NZ721355B2 - Space potential generation device, a storage device for maintaining a freshness of an object stored therein using such space potential generation device, and fryer provided with such space potential generation device - Google Patents
Space potential generation device, a storage device for maintaining a freshness of an object stored therein using such space potential generation device, and fryer provided with such space potential generation device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ721355B2 NZ721355B2 NZ721355A NZ72135514A NZ721355B2 NZ 721355 B2 NZ721355 B2 NZ 721355B2 NZ 721355 A NZ721355 A NZ 721355A NZ 72135514 A NZ72135514 A NZ 72135514A NZ 721355 B2 NZ721355 B2 NZ 721355B2
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- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- static electricity
- generation device
- potential generation
- space
- secondary coil
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/26—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by irradiation without heating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/32—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with electric currents without heating effect
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23V—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND LACTIC OR PROPIONIC ACID BACTERIA USED IN FOODSTUFFS OR FOOD PREPARATION
- A23V2002/00—Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
- A47J37/12—Deep fat fryers, e.g. for frying fish or chips
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D13/00—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
- H01F27/28—Coils; Windings; Conductive connections
- H01F27/29—Terminals; Tapping arrangements for signal inductances
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
- H01F27/42—Circuits specially adapted for the purpose of modifying, or compensating for, electric characteristics of transformers, reactors, or choke coils
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F38/00—Adaptations of transformers or inductances for specific applications or functions
- H01F38/14—Inductive couplings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
- H01T19/00—Devices providing for corona discharge
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
- H01T23/00—Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases, e.g. into the atmosphere
Abstract
The present invention provides a space potential generation device and a storage device for maintaining a freshness of an object stored therein using the space potential generation device enabling to downsize the device as a whole, keep a capacity of the refrigerator same as before the space potential generation device is installed, and generate an electric field in a wide range. In addition, the present invention provides a fryer that efficiently forms an electric field in an oil tub to prevent deterioration of oil and generation of acrylamide, shorten time required for frying, and reduce fat and oil smoke. This space potential generation device is characterized by: being provided with a transformer formed by magnetically joining a primary coil and a secondary coil, a feedback control circuit for returning one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust voltage in the secondary coil, an output control means provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply a voltage with low-frequency vibration having a range of 40 to 60 Hz to the output of the secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the space potential generation device; and a static electricity discharge means disposed on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control means and made of a conductive material; and being configured so that there is no ground electrode, the current flowing to the secondary coil is a weak current in the range 0.2-0.002 A, the static electricity discharge means is covered by an insulating member with insulative properties to a degree that allows the discharge of static electricity of a prescribed voltage into a surrounding space, and an electrical field of a prescribed voltage is formed in the space surrounding the static electricity discharge means by the static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharge means. al generation device is installed, and generate an electric field in a wide range. In addition, the present invention provides a fryer that efficiently forms an electric field in an oil tub to prevent deterioration of oil and generation of acrylamide, shorten time required for frying, and reduce fat and oil smoke. This space potential generation device is characterized by: being provided with a transformer formed by magnetically joining a primary coil and a secondary coil, a feedback control circuit for returning one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust voltage in the secondary coil, an output control means provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply a voltage with low-frequency vibration having a range of 40 to 60 Hz to the output of the secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the space potential generation device; and a static electricity discharge means disposed on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control means and made of a conductive material; and being configured so that there is no ground electrode, the current flowing to the secondary coil is a weak current in the range 0.2-0.002 A, the static electricity discharge means is covered by an insulating member with insulative properties to a degree that allows the discharge of static electricity of a prescribed voltage into a surrounding space, and an electrical field of a prescribed voltage is formed in the space surrounding the static electricity discharge means by the static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharge means.
Description
SPECIFICATION
[Title of Invention]
Space potential generation device, a storage device for maintaining a freshness of an
object stored therein using such space potential generation device, and fryer provided
with such space potential generation device
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates to a space potential generation device that
discharges a static electricity to a space to form an electric field, a storage device for
maintaining a freshness of an object such as foods or the like existed therein using the
space potential generation device, and a fryer provided with the space potential
generation device.
[Background Art]
Conventionally, preserving food in an electric field is proposed to suppress
bacteria growth and prevent deterioration of the food (Patent documents 1 to 3).
The invention described in the patent document 1 aims for performing an electric
field processing evenly to objects. An inner electrode and an outer electrode, which is
arranged around the inner electrode, are provided. An electric field processing area is
formed between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. By applying an AC voltage
having the same polarity to each of the electrodes, a positive electric field and a negative
electric field are alternately generated on the electric field processing area.
In the invention described in the patent document 2, a conductive electrode is
provided in a refrigerator as a shelf board, and the conductive electrode is connected to a
high voltage generator provided outside the refrigerator. Thus, an electrostatic field is
generated around the conductive electrode, which is provided as the shelf board.
In the invention described in the patent document 3, a pair of electrodes is
provided in a storage compartment, and an electric field is formed in the storage
compartment by applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes.
[Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2006/054348
[Patent Document 2] Japanese patent No. 4445594
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2012-207900.
[Summary of the Invention]
[Problem to be solved by the Invention]
In the inventions described in the patent documents 1 to 3, the electric field is
formed and food is preserved in the electric field. Thus, bacteria growth is suppressed and
deterioration of the food is prevented.
However, in the inventions described in the patent documents 1 to 3, the electric
field is formed between the electrodes and the food is preserved in the electric field
formed between the electrodes. Therefore, two or more outputs are necessarily required
and a structure becomes complicated. Furthermore, a size of the space to store the food is
limited because a distance between the electrodes is limited.
In the invention described in the patent document 2, judging from its circuit
configuration, the electric field can be formed only immediately near the conductive
electrode, which is provided as the shelf board. Therefore, unless the food is in contact
with the shelf board, an effect of the electric field cannot be obtained.
In particular, in the inventions described in the patent documents 2 and 3, judging
from their configurations, the effect can be obtained only when an electrode shelf board
is provided entirely in the refrigerator. Therefore, the shelf board having a dimension
corresponding to the size of the refrigerator should be preliminarily produced and the
produced shelf board should be installed on the refrigerator by a welding work or the like.
When post-installing the space potential generation device in a refrigerating compartment
or the like, cost and time are needed and a large amount of facility investment is required.
In addition, since the electrode shelf board should be installed in the refrigerator, a
capacity of the refrigerator is reduced by the electrode shelf board.
Also in the invention described in the patent document 1, the electric field is
formed only at a space between two or more electrodes. Therefore, a plurality of
electrodes having a dimension corresponding to the size of the refrigerator should be
preliminarily produced and the produced electrodes should be installed to cover whole
the refrigerator. Thus, a location to install the electrodes is limited. It is difficult to post-
install the electrodes in an existing refrigerator or the like.
In the invention described in the patent documents 1 to 3, current intensity is high.
Therefore, an electromagnetic shield should be installed in entire the refrigerator.
Furthermore, in a case of a large-size prefabricated refrigerator or a large-scale
storehouse, a voltage of 5000 to 10000 V is required to supply electricity to a large-sized
electrode shelf board or electrodes. Thus, electricity bill is expensive. In addition, the
food to be preserved is directly placed on the electrode shelf board to which the voltage
of 5000 to 10000 V is applied. Therefore, electricity may be charged on a human body
when a worker touches the food.
Furthermore, in the invention described in the patent documents 1 to 3, the
electrode shelf board should be installed or a plurality of electrodes should be installed at
a predetermined interval. Therefore, when installing them, the food in the refrigerator
should be temporarily moved to another place.
Furthermore, in the invention described in the patent documents 1 to 3, an
extremely large transformer having a large number of turns is required to obtain a
necessary output voltage. Therefore, the device as a whole becomes large.
The present invention can solve the above described conventional problems. The
present invention provides a space potential generation device and a storage device for
maintaining a freshness of an object stored therein using the space potential generation
device enabling to downsize the device as a whole, keep a capacity of the refrigerator
same as before the space potential generation device is installed, and generate an electric
field in a wide range.
In addition, the present invention provides a fryer that efficiently forms an electric
field in an oil tub to prevent deterioration of oil and generation of acrylamide, shorten
time required for frying, and reduce fat and oil smoke.
[Means for solving the problem]
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a space potential generation device
comprising: a transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil which are
magnetically connected to each other; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one
terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of
the secondary coil; an output control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the
secondary coil to apply a voltage with a low frequency vibration having a range of 40 to
60 Hz to an output of the secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the
space potential generation device; and a static electricity discharger that is formed of a
conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the
output control portion, wherein the space potential generation device does not have a
grounding electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current
having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A, the static electricity discharger is covered with an
insulating member having a predetermined insulating property suitable for allowing the
static electricity discharger to discharge a static electricity of a predetermined voltage to a
surrounding space, and an electric field of a target voltage is formed in the surrounding
space by the static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharger.
A voltage value of the static electricity discharged from the static electricity
discharger via the insulating member can be specified according to a size of the space in
which the electric field is formed so as to form the electric field capable of applying a
voltage of at least 5 V to the object existed in the surrounding space of the static
electricity discharger. Therefore, in addition to the voltage value inputted, values of the
transformer, the feedback control circuit and the output control portion, and a material
and a size of the insulating material can be determined so that the voltage value of the
static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharger via the insulating
member becomes the specified value.
