CN117716601A

CN117716601A - Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) sensor apparatus, PEF systems and methods

Info

Publication number: CN117716601A
Application number: CN202280052293.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: U·哈斯
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2021-07-28
Filing date: 2022-07-07
Publication date: 2024-03-15
Also published as: EP4378050A1; DE102021208128A1; WO2023006375A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-floatable PEF sensor device (3) having: at least one pair of parallel, spaced-apart, opposing planar electrodes (8), the planar electrodes (8) being connected to an input connection of a rectifier (9); a voltage stabilizing means (10, 11) connected at the input side to the output connection of the rectifier (9); a data processing means (14) connected on the output side to the voltage stabilizing means (10, 11), at least one measurement sensor device (12, 13) being connected to the data processing means (14) and the data processing means (14) being set up for processing measurement data transmitted by at least one measurement sensor device (12, 13); and a data transmission means (15) which is connected to the voltage stabilizing means (10, 11) on the output side and is coupled to the data processing means (14) in terms of data technology, the data transmission means (15) being at least designed to transmit data received from the data processing means (14) in a non-electrical manner. The invention further relates to a PEF system (1, 3) having a PEF device (1) and at least one PEF sensor device (3), wherein the PEF device (1) has a liquid-fillable PEF container (2), the PEF container (2) having PEF electrodes (4) arranged at opposite sides. The invention can be applied particularly advantageously to PEF cooking appliances and PEF cooking systems.

Description

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) sensor apparatus, PEF systems and methods

Technical Field

The invention relates to a sensor device, comprising: the energy absorption unit is connected with the input joint of the rectifier; a data processing device which is connected to the energy absorption unit on the output side, to which at least one measurement sensor is connected, and which is designed to process measurement data transmitted by the at least one measurement sensor; and a data transmission device, which is connected to the energy absorption unit on the output side and is coupled to the data processing device in terms of data technology, said data transmission device being at least designed to transmit data received from the data processing device. The invention also relates to a system having a liquid-fillable cooking vessel and at least one sensor device. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a system. The invention can be applied particularly advantageously to PEF cooking appliances and PEF cooking systems.

Background

DE 10 2016 114 619 A1 discloses a food cooking appliance sensor for arrangement in a food cooking appliance. The food cooking appliance sensor comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting at least one physical parameter in the food cooking appliance and at least one positioning unit for detecting the position of the sensor unit in the food cooking appliance and/or for positioning one of the sensor units at a desired position in the food cooking appliance.

DE 10 2015 101 707 A1 discloses a cooking system comprising a control device, a hob unit and a heating device with at least one heating source, and at least one sensor unit for determining at least one characteristic variable in order to control the heating device of the hob unit as a function of the determined characteristic variable by means of the control device, wherein at least one individual identification unit of one identification type from a plurality of different identification types is provided and can be coupled wirelessly to the control device of the hob unit, and the identification unit comprises a sensor unit, and a target range for the characteristic variable is stored in the identification unit, and a different target range for the characteristic variable is stored in the different identification types, and the heating device of the hob unit can be controlled as a function of the identification type and the characteristic variable by means of the control device.

EP 0441432 A1 discloses an egg boiling aid having a body which is contained in a jacket and whose heat transfer properties correspond to those of eggs, wherein a temperature sensor is provided in the body which interacts with a display device which can display when a temperature which is typical for the desired consistency of the eggs has been reached, wherein the temperature-sensitive element is configured as a sensor of the type which is placed on electrical activity when a temperature which is typical for the desired consistency of the eggs has been reached, wherein the sensor is part of an electrically operated control circuit which furthermore comprises a circuit which is set up to convert a temperature signal into a signal for activating an acoustic signal transmitter.

EP 1726882 A1 discloses a cooking appliance for cooking a cooking substance, which has at least one hob, a cooking plate and/or a cooking chamber. The cooking appliance comprises at least one heating device for heating a cooking hob or a cooking chamber, an electronic control unit for actuating the heating device, and at least one transmitting and receiving unit coupled to the control unit. At least one RFID transponder, which is coupled wirelessly to the transceiver unit, and at least one temperature sensor, which is electrically coupled to the RFID transponder, are assigned to the cooking appliance. The temperature sensor can be positioned, can be positioned and/or can be fastened to or in the cooking product. Furthermore, a corresponding temperature detection device with a temperature sensor and an RFID transponder is disclosed.

EP 1879428 A1 discloses a device for determining the temperature of a medium, in particular food. The device comprises a wireless transmission mechanism with a temperature sensor and a receiving and evaluating mechanism arranged outside the transmission mechanism. In order to make such devices more universally usable and to achieve a more accurate determination of the temperature, it is proposed here that the transmission means with the temperature sensor be configured as a movable unit for direct temperature measurement in or at the medium and that the receiving and evaluating means be arranged outside the medium.

EP 3143916 A1 discloses a cooking aid having a temperature sensor, the output value of which is fed to an electronic circuit device, wherein the temperature of a steamer which can be heated by a cooking point can be detected by means of the temperature sensor and data for adjusting the temperature of the steamer can be transmitted wirelessly by the electronic circuit device to a receiving unit, and wherein the cooking aid is configured as a float and the cooking aid is configured as an automatically rising float, wherein the electronic circuit device is located completely above the waterline of the cooking aid in the automatically rising state of the cooking aid floating in the steamer.

