BR102022022410A2 - SCALABLE INDOOR COOKING SYSTEM, USABLE IN ANY WEATHER CONDITION, ELECTRIC, WITH THERMAL BASE, HYBRID AND POWERED WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY - Google Patents

Abstract

scalable indoor cooking system, usable in any weather condition, electric, thermal-based, hybrid and powered by renewable energy. A system (100) is disclosed that includes at least one cooktop unit (102) adapted to receive a utensil. Additionally, the system (100) includes a thermal storage unit (104) adapted to store and discharge heat. The system (100) also includes a first energy source (106) thermally coupled to the thermal storage unit (104) and adapted to generate and supply a first predefined amount of heat to the thermal storage unit (104) for storage. Additionally, the system (100) includes a second energy source (108) thermally coupled with the thermal storage unit (104) to generate and supply a second predefined amount of heat to the thermal storage unit (104) for storage thereof. furthermore, the thermal storage unit (104) is capable of receiving the first predefined amount of heat and the second predefined amount of heat separately and simultaneously.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure relates to a hybrid cooking system that uses different heat sources for storage and cooking.

BACKGROUND

[002] Cooking is a process that consumes thermal energy that occurs regularly periodically on varying scales and in different geographies. In general, cooking energy demand is met by direct fossil fuel such as LPG or indirectly through electrical energy generated through coal etc. Considering the remote geographies where accessibility to these energy sources is difficult and sometimes not economically viable given the difficult geographic terrain or low demographic income.

[003] The use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, ocean, etc. to generate electrical power and sources like solar to directly generate thermal energy has enabled possible cooking solutions that can be cheap and accessible in some of the difficult geographical locations.

[004] Most prior art concepts have solar energy as the energy source for the cooking system and energy collection is via both solar thermal and solar PV routes. Previous techniques using solar PV have some type of electrical induction based cooktops with a battery system for energy storage, these systems although versatile for use in all types of cooking operations but are not economically viable and scalable. Solar thermal based concepts have energy harvesting to a thermal storage medium that supplies heat energy to the cooktop that only meets the cooking energy demand on a smaller scale. Some solar thermal concepts that use water/steam as the thermal energy storage medium can meet community cooking requirements, but only for cooking operations such as boiling and steaming. Other concepts that use heat exchangers to heat cooking oil in large quantities can only be used for frying operations, albeit on an industrial scale, but lack energy storage and require high power electrical heating from the grid.

[005] The different concepts and designs of cooktops and cooking systems based on renewable energy sources used in prior art are described in U.S. Patent No. 8950181, World Intellectual Property Organization - International Application No. WO 2017/205864, Publication U.S. Patent Application No. 2021/0106172, Patent No. EP1685762, U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/0340677.

[006] U.S. Patent No. 8950181 discloses solar heat collector base storage (an evacuated tube collector in one embodiment) connected to a cooking range that is also filled with thermal storage material and transferring the collector of cooking range is through heated oil/fluid. The cooking range has several pre-carved cavities/chambers in the shape of specific utensils used for different cooking applications such as cooking in an oven, frying operations in deep round metal pots, steaming operations in a narrow cylindrical container like a pressure cooker etc. This previous technique lacks in providing heat control for all different cooking applications and is also very cumbersome and restrictive of using only utensils in a specific chamber shape, taking away user convenience. Furthermore, the heat collection, transfer and storage technology described also does not have the ability to operate at high temperatures that are currently required for all types of cooking, i.e. 200-350 °C. The energy source used is only solar thermal.

[007] Document No. WO 2017/205864 discloses the portable container having a satisfactory structure with an open top, filled with phase change material (PCM) and having fins as a structure submerged in the extension of PCM to the open top and fixed to a heat transfer plate sitting on the open top that seals the container completely. The heat transfer plate can be directed to a solar energy concentrator like a parabolic antenna where it receives solar energy and stores it within thermal energy in the high temperature range of up to 6 hours. The container with the heat transfer plate is claimed to carry out all types of cooking using regular flat-bottomed utensils, but only for a small amount of food. This previous technique, although convenient to use and can perform all types of cooking operations, does not provide scalability in that a community scale cooking can be carried out, also thermal storage is not sufficient to provide practical usability in situations of non-availability of energy source. It also fails to exploit different renewable energy sources available and thus appears to be less reliable.

