JACKETED HEAT-RETAINING VESSEL

Abstract

A jacketed heat-retaining vessel includes a pre-designed heat-retention jacket configured to envelope a vessel, wherein the heat-retention jacket comprising embedded heat delivery mechanisms in order to provide heat to said enveloped vessel; and said jacket comprises at least one layer of insulating material and at least one layer of radiation reflective material alternatively interspersed along a radially outward direction from the vessel center.

Claims

1. A jacketed heat-retaining vessel comprising: a pre-designed heat-retention jacket configured to envelope a vessel, wherein, the heat-retention jacket includes, embedded heat deliverers to provide heat to the enveloped vessel; and at least one layer of insulating material and at least one layer of radiation reflective material alternatively interspersed along a radially outward direction from the vessel center.

2. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket includes a plurality of sheets of radiation reflective material in concentric configuration with respect to the vessel.

3. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket includes a plurality of sheets of radiation reflective material in a spiral configuration with respect to the vessel.

4. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the radiation reflecting layer being formed in a continuous series of loops in a layered form about a cylindrical axis of the vessel.

5. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the radiation reflecting layer being formed in a non-continuous series of loops in a layered form about a cylindrical axis of the vessel.

6. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the insulating layer being formed in a continuous series of loops in a layered forms about a cylindrical axis of the vessel.

7. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the insulating layer being formed in a non-continuous series of loops in a layered forms about a cylindrical axis of the vessel.

8. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket is a passive heat-retaining jacket.

9. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket includes multiple layers of insulating material with radiation reflective layers interspersed between the insulating materials.

10. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket includes at least one layer of insulating material and at least one layer of radiation reflective material, wherein, the radiation reflective layer is any reflective layer.

11. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the vessel includes a bottom shield for the pre-designed heat-retention jacket which covers the embedded induction coils.

12. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the vessel includes a bottom shield for the pre-designed heat-retention jacket which covers an energy source configured to deliver heat.

13. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the vessel includes a top thermal shield.

14. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the vessel includes a side thermal shield.

15. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the vessel includes a box comprising a connector attaching to the jacket, the connector carrying sensing probes to allow accurate control of energy injection process, thereby increasing efficiencies and the convenience of operation.

16. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket is a solar thermal pre-designed heat retention jacket.

17. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket is a vacuum thermal pre-designed heat retention jacket.

18. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket is a mylar sheet jacket.

19. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the jacket includes sensors selected from a group of consisting of thermocouple temperature sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, and resistance sensors.

20. The vessel of claim 1 wherein, the vessel being communicably coupled to at least a heat deliverer selected from a group consisting of a conductive heat delivery mechanism, a convective heat delivery mechanism, a radiative heat delivery mechanism, and a generative heat delivery mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Example embodiments will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a vessel inside pre-designed jacket(s).

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a vessel with external heating.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a vessel with internal heating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Because this is a patent document, general broad rules of construction should be applied when reading it. Everything described and shown in this document is an example of subject matter falling within the scope of the claims, appended below. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely for purposes of describing how to make and use examples. Several different embodiments and methods not specifically disclosed herein may fall within the claim scope; as such, the claims may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only examples set forth herein.

[0052] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are second or higher ordinals, there merely must be that many number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments or methods. As used herein, the term and/or includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The use of etc. is defined as et cetera and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any and/or combination(s).

[0053] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected, coupled, mated, attached, fixed, etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly connected, directly coupled, etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.).

[0054] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, including, includes, and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The use of about in connection with values indicates effective approximation, and such values may vary within a range having substantially similar activity or functionality. As such, values referred to as about include similar values and precisions expected with applicable manufacturing tolerances and unavoidable impurities in the element of the value, and generally would be expected to vary less than 15% of the value itself.

[0055] The structures and operations discussed below may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually or sequentially, so as to provide looping or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.

[0056] The present invention is jacketed heat-retaining vessels. In contrast to the present invention, the few example embodiments and example methods discussed below illustrate just a subset of the variety of different configurations that can be used as and/or in connection with the present invention.

[0057] An object of example embodiments is to reduce consumption of energy required during a heating process.

[0058] Another object of example embodiments is to reduce cost involved in the heating process of a vessel or a utensil.

[0059] Yet another object of example embodiments is to prevent heat loss during heating process of a vessel or a utensil.

[0060] Still another object of example embodiments is to preserve heat loss during heating process of a vessel or a utensil and use this preserved loss to accelerate heating process.

[0061] Another object of example embodiments is to achieve clean-energy heating, thereby reducing indirect medical and social implications associated in the heating process.

[0062] According to example embodiments, there is provided a jacketed heat-retaining vessel.

[0063] This is achieved by trying to plug all the loss channels, viz, through conduction, convection, radiation, phase-change and mass-transfer. In addition, example embodiments try to ensure maximization of efficiency for heat generation and transfer to the cooking zone and medium or to a reaction zone where an example embodiment is placed.