WO 2016/008868 A1 discloses a method for cooking a food product in a process chamber, wherein the process chamber comprises two opposing walls, each forming an electrode. The method comprises the following steps: (a) Placing a quantity of a food product, optionally in a surrounding liquid, between two electrodes in a treatment chamber such that the food product and/or the surrounding liquid is in direct contact with the electrodes; and (b) applying an electrical pulse generated by a pulsed electric field generator to the electrode such that the food product is subjected to a pulsed electric field having a field strength of 10-180V/cm and a total cooking time of 0.5-1000 seconds. Preferably the number of pulses is 1-2000000 and the pulses have a duration of 1-20000 microseconds, respectively. The food product and, if present, the surrounding liquid have a conductivity of 0.01-10S/m. A cooking system is also disclosed, which is adapted to cook a food product according to such a method.

WO 2020/032796 A1 discloses a method for cooking a food product suitable for human consumption, the method comprising: placing a quantity of the food item, optionally in an electrically conductive surrounding medium, into a treatment chamber comprising at least two opposing electrodes such that the food item and/or medium is in direct contact with the electrodes; and subjecting the food product to the pulsed electric field by applying a series of electric pulses generated by a pulsed electric field generator to at least two electrodes. During the time that the food is subjected to the pulsed electric field, a specific process parameter is monitored, on the basis of which the pulse profile of the electric pulses is changed. Furthermore, a pulsed electric field cooking appliance is disclosed, which is configured for implementing a method for making a food product suitable for human consumption.

WO 2012/125021A1 discloses a system for treating a food product by means of PEF ("Pulsed Electric Field" (pulsed electric field)), wherein the system comprises a treatment tray and a coupling station, i.e. a docking station of a PEF generator; wherein the process disk includes first and second through holes, a removable cover, a ground electrode, a voltage electrode, a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion, wherein the first conductive portion extends outwardly through the first through hole and the second conductive portion extends outwardly through the second through hole; the coupling station is designed to receive a treatment basin for treating food in a use position, and has a connection guide to a PEF generator in such a way that in the use position of the treatment plate a pulsed electric field is transmitted from the PEF generator to electrodes in the treatment plate.

WO 2011/139144 A1 discloses a method and a system for processing a substantially solid food product, wherein cell destruction of the food product occurs and the necessary temperature increase necessary for processing macro-nutrients is built up. The system comprises means designed for subjecting the food product to a pulsed electric field for destroying cells of the food product and for treating macro-nutrients, thereby making it suitable for intentional consumption and efficient digestion, such that the body optimally absorbs the nutrients.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide a simple and energy-saving possibility for detecting a state during operation of a PEF appliance.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are known in particular from the dependent claims and the description.

This object is achieved by a PEF sensor device which is not floatable, comprising:

-at least one pair of planar electrodes spaced apart and opposed in parallel, said at least one pair of planar electrodes being connected to an input terminal of a rectifier;

-a voltage stabilizing mechanism connected at an input side to an output connection of the rectifier;

-a data processing means connected on the output side to the voltage stabilizing means, to which at least one measurement sensor device is connected, and which is set up for processing measurement data transmitted by the at least one measurement sensor device; and

a data transmission device, which is connected to the voltage stabilization device on the output side and is coupled to the data processing device in terms of data technology, is provided at least for the non-electrical transmission of data received from the data processing device.

Such a PEF sensor device yields the following advantages, namely: which is capable of detecting and reporting the status of PEF appliances without dedicated energy supply, such as malfunctions of PEF appliances, adverse filling of the treatment object, temperature of the liquid, etc.

PEF sensor device means in particular a sensor device which is designed and provided for detecting or measuring at least one parameter during a PEF process.

In operation of the PEF appliance, pulse-excited (mostly alternately polarized according to the type of alternating voltage) high-voltage signals are applied to planar PEF electrodes typically arranged at opposite sides of a PEF container filled with liquid, which build up an electric field in the liquid according to the type of capacitor, by means of which an electric potential difference is generated in the liquid between the PEF electrodes. Heating the liquid and the treatment substance therein by pulsed excitation operation of the PEF electrode. Such PEF devices are known in principle, and their construction and mode of operation will not be discussed in more detail below.

A "non-floatable" PEF sensor device is understood in particular to be a PEF sensor device which does not float in a liquid, but is placed, for example, on the bottom of a PEF container of a PEF appliance. The PEF sensor device or the movable part thereof can in particular have a higher density than the liquid used for this purpose. The following advantages are thus achieved: the planar electrodes are always covered or wetted with liquid, whereby in turn energy absorption is ensured by the electric field generated in the liquid of the PEF container or the potential difference built up in the liquid.

The liquid can be, for example, water or a water-based liquid, such as water doped with salts and/or additives, such as brine or brine for pickling food.

The at least one pair of spaced apart parallel opposed planar electrodes serve to extract energy from an electric field or voltage differential in the liquid. If the planar electrodes are at different potentials, a voltage difference is generated between them, which voltage difference is used for the energy supply of the PEF sensor device. For this purpose, the planar electrodes are connected to the input terminals of a rectifier, which rectifies the ac voltage.

The rectified, in particular also pulse-shaped, dc voltage is stabilized, i.e. in particular sustained and smoothed, by the voltage stabilizing means. The sustaining can include converting the pulses into a continuous voltage signal. The stabilized voltage output by the voltage stabilization mechanism is used for the energy supply of the data processing mechanism, the data transmission mechanism and other electrically operated components (if present) of the PEF sensor device.