[008] Document No. U.S. 2021/0106172 provides the project to carry out high temperature cooking using synthetic thermal fluid and heat exchangers. It has a closed chamber with a supply of high temperature thermal fluid of up to 400 oC and conveyor belt arrangements that pass through an oven-like enclosure that receives heated air from heat exchangers, a fryer with cooking oil that is heated by the heat exchanger and a heated plate, all of which receive heat from common synthetic thermal fluid. The design mentioned in this prior art is for large-scale batch cooking, but only has the capacity to perform certain cooking operations such as baking and frying. Furthermore, this prior art only explains cooktop design that works only on synthetic heat transfer fluid and does not discuss thermal energy and thermal storage medium.

[009] Document No. EP1685762 discloses an apparatus that has a base and lid containing thermal fluid with the ability to create a closed chamber like ovens and be used for low-temperature cooking operations only and on a small scale. This prior art does not discuss the source of thermal energy and technologies for thermal storage.

[010] Document No. U.S. 2020/0340677 discloses the use of electrical power generated from any renewable energy source to transfer energy to one or more heat stores (using electrical heating), one or more storage compartments of heated water and a controller to intelligently select the electricity source and continuously maintain energy storage in the different compartments. A cooking system said to be in a heat exchange relationship with thermal storage can be used to cook food and also heated water can be readily supplied from the storage. This previous technique does not use electricity as a source of thermal energy in storage and fails to utilize other readily available sources such as solar thermal, geothermal, etc.

[011] The various aforementioned disadvantages and limitations of the previous techniques are; inability to carry out all types of cooking operations like frying, boiling, steaming, temperature variation operations as in Indian cooking, Roti production etc.; limitations on the use of type & shape of cooking vessels; suitably greater energy storage capacity to conduct at least a full day of cooking during power supply unavailability; difficulty in scalability of the system for large-scale community cooking; cannot explore different renewable energy sources available in different geographic locations and are based only on a single source such as solar.

[012] As is evident from the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art, there is a need to develop a cooking system that is powered from renewable energy sources suitable for the geographic location, has the capacity to perform all types of cooking operations cooking, have energy stores for longer periods of inactive operations (when energy sources are not available) and are economically scalable for large-scale community cooking.

SUMMARY

[013] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, which are additionally described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended to determine the scope of the invention.

[014] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, which are additionally described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended to determine the scope of the invention.

[015] The proposed system refers to the aspect of a heating system that relies on different energy sources to store heat in a thermal energy collector and discharge heat from it based on need.

[016] A system is disclosed that includes at least one cooktop unit adapted to receive a utensil. Additionally, the system includes a thermal storage unit that has a thermal storage material adapted to store and discharge heat. The system also includes a first energy source thermally coupled to the thermal storage unit and adapted to generate and supply a first predefined amount of heat to the thermal storage unit for storing the same. Additionally, the system includes a second energy source thermally coupled with the thermal storage unit and adapted to generate and supply a second predefined amount of heat to the thermal storage unit for storing the same. Furthermore, the thermal storage unit is capable of receiving the first predefined amount of heat and the second predefined amount of heat simultaneously.

[017] According to the present disclosure, the cooktop unit and the thermal storage unit can receive heat energy from different energy sources simultaneously thereby ensuring that adequate energy is always available for cooking. Furthermore, the simultaneous supply of heat also enables heat consumption as well as storage whenever heat is available thus enabling the use of heat whenever it is available from heat sources.

[018] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be provided by way of reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the attached drawings. It appears that these drawings only depict typical embodiments of the invention and, therefore, should not be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[019] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters represent similar parts throughout the drawings, in which:

[020] Figure 1 illustrates a system for cooking purposes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[021] Figure 2 illustrates an arrangement of a plurality of cooktop units, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[022] Figure 3 illustrates different views of the cooktop unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[023] Figure 4 illustrates another type of cooktop unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[024] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of a thermal storage unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; It is

[025] Figure 6 illustrates the thermal storage unit and a graph indicating heat storage therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[026] Furthermore, knowledgeable elements will verify that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of device construction, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure drawings with details that will be readily apparent to elements of ordinary skill in the art that have benefit from the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[027] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. However, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended herein, such additional changes and modifications to the illustrated system, and such additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by an element of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. The system and examples provided in this document are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[028] For example, the term “some” “or some” as used herein can be understood as “none” or “one (1)” or “more than one (1)” or “all”. Therefore, the terms “none”, “one (1)”, “more than one (1)”, “more than one (1), but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some” or “some” It should be verified by one skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed in this document is to describe, teach, and illuminate some modalities and their specific features and elements and, therefore, should not be interpreted to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present revelation in any way.

