CN113310210A

CN113310210A - Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) water heater apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN113310210A
Application number: CN202110174575.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·C·冈萨雷斯; H·惠兴
Original assignee: Royal Factory Co ltd
Current assignee: Royal Factory Co ltd; Koninklijke Fabriek Inventum BV
Priority date: 2020-02-06
Filing date: 2021-02-07
Publication date: 2021-08-27
Also published as: EP3863374B1; EP3863374A1

Abstract

A Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) water heating apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment, an SSRF water heater includes a water storage tank, an SSRF generator array, and an RF sensor enclosed within an RF shielding cage. The SSRF array synthesizes RF signals in the microwave range and transmits RF energy through the water storage tank to excite and heat water molecules without direct contact. RF sensors at opposite ends of the tank sense residual RF energy that is not absorbed by the water. The control processor regulates the generation and transmission of RF energy based on the sensed residual energy. The heated water and/or generated steam is piped to a hot water dispenser, a beverage manufacturer, or a steam oven.

Description

Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) water heater apparatus

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from the following U.S. patent applications in accordance with 35 U.S. C. § 119 and/or 120: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/946,636 entitled "SOLID STATE RADIO FREQUENCY (SSRF) MICROWAVE OVEN FOR AIRCRAFT GALLEY" filed 5/5 in 2018. Said U.S. patent application 15/946,636 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to galley insert (GAIN) appliances, and more particularly to appliances for heating and boiling water in aircraft galleys.

Background

Operators of kitchen insert (GAIN) equipment incorporating water systems must deal with scaling, particularly for equipment that heats or boils water. For example, hot water dispensers, beverage manufacturers, steam ovens, and other similar water heating devices can accumulate scale as compounds precipitate from the heated water onto the interior surfaces and the point where the water directly contacts the heating element. Furthermore, conventional water heaters and water boilers may use conventional magnetron-based technology, which requires a special high voltage power supply system.

Disclosure of Invention

A Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) water heating apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment, an SSRF water heating apparatus includes a faraday cage or other similar RF shielded enclosure in which is disposed a water storage tank that is at least partially RF transparent and that contains a volume of water. The apparatus includes an SSRF-generating array at one end of the tank (e.g., adjacent to the first RF-transparent surface), wherein the RF signal source generates and amplifies RF energy that is transmitted through water in the tank (e.g., from the first RF-transparent surface through the water to the second RF-transparent surface at the other end of the tank) to excite and heat the water therein. At the end of the tank, an RF sensor detects absorbed and residual RF energy so that the control processor can adjust the level of transmitted RF energy.

A Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) steam generator is also disclosed. In an embodiment, the SSRF steam generator comprises a faraday cage or other similar RF shielded enclosure in which is disposed a water storage tank that is at least partially RF transparent and that contains a volume of water. The steam generator includes an SSRF generation array at one end of the tank (e.g., adjacent to the first RF transparent surface), wherein the RF signal source generates and amplifies RF energy that is transmitted through water in the tank (e.g., from the first RF transparent surface through the water to a second RF transparent surface at the other end of the tank) to excite and heat the water therein to generate steam therefrom. At the end of the tank, an RF sensor detects absorbed and residual RF energy so that the control processor can adjust the level of transmitted RF energy. The generated steam may be vented to an adjacent oven or kitchen insert (GAIN) device.

This summary is provided merely as an introduction to the subject matter, which is fully described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. This summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor should it be used to determine the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed.

Drawings

The embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments or examples ("examples") of the disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general, the operations of the disclosed processes may be performed in any order, unless otherwise provided in the claims. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) water heating apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and is

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an SSRF steam generator device according to an example embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Before one or more embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components or steps or methods set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific details may be set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the disclosure.

As used herein, letters following a reference number are intended to denote an embodiment of a feature or element that may be similar to (but not necessarily identical to) a previously described element or feature (e.g., 1a, 1b) bearing the same reference number. Such shorthand notations are used merely for convenience and should not be construed to limit the disclosure in any way unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not to an exclusive "or". For example, either of the following conditions satisfies condition a or B: a is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), a is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both a and B are true (or present).