The voltage stabilizing means can have at least one energy store which is connected in parallel to the outputs of the rectifier, for example to these outputs. The energy store can be, for example, a storage battery or a capacitor, for example an electrolytic capacitor or a Jin Dianrong (GoldCap) capacitor or a SuperCap capacitor. This type of permanent accumulator allows the PEF sensor device to be operated even during long pause times, in which the voltage supply to the PEF electrode is cut off.

In one development, the voltage stabilizing means has a DC-DC converter (for example a step-up/step-down converter or a switching power supply) which can advantageously take into account a wide range of input voltages.

The measurement sensing means can comprise one or more sensors. The measurement sensor device can comprise one or more evaluation lines, which are each connected to one or more sensors for processing, e.g. digitizing, normalizing, etc., its measurement signals. In one development, the evaluation circuit can be present as an electronic functional block ("sensor electronics"), for example as a microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA or the like. If at least one evaluation line is present, it can also be connected to the voltage stabilizing means for its energy supply.

The measurement data comprise or contain physical or chemical measurement variables, which are measured or sensed, in particular, by at least one sensor of the measurement sensor device.

The data processing means is designed to process measurement data transmitted by at least one measurement sensor device, which can include: the measurement data is stored, processed, linked, monitored, selected and/or formatted for transmission to a data transmission mechanism, etc., transmitted to a data transmission mechanism at a particular time, etc. The data processing mechanism can be an electronic functional block, such as a microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA, or the like.

In one development, the at least one evaluation line and the data processing means are individual functional blocks or components of the PEF sensor system, which are coupled to one another at least in terms of data technology. In one development, the at least one evaluation line and the data processing means are integrated into one another, for example: the data processing means also serve as or comprise the function of an evaluation line.

The data transmission means are set up "at least" for transmitting data received from the data processing means, which comprises: in one development, the data transmission device serves as a transmitter and therefore only transmits data unidirectionally, but does not receive data as well. In a further development, the data transmission means is also designed to receive data and then forward it to the data processing means, for example. The data transmission means can thus be used as a transmitter to send data unidirectionally, for example to the PEF appliance, to other external related means and/or to the user interface, or as a transceiver to send data bidirectionally and to receive data, for example from the PEF appliance, other external related means and/or from the user interface.

In addition to the measurement data, the data sent out can also include other data, such as status data. The received data can include, for example, queries, control instructions, and the like.

The data transmission means are set up for transmitting data received from the data processing means "in a non-electrical manner", which includes: the data transmission from and, if appropriate, to the data transmission means is not carried out by means of a conductive part, but rather in a galvanically separated manner. This has the following advantages that: the drag (voltage drag) of the electric power from the PEF container is reliably prevented, thereby improving the operation reliability. Another advantage is that the data is not disturbed by the pulsed electric field in the liquid.

In one embodiment, the PEF sensor device further has a user interface, which is separate from the data processing means and is data-technology-couplable or coupled to the current, and is at least provided for displaying the data received from the data transmission means. The user interface is galvanically separated from the data transmission means and can be arranged in virtually any position, for example outside the PEF container or outside the liquid at the PEF container. The user interface can be configured, for example, as a display unit for displaying measurement data or as a display and operating unit for PEF appliances. The user interface can have, for example, operating keys, switches, an LED display and/or an optionally touchable image screen, etc. The user interface has a data transmission (pairing) device, which can be coupled to the data transmission device in terms of data technology, for example a bluetooth module or a photodiode, or a combination of a photodiode and an LED. The user interface can be a removable terminal device, such as a smart phone or tablet, which is set up to act as a user interface, in particular by means of an application.

In one embodiment, the output of the voltage stabilizing means is connected to a sensor device, and the sensor device is designed to measure the level of the output voltage of the voltage stabilizing means. The advantage achieved thereby is that the supply voltage can also be used as a measurement variable. This design takes advantage of the following considerations, namely: the single-sided distribution of the treatment in the PEF container interferes with the uniform distribution of the electric field in the PEF container. This situation can be identified by measuring the level of the supply voltage. Since the level of the supply voltage depends on: (a) The amount of energy coupled into the liquid via the PEF electrode and the current through the vessel triggered by the PEF voltage by the application of the PEF voltage to the PEF electrode, and (b) the distribution of the treatment along the electric field in the PEF vessel. At a given conductivity value of the liquid, a stable distribution of the voltage always occurs, thereby generating a supply voltage for the PEF sensor device in the PEF container. If the voltage at the PEF electrode is raised by a factor from which it is generated, the supply voltage output by the voltage stabilizing mechanism is raised to the same extent (as is typically the case as long as the average conductivity of the liquid in the container remains unchanged). If the desired supply voltage in the PEF container is known, it can be inferred by comparing the desired supply voltage with the actual applied supply voltage: if necessary, whether the PEF system including the treatment is disturbed. If, for example, the distribution of the treatment substance in the liquid is very uneven or the electrical conductivity is not balanced, the supply voltage changes at least for a short time. This change can be measured and thus back-extrapolated to disturbances in the system.

In one embodiment, the sensor device has at least one pair of planar electrodes ("measuring electrodes") which are arranged at a distance from one another and perpendicular to the planar electrodes, and is designed to measure a voltage difference between the measuring electrodes. If the planar electrode is parallel to the PEF electrode and thus perpendicular to the ideally parallel electric field lines of the electric field, the measurement electrode is parallel to the electric field lines and thus on the same equipotential lines. This results in that no voltage difference is ideally built up between the measuring electrodes. This uniform parallel orientation of the electric field is approximately maintained even when the treatment substance approximately uniformly distributed in the liquid is in the liquid. This applies in particular if the electrical conductivity of the treatment corresponds to the electrical conductivity of the surrounding liquid.