[029] For example, any terms used in this document, such as, “includes”, “comprises”, “has”, “consists” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, such terms should not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by use of limiting language that includes but is not limited to “need to understand”. or “must include”.

[030] Whether or not a given resource or element has been limited as being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one (1) or more resources” or “one (1) or more elements” or “at least one (1) resource” or “at least one (1) element”. Furthermore, the use of the terms “one (1) or more” or “at least one (1)” feature or element does not preclude the existence of any such feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language that includes , but without limitation, “there must be one (1) or more…” or “one or more elements are required”.

[031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by an element of common skill in the art.

[032] Reference is made in this document to some “modalities”. It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure meet the requirements of uniqueness, usefulness and non-obviousness.

[033] The use of phrases and/or terms that include, but are not limited to, “a first modality”, “an added modality”, “an alternative modality”, “one (1) modality”, “a modality”, “ multiple modalities”, “some modalities”, “other modalities”, “added modality”, “another additional modality”, “additional modality” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same modalities. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all modalities, or can be found in no modalities. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may be, rather, provided separately or in any appropriate combination or none at all. By contrast, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate modalities can alternatively be conceived of as existing together in the context of a single modality.

[034] Any particular details and all details presented in this document are used in the context of some embodiments and, therefore, should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors of the proposed disclosure.

[035] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for cooking purposes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 of the present disclosure is designed such that the system 100 can utilize heat from multiple heat sources simultaneously to provide adequate heat for cooking purposes. The system 100 may also be used for other purposes that require heat, such as water heating or space heating. The system 100 is designed in such a way that the system 100 can utilize heat whenever it is available, thereby making use of the system 100 beyond the time that heat is not available. The system 100 of the present disclosure has multiple components that can receive and store heat from different sources simultaneously, thereby making thermal storage decentralized. Details of such and other components of system 100 will be explained later.

[036] The system 100 may include, but is not limited to, one or more cooktop units 102, a thermal storage unit 104, a first power source 106, and a second power source 108. The system 100 is designed in such a manner that the heat energy from the first energy source 106 and the second energy source 108 can be stored in both the thermal storage unit 104 and the cooktop units 102 thus simultaneously making the system 100 hybrid in terms of heat usage. The thermal storage unit 104 is the component of the system 100 adapted to store heat therein. Additionally, the thermal storage unit 104 is adapted to regulate the amount of heat supplied to the cooktop unit 102. On the other hand, the cooktop unit 102 is adapted to supply heat to a cooking utensil. Details of each of the thermal storage unit 104 and the cooktop unit 102 will be explained later in relation to Figure 2 and 5 respectively.

[037] In one example, the first energy source 106 is a device adapted to generate heat using sunlight and is configured to supply heat energy to the thermal storage unit 104 for storage. The first energy source 106 may be a solar heat collector, such as an evacuated heat collector or satellite dish/trough collector that can collect heat from sunlight. Alternatively, the first energy source 104 may be a geothermal energy source. In any case, the first energy source 106 generates heat from a natural energy source and transfers a first predetermined amount of heat to the thermal storage unit 104.

[038] On the other hand, the second energy source 108 is coupled to the thermal storage unit 104 to provide a second predefined unit of heat energy to the thermal storage unit 104. The second energy source 108 may be an electrical heating element. which may be powered by a renewable energy 112. The renewable energy 112 may be, in one example, a solar electrical generating unit that includes PV panels 114 and a battery 116 that are adapted to be charged by the PV panels 114. In addition Additionally, battery 116 is configured to send the electrical power to the second energy source 108. Alternatively, the renewable energy 112 may be a wind power electricity generation unit that has wind power generation. The battery 116 may also receive charge from a grid supply or alternating current (AC) power source 118. The second power source 108 is coupled to a resistor of an optimized resistance value to minimize power loss. conversion during power extraction from renewable energy source 112 or alternating current (AC) power source 118.

