1

CHECKING KITCHEN’S AIR-QUALITY USING A

CLEVER RANGEHOOD Flavio Falcinelli

FASAR ELETTRONICA s.r.l. 60019 Senigallia (AN) - Italy - Via Corvi, 96 tel. +39 071 6609805 - fax: +39 071 6611573

f.flavio@fasar.it www.fasar.it

SUMMARY. Traditional Range Hoods were not facing safety’s problems and not even problems related to air pollution these have been often the reason of a very poor customer’s satisfaction together with low-functionality and very noisy products. New projects and the concept of “clever” appliance (that can activate and “shape” its own functions in accordance to the surrounding environment, can take into consideration user’s habits and other info exchanged with other appliances) it is possible to largely improve safety and well-being even in the most dangerous environment, most polluted and most polluting one. In this situation “electronic” is the protagonist also improving product’s functions and performances at a lower cost. The advanced and correct approach of the kitchen’s suction system can allow better performances together with lower electric consumption level in the stand-by condition. The aim of this report is describing a range of innovative electronic controls developed within the Domotica (Fasar Elettronica Srl) project that revolutionizes and amplifies traditional concept of functionality in the Range Hood. Key Word : Range Hood, air-quality, appliance, domotica, sensors. 1. Introduction. The”kitchen” has been always considered with good reasons, one of the most dangerous places. Polluted and pollutant in the house. In addition to all issues related to safety due to the gas presence (needed to ignite gas cook-tops still very common in many countries, Italy included), also vapours and odors coming our from the daily kitchen’s activity continuously degrades the air quality. The main cause is the cooking process, but also stocking food and detergents together with the presence of rubbish in the kitchen (we have to think about the rubbish bin under the sink), spread out the bad smell quite often presents in close spaces. If it is true that our survival is strictly linked to air- availability, our well-being is highly conditioned by its own quality. Our daily cooking activities are the very dangerous and pollutant ones: they generate vapours, odors, smells that propagate very easily in all the house. Cooking together with many other human activities add humidity and odors to air, therefore if a building is not properly ventilated the internal environment can be

quickly filled by humidity with a bad consequence not only on the air but also on the building structure. Odors created by cooking process are easily absorbed by rugs, carpet, furniture and clothes and all of them together cause stagnation. Having this situation in our houses, we can still guarantee a good quality air level only if ventilation has a proper outbound flow. Tab 1.Some figures can be found related to recommended ventilation for house’s rooms : it sounds obvious that the kitchen is the most polluted one and can be compared to a garage. Being the kitchen source of pollution that spreads out into the house, ventilation’s rates linked to the kitchen are much higher than all the other ones. This issue can be fixed can be managed having a ventilation system with a variable airflow, function of the average concentration of polluting elements. This problem becomes bigger if we are talking about houses built in the last 30 years: only infiltrations can assure air-circulation since in order to contain energy consumption and the position of the building itself do not allow the right dimensioning of the air outlet.

2

Tab. 1: Standard ANSI/ASHRAE 62-1981 recommended

ventilation for house’s rooms In the kitchen appliances scenario, range hood has become lately more and more important, due to the design demand (design range hoods) coming from the market, unfortunately very rarely choice of the range hood is driven by its own performances related to the kitchen it is going to be installed in. A cut above this situation will be given when, using a special device linked to the “clever” appliance concept, device that can analyze the environment and accordingly modify its performances , keeping into consideration user’s habits and interaction with the other kitchen appliances. This is the way to amplify specific performances of the hood and also the integration with the other appliances. These new interactions can improve safety and life quality in the house. In this scenario the range hood is going to achieve a new personality in the kitchen together with a central position. All primary functions (extraction power of odors and steam coming out from the cooking process) will position the range hood as an indispensible product for safety and well-being. All these performances can be recorded monitoring the air-quality close to any source of danger (cook-top burners, cook-top in general) and changing sucking power according to the real pollution level (not only related to the cooking process). This appliance, for a long time considered a poor and second level appliance for the kitchen, seems to be the ideal device to keep under control and solve indoor pollution problems and safety. A critical analysis of sucking traditional products, allowed to unveil several important functions that can modify the original concept of range hood. In addition to the safety and pollution problems, there is also dissatisfaction in regards to noise and poor performance of traditional hoods. It is well known that one of the basic technical point for the range hood is the best sucking performance at the minimum noise level. If this does not happen the end consumer most of the times renounces to the primary performance.