In addition, "a" or "an" may be employed to describe elements and components of embodiments disclosed herein. This is done merely for convenience and "a" or "an" is intended to include "a" or "at least one" and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is not so.

Finally, as used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the features explicitly described or inherently present herein, or any combination or sub-combination of two or more such features, and any other features that may not necessarily be explicitly described or inherently present in the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1, a Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) water heater 100 is disclosed. SSRF water heater 100 may include a storage tank 102, a Radio Frequency (RF) generator array 104, an RF sensor array 106 (e.g., one or more RF sensors), a control processor 108, a power supply 110, an inlet valve 112, an outlet valve 114, and a cooler system 116.

In embodiments, the storage tank 102 of the SSRF water heater 100 may be wholly or partially RF transparent (e.g., microwave transparent). For example, the tank 102 may be made entirely or partially of RF transparent material (e.g., plastic, composite, or any other suitable material capable of passing microwave energy, radio signals, or RF fields without self-heating) or may include an RF transparent outer surface 118 to allow RF energy (e.g., microwave energy, Electromagnetic (EM) signals in the microwave and radio frequency bands and capable of dielectric heating) to pass through the tank 102. The tank 102 may contain a volume of water 120, the water 120 being supplied through an inlet line 122 controlled by the inlet valve 112. For example, the tank 102 may be connected to a potable water source on board the aircraft, which may be manually replenished (e.g., based on control inputs provided by a user to the control processor 108) or automatically refilled, for example, if the level of water 120 (as measured by the tank level sensor 124) falls below a threshold level. In some embodiments, inlet line 122 may include a secondary drain (122a) to prevent water 118 from draining back into the water source through inlet line 122. In some embodiments, the storage tank 102 may include a heat exchanger, a serpentine tube surrounded by the storage tank, or a continuous flow and components of a closed system.

In an embodiment, the tank 102, the RF generator array 104, and the RF sensor array 106 may be enclosed in a Faraday cage or any similar RF shielded enclosure 126 (e.g., RF sealed; may include a Faraday cage or other suitable solid, fabric, or mesh covering that is a conductive material or other suitable material that is capable of preventing the generated RF field from escaping the vicinity of the SSRF water heater 100) to prevent excess heat or residual RF energy from escaping to the galley area or elsewhere within the aircraft cabin. The RF generator array 104 may include a transistor-based RF synthesizer 128a in communication with the power supply 110. The RF synthesizer 128a may generate a source of RF signals (e.g., microwave energy in the range of 300MHz to 300 GHz; radio signals in the range of 3kHz to 300 MHz) that are amplified in a power stage by an RF amplifier 128 b. Closed loop control within the RF generator array 104 may provide instantaneous feedback and adjustments (e.g., adjustments to the power level, frequency, or phase of the RF signal source) as needed or desired to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Since the RF synthesizer 128a is semiconductor based rather than magnetron based, a low voltage (e.g., 28Vdc) power supply is sufficient to power the RF generator array (without the need for a high voltage power supply that may be associated with a magnetron powered microwave oven). Furthermore, embodiments of the SSRF water heater 100 may be lighter and more reliable than conventional systems, requiring less or less frequent maintenance and operating at a lower overall cost.

In an embodiment, the amplified RF energy may be transmitted (130) through the tank 102 (and the water 120 contained therein) by the antenna elements 132 of the RF generator array 104. For example, the antenna element 132 may be oriented such that the transmitted RF energy (130) enters the tank 102 directly through the adjacent RF transparent outer surface 118, toward the destination RF transparent outer surface at the other end of the tank. The water 118 may be heated or boiled via absorption of the transmitted RF energy 130. Since the inner surface of the tank 102 is less susceptible to significant temperature differences, the potential for fouling on any such surface area may be significantly reduced. In some embodiments, any scale particles precipitated from the heated water may be prevented from agglomerating into a larger mass by bombardment of the transmitted RF energy (130); such particles may drift to the bottom of the tank 102, from where they may easily drain (e.g., as a sediment layer), may re-dissolve as the water temperature changes, or may simply flow out of the tank when hot water is dispensed. In some embodiments, the path of the transmitted RF energy 130 may be indirect, e.g., conducted or reflected via one or more auxiliary surfaces between the RF generator array 104 and the tank 102.