The material used as the insulating member is not limited. For example, a rubber,
a polyethylene (PE), an acrylic, a polycarbonate, a cardboard, a polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), and a wood can be used.
Although the static electricity discharger can be completely covered with the
insulating member, the insulating member can be formed by a plate material having small
holes, for example. In this case, a shape of the holes is not particularly limited.
The static electricity discharger can be preferably formed by a conductive plate,
and the static electricity can be discharged from a plate surface of the conductive plate to
the space. In this case, a plurality of openings can be preferably formed on the conductive
plate.
In the space potential generation device of the present invention, since the static
electricity discharger is covered with the insulating material, corona discharge is not
generated from the static electricity discharger. Therefore, the static electricity discharger
is not necessarily a plate-shape as long as it is conductive. For example, the static
electricity discharger can be a bar-shape or a liner-shape.
If the static electricity discharger is a plate-shape, the insulating member can be
formed to sandwich the plate-shape static electricity discharger from above and below,
for example. If the static electricity discharger is a bar-shape of a liner-shape, the
insulating member can be formed as a cylindrical body, for example.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a storage device for maintaining
a freshness of an object stored therein comprising: a space potential generation device
and a compartment for determining a freshness-maintaining space formed around a static
electricity discharger of the space potential generation device, wherein the space potential
generation device comprises: a transformer that is formed by magnetically connecting a
primary coil and a secondary coil; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal
of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the
secondary coil; an output control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the
secondary coil to apply a voltage with a low frequency vibration having a range of 40 to
60 Hz to an output of the secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the
space potential generation device; and a static electricity discharger that is formed of a
conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the
output control portion, wherein the space potential generation device does not have a
grounding electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current
having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A, the static electricity discharger is covered with an
insulating member having a predetermined insulating property suitable for allowing the
static electricity discharger to discharge a static electricity of a predetermined voltage to a
surrounding space, and an electric field of a predetermined voltage is formed in a
surrounding space by the static electricity discharged from the static electricity
discharger, and the electric field is formed in the freshness-maintaining space by
discharging the static electricity from the static electricity discharger of the space
potential generation device to maintain a freshness of the object such as food existing in
the freshness-maintaining space.
A voltage value of the static electricity discharged from the static electricity
discharger via the insulating member can be specified according to a size of the
freshness-maintaining space so as to form the electric field capable of applying a voltage
of at least 5 V to the object such as food existed in the freshness-maintaining space.
Therefore, in addition to the voltage value inputted, values of the transformer, the
feedback control circuit and the output control portion, and a material and a size of the
insulating material can be determined so that the voltage value of the static electricity
discharged from the static electricity discharger via the insulating member becomes the
specified value.
The static electricity discharger can be preferably formed by a conductive plate,
and the static electricity can be discharged from a plate surface of the conductive plate to
the space. In this case, a plurality of openings can be preferably formed on the conductive
plate.
In the space potential generation device of the storage device of the present
invention, since the static electricity discharger is covered with the insulating material,
corona discharge is not generated from the static electricity discharger. Therefore, the
static electricity discharger is not necessarily a plate-shape as long as it is conductive. For
example, the static electricity discharger can be a bar-shape or a liner-shape.
If the static electricity discharger is a plate-shape, the insulating member can be
formed to sandwich the plate-shape static electricity discharger from above and below,
for example. If the static electricity discharger is a bar-shape of a liner-shape, the
insulating member can be formed as a cylindrical body, for example.
The compartment for determining the freshness-maintaining space can be
anything as long as it has an inside space capable of storing the food or the like. For
example, the compartment for determining the freshness-maintaining space can be a
home-use refrigerator/freezer, a business-use large-size prefabricated refrigerator/freezer,
a food storage and a store. The object stored in the freshness-maintaining space for
keeping freshness is not limited to the food. The object can be anything for example oil.
In this case, the compartment for determining the freshness-maintaining space is formed
by the fryer.
The insulating member covering the static electricity discharger of the space
potential generation device can be an insulating member of exclusive use. Otherwise, a
housing or a wall surface of the refrigerator and the freezer forming the compartment for
determining the freshness-maintaining space can be used as an insulating material, for
example. Specifically, in a case of the refrigerator, for example, the static electricity
discharger is embedded in a peripheral wall or an inside partition wall of the refrigerator.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a fryer comprising a space
potential generation device and an oil tub, wherein the space potential generation device
comprises: a transformer that is formed by magnetically connecting a primary coil and a
secondary coil; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal of the secondary
coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the secondary coil; an output
control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply a
voltage with a low frequency vibration having a range of 40 to 60 Hz to an output of the
secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the space potential generation
device; and a static electricity discharger that is formed of a conductive material and
provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control portion,
wherein the space potential generation device does not have a grounding electrode, a
current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current having a range of 0.002 to
0.2 A, an electric field of a predetermined voltage is formed in a surrounding space of the
static electricity discharger by the static electricity discharged from the static electricity
discharger, and the electric field is formed in the oil tub of the fryer by installing the
static electricity discharger in the oil tub of the fryer.
The static electricity discharger can be covered with an insulating member having
a predetermined insulating property suitable for allowing the static electricity discharger
to discharge a static electricity of a predetermined voltage to the oil in the oil tub.
[Effects of the Invention]
The space potential generation device of the present invention includes: a
transformer that is formed by magnetically connecting a primary coil and a secondary
coil; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal of the secondary coil to one
terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the secondary coil; an output control
portion that is provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to impart a low
frequency vibration to an output of the secondary coil; and a static electricity discharger
that is formed of a conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the
secondary coil via the output control portion, wherein the space potential generation
device does not have a grounding electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil
is a weak current having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A, the static electricity discharger is
covered with an insulating member having a predetermined insulating property suitable
for allowing the static electricity discharger to discharge a static electricity of a
predetermined voltage to a surrounding space, and the electric field of a target voltage is
formed in a surrounding space of the static electricity discharger by the static electricity
discharged from the static electricity discharger. Therefore, high voltage can be generated
on the secondary coil side by the action of the feedback control circuit and the output
control portion. In addition, since delay is caused in the output of the secondary coil, the
low frequency vibration is imparted to the output of the secondary coil. From the above,
the static electricity discharger provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil is
physically vibrated at a low frequency. Since the space potential generation device of the
present invention does not have a grounding electrode and the static electricity discharger
is covered with the insulating material, corona discharge is not generated. Therefore, the
static electricity generated around the static electricity discharger is not discharged by
insulation breakdown, and the static electricity is spread in the space by a fluctuation of
the low frequency vibration. As a result, the electric field can be formed in a wide range.
From the above, the voltage of the predetermined value is directly applied to the
object placed in the electric field formed around the static electricity discharger. Thus, an
effect of keeping freshness of the object can be obtained.
Since a periphery of the static electricity discharger is covered with the insulating
member, the static electricity discharger does not generate corona discharge regardless of
the shape of the static electricity discharger. Thus, the shape of the static electricity
discharger can be determined without limitation.
Although there is no risk of an electric shock even if a person touches the static
electricity discharger because the current flowing in the secondary coil is the weak
current having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A in the space potential generation device of the
present invention, a sense of security is increased remarkably by covering a periphery of
the static electricity discharger with the insulating member compared to the state that the
static electricity discharger is barely exposed. Furthermore, even if current of high value
is flowed in the secondary coil by some mistake, there is no risk of an electric shock
caused by direct contact. From the above, safety is improved because a risk of the electric
shock to a human body can be completely eliminated not only when using the device but
also when installing and transferring the device.
At least 5 V of voltage should be directly applied the object to obtain an effect of
keeping freshness. Therefore, a voltage value of the static electricity discharged from the
static electricity discharger via the insulating member can be specified according to a size
of the space in which the electric field is formed so as to form the electric field capable of
applying a voltage of at least 5 V to the object existed in the surrounding space of the
static electricity discharger.
In the space potential generation device of the present invention, the voltage of
the secondary coil is adjusted by feeding back one terminal of the secondary coil to one
terminal of the primary coil by using the feedback control circuit. As a result, the devise
itself can be downsized.
The static electricity discharger is formed by the conductive plate, and the static
electricity is discharged from the plate surface of the conductive plate. Therefore, an area
of discharging the static electricity in the static electricity discharger can be increased. As
a result, the electric field can be formed in a wider range.