[039] According to the present disclosure, heat transfer can occur between the aforementioned components by a heat transfer fluid (HTF). HTF can be a synthetic oil. Accordingly, the aforementioned components are configured to receive and discharge HTF, so that HTF can be circulated from such components and transfer heat between them. In one example, system 100 has different power circuits that allow HTF to flow, namely, a first power circuit and a second power circuit.

[040] The first power circuit is in communication with the thermal storage unit 104 and the first energy source 106, which comprises an arrangement for transferring a first predetermined amount of heat from the first energy source 106 to the thermal storage unit 104. The first power circuit may also be called the discharge cycle as the first power circuit enables the transfer and storage of heat in the thermal storage unit 104. The first power circuit may include a first hose 120A adapted to couple fluidically an output port 106B of the first power source 106 and a first input port 104A of the thermal storage unit 104. Additionally, the first power circuit may also include a second hose 120B adapted to fluidically couple a first output port 104B of the thermal storage unit 104 and an input port 106A of the first power source 106. Additionally, the first power circuit may include a first pump 122 disposed between the first output port 104B of the thermal storage unit 104B and the input port 106A of the first power source 106. The first pump 122 is operated to pressurize and pump the HTF through the first power circuit. The first power circuit also includes a first fluidic mode valve 128 coupled to the second hose 120B and upstream of the first pump 122. The first valve 128, in operation, regulates the volume of HTF flowing to the first power source 106.

[041] On the other hand, the second power circuit can also be called the cooking cycle since the second power circuit enables the transfer of heat from the thermal storage unit 104 to the cooktop unit 102 for cooking. The second power circuit may also include a first hose 124A adapted to fluidically couple a second outlet port 104C of the thermal storage unit 104 to an inlet port 102A of the cooktop unit 102. The second power circuit also includes a in-line heater 110 thermally coupled to the first hose 124A and adapted to heat the HTF flowing through the first hose 124A. In one example, the in-line heater 110 may be a heating element that is adapted to provide heat to the cooktop unit 102. The in-line heater 110 may be powered by the AC power supply 118. The second power circuit includes a second hose 124B fluidically adapted to an outlet port 102B of the cooktop unit 102 and the first outlet port 104B of the thermal storage unit 104. Additionally, the second power circuit includes a second pump 126 which is disposed between the output port 102B of the cooktop unit 102 and the first output port 104B of the thermal storage unit 104. The second power circuit also includes a second fluidic mode valve 130 coupled to the second hose 124B and downstream of the second pump 126. The second valve 130, in operation, regulates the volume of HTF flowing to the thermal storage unit 104.

[042] In one example, system 100 includes a bypass valve 132 that fluidically couples the first power circuit and the second power circuit. The bypass valve 132 may be fluidically coupled to the first hose 120A of the first power circuit and the first hose 124A of the second power circuit, such that the bypass valve 132 diverts a portion of the HTF from the first power circuit to the second power circuit. The bypass valve 132 can divert the heated HTF originating from the first energy source 106 based on various situations. For example, the bypass valve 132 can divert the heated HTF when the first predetermined amount of heat is already stored in the thermal storage unit 104 and surplus heat can be used by the cooktop unit 102 for both consumption and storage. In another case, bypass valve 132 can bypass heated HTF when additional heat is needed for heat cooking. In such a case, both the heat from the thermal storage unit 104 and the first energy source 106 can be transported via the HTF to the cooktop unit 102. At the same time, the heat discharge from the thermal storage unit 104 can be replenished for the portion of the HTF that flows to the thermal storage unit 104.

[043] In one example, the first pump 122 and the second pump 126 are powered by either renewable energy 112 or whatever AC power source 118 is available, thereby facilitating operation. Furthermore, the first valve 128, the second valve 130, and the bypass valve 132 are electronically controlled valves and can be controlled by a controller (not shown) to precisely regulate the volume of the HTF therethrough. Furthermore, all such components are electrically connected as shown by dotted lines.

[044] As mentioned previously, the cooktop unit 102 is designed in such a way that the cooktop unit 102 can receive heat energy from different sources. Exemplary embodiments showing different types of cooktop units are explained in conjunction with Figures 2 and 3.