In an embodiment, any residual RF energy 134 transmitted by the RF generator array 104 but not absorbed by the water 118 in the tank 102 may be measured by the RF sensor array 106. For example, by determining the amount of transmitted RF energy (130) absorbed by the water 118 within the tank 102, the RF sensor array 106 may adjust the transmitted RF energy via the RF generator array 104 by directing the control processor to minimize excess residual or reflected energy (134). In addition to directly tuning the transmitted RF energy 130, the RF sensor array 106 may also provide the control processor 108 with data regarding the amount of transmitted RF energy absorbed by the water 118, from which the control processor may determine additional information about the state of the water within the tank 102 (e.g., the amount of water remaining in the tank (if there is no tank level sensor 124), or whether the water is contaminated in any way). In some embodiments, the SSRF water heater may incorporate one or more temperature sensors 136 within the tank 102 that are capable of directly sensing the water temperature within the tank and reporting the sensed temperature to the control processor 108. For example, the SSRF water heater 100 may set it to boil water 118, or alternatively heat the water to a precise desired temperature selected by the user (e.g., an optimal temperature for brewing coffee 195-205 ° f). In some embodiments, for example, if the sensed internal temperature exceeds an overheating threshold or otherwise indicates a possible overheating within the storage tank 102, the control processor 108 may provide overheating protection by adjusting or deactivating the RF generator array 104.

In an embodiment, the heated water 118 may exit the tank 102 via an outlet line 138 controlled by the outlet valve 114, e.g., into a hot water dispenser, brewing device, or other container. For example, the outlet valve 114 may additionally allow air to enter the tank 102 when the tank is dispensing water or is drained. In some embodiments, the outlet valve 114 may include an overpressure valve incorporated therein, for example, to vent excess steam to a safe location to relieve pressure within the storage tank 102.

In an embodiment, the SSRF water heater 100 may include a cooler device 116. For example, the cooler devices 116 may be connected by a circulating air system. The circulating air may be directed into the cooler device 116, cooled, and then circulated around and over the control processor 108, power supply 110, or RF generator array 104 to absorb excess heat generated thereby.

Referring to fig. 2, an SSRF steam generator 100a may be implemented and may function similarly to the SSRF water heater 100 of fig. 1, except that the SSRF steam generator may be specifically configured for generating steam within the storage tank 102 (202).

In an embodiment, SSRF steam generator 100a may be connected to a second kitchen insert (GAIN) device 204, e.g., a steam oven, a warming chamber, or similar container, e.g., via outlet line 138. For example, the GAIN apparatus 204 may be a steam oven, wherein the generated steam 202 is exhausted into the internal environment 204a of the GAIN apparatus. The generated steam 202 may be vented to the internal environment 204a without a restriction, or in some embodiments, the generated steam 202 may be used to build pressure within the internal environment. Accordingly, the GAIN apparatus 204 may include a pressure valve 206 (e.g., controlled by software running on the control processor 108) for venting accumulated vapor from the internal environment 204 a. In some embodiments, the SSRF steam generator 100a and/or the outlet valve 114 may be incorporated into the steam oven 204.

In an embodiment, the SSRF steam generator 100a may incorporate one or more storage tank sensors 136a within the storage tank 102. The tank sensor 136a may be implemented and may function similarly to the temperature sensor 136 of fig. 1, except that the tank sensor 136a may additionally sense and report humidity and pressure within the tank 102. In some embodiments, the SSRF steam generator 100a may include a dedicated overpressure valve 208 (e.g., separate from the outlet valve 114) for venting excess steam pressure within the storage tank 102.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may include one or more of the steps described herein. Further, such steps may be performed in any desired order, and two or more steps may be performed simultaneously with each other. Two or more steps disclosed herein may be combined into a single step, and in some embodiments, one or more steps may be performed as two or more sub-steps. In addition, other steps or sub-steps may be performed in addition to or in place of one or more steps disclosed herein.