[0064] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a predesigned heat-retention jacket configured to ensconce/envelope a utensil. Typically, this is a passive heat-retaining jacket. The retention of heat within the jacket allows contents, in the vessel ensconced/enveloped within the jacket, to be continuously cooked even when it is not in communication with a direct source of heat. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vessel could be heated by any of the conventional means and then inserted into this predesigned jacket as soon as the contents reach boiling temperatures. Its vessel specific pre-designed configuration makes heat retention relatively higher.

[0065] Typically, the jacket comprises at least one layer of insulating material and at least one layer of radiation preventing material.

[0066] Preferably, the jacket comprises multiple layers of insulating material with radiation prevention layers interspersed between the insulating materials.

[0067] This radiation preventive layer is any reflective layer.

[0068] Heat loss due to conduction is stopped due to the insulating layer.

[0069] Heat loss due to convection is stopped due to close jacketing around the vessel.

[0070] Heat loss due to radiation is stopped due to the radiation prevention/reflective layer.

[0071] Heat loss due to mass transfer is prevented from escaping steam (which would otherwise carry away valuable energy out of the system), by ensuring steam is not generated or barely generated in the first place.

[0072] For most cooking processes, which have residual water (at the end of heating), such as boiling rice, pulses, stewing vegetables, or the like, the temperature of the vessel never goes much above 100 degrees Celsius. Under these cooking conditions a standard induction stove and a vessel may be used. In some other embodiments, other mechanisms of energy delivery can be used e.g. by hot fluids circulating in coils optical radiation, hot gases, steam, and the like.

[0073] This will allow added benefit of not having to touch any hot exposed metal part of the vessel. The heat-retaining jacket is kept all along, saving more energy, even during the heating-up process.

[0074] The jacket does not experience temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Celsius and therefore efficient material choices in the manufacture of the jacket can be exploited. (100 degrees Celsius maximum is only for boiling; as stated before other processes, such as frying, baking, and the like require higher temperature)

[0075] FIG. 1 illustrates a vessel inside pre-designed jacket(s). Reference numeral 1 refers to a Vessel/Pot. Reference numeral 2 refers to a Lid/Cover. Reference numeral 3 refers to a Side thermal shield of the pre-designed jacket. Reference numeral 4 refers to a Top thermal shield of the pre-designed jacket. Reference numeral 5 refers to a Bottom thermal shield of the pre-designed jacket.

[0076] Although open flames may not be the best process to transfer energy to the vessel and ingredients, this is currently a widely accepted process around the world.

[0077] In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a vessel which is resistant to direct flames. Careful choice of materials ensures not only fire resistance, but also non-toxic and food-friendly materials and processes.

[0078] FIG. 2 illustrates a vessel with external heating. Reference numeral 1 refers to a Vessel/Pot. Reference numeral 2 refers to a Lid/Cover. Reference numeral 3 refers to a Side thermal shield. Reference numeral 4 refers to a Top thermal shield. Reference numeral 5 refers to an External heating source. Reference numeral 6 refers to a Heated matter.

[0079] Standard induction stove based heating still has problems of losses through the lower surface of the vessel (which is in close proximity to the induction coils of the stove). All other surfaces will have the heat-retention shields of the predesigned jacket. Also, there is inefficiency of energy conversion with a standard induction stove to the vessel for cooking. There are losses in the coils as well as the electronics driver circuits.

[0080] In accordance with yet another embodiment, there is provided a bottom shield for the pre-designed heat-retention jacket which covers the stove or heat source as well.

[0081] In at least one other embodiment, the pre-designed heat retention jacket comprises embedded induction coils in order to provide heat to the ensconced//enveloped vessel.

[0082] The induction heating drivers are very energy efficient, and there are minimal losses for the process of radio-frequency generation to effect induction heating.

[0083] A separate box would have a connector attaching to the jacket. This connector could also carry temperature sensing probes to allow accurate control of energy injection process, thereby increasing efficiencies and the convenience of operation even more. Further, the connector could also carry pressure sensing probes to allow control based on changes in pressure.

[0084] Since the process of internal induction heating is more energy efficient, it can be used with energy obtained from Solar PV panels. A few solar PV panels, possibly put up as window shades on walls of apartment buildings that receive 3-4 hours of sunlight, along with battery storage, could allow a normal family's cooking energy needs for the full day and night be adequately satisfied.

[0085] In this form of solar cooking, one does not need to go out in the sun in the traditional and common description of solar cooking. Even people who stay in apartments in high-rises, or in congested slums, who do not have good access to open areas to put traditional solar cookers, could use the Solar PV along with example embodiments to good advantage.