[045] Specifically, Figure 2 illustrates an arrangement 200 of a plurality of cooktop units 102 while Figure 3 illustrates different views of a single cooktop unit 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned previously, the system 100 may have multiple cooktop units 102 that are arranged in a parallel arrangement that can receive HTF simultaneously. Each cooktop unit 102 may include a cooktop plate 202 adapted to receive the utensil thereon. Furthermore, the cooktop plate 202 is adapted to release heat to the cookware to heat the cookware evenly. The 202 cooktop plate is made from a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as Aluminum or Copper. As a result, the discharge of heat through the cooktop plate 202 to the cookware is uniform, thereby making cooking time short while maximizing efficiency. In other words, a cooktop design of the cooktop unit 102 is such that the cooktop design maximizes the efficiency of heat transfer to the cookware during cooking.

[046] The cooktop unit 102 also includes a spiral-shaped hose 204 installed beneath the cooktop plate 202 and adapted to receive the HTF. Alternatively, the coiled hose 204 may be formed as a coiled cavity within the cooktop 202. In either case, the coiled hose 204 is thermally coupled to the cooktop 202 so that heat from the HTF that flows through the coiled hose 204 is transferred to the cooktop 202. The coiled hose 204 has a central port 204A that is fluidically coupled to the inlet port 102A of the cooktop unit 102. Additionally, the coiled hose 204 is transferred to the cooktop unit 102. 204 has a radial port 204B that is fluidically coupled to the output port 204A. The cooktop unit 102 may also include a control valve 208 installed upstream of the central port 204A to regulate the volume of HTF flowing through the coil-shaped hose 204 and, consequently, the amount of heat discharged to the cooktop unit 102.

[047] The cooktop unit 102 also has an insulating cover 206 underneath the coiled-shaped hose 204 to prevent heat loss therethrough. In one example, the cover 206 is bucket-shaped so that both the spiral-shaped hose 204 and the cooktop 202 are housed within the bucket. Such an arrangement prevents heat loss from the coiled hose 204 as well as the sides of the cooktop 202. In one example, the cooktop unit 102 includes a coil heater 210 disposed within the coiled hose 206 and adapted to heat the HTF flowing through the coiled hose 206. Additionally, the coil heater 210 can supply heat to the cooktop 202 through the body to the coiled hose 206. Consequently, the cooktop unit 102 can receive heat from either the HTF and coil heater 210 simultaneously. In one example, the coil heater 210 may be powered by the AC power supply 118 shown in Figure 1.

[048] Referring specifically to Figure 2, the inlet port 102A is fluidically coupled to the central port 204A of the coiled hose 204 of each cooktop unit 102, so that the control valve 208 of each cooktop unit 102 can regulate an HTF influx independently. On the other hand, the radial port 204B is fluidically coupled to the output port 102B of the cooktop unit 102. As can be understood, in the case of a single cooktop unit 102, the central port 204A would be the input port 102A and the radial port 204B would be the output port 102B.

[049] The cooktop unit 102 can have different configurations, so that the cooktop unit 102 can store heat in a localized manner. Such an exemplary embodiment is explained in conjunction with Figure 4. Specifically, Figure 4 illustrates another type of cooktop unit 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cooktop unit 400 can be configured to receive heat from multiple sources simultaneously. Furthermore, the cooktop unit 400 may have similar components as the cooktop unit 102 shown in Figures 2 and 3 albeit in a different configuration. Additionally, the cooktop unit 400 has additional components that enable the cooktop unit 400 to store heat for a longer duration of time.

[050] For example, the cooktop unit 400 has a thermal storage 402. Additionally, the solar cooking device 102 is analogous to the cooktop plate 202 shown in Figure 2. The cooktop unit 400 may include a detachable cover lid 410 adapted to cover a subassembly of a housing 404 (analogous to insulating cover 206). Additionally, the system includes a first heater 406 (analogous to coil heater 210) and a second heater 408 arranged to be in contact with thermal storage 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heater 406 and the second heater 408 may be arranged to come into contact with a bottom surface and a top surface of the thermal storage 402 respectively. In another example, the first heater 406 and the second heater 408 may be embedded with the thermal storage 402. In one example, the peelable cover cap 410 includes one or more than one layer of insulation and is adapted to cover a subset of the housing. 404, the thermal storage 402, the first heater 406, the second heater, and a heat control assembly 412. The heat control assembly 412 translates a vertical movement, thereby varying the contact area between the thermal storage 402 and the lid 410 and, in turn, the utensil.

