heating speed is improved, but temperature overshoots occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heating power based on real-time temperature feedback. The controller continuously monitors thermoblock temperature and modulates the heating element power accordingly (step S1010). This dynamic control allows high heating power when temperature is low (maintaining speed) while reducing power as target temperature approaches (preventing overshoot), achieving both fast heating and precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously measuring thermoblock temperature with a sensor and using this information to regulate heating power. The controller receives temperature feedback and adjusts the heating element activation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to achieve target temperature quickly while preventing overshoots by reducing power when the temperature approaches the setpoint.
3Device complexity
If environmental uncertainties are not accounted for, then the device complexity is reduced, but the beverage quality becomes sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining its own thermal characteristics during operation. The controller executes calibration routines (steps S1005-S1015) where it heats the thermoblock, measures the temperature response, and calculates thermal parameters without external intervention. This self-service approach compensates for environmental variations and component tolerances, ensuring consistent beverage quality without adding complex external calibration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on detected conditions. The controller adjusts heating power, pump timing, and circulation flow rates according to measured temperature responses and calculated thermal parameters. By changing parameters adaptively rather than using fixed settings, the system maintains reliable beverage quality across varying environmental conditions without requiring overly complex control architecture.
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 accurate and efficient heating of liquids to target temperatures, ensuring optimal beverage preparation conditions from the first use after start-up, regardless of environmental or power supply variations, by dynamically adjusting start-up parameters and energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, arranged to heat the thermoblock
Implementation Method 2
a thermoblock through which a liquid is circulated for heating
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine includes a thermal conditioning device, such as a heater or cooler. The thermal conditioning device contains a control unit for controlling a start-up phase of the thermal conditioning device from a temperature of inactivity to an operative temperature. The control unit includes a controller with a start-up profile for starting-up the thermal conditioning device, and the start-up profile has at least one parameter. The controller has a self-learning mode for adjusting the at least one parameter. A temperature sensor is connected to the controller for measuring a temperature of the thermal conditioning device. The self-learning mode causes the controller during a start-up phase to: calculate a ramp value representative of a rate of change in temperature during the start-up phase of the thermal conditioning device; adjust the at least one parameter as a function of the adjusted ramp value; and use the adjusted at least one parameter for a remainder of the start-up phase.