The storage device for maintaining a freshness of an object stored therein of the
present invention includes: a space potential generation device; and a compartment for
determining a freshness-maintaining space formed around the static electricity discharger
of the space potential generation device, wherein the space potential generation device
includes: a transformer that is formed by magnetically connecting a primary coil and a
secondary coil; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal of the secondary
coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the secondary coil; an output
control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to impart a low
frequency vibration to an output of the secondary coil; and a static electricity discharger
that is formed of a conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the
secondary coil via the output control portion, wherein the space potential generation
device does not have a grounding electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil
is a weak current having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A, the static electricity discharger is
covered with an insulating member having a predetermined insulating property suitable
for allowing the static electricity discharger to discharge a static electricity of a
predetermined voltage to a surrounding space, and an electric field of a target voltage is
formed in a surrounding space by the static electricity discharged from the static
electricity discharger, and the electric field is formed in the freshness-maintaining space
by discharging the static electricity from the static electricity discharger of the space
potential generation device to keep a freshness of the object in the freshness-maintaining
space. Therefore, the voltage can be directly applied to the object such as the food in the
freshness-maintaining space even if the object is not directly contact with the static
electricity discharger. As a result, freshness-maintaining period of the food can be
extended and bacteria growth can be suppressed.
Since the low frequency vibration is imparted to the output of the secondary coil
in the space potential generation device, the static electricity discharger provided on the
other terminal of the secondary coil side is physically vibrated at a low frequency. In
addition, a grounding electrode is not provided and the static electricity discharger is
covered with the insulating member. From the above, the static electricity generated
around the static electricity discharger is not discharged by insulation breakdown, and the
static electricity is spread in the space by a fluctuation of the low frequency vibration to
form the electric field in a wide range. Thus, the electric field can be efficiently formed in
whole the freshness-maintaining space.
Specifically, if the a storage device of the present invention is a refrigerator
having a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment and a chilling compartment,
for example, by installing the static electricity discharger in the refrigerating
compartment, the electric field can be formed also in the other compartments (the
freezing compartment and the chilling compartment) using circulation of cold air.
The a storage device of the present invention can be formed by installing the
space potential generation device in an existing refrigerator. Otherwise, the space
potential generation device can be installed on a refrigerator in a manufacturing process
of the refrigerator, for example. In this case, the static electricity discharger is embedded
in a wall or a partition of the refrigerator, and the wall or the partition of the refrigerator
functions as the insulating member. Therefore, the insulating member for exclusive use is
not required and therefore manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, an outer
appearance is improved because the static electricity discharger is embedded in the wall
or the partition and unevenness is not generated inside the static electricity discharger,
being different from the case where the static electricity discharger is post-installed.
The compartment for determining the freshness-maintaining space can be
anything as long as it has an inside space capable of storing the food or the like. For
example, the compartment for determining the freshness-maintaining space can be a
home-use refrigerator/freezer, a business-use large-size prefabricated refrigerator/freezer,
a food storage and a store. In any cases, since the voltage of the predetermined value is
directly applied to the object placed in the freshness-maintaining space, freshness of the
object can be kept and bacteria growth can be suppressed.
The object stored in the freshness-maintaining space for keeping freshness is not
limited to the food. The object can be anything such as oil. In this case, the compartment
for determining the freshness-maintaining space is formed by the fryer, and freshness of
the oil stored in the fryer can be kept.
The fryer provided with the space potential generation device of the present
invention includes: a space potential generation device; and a fryer having an oil tub,
wherein the space potential generation device comprising: a transformer that is formed by
magnetically connecting a primary coil and a secondary coil; a feedback control circuit
that feeds back one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to
adjust a voltage of the secondary coil; an output control portion that is provided on the
other terminal of the secondary coil to impart a low frequency vibration to an output of
the secondary coil; and a static electricity discharger that is formed of a conductive
material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control
portion, wherein the space potential generation device does not have a grounding
electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current having a range
of 0.002 to 0.2 A, an electric field of a predetermined voltage is formed in a surrounding
space of the static electricity discharger by the static electricity discharged from the static
electricity discharger, and the electric field is formed in the oil tub of the fryer by
installing the static electricity discharger in the oil tub of the fryer. Therefore,
deterioration of the oil can be suppressed, generation of impurities can be reduced, time
required for frying can be reduced, fried food can be prevented from being colored due to
deterioration of oil, odor can be prevented from being transferred to the food, oil smoke
in the kitchen is prevented, and odor can be prevented from being transferred to the cloths.
The static electricity discharger can be covered with an insulating member having
a predetermined insulating property suitable for allowing the static electricity discharger
to discharge a static electricity of a predetermined voltage to the oil in the oil tub. Since
the static electricity discharger is covered with the insulating member, a sense of security
is increased remarkably compared to the state that the static electricity discharger is
barely exposed. Furthermore, even if current of high value is flowed in the secondary coil
by some mistake, there is no risk of an electric shock caused by direct contact. From the
above, safety is improved because a risk of the electric shock to a human body can be
completely eliminated not only when using the device but also when installing and
transferring the device.
The static electricity discharger is formed by the conductive plate and the static
electricity is discharged from the plate surface of the conductive plate. Therefore, an area
of discharging the static electricity in the static electricity discharger can be increased. As
a result, the electric field can be formed in a wider range.
[Brief Description of the Drawings]
Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a space potential generation
device of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a table showing a result of a thawing test of food using a space potential
generation device 1 in which a static electricity discharger is not covered with an
insulating material.
Fig. 3 is a table showing a result of an ordinary temperature preservation test of
food using the space potential generation device 1 in which the static electricity
discharger is not covered with the insulating material.
Fig. 4 is a table showing a result of an ordinary temperature preservation test of
food using the space potential generation device 1 in which the static electricity
discharger is not covered with the insulating material.
Fig. 5 is a table showing a result of an ordinary temperature preservation test of
food using the space potential generation device 1 in which the static electricity
discharger is not covered with the insulating material.
Fig. 6 is a table showing a result of an ordinary temperature preservation test of
food using the space potential generation device 1 in which the static electricity
discharger is not covered with the insulating material.
Fig. 7 is a table showing a result of a comparative test for an effect of preventing
bacteria growth by using the space potential generation device of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a graph showing a result of a test for an effect in a frozen state of food or
the like below the freezing point using the space potential generation device of the
present invention. A vertical axis shows a force applied to the food, and a horizontal axis
shows a time.
Fig. 9 shows a result of comparative test for an amount of dripping of the thawed
food frozen in the electric field using the space potential generation device of the present
invention.
Fig. 10 shows a thawed state of a fresh-water fish frozen in the electric field using
the space potential generation device of the present invention.
Fig. 11A is a schematic longitudinal cross-section view of a refrigerator provided
with a space potential generation device 1. Fig. 11B is a schematic section view along
line A-A of Fig. 11A.
Fig. 12 is a schematic front view of a prefabricated refrigerator provided with the
space potential generation device 1.
Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of a refrigerator car provided with the space
potential generation device 1.
Fig. 14 is a schematic top view of a store provided with the space potential
generation device 1.
Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B show an example of a supporting member to install a static
electricity discharger 8 of the space potential generation device 1.
Fig. 16 is a table showing a result comparing a frozen state in the space potential
generation device 1.
Fig. 17 shows an example that the static electricity discharger 8 is installed in an
oil tub 80.
Fig. 18 is a table showing a difference of color in a comparative test of
deterioration of oil using the space potential generation device of the present invention.
Fig. 19 shows a state of oil after 200 g of potatoes are fried comparing a fryer
equipped with the space potential generation device with a fryer not equipped with the
space potential generation device.
Fig. 20 is a graph showing a peroxide value of oil after three days test.
Fig. 21 is a graph showing a result measuring an amount of acrylamide contained
in fried potatoes when 100 g of potatoes are additionally fried after the three days test.
Fig. 22 is a graph showing a comparative result of frying time.
[Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
[0008]
Hereafter, with reference to drawings, an embodiment of a space potential
generation device, and a freshness-maintaining device provided with the space potential
generation device of the present invention will be explained. Note that the space potential
means, for example, a potential difference and a voltage value measured in the air.
Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a space potential generation
device of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, a space potential generation device 1 includes a
transformer 4, which is formed by magnetically connecting a primary coil 2 and a
secondary coil 3.
A terminal 3a, which is one terminal of the secondary coil 3, is connected to a
terminal 2a, which is one terminal of the primary coil 2, via a feedback control circuit 5
for adjusting a voltage of the secondary coil 3. The other terminal (i.e. output terminal)
3b of the secondary coil 3 is connected to a static electricity discharger 8 via an output
control portion 6 for applying a low frequency vibration to the output.
In Fig. 1, a reference numeral 7 indicates an AC input plug.
The static electricity discharger 8 is formed of a conductive material. A shape of
the static electricity discharger 8 can be a bar-shape, a plate-shape, and a curved plate-
shape.
If the static electricity discharger 8 is a plate-shape, a plurality of openings, slits
or the like can be preferably formed so as not to obstruct air flow in the installed space.
Furthermore, a periphery of the static electricity discharger 8 is covered with an
insulating member 9. If the static electricity discharger is a plate-shape, the insulating
member 9 can be formed to sandwich the plate-shape static electricity discharger from
above and below, for example. If the static electricity discharger is a liner-shape or a bar-
shape, the insulating member 9 can be formed as a cylindrical body so as to insert the
static electricity discharger into it, for example. An insulation performance of the
insulating member is determined based on a voltage value of the static electricity
discharger 8, a size of the space of the electric field formed by grounding the static
electricity discharger 8, and a target value of the voltage directly applied to the object
placed in the space. Specifically, the target value of the voltage is preferably 5 V or more.