[051] In one embodiment, the first heater 406 can be coupled to the second energy source 108 namely through the PV panels 114 (shown in Figure 1) and the battery 116 (shown in Figure 1) and adapted to receive solar energy to charge the thermal storage 402. On the other hand, the second heater 408 can be coupled to the AC power supply 118. The second heater 408 can be adapted to charge the thermal storage 402 during an emergency and non-sunny days. Therefore, when solar arrays do not have the ability to collect any solar energy, for example due to cloudy weather conditions, the thermal storage 402 can be charged and therefore the cooktop unit 400 can be operated based on the AC power supply. 118. On the other hand, the first heater 406 can heat the thermal storage on sunny days. In one embodiment, the second heater 408 may be adapted to operate at different values of electrical resistance to extract a defined range of electrical power from the main supply.

[052] Therefore, thermal storage 402 is adapted to be charged through both the solar arrays and the main supply for cooking purposes, depending on the presence of sunlight. In one embodiment, when solar energy is not available, the second heater 408 can directly accept power from the electrical grid and can cook food without charging the thermal storage 402. Therefore, the second heater 408 can also be directly used for cooking.

[053] In one example, thermal storage 402 includes one or more of a thermal storage material, a sensible heat material, a petroleum derivative, and a phase change material. Furthermore, thermal storage 402 may have a cylindrical profile, a cuboid profile, a conical profile, and a pyramidal profile. Furthermore, an outer surface of the thermal storage 402 is insulated in a graduated manner by a first layer of a high temperature heat resistant paint, a second layer of a reflector formed on the first layer, and a third layer of another insulating material formed on the second layer. Furthermore, the thermal storage 402 and an inner surface of the housing 404 are insulated with at least one of Asbestos, Glass Fiber, Ceramic Fiber and Polycrystalline Fiber. Furthermore, the thermal storage 402 is adapted to divide, opening, to form multiple cooktops to receive multiple utensils.

[054] As mentioned previously, the thermal storage unit 104 works in conjunction with the cooktop unit 102 to provide the right amount of heating for cooking. Furthermore, the thermal storage unit 104 is designed to control the discharge of heat to the cooktop unit 102. An exemplary embodiment of the thermal storage unit 104 is explained in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6. Specifically, Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of the thermal storage unit 104. Figure 6 illustrates the thermal storage unit 104 and a graph indicating the amount of heat stored, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[055] The thermal storage unit 104 has a cylindrical body 502 that is thermally insulated from the outside to prevent heat loss. The body 502 may house a thermal storage material. In one example, thermal storage material 504 is filled over the entire height of the thermal storage unit 104. The thermal storage material may be, but is not limited to, a phase change material. Furthermore, the thermal storage material 504 is arranged within the body 502 in such a way that the thermal storage unit 104 is provided as a thermocline-based thermal energy storage in which heat is stored as sensible heat.

[056] Additionally, the body 502 houses the second energy source 108 in the predefined arrangement. For example, the second energy source 108 is arranged along the height, top end, and bottom end of the second energy source 108. The second energy source 108 is arranged such that a thermocline temperature profile be maintained within the thermal storage unit 104 while simultaneously adding energy. Maintaining the thermocline profile reduces thermocline degradation resulting in prolonged thermal storage. Now referring specifically to Figure 6, the thermocline-based thermal storage unit 104 has a heated zone 506, a thermocline zone 508, and a cold zone 510. The heated zone 506 is formed facing a top end of the body 502 of the thermal storage unit 104. On the other hand, the cold zone 510 is formed facing a bottom end of the body 502 of the thermal storage unit 104. Furthermore, the thermocline zone 508 is formed between the heated zone 506 and the cold 510.

[057] In one example, temperatures of the heated zone 506, the thermocline zone 508, and the cold zone 510 vary within their respective range represented by curves 602, 604, and 606 in graph 600 respectively. The temperature within the heated zone 506 is greater than the temperature within the cold zone 510. Furthermore, the temperature within the thermocline zone 508 is greater than the temperature in the cold zone 510 and lower than the temperature in the heated zone 506 Such a temperature profile allows for reduced thermocline degradation.