On the other hand, if (i) the electrical conductivity of the treatment is different from the electrical conductivity of the surrounding liquid and (ii) the treatment is very unevenly distributed in the liquid, this can have a very detrimental effect on the treatment result. This applies in particular if the treatment substance has a smaller electrical conductivity than the surrounding liquid, in which case the current from the treatment substance is pushed into the surrounding liquid. If the treatment has a greater conductivity than the liquid, the treatment will draw an electrical current. Both of these conditions interfere with the uniformity, especially parallelism, of the electric field and thus the uniformity, especially parallelism, of the current flow in the PEF container and thus can lead to non-uniform treatment results. If a (differential) voltage between the measuring electrodes is measured, the risk of such uneven heating can be identified. Because the differential voltage is a measure for the uniformity of the electric field and thus for the loading of the PEF container and allows their evaluation.

If an uneven distribution of the food in the water is identified, this can be suitably reacted to, for example, by: the process of PEF treatment is extended in time such that uniform heat penetration of the treatment object is less caused based on the flow of current through the treatment object, but is caused mainly indirectly by heating the surrounding liquid.

In one embodiment, the sensor device has at least one sensor from the group: for example, measuring resistance (e.g., NTC) or thermocouple (e.g., PT element); a salt content sensor for detecting the salt content of the liquid; other sensors are used to detect characteristics of the liquid (other than salt content).

In one embodiment, the data transmission means is designed to transmit radio signals wirelessly and/or to transmit optical signals, i.e. to emit and, if appropriate, to receive radio signals or optical signals in particular. In the first case, the data transmission means can be, for example, a bluetooth module or an RFID transmitter or transceiver. In the second case, the data transmission means can be, for example, an LED or a photodiode, if appropriate. The optical signal or optical signal can be transmitted with or without the use of a light conductor (e.g., glass fiber).

In one embodiment, a spacer is arranged in the region of the electrodes (planar electrodes and/or measuring electrodes). The spacer advantageously prevents a flat-laying and thus a direct electrical contact with the treatment object, so that such a treatment object does not cause a short circuit.

In one development, the liquid-wetted surfaces of the electrodes (planar electrodes and/or measuring electrodes) and/or the sensors are configured non-corrosively and/or without adversely modifying the liquid. In one development, the electrodes and/or the sensor surfaces are made of or coated with high-grade steel, titanium or a corresponding alloy.

In one development, the PEF sensor device is installed in a PEF appliance. This gives rise to the following advantages, namely: the PEF sensor device is permanently ready and not migrated by the user. It is also possible that individual components of the PEF sensor device are installed in the PEF appliance, while other components can be operated independently and can thus be removed. For example, one or more pairs of test electrodes can be fixedly inserted into the otherwise electrically non-conductive side or side wall of the PEF container, which is in particular perpendicular to the PEF electrodes, while the other components can be actuated independently and can be electrically connected to the measuring electrodes after insertion into the PEF container.

One embodiment provides that the PEF sensor device or at least some of its components are independently operable structural components. The structural component is particularly removable from the PEF container by a user. This gives rise to the following advantages, namely: the structural assembly can be removed for cleaning, storage, maintenance and/or replacement. In one development, the components present in the structural component are sealed from the liquid, except for the sensor. This advantageously prevents damage to these components by liquids, for example due to corrosion. In one development, the components present in the structural component are electrically shielded, if necessary, in addition to the sensor. This advantageously prevents these components from being disturbed or even destroyed by the PEF alternating field. In one development, the structural component has a housing. The housing can be a liquid tight and electrically shielded housing. The electrodes (planar electrodes and measuring electrodes if present) and, if appropriate, further sensors can be inserted into the outer side of the housing or can be inserted into the housing. There can also be windows for the data transmission mechanism.

The housing can have a square basic shape. In this case, the underside of the housing can serve as a support surface, while the planar electrode is arranged on the opposite side and the measuring electrode is arranged on two other opposite sides. This arrangement has the advantage that, by simple orientation of the housing, the planar electrode as well as the measuring electrode can also be oriented simply, in particular the planar electrode can be oriented parallel to the PEF electrode and the measuring electrode can be oriented perpendicular to the PEF electrode. However, the basic shape is not limited thereto, but may also be, for example, cylindrical or disk-shaped.

In one embodiment, the PEF sensor device has a rollable outer contour, the planar electrodes of the plurality of pairs of planar electrodes being arranged in a distributed manner within the outer contour. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for the use of the PEF sensor device in a continuously operating PEF continuous system. Such continuous systems are known for industrial applications or in industrial plants. In continuous operation, the PEF sensor device is able to "operate with" or "roll with" the liquid and allow "in situ analysis" to be performed in real time without any outward wire connection. By a decentralized arrangement of pairs of planar electrodes, it is virtually always possible for at least one pair of planar electrodes to be arranged in the electric field in such a way that energy can be extracted there through. For this purpose, in particular, the planar electrode pairs are arranged uniformly distributed. More precisely, in this embodiment, in particular, no measuring electrode is present for measuring the distortion of the local field distribution, since this cannot be measured in practice, but local parameters of the liquid, such as local temperature or other local variables, such as the presence of salts or other content substances and optionally the concentration, can be measured by the corresponding sensor at any time and the measurement result is transmitted.

In one development, the rollable outer contour has a regular, in particular symmetrical basic shape. The regular basic shape can be, for example, spherical or polyhedral (e.g., tetrahedral, dodecahedral, or regular hexahedral).