In other words, the insulating member does not completely insulate the static electricity
discharger. A material and a thickness of the insulating member can be determined so as
to form a static electricity of a predetermined voltage required for forming an electric
field for directly applying a voltage of the target value to the object.
By using the space potential generation device 1 configured as explained above, a
current generated on the side of the secondary coil 3 is fed back to the primary coil 2 by
the feedback control circuit 5. Therefore, high voltage can be obtained on the side of the
secondary coil 3 even if the number of turns of the coil is small.
In addition, the feedback control circuit 5 and the output control portion 6 are
formed to cause a delay in the circuit. As a result, low frequency vibration is applied to
the output of the secondary coil 3. A vibration frequency of the low frequency vibration
applied to the static electricity discharger, which is the output of the secondary coil 3, is
preferably 40 to 60 Hz. However, the range is not limited to the above range. For
example, low frequency range can be expanded.
From the above, the static electricity discharger is vibrated at a low frequency,
and the vibration is transferred to the space around the static electricity discharger as a
fluctuation. In addition, a grounding electrode is not provided and the static electricity
discharger is covered with the insulating material. Therefore, the static electricity
discharged from the static electricity discharger is spread widely in the space around the
static electricity discharger by the fluctuation, and the electric field of a predetermined
voltage is formed on the space around the static electricity discharger.
In the space potential generation device 1 of the present invention, high voltage is
generated at the output of the secondary coil 3 by the feedback control circuit 5 and the
output control portion 6, and the low frequency vibration is added to the output of the
secondary coil 3. In addition, the output is only one line of a terminal 3b, and a grounding
electrode is not provided. Therefore, the static electricity generated around the static
electricity discharger 8 is not discharged by insulation breakdown, and electric charge is
propagated and spread in the space by the fluctuation of the low frequency vibration.
Thus, the electric field can be widely formed. Since the static electricity is widely
discharged from the static electricity discharger 8, the electric field of high voltage is
formed around the static electricity discharger 8. Specifically, the electric field is formed
in a range of a radius of approximately 1.5 m around the static electricity discharger 8. If
cold air or wind is provided, the electric charge is spread widely and therefore the area of
the electric charge can be spread.
Since the static electricity discharger is covered with the insulating member, a
sense of security is increased remarkably compared to the state that the static electricity
discharger is barely exposed. Furthermore, even if a current of high value is flowed in the
secondary coil by some mistake, there is no risk of an electric shock caused by direct
contact and there is no possibility of corona discharge.
In the above described space potential generation device 1, only by installing one
output line and one static electricity discharger 8 in an arbitrary place such as a freezer, a
refrigerator, a thawing chamber, a showcase, a food preservation chamber, an ISO
container, a transport truck, an ordinary-temperature warehouse, and a refrigerator or a
freezer in a fishing boat, an electric field of high voltage can be formed in whole the
space (case, room or vehicle) in which the static electricity discharger 8 is installed.
Therefore, freshness-maintaining function using the electric field can be cheaply and
easily added to the desired place.
If the static electricity discharger is embedded in a wall, a ceiling and/or a
partition plate when producing the freezer, the refrigerator, the thawing chamber, the
showcase, the food preservation chamber, the ISO container and the ordinary-temperature
warehouse, the freshness-maintaining function can be preliminarily added to the freezer,
the refrigerator, the thawing chamber, the showcase, the food preservation chamber, the
ISO container and the ordinary-temperature warehouse. In this case, since the static
electricity discharger is embedded in the wall, the ceiling and/or the partition plate, an
outer appearance is improved and a sense of security is increased compared to the state
that the static electricity discharger is barely exposed. In addition, since the wall, the
ceiling and/or the partition plate function as the insulating material, the insulating
material for exclusive use is not required. Furthermore, even if a current of high value is
flowed by mistake, there is no risk of an electric shock.
In a case of a large warehouse, a plurality of shelves having a length of 8 m or
more is installed in the warehouse, and the shelves can be moved to the right and left so
that the pallets placed on the shelves are easily taken out from the shelves by a forklift
when shipping. In the above described space potential generation device 1, since the
static electricity discharger 8 is separate from a shelf board, even if the shelves are
movable as described above, the static electricity discharger 8 can be easily installed.
In addition, batteries can be used as an electric power source. In this case, the
static electricity discharger 8 is portable for three days by using sixteen size D batteries
connected in parallel. In addition, the batteries can be used in combination with an AC
power source.
In the above described electric field, the static electricity discharger 8 is vibrated
at a low frequency and the fluctuation is transferred in the space. Therefore, the static
electricity is spread by the fluctuation and the voltage of a predetermined value or more is
applied to whole the space. Even if the food to be preserved is not in contact with the
static electricity discharger 8, the voltage of 5 V or more is directly applied to the object
such as the food to be preserved. Thus, an oxidation inhibition effect can be obtained by
charging negative electron and positive electron, and a bacteria growth suppressing effect
can be obtained by high voltage.
In addition, the food is not frozen even below the freezing point in the electric
field. For example, chicken is not frozen until a temperature of -3°C, and beef and pork
are not frozen until a temperature of -4°C. Thus, the food can be preserved at a low
temperature without being frozen. From the above, tissue destruction, which occurs when
thawing the frozen object, can be prevented. Thus, the object can be preserved for a long
period without being frozen while keeping freshness.
The voltage of the electric field is high at a place near the static electricity
discharger 8, and becomes lower as being distant from the static electricity discharger 8.
A weak electric field is enough for some objects to be preserved, while a high electric
field is required for the other objects. Therefore, the best effect can be obtained by
arranging the static electricity discharger 8 on a suitable place according to a preservation
place and a configuration of the case.
In the conventional electric field forming device, when forming the electric field
in a home-use refrigerator or a business-use refrigerator divided into a plurality of
compartments, such as a refrigerating compartment, a vegetable compartment and a
freezing compartment, the electrode shelf board should be installed on each of the
compartments or a pair of electrodes should be installed on each of the compartments.
However, in the space potential generation device 1 of the present invention, the static
electricity discharger 8 becomes an antenna and a high voltage can be applied to whole
the space. Therefore, even if the food to be preserved is not in contact with the static
electricity discharger 8, an oxidation inhibition effect can be obtained for the food to be
preserved by charging negative electron and positive electron, and a bacteria growth
suppressing effect can be obtained for the food to be preserved by high voltage. Even if
the static electricity discharger 8 is not provided in each of the compartments, only by
installing one static electricity discharger 8 on the center, an oxidation inhibition effect
can be obtained in whole the refrigerator by charging negative electron and positive
electron together with the cold air, and a bacteria growth suppressing effect can be
obtained in whole the refrigerator by the high voltage.
If the temperature is adjusted to increase amino acid, aging of the food such as
meat can be accelerated. The meat is normally matured for more than 15 days. Therefore,
a special equipment is required for suppressing bacteria and controlling a humidity during
such a period. In addition, strict management by a specialist is required. If the space
potential generation device 1 is installed, bacteria are suppressed and the best effect of
aging can be obtained in a short time. If the space potential generation device 1 is
installed in the conventional refrigerator, tons of beef, pork and chicken can be aged and
preserved in a short time and at a low cost.
Fig. 2 is a table showing a result of a thawing test of food using the above
described space potential generation device 1. Note that the static electricity discharger
was not covered with the insulating material in the test because the test was for
confirming the effect of keeping freshness in the electric field, not the effect of safety and
outer appearance.
In the test, three static electricity discharger 8 were installed on each of
longitudinal side walls of a thawing chamber having an inner dimension of 6 m × 6 m × 3
m at an interval of 2 m at a height of 1.5 m, the electric field having a spatial voltage of 1
V was formed in the thawing chamber by the static electricity discharged from the static
electricity discharger 8, and the space potential generation device 1 was adjusted so that
the voltage of 10 V was applied to the food placed inside. A dimension of the static
electricity discharger 8 was width 30 cm × height 15 cm.
A temperature in the thawing chamber was 5°C and a humidity in the thawing
chamber was 65%.
In the above described conditions, 2 tons of beef, 1 ton of pork and 1 ton of
chicken were thawed taking 12 to 15 hours. When the space potential generation device 1
of the present invention was not installed, dripping was seen all over the floor. On the
other hand, when the space potential generation device 1 is installed, the dripping was
reduced by 95%. By installing the space potential generation device 1, substantial and
tasty protein, peptide, amino acid, lactic acid, vitamin B complex and various salts, which
are included in the dripping, can be prevented from flowing out although they usually
flew out when thawing the food. In addition, profitability could be increased by avoiding
weight reduction, cleaning work could be reduced, and working process of hygiene
management could be improved.
Figs. 3 to 6 are tables showing a result of an ordinary temperature preservation
test of food using the above described space potential generation device 1. Note that the
static electricity discharger was not covered with the insulating material in the test
because the test was for confirming the effect of keeping freshness in the electric field,
not the effect of safety and outer appearance.