[058] Although not shown, the thermal storage unit 104 has a heat exchanger that allows HTF flow and heat transfer through it. The heat exchanger may have different input ports 104A, and output ports 104B, 104C for HTF ingress and egress. The heat exchanger is also arranged within the body 502 in such a manner that the heat exchanger helps maintain the thermocline temperature profile.

[059] The present disclosure also relates to a control system for controlling the operation of system 100. The control system may be a single processing unit or multiple units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The control system may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuit sets, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the control system is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in a memory.

[060] During operation, the control system is adapted to operate the first power circuit and the second power circuit to charge and discharge the thermal storage unit 104. In one example, the first pump 122 is actuated so that the HTF in the first power circuit can follow the first energy source 106. The HTF, upon absorption, the first predetermined amount of heat from the first energy source 106 flows back to the thermal storage unit 104 to charge the thermal storage unit 104. The first predetermined amount of heat is stored in the heated zone 506. Additionally, the thermocline zone tank 508 keeps the heated and cold HTF separate within the body 502 of the thermal storage unit 104. Simultaneously, the second source of energy 108 powered by renewable energy 112 maintains stable thermocline temperature profile to reduce thermocline degradation and intensify heat discharge time.

[061] During heat discharge, the thermal storage unit 104 discharges heat to the cooktop unit 102, so that the heat-carrying HTF is supplied at a constant high temperature. Furthermore, based on this requirement, the refrigerant flow rate can be changed by the control system by controlling the second pump 126 and the second valve 130. Additionally, heat can be added by either the first heater 406 (heater coil 210) or thermal storage or both. Additionally, heat can be added by the in-line heater 110. Such an approach ensures that an adequate amount of heat is always available for cooking.

[062] According to the present disclosure, system 100 uses two different types of energy sources simultaneously to ensure that an adequate amount of heat is available for use regardless of the availability of the renewable energy source. The use of different types of heat sources makes the system 100 hybrid. Furthermore, the unique design of single-tank thermal storage unit 104 and HTF-based cooktop unit 102 with built-in second power source 108 further intensifies the hybridization of system 100. Furthermore, electrical heating is logically controlled to intensify the storage performance as well as cooktop unit 102 continuously throughout the entire operation. The system 100 uses a single-tank packed-bed thermal energy storage unit with a second built-in jacket/cloak power source 108. Additionally, the thermal storage unit 104 uses charge materials in the packed-bed single tank to increase energy density of storage system. Furthermore, the cooktop unit 102 with spiral shaped hose 204 fused to the HTF and built-in cable coil heaters 210 contributes to a cooktop unit 102 as local thermal storage. Furthermore, the system 100 enables the integration of the thermal energy collector, the electrical power generation system, the hybrid single-tank thermal storage unit, and the hybrid cooktop unit. As a result, the cooktop unit is scalable to enable large-scale community cooking. Additionally, the system 100 has the ability to tap different renewable energy sources available in different geographies.

[063] Although specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising therefrom are not intended. As would be apparent from one in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the preceding description provide exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements can further be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements from one modality can be added to another modality.

Claims (19)

