SEMICONDUCTOR THERMOELEMENTS FOR GAS FLOW CONTROL IN A CAULDRON

Abstract

With the constant increase in energy prices, the cost of agricultural products increases, which reduces competitiveness in the domestic and foreign markets. In this regard, the development of energy-saving technologies and technical means becomes relevant. (Research purpose) The research purpose is increasing the efficiency of heat treatment of feed, reducing energy consumption by improving the energy supply system and automation of the gas cauldron. (Materials and methods) The article presents an energy-efficient cauldron for cooking feed in the personal farms of rural residents. An energy supply system for a cauldron with automatic regulation of gas flow in proportion to the heat flow consumed is described. The design feature of this scheme is the use of Peltier semiconductor elements forming a thermoelectric battery to manage gas flow. (Results and discussion) The article presents a design and technological scheme of an automated gas flow control system with a gas burner device, its composition and the operation principle. We have created a specific methodology for determining energy and mode parameters, an operating experimental sample of the energy supply system of a cauldron. Experimental studies were carried out to clarify the calculated energy and operating parameters, substantiate the nominal power of the gas burner device, and identify the advantages and disadvantages of a cauldron with new automation tools. The regularities of changes in gas flow, temperature, and voltage at the output of a thermoelectric battery have been described. Diagrams of changes in these parameters are presented. (Conclusions) The lowest energy costs for heating the contents of a 100-litres cooking cauldron to boiling are achieved when the boiler is equipped with a gas burner with a capacity of 14 kilowatts. Due to the use of an automated gas flow control system, energy savings of up to 20 percent are provided in proportion to the heat flow consumed.