In all the tests, two static electricity discharger 8 were installed side by side on
each of longitudinal side walls of a thawing chamber having an inner dimension of depth
m× width 6 m × height 2.5 m at a height of 1.5 m, the electric field having a spatial
voltage of 20 V was formed in the thawing chamber by the static electricity discharged
from the static electricity discharger 8, and the space potential generation device 1 was
adjusted so that the voltage of 30 V was applied to the food placed inside. A dimension of
the static electricity discharger 8 was width 30 cm × height 15 cm.
A temperature in the thawing chamber was 15°C, a humidity in the thawing
chamber was 35%, and a preservation period was 10 days.
In the above described condition, a comparison is performed between the cases of
with and without the space potential generation device 1.
Fig. 3 is a table showing a result of banana, cucumber and eggplant.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the banana could be eaten
even after 10 days because color was changed little and banana fresh was not oxidized.
On the other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the banana
could not be eaten after 5 days because the color was completely turned brown and
banana fresh was oxidized.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the cucumber could be
eaten even after 10 days because moisture and freshness were kept. On the other hand, in
the case without the space potential generation device 1, the cucumber could not be eaten
after 4 days because the cucumber was oxidized, discolored, and moisture inside was lost.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the eggplant could be
eaten after 10 days because the eggplant was not oxidized although a little dried. On the
other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the eggplant could
not be eaten after 5 days because the eggplant was dried and oxidized.
Fig. 4 is a table showing a result of green pepper, carrot, broccoli and Chinese
cabbage.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the green pepper could be
eaten after 10 days because moisture was kept inside although a little shriveled. On the
other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the green pepper
could not be eaten after 5 days because the green pepper shriveled a lot and completely
dried.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the carrot could be eaten
after 10 days because moisture inside was kept and color inside was not changed
although color of skin was changed. On the other hand, in the case without the space
potential generation device 1, the carrot could not be eaten after 5 days because color
inside was also changed.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the broccoli could be
eaten after 8 days although color was changed to yellow. On the other hand, in the case
without the space potential generation device 1, the broccoli could not be eaten after 4
days because color of clusters was changed to black.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the Chinese cabbage
could be eaten after 10 days because moisture was kept and leafs were kept crispy. On
the other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the Chinese
cabbage could not be eaten after 5 days because the Chinese cabbage was dried and leafs
were completely open.
Fig. 5 is a table showing a result of cabbage, komatsuna (Brassica campestris),
spinach and scallion.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the cabbage could be
eaten after 8 days because a core was kept white. On the other hand, in the case without
the space potential generation device 1, the cabbage could not be eaten after 4 days
because the core became black.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the komatsuna could be
eaten after 8 days because many parts were kept green and moisture was kept. On the
other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the komatsuna
could not be eaten after 4 days because leafs were completely dried and stems were dried.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the spinach could be
eaten after 10 days because many parts were kept green and moisture was kept. On the
other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the spinach could
not be eaten after 3 days because leafs were completely dried and stems were also dried.
In the case provided with the space potential generation device 1, the scallion
could be eaten after 10 days because many parts were kept green and leafs were kept
fresh. On the other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the
scallion could not be eaten after 3 days because the scallion shriveled as a whole.
Fig. 6 is a table showing a result of celery, green onion, lettuce and tomato.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the celery could be eaten
after 6 days because freshness was kept. On the other hand, in the case without the space
potential generation device 1, the celery could not be eaten after 3 days because the
celery was completely dried.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the green onion could be
eaten after 10 days because many parts were kept green and moisture was kept. On the
other hand, in the case without the space potential generation device 1, the green onion
could not be eaten after 4 days because the green onion was completely dried and stems
were also dried.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the lettuce could be eaten
after 10 days because moisture was kept. On the other hand, in the case without the space
potential generation device 1, the lettuce could not be eaten after 4 days because the
lettuce was completely dried and spoilage began.
In the case with the space potential generation device 1, the tomato could be eaten
after 12 days because moisture was kept and inside was kept fresh. On the other hand, in
the case without the space potential generation device 1, the tomato could not be eaten
after 6 days because the moisture was lost although an outer appearance was same.
From the above test results, if the space potential generation device 1 is used, only
by installing the static electricity discharger 8 in the room or the compartment, good
electric field is formed in the room or the compartment. Thus, it is confirmed that a
preservation period of the food at an ordinary temperature can be extended in the room or
the compartment in which the electric field is formed.
Next, based on Fig. 7, a test for an effect of preventing bacteria growth by using
the space potential generation device of the present invention will be explained. In the
test, the static electricity discharger covered with the insulating member was used.
In the test, beef was entered in refrigerators and the number of the bacteria per 1 g
of the beef was measured in the 3rd day, the 5th day and the 7th day. Following four
refrigerators were compared:
- a refrigerator (inside temperature 5°C), without the space potential generation
device;
- a refrigerator (inside temperature 5°C), with the space potential generation
device;
- a refrigerator (inside temperature 2°C), with the space potential generation
device; and
- a refrigerator (inside temperature -2°C), with the space potential generation
device.
A humidity of all the refrigerators was 65 to 75%. An inside area of all the
refrigerators was width 80 cm × height 150 cm × depth 50 cm.
The static electricity discharger of the space potential generation device installed
in the compartment was formed of an electrode having a dimension of height 5 cm ×
width 10 cm and thickness 1 mm. In addition, both sides of the static electricity
discharger were covered (sandwiched) with insulating members made of an insulating
plastic (polyethylene plate). A dimension of an upper insulating member was height 12
cm × width 17 cm and thickness 5 mm. A dimension of a lower insulating member was
height 12 cm × width 17 cm and thickness 4 mm.
A voltage input into the space potential generation device was set to 800 V so that
a voltage directly applied to the beef placed in the refrigerator became 30 V.
Fig. 7 is a table showing a result of a comparative test.
From Fig. 7, it was confirmed that the number of bacteria was extremely different
between the refrigerator provided with the space potential generation device and the
refrigerator not provided with the space potential generation device. Thus, by installing
the space potential generation device, bacteria growth could be prevented considerably
regardless of the temperature.
Conventionally, the food was frozen to keep freshness of the food. In case the
food was not frozen, temperature must be carefully controlled. By using the space
potential generation device of the present invention, freshness of the food can be very
easily controlled because sufficient effect of preventing bacteria growth can be obtained
as described above.
Next, a test for an effect in a frozen state below the freezing point using the space
potential generation device of the present invention will be explained.
In the test, chicken was entered in a home-use refrigerator provided with the space
potential generation device and not provided with the space potential generation device,
an inside temperature was set to -3°C, and a frozen state of the chicken was observed
after 48 hours passed.
An inside area of the refrigerator used in the test was width 50 cm × height 30 cm
× depth 45 cm. The static electricity discharger installed in the refrigerator was formed of
an electrode having a dimension of 5 cm × 10 cm. Both sides of the static electricity
discharger were covered with an insulating plastic (polyethylene plate).
A dimension of a front side of the insulating member was height 12 cm × width
17 cm × thickness 7 mm. A reverse side was height 12cm × width 17 cm and thickness 6
An input voltage was set to 1000 V so that a voltage directly applied to the
chicken became 20 V.
Fig. 8 is a graph showing a result of the above explained test. A vertical axis
shows a force (N) applied to the food, and a horizontal axis shows a time.
As shown in Fig. 8, the test was performed by pressing a test probe twice each
against the chicken frozen by the home-use refrigerator not provided with the space
potential generation device and the chicken frozen by the home-use refrigerator provided
with the space potential generation device.
From Fig. 8, it was confirmed that the chicken in the refrigerator not provided
with the space potential generation device was harder three times or more than the
chicken in the refrigerator provided with the space potential generation device. In
addition, elasticity was completely lost in the chicken in the refrigerator not provided
with the space potential generation device. On the other hand, elasticity was remained in
the chicken in the refrigerator provided with the space potential generation device.
This means that the chicken was frozen in the refrigerator not provided with the
space potential generation device, while the chicken is not frozen in the refrigerator
provided with the space potential generation device.
From the above, it was confirmed that the food can be preserved in the
refrigerator of -3°C without freezing the food by using the space potential generation
device of the present invention. Therefore, thawing is not required and a problem of
flowing out flavor caused by tissue destruction is prevented, for example.
Next, a test for an effect in a frozen state in -7°C using the space potential
generation device of the present invention will be explained.
In the test, pork, beef and fish were entered in a home-use refrigerator not
provided with the space potential generation device, an inside temperature was set to -
4°C, and the pork, the beef and the fish were taken out after 48 hours passed. The pork,
the beef and the fish were completely frozen and could not be cut by a kitchen knife.
An inner area of the above described home-use refrigerator was width 50 cm ×
height 30 cm × depth 45 cm.
The space potential generation device was installed on the same home-use
refrigerator, pork, beef and fish were entered in the home-use refrigerator, an inside
temperature was set to -7°C, and the pork, the beef and the fish were taken out after 48
hours passed.
The static electricity discharger of the space potential generation device used in
the test was formed by an electrode having a dimension of depth 5 cm × width 10 cm.
Both sides of the static electricity discharger were covered with acrylic plates (height 10
cm × width 15 cm × thickness 5 mm) as an insulating member. A voltage input into the
space potential generation device was set to 900 V so that a voltage directly applied to the
pork, the beef and the fish placed in the refrigerator became 10 V.