2. Domotica project by FASAR and development premises The “Domotica Projects” is essentially based on the employees’ experience on the “clever” devices for appliances (with a major focusing on Range Hoods- Pic.no.1), on a critical analysis of the traditional products and on the consequent conclusion that most of possibilities were still not expressed. They built up a new project “philosophy” that involves many research departments with the aim of creating new electronic control devices that can deeply modify the end user’s perception of the Range Hood. The operating principle for a Range Hood is very well known : a close geometrical structure developed to capture odors and fumes ducted to the external by a pipe that carries inside a fan to suck the air. Fumes and steam produced on the cook-top get intercepted by the range hoods and externally discharged. A very minimum quantity of fumes normally does not get captured and dissolves itself in the air. Having a range hood with a specific sucking power, concentration of polluting elements that stay in the room, depends on the pollutant flow and on the air flow brought into the room by the depression created by the range hood. The basic limits of the traditional range hoods are “

Very high level noise Very low sucking power efficiency Very low air filtering capacity Very low flexibility in relation to the

external conditions Very low flexibility in relation to the

specific kitchen environment No possibility of exchanging info with

the external During the critical analysis (driven by FASAR ELETTRONICA) of the product in relation to the specific location in the kitchen, conducted on several samples, numerous and important potential unspoken opportunities emerged together with a large room of improvement :

Safety device for the kitchen and the entire house. (in case of unusual presence of gas, steam, smells and pollutant elements) developed testing the air-quality through sensors (pic.no.2

3

and 3), with consequent activation and regulation of the sucking activity in addition to the closing activity of the gas valve of the cook-top. This device involves the possibility of generating info that can be used by the outside world in the regard to the system, alarms and sensors response.

Air exchange at a very low flow level, consequent speed has to be very low so to avoid any noise. This performance, highly required to have the right kitchen (and close rooms) ventilation without disturbing the occupants, implies a very accurate project for the geometry of the body and chimney of the hood, of filtering system, of the power-pack, of its electronic control and its internal sucking group (pic.no.1). Key performances such as fumes catching capacity also at very low range hood activity, sucking performance, silence of the blower. To reach these goals, keeping in mind safety issues as well (the system in required to treat gas, fumes, hot, inflammable and aggressive steams) a very accurate choice among the raw materials to be used to produce blowers and sucking pack, is absolutely required .

Comfort : (optimum illumination of the cook-top, compared to the average level of light, silence and ergonomic controls to be used by the end user).

Sensors able to keep under control the environment. These sensors are able to read basic parameters , which values the whole system depends on. These parameters can either be the pollution level in the air (generated by the cooking process), temperature created by the cooktop (through burners, ceran cook-tops, hot pots ), humidity level and illumination in the room. Due to the particular nature of the gas, steam and smell created by cooking info coming from sensors need to be developed through specific algorithms. We should keep in mind that the aeriform subjected to size, being dynamic by its own nature, requires very high level of correctness to manage answers coming from sensors ,especially during critical situations such as high concentration of pollution, air-flows characterized by

temperature and speed that can vary with time.

Pic.no.1: This is an example of a “clever” electronic control system for range hood developed by FASAR ELETTRONICA SRL, that can be connected to domotic net.

High level of the filtering system, obtained by putting together different mechanical filtering systems, charcoal filters with the correct geometry are to optimize catching performance for grease you can find in the kitchen air, avoiding general performances’ losses.

Operation flexibility (capacity of automatically adapt sucking performance to the correct conditions in the kitchen)

Pict. no 2: This is an innovative electronic module to test air-quality developed by FASAR ELETTRONICA,. Sensors typology, checking algorithm and analysis of feed-backs allow to measure pollutio level in the kitschen. This system is controlled by a microprocessor that managing all sensors’ feed-back, adjusts itself.

Humidity sensor

Odor sensor

4

Use of control methodology of the system’s noise, passive and active. Range hoods’ producers have been developing efficient solutions to deaden the body of the range hood and the power pack. In addition other solutions have been found such as picking the right raw material, different geometry to define range hoods’ components, combination between mechanic and electric has been optimized.

FASAR ELETTRONICA is also keen in reducing noise. In their experimental phase of research their aim is develop and create an electronic system to knock out acoustic noise produced by the range hood.