Although the inventive concepts have been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, equivalents may be used and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the claims. The components shown and described herein are merely examples of systems/devices and components that may be used to implement embodiments of the inventive concept and may be replaced by other devices and components without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and/or numerical ranges provided herein are to be understood as non-limiting examples, unless otherwise specified in the claims.

Claims

1. A Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) water heating apparatus comprising:

a radio frequency sealed enclosure, i.e., an RF sealed enclosure;

at least one tank disposed within the RF shielded enclosure, the tank configured to hold a volume of water and comprising:

at least one first RF-transparent outer surface at the first end; and

at least one second RF-transparent outer surface at a second end opposite the first end;

a Solid State RF (SSRF) array disposed within the housing at the first end of the tank, the SSRF array operatively coupled to a power source and configured to:

generating RF energy in the microwave frequency range; and is

Heating the volume of water by transmitting the RF energy through the storage tank between the first RF-transparent outer surface and the second RF-transparent outer surface; and

a control processor in communication with the SSRF array, the control processor configured to adjust the transmitted RF energy.

2. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more RF sensors disposed within the housing at the second end, the RF sensors configured to measure residual RF energy associated with the transmitted RF energy;

the control processor is configured to adjust the transmitted RF energy based on the measured residual RF energy.

3. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one inlet valve operably coupled to the tank and a water source, the inlet valve in communication with the control processor and configured to allow the volume of water to enter the tank by opening.

4. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one outlet valve operatively coupled to the tank, the outlet valve in communication with the control processor and configured to dispense at least one of air, steam, and heated water from the tank by opening.

5. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one over-pressure valve operably coupled to the tank, the over-pressure valve in communication with the control processor and configured to vent at least one of air, steam, and heated water from the tank.

6. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one temperature sensor disposed within the storage tank, the temperature sensor in communication with the control processor and configured to sense a temperature of water within the storage tank.

7. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one air cooler operatively coupled to an air source, the air cooler configured to circulate cooled air over at least one of the control processor, the power supply, and the SSRF array.

8. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage tank is made entirely of at least one RF transparent material.

9. The SSRF water heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the SSRF array comprises at least one of:

an RF signal source configured to generate the RF energy; and

at least one antenna element configured to transmit the RF energy through the tank.

10. A Solid State Radio Frequency (SSRF) steam generating device comprising:

a Radio Frequency (RF) sealed enclosure;

at least one first RF-transparent outer surface at the first end; and

generating RF energy in the microwave frequency range; and is

Generating a volume of steam within the tank by transmitting the RF energy through the tank between the first end and the second end;

one or more RF sensors disposed within the housing at the second end, the RF sensors in communication with the control processor and configured to measure residual RF energy associated with the transmitted RF energy;

a control processor in communication with the SSRF array and the one or more RF sensors, the control processor configured to adjust the transmitted RF energy based on the measured residual RF energy; and

at least one outlet valve operatively coupled to the tank, the outlet valve in communication with the control processor and configured to dispense the volume of steam from within the tank by opening.

11. The SSRF steam generating device of claim 10, further comprising:

12. The SSRF steam generating device of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one tank sensor disposed within the tank, the tank sensor in communication with the control processor and configured to sense at least one of an internal temperature, a humidity level, and a pressure level within the tank.

13. The SSRF steam generating device of claim 10, wherein the outlet valve is configured to vent at least a portion of the volume of steam into a kitchen insert (GAIN) appliance coupled to the SSRF steam generating device via the outlet valve.

14. The SSRF steam generating device of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one over-pressure valve operably coupled to the tank, the over-pressure valve in communication with the control processor and configured to vent at least one of air, water, and excess steam from the tank.

15. The SSRF steam generating device of claim 10, wherein the tank is made entirely of RF transparent material.