The pork, the beef and the fish taken out of the refrigerator could be cut by a
kitchen knife.
Furthermore, a test for an effect in a frozen state in -11.7°C using the space
potential generation device of the present invention will be explained.
The space potential generation device of the present invention was installed on a
business-use prefabricated refrigerator having an inner area of width 3 m × height 2.5 m
× depth 2 m, pork, beef and fish were entered in the refrigerator, an inside temperature
was set to
-11.7°C, and the pork, the beef and the fish were taken out after 72 hours passed.
The static electricity discharger of the space potential generation device used in
the test was formed by an electrode having a dimension of width 36 cm × height 16 cm ×
thickness 1 mm. Both sides of the static electricity discharger were covered with
polycarbonate plates (height 43 cm × width 23 cm × thickness 5 mm) as an insulating
member. A voltage input into the space potential generation device was set to 2500 V so
that a voltage directly applied to the pork, the beef and the fish placed in the refrigerator
became 30 V.
The pork, the beef and the fish taken out of the refrigerator could be cut by a
kitchen knife.
Next, a result of a comparative test for a thawed state of the food frozen in the
electric field using the space potential generation device of the present invention will be
explained.
In the test, chicken was entered in a home-use refrigerator with and without the
space potential generation device, an inside temperature was kept to -18°C, the chicken
was preserved for 72 hours to freeze the chicken, the chicken was taken out of the
refrigerator, the chicken was spontaneously thawed for 10 hours, and a state of the
chicken was compared.
An inside area of the home-use refrigerator used in the test was width 50 cm ×
height 30 cm × depth 45 cm. The static electricity discharger of the space potential
generation device was formed of an electrode having a dimension of height 5 cm × width
10cm × thickness 1 mm. Both sides of the static electricity discharger were covered with
plastic plates (height 10 cm × width 15 cm × thickness 3 mm). A voltage input into the
space potential generation device was set to 800 V so that a voltage directly applied to the
chicken placed in the refrigerator became 20 V.
A weight of the chicken entered in the home-use refrigerator not provided with
the space potential generation device was 343.8 g, and 8.9 g of dripping came out from
the chicken after thawing.
A weight of the chicken entered in the home-use refrigerator provided with the
space potential generation device was 468.5 g, and 1.8 g of dripping came out from the
chicken after thawing.
Fig. 9 is a figure showing an amount of dripping of the chicken after thawing.
From the above described test result, it was confirmed that the food frozen in the
electric field generated by the space potential generation device could be thawed without
destroying cells, and water molecules could be frozen without destroying cells by a
cluster effect in the space potential generation device.
[0016]
Next, a result of the above described freezing/thawing test using fresh-water fish
will be explained.
In the test, a fresh-water fish stored in a bag was entered in a business-use
prefabricated refrigerator with and without the space potential generation device, an
inside temperature was kept to -18°C, the fresh-water fish was preserved for 72 hours to
freeze the fresh-water fish, the fresh-water fish was taken out of the refrigerator, the
fresh-water fish was spontaneously thawed for 10 hours, and a state of the fresh-water
fish was compared.
An inside area of the business-use prefabricated refrigerator used in the test was
width 3 m × height 2.5 m × depth 2 m. The static electricity discharger of the space
potential generation device was formed of an electrode having a dimension of width 36
cm × height 16 cm × thickness 1 mm. Both sides of the static electricity discharger were
covered with polycarbonate plates (height 43 cm × width 23 cm × thickness 5 mm). A
voltage input into the space potential generation device was set to 2500 V so that a
voltage directly applied to the fresh-water fish placed in the refrigerator became 80 V.
The thawed state was compared. The thawed fresh-water fish frozen by the
refrigerator not provided with the space potential generation device could not be eaten
because fish meat was spoiled emitting bad smell and a large amount of dripping came
out.
On the other hand, the thawed fresh-water fish frozen by the refrigerator provided
with the space potential generation device could be eaten because the fish was fresh
without emitting bad smell and dripping was little.
Fig. 10 is a figure showing the thawed state of the fresh-water fish.
Also from the above described test result, it was confirmed that the food frozen in
the electric field generated by the space potential generation device could be thawed
without destroying cells.
Next, with reference to Figs. 11 to 16, an embodiment of a storage device for
maintaining a freshness of an object stored therein using the space potential generation
device will be explained as an application example of the space potential generation
device 1 of the present invention.
Fig. 11A is a schematic longitudinal cross-section view of the refrigerator
provided with the space potential generation device 1. Fig. 11B is a schematic section
view along line A-A of Fig. 11A.
In the figure, the reference numeral 10 indicates the refrigerator. Inside the
refrigerator 10 is divided into three spaces by partition plates 11 and 12. A chilling
compartment 13 is formed on the top, a refrigerating compartment 14 is formed on the
middle, and a vegetable compartment 15 is formed on the bottom.
The static electricity discharger 8 of the space potential generation device 1 is
provided inside the partition plate 11 which is located between the chilling compartment
13 and the refrigerating compartment 14. In this case, the partition plate 11 functions as
the insulating member of the present invention. Since the static electricity discharger 8 is
installed inside the partition plate 11, the electrode is invisible from outside and a sense
of security is increased. Furthermore, even if current of high value is flowed in the input
side by mistake, there is no risk of directly contacting the electrode and an electric shock
caused by direct contact can be prevented.
By installing the static electricity discharger 8 in this way, a strong electric field is
formed on the chilling compartment 13 and the refrigerating compartment 14 because the
static electricity discharger 8 is located nearby, and a weak electric field is formed on the
vegetable compartment 15 because the static electricity discharger 8 is distant. Thus, an
electric field environment suitable for the food to be preserved can be obtained.
In addition, if the static electricity discharger 8 is a plate-shape and a plurality of
openings or slits is provided, the static electricity discharger 8 does not prevent air
circulation when an air in the refrigerator is circulated by a fan provided in the
refrigerator. Thus, the electric field environment in each compartment can be unified.
Although the static electricity discharger 8 is installed inside the partition plate 11
in the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, a place to install the static electricity discharger 8 is
not limited to this embodiment. The static electricity discharger 8 can be installed in any
place, for example, in a back board, a top board or other partition boards of the
refrigerator 10.
[0019]
Fig. 12 is a schematic front view of a prefabricated type refrigerator provided with
the space potential generation device 1.
In this embodiment, the static electricity discharger 8 of the space potential
generation device 1 is installed so as to be suspended from a ceiling wall of a
prefabricated refrigerator 20. Although not shown in the figure, the static electricity
discharger 8 is covered with the insulating member.
In this way, by installing the static electricity discharger 8 approximately at the
center of the prefabricated refrigerator 20, the electric field can be uniformly formed in
the space of the refrigerator.
Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of a refrigerator car provided with the space
potential generation device 1.
The reference numeral 30 means the refrigerator car. The refrigerator car 30 cools
inside a refrigerator 33 by a cooler 31 via a cool air port 32.
The static electricity discharger 8 of the space potential generation device 1 is
installed on a ceiling wall of the refrigerator 33. Although not shown in the figure, the
static electricity discharger 8 is covered with the insulating member. In this case, the
space potential generation device 1 is connected to a battery of the refrigerator car 30.
[0021]
Fig. 14 is a schematic top view of a store provided with the space potential
generation device 1.
In a store 40, food display racks 41, 42, 43, 44 of an open type are provided. The
static electricity discharger 8 of the space potential generation device 1 is installed on a
side wall near the food display racks 41, 42, 43, 44. Although not shown in the figure, the
static electricity discharger 8 is covered with the insulating member.
The space potential generation device 1 is operated, for example, at night when
the store 40 is closed so as to form the electric field around the food display racks 41, 42,
43, 44 and extend a preservation period of the displayed food.
[0022]
Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B show an example of a supporting member to install the
static electricity discharger 8 of the space potential generation device 1. Although not
shown in the figure, the static electricity discharger 8 is covered with the insulating
member.
Fig. 15A shows a supporting member 51 used for installing the static electricity
discharger 8 of the space potential generation device 1 so as to be vertically standing on a
floor 50.
By using the supporting member 51 to support the static electricity discharger 8
vertically standing on the floor, an installation location of the static electricity discharger
8 can be more flexibly selected. Thus, the static electricity discharger 8 can be installed
on a more optimum position.
Fig. 15B shows a supporting member 61 used for installing the static electricity
discharger 8 of the space potential generation device 1 so as to be suspended from a
ceiling 60. A leg portion of the supporting member 61 is fixed to the ceiling 60 by a
suitable fixing means 62.
By using the supporting member 61 to support the static electricity discharger 8 to
be suspended from the ceiling, an installation location of the static electricity discharger 8
can be more flexibly selected. Thus, the static electricity discharger 8 can be installed on
a more optimum position.
Fig. 16 is a table showing a result comparing a frozen state in the space potential
generation device 1.
Conventionally, a quick freezer of -60C was used so as to prevent deterioration
of the food and not to destroy cells of the food when freezing.
On the other hand, in a prefabricated freezer or a cold storage warehouse, freezing
can be done in the best condition by installing the space potential generation device 1,
setting the space potential generation device 1 so that a space potential becomes 1 V and
an applied voltage becomes 10 V, and setting a temperature to -18C.