If a spherical basic shape is present, in a further development, there can also be projections which protrude regularly, in particular symmetrically, beyond the surface, at which projections the planar electrodes are located. In this development, the surface can be shaped, for example, like a virus, in particular a coronavirus. However, the spherical basic shape can also be shaped as a golf ball, which advantageously facilitates rolling tendency and cleanability.

The object is also achieved by a PEF system having a PEF device with a PEF container which can be filled with a liquid and having at least one PEF sensor device as described above, the PEF container having PEF electrodes arranged on opposite sides. The PEF system can be constructed similar to the PEF sensor device and yields the same advantages.

A modification is that the PEF container is a square container. It can have an open upper side which can be closed by means of a cover. An advantageous development, in particular for continuous systems, is that the PEF container is a continuous tube, for example, with a circular or rectangular cross section.

In one embodiment, the PEF appliance is a PEF cooking appliance. The PEF container is then or is used as PEF cooking container and the treatment product is then in particular a cooking product (e.g. food).

In one embodiment, the at least one PEF sensor device is arranged in the PEF container such that the planar electrodes of the at least one pair of planar electrodes are oriented at least approximately parallel to the PEF electrodes. Thus, a particularly high amount of energy can be extracted from the electric field.

The PEF system can be oriented in particular in such a way that the at least one PEF sensor device can be arranged or arranged at the bottom of the PEF container. The PEF sensor device can then be operated in particular independently. In one development, the PEF container is designed to orient a PEF sensor device. For this purpose, the PEF container can have at least one marking, in particular at its bottom, which here supports the user in the correct orientation of the PEF sensor device. Alternatively or additionally, the PEF container can be configured for arranging, in particular orienting, PEF sensor devices, for example by means of cavities or ribs. Alternatively or additionally, the PEF container can be designed to fix the PEF sensor device in a particularly releasable, force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, for example, a clamping and/or locking device for clamping and/or locking the PEF sensor device can be provided.

In one embodiment, at least one measuring electrode of at least one pair of measuring electrodes of the PEF sensor device is arranged on opposite sides of the PEF container, each extending perpendicularly to the PEF electrodes. From the perspective of the current flowing through the PEF container, the corresponding measuring electrode is ideally located on the equipotential surface. Then, no voltage may actually be measured between the individual measurement electrodes, except for a small voltage that may be triggered by, for example, a fluctuation of the water in the PEF container. By means of a particularly uniform distribution of an essentially arbitrary number of electrodes over the lateral or side wall, an uneven distribution of the electrical conductivity in the PEF container can be located almost arbitrarily precisely.

In one development, the measuring electrodes of at least two pairs of measuring electrodes arranged on the same side are arranged at different heights or are not at the same height at the wall. With such an arrangement, the filling level of the water in the PEF container can advantageously be determined very precisely. The filling level in turn allows the average conductivity of the container contents to be calculated and thus also allows the average salt content or average salt content to be estimated. This can be achieved, for example, in such a way that the control mechanism of the PEF appliance knows the voltage at the PEF electrode and the current flowing through the PEF container. From this data, the resistance of the container contents can be calculated. The average conductivity of the container contents can be calculated with a given bottom surface of the container and the filling height. Since the conductivity is essentially determined by the salt content, this salt content is thus also at least approximately known. The measuring electrode can be shaped arbitrarily. The measuring electrode can advantageously be as small as possible in the prevailing current direction, since it represents a local short-circuit and thus leads to a local distortion of the electric field and thus of the current.

The aforementioned considerations regarding the measuring electrodes are based on the measurement of the differential voltage caused by the measuring electrodes being "perpendicular" to the ideal current direction or orientation of the electric field. For this purpose, the measuring electrodes can be arranged on the "left" and "right" sides or side walls in the current direction. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring electrode can be arranged at the bottom of the PEF container and at the lid of the PEF container in a manner immersed in the liquid. If the measuring electrodes are present not only at the side walls but also at the bottom and the cover, the direction of the two differential voltages and the direction of the ideal current represent an orthogonal system. The possible inhomogeneities in the local energy density and/or electrical conductivity distribution in the PEF container can then be located in three dimensions, for example, by means of a mosaic-like arrangement of measuring electrodes, which cover the respective sides or faces as completely as possible. This can be done, for example, by a solution of the partial differential equation in three dimensions. Such a determination of the three-dimensional spatial map of the local energy density and/or electrical conductivity is advantageous in particular in industrial applications, since faults in the operation of continuously operating systems can be detected very quickly.

In general, the measuring electrodes of the individual sides (side walls, bottom and/or cover) are arranged side by side with respect to one another less closely, for example in such a way that the gap or spacing between two adjacent measuring electrodes is significantly longer than the sides themselves.

In one embodiment, the PEF cooking appliance has a control device for its operation, which is coupled to the PEF sensor device in terms of data technology and is designed to control the operation as a function of the data already received from the PEF sensor device. For example, the PEF sensor device or the control means can recognize that the treatment substance is unevenly distributed in the water, and the control means can then react to this appropriately, for example in that: the control mechanism extends the duration of the PEF process over time. Thus, uniform heat penetration of the treated material is enhanced by heating the surrounding liquid.

In one development, the control means are designed to output at least one user prompt, for example of the type "please agitate the PEF container", to the user when an uneven distribution of the treatment substance has been determined.