[0086] The left over energy in the battery could easily be used for lighting or other small applications, say running one's laptop. In any case, when there is no sunlight (say during Monsoons and overcast days), the electronics could be run with standard household power as well. Thermal storage mechanisms, particularly for larger systems, could also cope with periods of no sunlight, say during certain monsoon days.

[0087] A modified version of the solar panel, which can be used to also heat water will come in as an even better version. Normal solar PV panels are around 12-15% efficient. This means that nearly 80+ of incident energy is wasted as heat in the panel (they can get very hot). If instead, normal solar panels are modified to also act as a hot surface and heat water or oil, and store it in insulated tanks for later use, then we can make even more energy efficient example embodiment vessel. This hot water (or oil which could in turn heat water) will ensure that we can start the cooking process, say boiling, with water not at 25-30 degree Celsius, but say at 60-70 degrees Celsius. This way the solar PV energy needs to only boost the temperature by around 30 degrees Celsius, as opposed to from room temperature. This will likely more than halve the input energy requirement, resulting in the need for smaller battery and solar panel. Hence, lowering the cost on this front. The added complexity of a heat exchanger and a tank to store hot fluid, and a slight modification of the cooking process itself needs to be accommodated.

[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates a vessel with internal heating. Reference numeral 1 refers to a Vessel/Pot. Reference numeral 2 refers to a Lid/Cover. Reference numeral 3 refers to a Side thermal shield. Reference numeral 4 refers to a Top thermal shield. Reference numeral 5 refers to a Bottom thermal shield. Reference numeral 6 refers to an Internal heating source. Reference numeral 7 refers to a Heated matter.

[0089] In accordance with still another embodiment, there is provided a solar thermal pre-designed heat retention jacket.

[0090] Normal household solar hot-water panels would heat water to around 60 to 80 degrees Celsius. With water as the thermic fluid, one cannot exceed 100 degrees, since water would change to steam. However, if one used other thermic fluids, say certain oils, then temperatures in the range of 150-170 degrees or higher is possible. Of course with larger scale, industrial solar heating systems, this would not be an issue. If heat could be injected directly inside the heat-retaining jackets, then all types of cooking can be done with solar thermal power alone. In at least one embodiment, maximum temperatures achieved is close to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0091] In accordance with still another embodiment, there is provided a vacuum thermal pre-designed heat retention jacket.

[0092] Certain cooking processes involve thickening of food by removal of water. One example traditionally, to create basundi or rabdi (condensed milk) is to heat and boil off the water. A better process may be to allow the boiling to happen at lower temperatures, by reducing the atmospheric pressure, or creating partial vacuum. Water would evaporate at lower temperature, thickening the milk for example.

[0093] If this process is carried out in a using an example embodiment vessel, the process of evaporation would also cool the liquid. This may be an added bonus, to keep things refrigerated. Often such milk products need to be chilled to help preservation.

[0094] In at least one embodiment, the heat retaining jackets can be made of mylar sheets.

[0095] There are several salient advantages of example embodiments, which manifest in its various implementations: [0096] 1. Lower energy cost: Even if one conservatively estimates that half of conventional energy usage could be saved. This would amount to at least s.300-500 per month of saving for an average household. The cost of owning an energy efficient pot could therefore be recovered in a matter of months. Any additional savings is a saving for the individuals using it, in terms of fuel cost. Society at large benefits too, in terms of reduced fossil fuel usage. [0097] 2. Hot-pack property: If food cooked may be kept hot or warm for a long time, it can be a definite advantage. Not only does it save re-heating time and energy, but also allows one to make food a smaller number of times, say at homes, restaurants, etc. If say rice is cooked and can be served hot even hours later, then it saves the trouble of having to cook rice on the fly, or make assumptions about consumption patterns in a restaurant for example. [0098] 3. Remote location usage: The lower energy requirement to cook food, can potentially allow one to cook food with relatively meagre sources of energy, perhaps even obtained from alternate energy sources. Traditionally, cooking using alternate energy was considered inadequate and therefore difficult. The ability to have very modest inputs of energy and still be able to cook food adequately, would allow one to cook practically anywhere, and not be tied up with conventional fuels and their consumption quantum. [0099] 4. Retro fitting: Potentially, example embodiments can be adapted to already existing pots, satisfying certain geometric constraints. In principle one could take one's favourite pots and make it compatible with example embodiments. [0100] 5. Cleaning/Hygiene: Example embodiments will be designed to make them inherently easier to clean, thereby maintaining the standards of hygiene demanded in a cooking environment and equipment.

[0101] Although example embodiments are described in relation to cooking utensils, it is to be understood that it is not just for cooking, but can be used as an efficient energy retaining container (say a tank of hot fluid). By the same token, the vessel can be treated as a heat efficient shield (say, for making better refrigerators or ice boxes or the like). Example embodiments can be used in similar processes such as in agro-processing, chemical industries, or the like.

[0102] While this detailed description has disclosed certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of example embodiments not as a limitation.