Capacity of managing external info and create internal own info based on what sensors have been reading.

Possibility of using latest electronic

technologies (management systems microcontroller for high performance, low-cost, solid-state actuators, advanced solutions for signals conditioning , power-packs control circuits and regulation of the air-flow with high performances and lost cost).

Pict.No. 3: Analysis of all sensors’ feed-back, see pict.no.2. The analysisi is very important because it allows us to closely and accurately measure pollution level of indoors. The algorithm to acquire sensors’ feed-backs has been developd by another company of FASAR’s group.

Interchange between external

environment and range hood (range hood as component of the domotico system).

Awareness and exploitation of the range hood central role in the kitchen. It is getting bigger and bigger the possibility of focusing on the range hood most part of commands and controls of all the other appliances used to prepare and cook food.

3. Description of the control systems proposed by FASAR ELETTRONICA We use the expression “Domotica Project” to identify more a design philosophy than a range of products : it is a new generation of electronic controls for range hoods playing a very important role in terms of safety, comfort and well-being of the house. In the paragraph we are going to show technical solutions invented to extend product’s functionality in order to guarantee high safety standard level and the possibility of a continuous interchange with the external. The other important achievement is the possibility of exchanging info with the other appliances around the kitchen (cook-top and oven) together with the possibility of exchanging info with a remote device to verify system’s functionality and to update the system itself so that also technical assistance can improve its quality. All these solutions have been proposed and implemented in FASAR ELETTRONICA’s laboratories: this technology is available for all range hoods’ producers who want to adopt this new product philosophy.

Pict.no.4: The picture (above) show show we do use the CapKEY technology developed by FASAR ELETTRONICA. In the second picture you can see an electronic board with capacitive touch control for a range hood. This module creates capacitive

5

touch controls (proximity activation, sensible to finger tip touch) and it can be used to create elegant push-buttons controls and sliders together with a very reliable device and very much flexible to accomplish the highest aesthetic requests from every customer. This technology can easily replace any mechanical push-buttons if the switchboard is made of insulating material such as plastic and glass.

The “Domotica philosophy “starts form the basic concept that the most suitable component to have under control all the kitchen’s operations, is the range hood, in fact it has got, thanks to its installation position, complete visibility of what it is happening on the cook-top, having under control the most dangerous place in the house. On top of this, range hood, when properly equipped and built, can be a very efficient appliance to guarantee the correct air-exchange in the house, in an automatic and silent way. A new generation product must assure a continuous change of air, activating itself at the minimum level with silence and very low energy consumption. These performances level can be achieved using important building tricks, such as combining mechanic and electromechanical components (sucking pack geometry, filtering system, mechanical soundproofing systems) together with the realization of automatic electronic devices able to give new and “clever” product functionalities, such as the possibility of exchanging external and internal information., the possibility of implementing a controlling system in remote to check and verify product performances and the correct system functionality (technical assistance system). These new and advanced performances are allowed by the availability of electronic components that can be programmed at a very low cost : there is a lot of flexibility to implement complex functions that, together with the use of proper sensors, can make a considered “poor appliance” into a very “clever and communicative” range hood. These are all the conditions of improvement. Picture no.5 describes the structure and functionality of this new system. The electronic pack can “listen” and make an analysis on the external environment using a group of sensors and adjusting loads (power-pack, illumination, gas electro valves,) using automatism based on previous experiences and proposing settings (coherent to the ones manual ones, to the remote control ones –IR or radio- or to the door that opens to the external world) in function of the

external environment or of the end-user’s habits. The system draws info coming from different accesses : the input coming from the environment is checked in real time by all sensors, the end-user action on the push-buttons or on the remote control, or the input coming from the appliances net belonging to the domotica (normally oven and cook-top). Power circuits to manage all loads are normally at the solid condition : eliminating any electromechanical component under net tension (relay and switches) you can avoid arcs and electric sparks, gaining in reliability especially under critical situations such as burners on (in this case metallic parts of a range hood can easily reach 60-70 degrees). In those countries where the norm is mainly focused on the fire risk, this device is well appreciated.