By installing the space potential generation device 1, water molecules can be
frozen without destroying cells by a cluster effect. In addition, the food is not required to
be transferred from the quick freezer to the freezer because freshness-maintaining can be
also done after freezing. Therefore, a cost of facility investment to buy the quick freezer
is not required. In addition, by installing the space potential generation device 1 in the
conventional freezing equipment, electricity cost can be reduced and carbon dioxide
emissions can be reduced.
Fig. 16 is a table showing a result comparing a case in which a mango having a
size of height 15 cm and width 10 cm is frozen at -60C by using a quick freezer with
another case in which the same mango is frozen at -18C by using the space potential
generation device 1.
In the case the mango was frozen at -60C, since cold air of quick freezing was
applied to the mango, moisture contained in the mango was lost and a surface was a little
dried when cut into halves and compared. On the other hand, moisture was kept in the
mango frozen by the space potential generation device 1.
After that, the mango was left at an ordinary temperature for three hours and then
texture was compared. The mango frozen at -60C became dried and hard. On the other
hand, the mango frozen by the space potential generation device 1 could be eaten
deliciously because moisture was kept.
When freezing sushi-roll (vinegared rice wrapped in seaweed), freezing is done in
units of forty thousand. In the conventional devices, the electrode shelf board should be
prepared and the foods should be in contact with the electrode shelf board. Therefore, a
quantity capable of being frozen is limited in the conventional device.
In addition, a large amount of facility investment is required for the quick freezing
because a quick freezer for special use is required.
By using the space potential generation device 1 of the present invention, since
freezing can be done in the best condition at -18C, the quick freezer for special use is
not required. In addition, since the electric field is formed in whole the space, the quantity
capable of being frozen is not limited.
Furthermore, the food was frozen at -18C in the freezer with and without the
space potential generation device 1 to compare the result. It was confirmed that a size of
ice crystals adhered to the food after being frozen was larger in the freezer not provided
with the space potential generation device 1. The ice crystals are very small in the
refrigerator provided with the space potential generation device 1 because cluster of
water molecules is made smaller when being frozen. From the above, freezing can be
done in the best condition without destroying fibers of the food only by providing the
space potential generation device 1 in the existing freezer.
As for the ISO container and the transport truck, the ISO container was
conventionally transported at -20C from abroad spending two weeks. However, if the
space potential generation device 1 is installed, the transportation is possible in a chilled
environment set at -5C while keeping freshness. From the above, electricity cost can be
reduced and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.
Next, an oil deterioration preventing function of a fryer provided with the space
potential generation device of the present invention will be explained.
When the space potential generation device 1 is installed on a gas fryer or an
electric flyer and an electric field of 400 V or more is applied, an electric field
environment can be formed in an oil tub of 100 liters by one output line and one static
electricity discharger 8.
When the static electricity discharger 8 is installed on a bottom surface or a side
surface of an oil tub of 20 liters single-layer, a certain effect can be obtained.
In a case of a double-layer type gas flyer or electric fryer, when a static electricity
discharger 8 is installed in one of the oil tubs, an effect of a weak electric field can be
obtained even in the neighboring oil tub although the static electricity discharger 8 is not
installed in the neighboring oil tub. Therefore, in the case of the double-layer type gas
flyer or electric fryer, the best effect can be obtained by arranging the static electricity
discharger 8 at the center of two oil tubs.
Since oxidation of the oil is suppressed by installing the space potential generation device
1, the oil can be used more than four times longer than the oil used in the flyer not
provided with the static electricity discharger 8. Since emulsion of the oil and water
contained in the food is suppressed, viscosity of the oil can be easily lowered. Therefore,
the oil can be continuously used by replenishing new oil without disposing the oil.
In addition, time required for frying can be shortened by 15%.
Furthermore, since emulsion of the oil and water contained in the food is
suppressed and cluster of water molecules is made smaller by the effect of the space
potential generation device 1, thermal conductivity of the food is increased. Therefore, in
the fryer provided with the space potential generation device 1, a lot of steam can be seen
in the oil tub just after the food was entered. This leads to reduction of oil mist and oil
smoke. Thus, oil smoke is prevented from being absorbed by a worker in the kitchen and
oil is prevented from entering in eyes of the worker. In addition, stickiness of the oil can
be reduced in the kitchen. Therefore, health and sanitation of the worker can be improved.
Since the thermal conductivity is increased, the food can be fried in a short time and the
oil absorbed in the food can be reduced. Conventionally, corndogs and sausages become
hard and should be disposed when 3 hours have passed after they are fried. However, by
using the fryer of the present invention, they can be eaten deliciously after 12 hours have
passed. Thus, disposal of the food can be reduced.
Fig. 17 shows an example that the static electricity discharger 8 is installed in an
oil tub 80.
Hereafter, a result of a comparative test about deterioration of oil using the space
potential generation device of the present invention.
In this test, two fryers were prepared, 6 liters of oil was entered in each of the
fryers, and the space potential generation device was provided on one of the fryers. Same
amount of sample food is continuously fried in each of the fryers and then the oil was
compared. Two fryers were separated 4 meters with each other so as to avoid an
influence of the other fryer.
The static electricity discharger was an electrode of height 5 cm width 10 cm
thickness 1 mm. Both sides of the electrode was covered with the insulating member
(height 7 cm width 12 cm t hickness 2 mm) formed of a Teflon (registered trademark)
(PTFE) material. In addition, 60 holes of 4 mm were formed on the insulating member.
Wires connected to the static electricity discharger were formed of a Teflon (registered
trademark) (PTFE) material and had a thermal resistance resistant to a temperature of
260C. An input voltage of the space potential generation device was set to 800 V so that
a voltage directly applied to the oil became 800 V.
By the above described fryers, 300 g of chicken (with starch powder) was
continuously fried until 28 kg of chicken were totally fried, and then condition of the oil
was compared in viewpoints of a color, an odor, an acid value, a peroxide value, and an
acrylamide generation amount.
The color was judged by visual observation. The odor was judged based on a
sensory evaluation performed by an odor judgment technician, which is a national
qualification authorized by the Ministry of the Environment.
The acid value is a reference value generally used for measuring deterioration in
Japan. Although the peroxide value is not a reference value generally used for measuring
deterioration, the peroxide value was measured for confirming the effect from various
aspects.
As for the acrylamide, Food Safety Commission of the Food Safety Commission
of Cabinet Office in Japan now examines a risk of the acrylamide as a chemical
substance contained in the food, and evaluated the acrylamid as genotoxic carcinogen
in a draft of evaluation.
In addition, FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) reported in FDA Draft
Action Plan for Acrylamide in Food that the acrylamide having a risk of carcinogenesis
and genetic damage could be generated in the processed food. Furthermore, on April 24,
2002, a joint research group consisting of Swedish National Food Administration and
Stockholm University published that the food contained the acrylamide when the food
was cooked by frying or grilling a raw material containing a lot of carbohydrates at high
temperature of 120C or more.
As explained above, since the acrylamide can be a carcinogen, the acrylamide
generation amount was also confirmed.
In the above described condition, same amount of the food was continuously fried
in two fryers for three days so as to keep fried state substantially same. A core
temperature after fried was measured by a thermometer so that the core temperature
became 75C .
After the test, the used oil was collected from two fryers and the above listed test
items were compared. As a result, deterioration was suppressed in the fryer provided with
the space potential generation device in all test items of the color, the odor, the acid value,
and the peroxide value. In addition, it was confirmed that the acrylamide generation
amount was reduced to a quarter.
Fig. 18 is a table comparing the color of the oil in the second day.
It was confirmed that lightness was significantly different between the oil of the
fryer provided with the space potential generation device and the oil of the fryer not
provided with the space potential generation device. A color difference between the
former and the latter was 6.43.
In Fig. 18, the color difference is a value totally comparing the difference between
the oil before cooking and the oil after cooking using an L*a*b* color system. Here, L
indicates the lightness, +a indicates red, -a indicates green, +b indicates yellow, and b
indicates blue. According to an NBS (U.S. National Bureau of Standards) unit, a color
difference value (E ) is considered to be large when the color difference value is 6.0 or
more. The color of the oil in the fryer provided with the space potential generation device
is brighter than the color of the oil in the fryer not provided with the space potential
generation device. As explained above, the color difference was 6.43 in the second day.
Thus, it was confirmed that the oil was deteriorated more significantly in the fryer not
provided with the space potential generation device.
A plurality of inspectors including the odor judgment technician, which is a
national qualification authorized by the Ministry of the Environment, evaluated the oil in
the fryer provided with the space potential generation device and the oil in the fryer not
provided with the space potential generation device. As a result, the odor suggestive of
fried chicken and the odor considered to be roasted were weak in the former oil than the
latter oil. Thus, it was confirmed that the odor was less transferred to the oil.