The object is also achieved by a method for operating a PEF system as described above, wherein during operation of the PEF system (during which the PEF container is filled with liquid), at least the planar electrodes of the PEF sensor device are immersed in the liquid and a pulsed high voltage is applied to the PEF electrodes,

-generating a voltage difference at least one pair of planar electrodes due to a high voltage excited by a pulse applied at the PEF electrode;

-stabilizing the voltage difference by means of the voltage stabilizer and outputting the stabilized voltage for energy supply at least to the data processing means and the data transmission means.

The data processing means receives measurement data from the measurement sensor device and forwards it to the data transmission means, and

the data transmission structure transmits data including measurement data, which is arranged for transmission to another unit (e.g. user interface, smart phone), from the data processing mechanism to the other unit.

The method can be constructed similarly to PEF sensor devices and PEF systems and has the same advantages.

The data processing means receive the measurement data from the sensor device and forward it to the data transmission means, which in particular comprises: the measuring sensor device has at least one sensor which can record a measured variable, in particular from a liquid. The measured variable can be forwarded as measured data to a data processing means.

Drawings

The above-described features, features and advantages of the present invention, and the manner and manner of how they are accomplished, will become more readily apparent in light of the following illustrative description of the embodiments thereof, which are to be explained in detail in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a PEF system having a PEF instrument with a PEF container that can be filled with a liquid and a PEF sensor device according to a first embodiment in an oblique view;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a possible PEF sensor device of FIG. 1 in top view; and is also provided with

Fig. 3 shows a sketch of a PEF container according to a second embodiment in an oblique view.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a PEF system 1, 3 in a perspective view, the PEF system 1, 3 having a PEF appliance in the form of a PEF cooking appliance 1 with a PEF container that can be filled with a liquid (not shown) and a PEF sensor device 3 in the form of a PEF cooking vessel 2. The PEF cooking vessel 2 has a square basic shape which is open at the upper side, and planar PEF electrodes 4 are arranged on the parallel opposite end sides (shown here in the y, z plane) of the basic shape. A pulsed high-frequency alternating field can be applied to the PEF electrode 4 by means of a pulse generator (not shown). The PEF electrodes 4 are thus able to act like capacitor plates, forming a parallel electric field E between them. If the PEF-cooking vessel 2 is filled with a liquid, such as for example saline water, a corresponding current flows between the PEF electrodes 4, which current causes a thermal penetration of the liquid and the cooking substance (not shown) in the liquid.

The side walls 5 (shown here in the x, y plane) and the bottom 6 (shown here in the x, z plane) of the PEF cooking vessel 2 perpendicular to the PEF electrodes 4 are made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic or glass, so that the PEF electrodes 4 are electrically insulated from each other. The open upper side, which also serves as a filling opening for the liquid and as a filling opening for the cooking product, can be covered by means of a cover (not shown). As an alternative or in addition to the arrangement at the end wall, PEF electrodes can also be arranged at the bottom 6 and the cover.

The PEF cooking appliance 1 has a control mechanism for controlling its operation. The PEF cooking appliance 1 may also have a user interface (not shown) for displaying information and for inputting instructions or the like by a user. Alternatively or additionally, the PEF cooking appliance 1 can be operated, in particular remotely, by a mobile user terminal device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

The PEF sensor device 3 is used to determine, simply and with high operational reliability, physical and/or chemical parameters of the liquid, such as its temperature, salinity etc. and/or the state or characteristics of the electric field and/or current built up in the liquid and/or the state or characteristics of the cooking substance (e.g. food) in the liquid. The PEF sensor device is not floatable for this purpose, but is here placed on the bottom 6 of the PEF cooking vessel 2.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a possible variant of the PEF sensor device 3 in a top view. The planar electrodes 8 are arranged parallel to one another on opposite side walls of the watertight and electrically shielding housing 7 and are wetted here by the liquid surrounding the PEF sensor device 3. The housing 7 is here chosen to be square, but can in principle also have any other basic shape, for example a flat cylinder, wherein the flat side serves as the support side.

The PEF sensor device 3 can be operated independently here, and can thus be removed, and is advantageously arranged in the PEF container 2 such that the two planar electrodes 8 are oriented parallel to the PEF electrodes (here both lie in the y, z plane). This gives rise to the following advantages, namely: the two planar electrodes 8 lie on different equipotential surfaces of the electric field E oriented in the x-direction and thus generate a particularly high differential voltage between them. Such orientation of the PEF sensor device 3 can be supported, for example, by markings and/or mechanical orientation aids present at the bottom 6 of the PEF container 2.

The two planar electrodes 8 are connected to inputs of a rectifier 9, such as, for example, a bridge rectifier. The rectified, pulsed output voltage is thereby output at the output of the rectifier 9 in the presence of the electric field E. An energy store, such as a capacitor 10, is inserted between the outputs of the rectifier 9, which capacitor 10 smoothes the pulsed output voltage and also enables a certain pause in the application of the PEF voltage to be overcome. The input of the voltage stabilizing means 11, which can be configured, for example, as a step-up/step-down converter or switching power supply, is connected to the output of the rectifier 9 and is connected in parallel with the capacitor 10. The residual ripple of the input is thereby eliminated or at least reduced drastically, and a predetermined voltage level (for example 5V) or voltage band is maintained. Alternatively or in addition to the parallel-connected capacitors 10, the smoothing can also be performed by an inductance inserted in series between the output of the rectifier 9 and the input of the voltage stabilizing means 11. However, the capacitor 10 can also be understood as a component of a voltage stabilizing mechanism.