Pict.no. 5: Block scheme of an electronic control system for a range hood. Using a suitable group of sensors it is possible to have “kitchen environment” under control, especially the cooking zone. To have a complete overview gas/odors, humidity, temperature and illumination sensors are used, at the maximum level to answer to any wide dynamic change (pic 2 and 3). Temperature’s sensor is not in contact, but simply can read the infrared emitted by the hot plate. Power-pack’s activation is based on the gas/odor’s sensor info, cook-top’temperature and humidity ruled by a specific algorithm. An illumination’s sensor, often placed on the frontal

6

part of the range-hood, measures light in the room and can regulate the illumination pack in order to get the best light for the cook-top. The same sensor, detecting the dark during the night, can activate to get the “courtesy” illumination (low intensity), giving the best comfort to the end-consumer. The electronic system in charge for the power-pack’s activity optimizes sucking group’s performances, eliminating any noise or vibration that may create noise. All range hood’s functions are manually commanded fusing the key-board or a remote control (IR or radiofrequency), this device can be used also by people with disability or old people. Other options such as blocking the key-pad to avoid children using it, are available. For the communication to the external, various technologies are available depending on the protocol (a serial asynchronous) and on the device used by the local standard of the domotica net : bus wired with twisted, wireless connection via radio or IR, connection through the house net (modem power line); while for the remote connection (e.g with a customer service center) mobile or phone cabled net can be used., using a proper modem. In order not to increase the cost the are additional optional modules very simple and flexible (with advanced UI function). The connectivity project offered by FASAR ELETTRONICA is wide and allows remote control and remote assistance through the communication great potential offered by Internet. This is the best way to control and verify performances, to update the firmware and internal parameters. It is also possible to trace a product simply reading its internal identity board, essential technical info to monitor the warranty and to having the call-rate under control, are available (producer’s name, manufacturing date, total time of processing since the installation, alarms calendar, filters maintenance, any bugs, illumination status, general system’s status, etc..). Info exchanged with the external are of different typologies (command, control, diagnostic, parameters up-dating of the firmware and so on..) codified in order to be transmitted and received to optimized communication reliability, hardware costs and the firmware load of the microcontroller. 4. Conclusions and future developments

In conclusion, being conscious that a new quality products generation, developed with criteria focused on comfort and people safety, environment friendly (with the choice of special raw materials and minimum electric consumption at the stand-by condition) represent present time and future for the evolution of the range hood, FASAR ELETTRONICA proposes solutions for a new “philosophy” in order to improve its performances. To sum up, please find below the main features for the new generation of range hoods:

“Clever” electronic with microcontroller to implement algorithmic techniques to manage the system

Very silent product as a good result of using optimum sucking pack, filtering system, power packs with adequate deadening techniques and passive deadening techniques as well.

Use of solid actuators to avoid any spark

Safety and clean-up functions for the kitchen, guaranteed by the sensors’ presence which signals are read by a software that can manage pollution and dangerous situations.

Automatic management of air renewal. Illumination’s management for the

cook-top. Group of sensors : gas/odor/vapours,

humidity, cook-top temperature reading (infrared), luminosity (photodiode)

Possibility of managing user’s habits Communication among the other

appliances (normally cook-top and oven)

Net connection with other devices to built up the domotico system, operating on safety and air renewal with other systems (e.g.heater, air-conditioning, fire-places, air outlets)

Remote assistance (self assistance or activated through the domotica system)

The Domotica Project is a very reliable answer to safety and comfort issues related to the kitchen. Using this new project the traditional range hood can improve its own functions, adding new and more sophisticated features that are coming from the electronic technology.

7

In our future FASAR ELETTRONICA s.r.l will be highly dedicated in improving these new devices. Our experience in cleaning up the air in closed spaces together with investments in research, will allow us to face new techniques liked to safety, air-quality and comfort in the kitchen Bibliography [1] F. Falcinelli, 1998, Sensori di gas/odori per il

controllo delle cappe aspiranti nell'ambiente cucina, Rapp. Int. Dip. Qualità-R&S Faber del 22.04.1998.

[2] B. Meyer, 1983, Indoor Air Quality, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc..

[3] F. Falcinelli, 2001, Definizione preliminare di un protocollo di comunicazione per la connettività in rete di elettrodomestici, Rapp. Int. Dip. Elettronica Faber del 08.01.2001.

[4] F. Falcinelli, 2001, Controllo dell’ambiente cucina attraverso una cappa aspirante “intelligente”, Convegno ANIPLA 2001.