Furthermore, when comparing the oil in the fryer provided with the space
potential generation device with the oil in the fryer not provided with the space potential
generation device by visual observation, black stains and crab bubbles were seen in the
latter oil. In addition, when 200 g of potatoes were additionally fried in the latter oil after
the above test, the oil smoke when frying the last 100 g of potatoes was like a steam of a
bath. Thus, the working environment was deteriorated and sticky stain and bad odor were
confirmed.
In the oil in the fryer provided with the space potential generation device, the crab
bubbles were not seen and oil surface was smooth.
Fig. 19 shows a state of the oil after 200 g of potatoes were fried comparing the
fryer equipped with the space potential generation device with the fryer not equipped
with the space potential generation device.
Fig. 20 is a graph showing the peroxide value of the oil after three days test.
While the peroxide value of the oil in the fryer provided with the space potential
generation device was 1.89, the peroxide value of the oil in the fryer not provided with
the space potential generation device was 2.77. From the above result, it was confirmed
that the fryer provided with the space potential generation device suppressed the
deterioration by 32% compared to the fryer not provided with the space potential
generation device.
Fig. 21 is a graph showing a result measuring an amount of the acrylamide
contained in the fried potatoes when 100 g of potatoes were additionally fried after the
three days test.
The acrylamide contained in the potatoes fried in the fryer not provided with the
space potential generation device was 425 g/kg. On the other hand, the acrylamide
contained in the potatoes fried in the fryer provided with the space potential generation
device was 113 g/kg. It was confirmed that the acrylamide generation amount was
reduced to a quarter by using the space potential generation device. Since the acrylamide
can be a carcinogen, the acrylamid generated by the deteriorated oil is internationally
recognized as a problem. Therefore, an effect of suppressing of the acrylamide generation
is important.
Next, a result of test comparing the fryer with and without the fryer the space
potential generation device by entering 60 g of potatoes in oil tubs of both fryers, setting
a temperature to 170C to fry the potatoes, and comparing a change of the state of the oil.
In the fryer not provided with the space potential generation device, water in the food is
entered in the oil by being combined and emulsified with the oil. On the other hand, in
the fryer provided with the space potential generation device, since the oil is combined
with electrons and not combined with the water, the water in the food is immediately
evaporated and not entered in the oil. Therefore, the temperature of the oil is always kept
constant, and the time required for frying can be shortened. In addition, since only the
water is evaporated as water vapor in the fryer provided with the space potential
generation device, oil mists around the fryer can be reduced. Therefore, the oil is not
adhered to the kitchen and the store, and the kitchen and the store can be kept sanitary.
Furthermore, since evaporation of the oil can be suppressed, odor of the oil generated
when frying the food can be suppressed. For example, the oil is prevented from adhering
to cloths of the customers in the store.
Finally, a result of a comparative test of time required for frying frozen chicken
will be explained.
The time required for frying the frozen chicken was compared between the fryers
with and without the space potential generation device.
A capacity of the oil tub of both fryers was 6 liters. A temperature was set to
165C. A center temperature of the fried chicken was measured when 2 minutes and 30
seconds had passed and when 3 minutes had passed for comparison.
In the fryer provided with the space potential generation device, the center
temperature of the fried chicken was 83.6C when 2 minutes and 30 seconds had passed,
and 95C when 3 minutes had passed. On the other hand, in the fryer not provided with
the space potential generation device, the center temperature of the fried chicken was
34.6C when 2 minutes and 30 seconds had passed, and 80C when 3 minutes had passed.
From the above, it was confirmed that thermal conductivity was higher and the time
required for frying was shorter in the fryer provided with the space potential generation
device.
Fig. 22 is a graph showing a comparative result of frying time.
Evaluation in actual store
In a store conventionally using 405 liters (22.5 cans) of oil per month, the space
potential generation device was installed on the fryer and the temperature of frying was
lowered from 180C to 170C after installing the space potential generation device. As a
result, the oil used in the store is reduced to 108 liters (6 cans) per month. The oil used
was reduced by 73%. In addition, the time required for frying was shortened by 10% or
more. Thus, efficiency of work was improved.
If the electric field is formed in the oil in the fryer by using the space potential
generation device, the best effect could be obtained because thermal conductivity of the
food was increased and the fried food became crispy. Furthermore, the oil smoke was
prevented because the water is evaporated. Thus, the worker in the kitchen did not feel
pain in eyes.
[Description of the Reference Numerals]
1 a space potential generation device
2 a primary coil
2a a terminal
3 a secondary coil
3a a terminal
3b a terminal
4 a transformer
a feedback control circuit
6 an output control portion
7 AC input plug
8 a static electricity discharger
9 an insulating member
a refrigerator
11 a partition plate
12 a partition plate
13 a chilling compartment
14 a refrigerating compartment
a vegetable compartment
a prefabricated refrigerator
a refrigerator car
31 a cooler
32 a cool air port
33 a refrigerator
40 a store
41 a food display rack
42 a food display rack
43 a food display rack
44 a food display rack
50 a floor
51 a supporting member
60 a ceiling
61 a supporting member
62 a fixing means
80 an oil tub
Claims (10)
- [Claim 1] A space potential generation device comprising: a transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically 5 connected to each other; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the secondary coil; an output control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply a voltage with a low frequency vibration having a range of 40 to 60 Hz to an 10 output of the secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the space potential generation device; and a static electricity discharger that is formed of a conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control portion, wherein 15 the space potential generation device does not have a grounding electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A, the static electricity discharger is covered with an insulating member having a predetermined insulating property suitable for allowing the static electricity discharger to 20 discharge a static electricity of a predetermined voltage to a surrounding space, and an electric field of a target voltage is formed in the surrounding space by the static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharger.
- [Claim 2] A space potential generation device according to claim 1, wherein 25 a voltage value of the static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharger via the insulating member may be specified according to a size of the space in which the electric field is formed so as to form the electric field capable of applying a voltage of at least 5 V to the object existing in the surrounding space of the static electricity discharger.
- [Claim 3] A space potential generation device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the static electricity discharger may be formed by a conductive plate, and the static electricity may be discharged from a plate surface of the conductive plate to the 5 space.
- [Claim 4] A storage device for maintaining a freshness of an object stored therein comprising a space potential generation device and a compartment for determining a 10 freshness-maintaining space formed around a static electricity discharger of the space potential generation device, wherein the space potential generation device comprises a transformer that is formed by magnetically connecting a primary coil and a 15 secondary coil, a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the secondary coil, an output control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply a voltage with a low frequency vibration having a range of 40 to 60 Hz to an 20 output of the secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the space potential generation device and a static electricity discharger that is formed of a conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control portion, wherein 25 the space potential generation device does not have a grounding electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A, the static electricity discharger is covered with an insulating member having a predetermined insulating property suitable for allowing the static electricity discharger to discharge a static electricity of a predetermined voltage to a surrounding space, and an electric field of a predetermined voltage is formed in a surrounding space by 5 the static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharger, the electric field is formed in the freshness-maintaining space by discharging the static electricity from the static electricity discharger of the space potential generation device to maintain a freshness of the object such as food existing in the freshness- 10 maintaining space.
- [Claim 5] A storage device according to claim 4, wherein a voltage value of the static electricity discharged from the static electricity discharger via the insulating member may be specified according to a size of the 15 freshness-maintaining space so as to form the electric field capable of applying a voltage of at least 5 V to the object such as food existing in the freshness-maintaining space.
- [Claim 6] A storage device according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the static electricity discharger may be formed by a conductive plate, and the 20 static electricity may be discharged from a plate surface of the conductive plate to the space.
- [Claim 7] A storage device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the compartment for determining the freshness-maintaining space may be a 25 home-use refrigerator/freezer.
- [Claim 8] A storage device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the compartment for determining the freshness-maintaining space may be a business-use large-size prefabricated refrigerator/freezer.
- [Claim 9] A fryer comprising a space potential generation device and an oil tub, wherein the space potential generation device comprises: a transformer that is formed by magnetically connecting a primary coil and a 5 secondary coil; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the secondary coil; an output control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply a voltage with a low frequency vibration having a range of 40 to 60 Hz to an 10 output of the secondary coil, the output control portion being a part of the space potential generation device; and a static electricity discharger that is formed of a conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control portion, wherein 15 the space potential generation device does not have a grounding electrode, a current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current having a range of 0.002 to 0.2 A, an electric field of a predetermined voltage is formed in a surrounding space of the static electricity discharger by the static electricity discharged from the static 20 electricity discharger, and the electric field is formed in the oil tub of the fryer by installing the static electricity discharger in the oil tub of the fryer.
- [Claim 10] A fryer according to claim 9, wherein 25 the static electricity discharger may be covered with an insulating member having a predetermined insulating property suitable for allowing the static electricity discharger to discharge a static electricity of a predetermined voltage to the oil in the oil tub.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2014027804A JP5683032B1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2014-02-17 | Freshness maintaining device using space potential generator |
JP2014-027804 | 2014-02-17 | ||
PCT/JP2014/080512 WO2015122070A1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2014-11-18 | Space potential generation device, freshness maintaining device using such space potential generation device, and fryer provided with such space potential generation device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ721355A NZ721355A (en) | 2021-01-29 |
NZ721355B2 true NZ721355B2 (en) | 2021-04-30 |
Family
ID=
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