The voltage output by the voltage stabilizing means 11 is used as a supply voltage for other components of the PEF sensor device 3, such as an evaluation line 13 belonging to the measurement sensor device 12, a data processing means 14, a data transmission means 15 and a user interface 16 (as outlined by the dashed arrow). The data processing means 14 is coupled to the evaluation line 13 of the measurement sensor device 12 in terms of data (for example, via at least one data line) and is provided for processing the measurement data transmitted by the evaluation line 13, for example, for transmission to a data transmission means 15 coupled thereto in terms of data (for example, via at least one data line).

The evaluation means 13 can be set up, for example, for: the measurement signal generated by the at least one sensor is digitized. For this purpose, purely exemplary temperature sensors 17 which are provided for sensing the medium for surrounding are shown here, for example Pt elements such as Pt100 or Pt1000 heat sensors. Alternatively or additionally, further dedicated sensors, such as salt content sensors (not shown) or the like, can be connected to the measuring electronics 12.

The other sensor connected to the evaluation line 13 is formed by a pair of measuring electrodes 18 lying opposite along the z-axis and perpendicular to the plane electrode 8, the measuring electrodes 18 having a differential voltage of zero between them at the same potential level for an ideally parallel electric field E and for an orientation along the electric field E. However, if the electric field E is disturbed or distorted, a differential voltage is formed, which thus represents a measure for possible disturbances or distortions (caused, for example, by unevenly distributed culinary articles in the PEF container 2).

The output voltage or the level of the supply voltage output by the voltage stabilizing means 11 can also be processed as a measurement signal by the evaluation line 13. This gives rise to the following advantages, namely: possible distortions of the electric field, for example due to unevenly distributed cooking substances in the PEF container 2, can be determined.

In one possible development, the user interface 16 is also integrated into the PEF sensor mechanism and is arranged here on the housing 7 and/or in the housing 7. The user interface 16 can comprise at least one display means, such as a segment display, an LED display, an LCD display or the like, for example for displaying measured data, such as the temperature of the surrounding medium, and/or an indicator light, such as a small light or an LED, for example, which displays a non-disturbed or disturbed state by a color change. The user interface 16 is likewise coupled to the data processing means 14 in terms of data technology for this purpose and can receive data, for example measurement data and/or status data, therefrom.

The data transmission means 15 can transmit data received from the data processing means 14, which can include in particular the measurement data of the sensors 11, 17, 18, to other relevant means separated by current, such as the PEF appliance 1, a separate user interface and/or a removable user terminal (not shown), in a non-electrical manner, and can also receive data. The data transmission means can be designed in particular for bidirectional data transmission. The data transmission means 15 can be configured for this purpose as a radio module, in particular a bluetooth module, or comprise such a module. Alternatively, the data transmission means 15 can comprise an optoelectronic transceiver, for example with an LED for data transmission and a photodiode for data reception. The optical signal can be transmitted freely through liquid, for example, or the data transmission means 15 can be connected to other relevant means by means of a glass fiber cable. Other relevant mechanisms can be user interfaces, especially if the user interface 16 is not integrated into the housing 7. This gives rise to the following advantages, namely: the user interface can be arranged outside the liquid and can thus be read particularly simply and furthermore can also be operated by the user for input. In addition or alternatively, data, including in particular measurement data, can be transmitted to a control device of the PEF cooking appliance 1, which is in turn designed to control the operation of the PEF cooking appliance 1 as a function of the data received in this way.

In the region of the PEF sensor device 3, in particular in the region of the electrodes 8, 18, spacers (not shown) can be present, for example, at the bottom 6 and/or at the housing 7, as a result of which cooking substances can advantageously be prevented from contacting the electrodes 8, 18 and thus, for example, creating a short circuit.

Although described as being independently operable, in another embodiment at least one or more of the PEF sensor apparatus or components thereof can be fixedly mounted in the PEF container.

In yet another embodiment, the PEF appliance can be an industrial appliance for which liquid is directed through the PEF container in continuous operation. In particular in this case, the PEF sensor device can have a rollable outer contour, the planar electrodes of the pairs of planar electrodes being arranged in a decentralized manner within the outer contour and the outer contour being able to be rolled or dragged together with the flowing liquid.

Fig. 3 shows a sketch of the PEF container 19 in a perspective view. In contrast to PEF container 2, the PEF sensor device can now be integrated into a PEF device and in this case even planar electrode 8 can be dispensed with if the electrically operated component is directly supplied with electrical energy by the PEF device. However, any form of mixing is also possible.

For the PEF container 19, the mirror-symmetrically opposite measuring electrodes 20 of the respective measuring electrode pair are here placed in the side wall 5, for example in a vertical series arrangement. This series arrangement gives rise to the following advantages: the filling level of the liquid in the PEF container 19 can thereby be measured, or at least estimated, for example, by the application of a measurement voltage, since the resistance between the measurement electrodes 20 arranged above the liquid is very high compared to the resistance of the measurement electrodes 20 immersed in the liquid. Furthermore, by such an arrangement, the field distribution, in particular the distortion, of the electric field E along the y-axis can be measured at the x-position of the series arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, a series of measuring electrodes 21 extending in the z-direction can be arranged in the bottom 6, in particular the measuring electrodes 21 immersed in the liquid arranged mirror-symmetrically in a cover (not shown) lying opposite the series of measuring electrodes 21. Like measuring electrode 20, by such an arrangement of measuring electrodes 21, the field distribution, in particular the distortion, of the electric field E along the z-axis can be determined at the x-position of the series arrangement. A modification is that not only the measuring electrode 20 but also the measuring electrode 21 are present. Thus, a two-dimensional field distribution can be determined at the associated x-position. This principle can be extended if desired, for example by arranging additional strings of measuring electrodes along the x extension direction. In one development, for example, the side walls 5 and/or the bottom 6 and the cover can be provided with measuring electrodes 20, 21 in a matrix arrangement, which gives rise to the following advantages: the field distribution in the PEF container 19 can be determined in three dimensions, for example by the use of a three-dimensional differential equation set.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

In general, "a" or the like can be understood as singular or plural, especially in the sense of "at least one" or "one or more" or the like, as long as this is not explicitly excluded by, for example, the expression "exactly one" or the like.

