STEAM COOKING OVEN AND METHOD

摘要

A method is provided for reducing energy consumption in a steam cooker of a type that includes a steam cooking cavity, a steam feed path for delivering steam to the steam cooking cavity, a steam valve positioned along the steam feed path to control steam flow, and a steam outlet from the steam cooking cavity. The method involves using a vent stack to deliver excess steam flows from the steam cooking cavity up the vent stack rather than down to a drain box; sensing temperature within the vent stack; and utilizing sensed temperature within the vent stack to control the steam valve so as to reduce flows of excess steam out of the steam cooking cavity.

主权项

1. A method of enhancing cooking efficiency in a steam cooker that includes a steam cooking cavity having a door moveable between opened and closed positions for enabling access to the steam cooking cavity, a steam feed path to deliver steam to the steam cooking cavity, and a steam valve for controlling flow along the steam feed path, the method comprising:
(a) utilizing a cavity outlet for excess steam to exit the steam cooking cavity, the cavity outlet fluidly connected via a first flow path to a steam vent stack and via a second flow path to a drain; (b) sensing temperature within the vent stack; (c) utilizing sensed temperature within the vent stack to regulate flow of steam along the steam feed path in a controlled manner that reduces flows of excess steam out of the steam cooking cavity, including:
(i) utilizing sensed temperature within the vent stack to identify when little or no excess steam is passing through the vent stack and responsively controlling the steam valve to achieve a first valve open condition corresponding to maximum steam flow along the steam feed path; and(ii) utilizing sensed temperature within the vent stack to identify increasing flow of steam through the vent stack and responsively controlling the steam valve to achieve a second valve open condition that reduces steam flow along the steam feed path and thereby reduces steam outflow through the vent stack.