1. SYSTEM (100) characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one cooktop unit (102) adapted to receive a utensil; a thermal storage unit (104) having a thermal storage material adapted to store and discharge heat; a first energy source (106) coupled to the thermal storage unit (104) and adapted to generate and supply a first predefined amount of energy to the thermal storage unit (104) for storing the same; and a second energy source (108) coupled with the thermal storage unit (104) and adapted to generate and supply a second predefined amount of energy to the thermal storage unit (104) for storage thereof, wherein the storage unit thermal (104) is capable of receiving the first predefined amount of energy and the second predefined amount of energy separately and simultaneously. 2. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first energy source (106) is a solar energy collector, and the second energy source (108) is an electrically coupled heater element to a resistance of a resistance value to minimize loss of conversion power during extraction of power from the renewable energy source or conventional energy source. 3. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a cooktop design of the cooktop unit (102) is such that the cooktop design maximizes the efficiency of heat transfer to the utensil during cooking . 4. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the thermal storage unit (104) is adapted to regulate the heat discharge to the at least one cooktop unit (102). 5. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the at least one cooktop unit (102) comprising a thermal storage (402) adapted to store heat therein and capable of receiving heat from multiple sources separately and simultaneously. 6. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a first energy circuit in communication with the thermal storage unit (104) and the first energy source (106), the first Power circuit comprises an arrangement for transferring the first predetermined quantity of heat to the thermal storage unit (104). 7. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a second power circuit in communication with the at least one cooktop unit (102) and the thermal storage unit (104) and comprises a heat transfer arrangement between the cooktop and the thermal storage unit (104). 8. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the at least cooktop unit (102) comprises: a cooktop plate (202) adapted to receive the utensil on the same as the cooktop plate (202) is adapted to release heat to the utensil to heat the utensil evenly; a spiral-shaped hose (204) installed beneath the cooktop (202), the spiral-shaped hose having a central port (204A) and a radial port (204B); a coil heater (210) disposed within the coiled hose (204) and adapted to heat a heat transfer fluid flowing through the coiled hose (210); and a control valve (208) installed in the radial port (204A) of the coiled hose (204) and adapted to regulate a flow rate of the heat transfer fluid flowing to the coiled hose (204). 9. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the first energy circuit comprises: a first hose (120A) adapted to fluidically couple an output port (106B) of the first energy source (106) and a first input port (104A) of the thermal storage unit (104); a second hose (120B) adapted to fluidically couple a first outlet port (104A) of the thermal storage unit (104) and an inlet port (106A) of the first energy source (106); and a first pump (122) disposed between the first output port (104B) of the thermal storage unit (104) and the input port (106A) of the first energy source (106). 10. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the second energy circuit comprises: a first hose (124A) adapted to fluidically couple a second outlet port (104C) of the storage unit thermal (104) to an input port (102A) of the cooktop unit (102); an in-line heater (110) thermally coupled to the first hose (124A) and adapted to heat a heat transfer fluid flowing through the first hose (124A), wherein the in-line heater (110) is fed by a source of alternating current (AC) power; a second hose (124B) fluidically adapted to an outlet port (102B) of the cooktop unit (102) and a first outlet port (104B) of the thermal storage unit (104); and a second pump (126) which is disposed between the outlet port (102B) of the cooktop unit (102) and the first outlet port (104B) of the thermal storage unit (104). 11. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a bypass valve (132) fluidically coupled to the first hose of the first energy circuit and a first hose of a second energy circuit , wherein the bypass valve (132) is adapted to divert a portion of a heat transfer fluid from the first power circuit to the second power circuit. 12. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the thermal storage unit (104) comprising: a heated zone (502) formed facing a top end of the thermal storage unit (104 ); a cold zone (504) formed facing a bottom end of the thermal storage unit (104); and a thermocline zone (506) formed between the cold zone (504) and the heated zone (502); wherein a temperature within the heated zone (502) is greater than a temperature within the cold zone (504) and a temperature within the thermocline zone (506) is greater than the temperature in the cold zone (504) and less than than the temperature in the heated zone (502). 13. SYSTEM (100), according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the second energy source (108) is installed within the thermal storage unit (104) to maintain a thermocline profile to reduce heat degradation and intensify the heat discharge capacity. 14. SOLAR COOKING DEVICE according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the thermal storage (402) comprising at least one of a thermal storage material, a sensible heat material, a petroleum derivative and a of phase change. 15. SOLAR COOKING DEVICE according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the thermal battery is at least one of a cylindrical profile, a cuboidal profile, a conical profile and a pyramidal profile. 16. SOLAR COOKING DEVICE according to claim 4, characterized in that an external surface of the thermal storage (402) is insulated in a graduated manner, by a first layer of a high temperature heat resistant paint, a second layer of a reflector formed in the first layer and a third layer of another insulating material formed in the second layer. 17. SOLAR COOKING DEVICE, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the thermal storage (402) and the internal surface of a housing (404) are insulated with at least one of Asbestos, Fiberglass, Fiberglass Ceramics, and Polycrystalline Fiber. 18. SOLAR COOKING DEVICE, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the thermal storage (402) is adapted to divide, opening, to form multiple cooktops to receive multiple cooking containers. 19. SOLAR COOKING DEVICE according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a detachable cover lid (410) comprising at least one insulation layer and adapted to cover a subset of the housing (404), the thermal battery (402), the first heater (406), the second heater 408, and a heat control assembly (412).