The numerical description can also include just the numbers described and can include any range of tolerances, provided that this is not explicitly excluded.

List of reference numerals:

1 PEF cooking utensil

2 PEF culinary article container

3 PEF sensor device

4 PEF electrode

5. Side wall

6. Bottom part

7. Shell body

8. Planar electrode

9. Rectifier device

10. Capacitor with a capacitor body

11. Voltage stabilizing mechanism

12. Measuring sensor

13. Evaluation circuit

14. Data processing mechanism

15. Data transmission mechanism

16. User interface

17. Temperature sensor

18. Measuring electrode

19 PEF container

20. Measuring electrode

21. Measuring electrode

E electric field

x x shaft

y y shaft

z z shaft

Claims

1. A non-floating PEF sensor device (3) having:

- at least one pair of planar electrodes (8), said at least one pair of planar electrodes (8) being spaced apart and facing each other in parallel, said at least one pair of planar electrodes (8) being connected to the input connector of the rectifier (9);

- a voltage stabilization mechanism (10, 11) connected on the input side to the output connection of the rectifier (9);

- a data processing device (14) connected on the output side to the voltage stabilization device (10, 11), to which at least one measuring sensor device (12, 13) is connected at a data processing mechanism (14), and the data processing mechanism (14) is set up to process the measurement data transmitted by the at least one measurement sensor device (12, 13); and

- a data transmission device (15) which is connected on the output side to the voltage stabilization device (10, 11) and is data-technically coupled to the data processing device (14), so The data transmission device (15) is at least set up to non-electrically transmit data received from the data processing device (14).

2. The PEF sensor device (3) according to claim 1, furthermore having a galvanically separate user interface coupled to the data processing means (14), said user interface being configured at least for displaying Data received from said data transmission mechanism (15).

3. PEF sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output of the voltage stabilization mechanism (10, 11) is connected to the measuring sensor device (12, 13), And the measuring sensor device (12, 13) is set up to measure the level of the output voltage of the voltage stabilizing device (10, 11).

4. PEF sensor device (3) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measurement sensor device (12, 13) has at least one pair of planar measurement electrodes (18), said measurement electrodes (18 ) are arranged spaced apart from each other and perpendicularly to the planar electrodes (8), and the measuring sensor devices (12, 13) are set up to measure the voltage difference between the measuring electrodes (18).

5. PEF sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measurement sensing device (12, 13) has at least one sensor from the following group:

-Temperature sensor(17),

-Salt sensor.

6. The PEF sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data transmission means (15) are designed for transmitting radio signals, in particular Bluetooth signals and/or for transmitting optical signals.

7. PEF sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein spacers are arranged in the area of the electrodes (8, 18).

8. PEF sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor device (3) is independently operable.

9. The PEF sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (3) has a rollable outer contour, the planar electrodes (8) of a plurality of pairs of planar electrodes being dispersedly arranged on within the range of the outer contour.

10. A PEF system (1, 3) having a PEF appliance (1) with available liquid and at least one PEF sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims. Filled PEF container (2; 19) having PEF electrodes (4) arranged at opposite sides.

11. PEF system (1, 3) according to claim 10, wherein said PEF appliance (1) is a PEF cooking appliance, said PEF container (2) is a PEF cookware container and said at least one PEF sensor device (3) Arrangement in the PEF container (2) is such that the planar electrode (8) of at least one pair of planar electrodes (8) is oriented at least approximately parallel to the PEF electrode (4).

12. PEF system according to any one of claims 10 or 11, having at least one PEF sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the measuring electrodes (20, 21) of at least one pair of measuring electrodes are arranged thereon. The opposite side surfaces of the PEF container (19) extend perpendicularly to the PEF electrodes (4).

13. PEF system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the PEF cooking appliance (1) has a control mechanism for its operation, said control mechanism being in contact with the PEF sensor device (3) Data technology is coupled and the control mechanism is set up to control the operation based on the data received from the PEF sensor device (3).

14. A method for operating a PEF system (1, 3) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the PEF container (2) is filled with liquid during operation of the PEF system, During operation of the PEF system (1, 3) at least the electrodes (8, 18) of the PEF sensor device (3) are immersed in the liquid and a pulsed high voltage is applied to the PEF electrode (4),

- a voltage difference is generated at at least one pair of planar electrodes (8) due to the high voltage excited by the pulse applied to said PEF electrodes (4),

- the voltage difference is stabilized by the voltage stabilizer (10, 11) and the stabilized voltage for the energy supply is output to at least the data processing unit (14) and the data transmission unit (15) ,

- the data processing unit (14) receives measurement data from the measurement sensor devices (12, 13) and forwards them to the data transmission unit (15), and

- The data transmission means (15) transmits data, including measurement data, provided for transmission to another unit from the data processing means (14) to the other unit.