University of Twente Student Theses
Optimising Electric Pressure Cooker Energy Usage through Power Spreading Techniques
Protopsalti, Maria Anna (2024) Optimising Electric Pressure Cooker Energy Usage through Power Spreading Techniques.
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| Abstract: | Limited access to sustainable energy sources and clean cooking facilities is an important issue globally, especially in areas with weak infrastructure such as the Global South. Traditional biomass cooking methods lead to substantial indoor air pollution and related health hazards. Electric pressure cookers (EPCs) offer a sustainable alternative, but their high initial power consumption can cause grid overloads. Conventional EPCs control their temperature by cycling the heating element on and off using a thermostat or microcontroller, which switches the power on when the temperature drops below a set point and off when it exceeds it, typically dissipating around 230W. This paper addresses measures to overcome the challenges of transitioning from biofuel cooking to EPCs by exploring the potential of power spreading techniques. The hardware investigated includes a printed circuit board (PCB) designed to regulate voltage, allowing power to be spread and divided rather than simply turned on and off. The study examines simplified yet realistic cooking scenarios, including simultaneous cooking by all users and more practical, staggered cooking schedules. Through simulations and theoretical modelling, optimization measures and the applicability of these scenarios in real-life contexts are analysed. The findings highlight the significance of practical measures to implement sustainable cooking solutions in underserved communities, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy access. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Programme: | Electrical Engineering BSc (56953) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/101972 |
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