🔥Stovetop heating elements pulsate due to the use of an infinite switch or Simmerstat.
💡The Simmerstat controls the power output of the elements through duty-cycle control.
⏱️The pulsing behavior is achieved by repeatedly switching the power on and off at varying intervals.
🌡️This technology allows for more precise temperature control and reduces power output for gentler cooking tasks.
💯The Simmerstat has been used in cooktops for over a century and is a cost-efficient solution.
Why do stovetop heating elements pulsate?
—Stovetop heating elements pulsate due to the use of an infinite switch, also known as a Simmerstat. This component controls the power output of the elements through duty-cycle control.
What is duty-cycle control?
—Duty-cycle control is a method of controlling power output by repeatedly switching the power on and off at varying intervals. This allows for more precise temperature control and lower power output for gentler cooking tasks.
How does the Simmerstat work?
—The Simmerstat regulates the power output of stovetop heating elements by modulating the duty cycle. When the power is on, the heating element heats up, causing the Simmerstat to open the circuit and turn the power off. This cycle repeats, resulting in the pulsing behavior of the heating elements.
Why is pulsing behavior desirable for stovetop heating elements?
—Pulsing behavior allows for more precise temperature control and reduces the power output of stovetop heating elements. This is beneficial for gentler cooking tasks that require lower heat levels and prevents overheating of the cookware.
How long has the Simmerstat been used in cooktops?
—The Simmerstat has been used in cooktops for over a century. Its reliable performance, cost-efficiency, and ability to provide precise temperature control have made it a popular choice in stovetop designs.
00:00The behavior of stovetop heating elements is a mysterious phenomenon that can be explained by the use of an infinite switch, also known as a Simmerstat.
03:32The Simmerstat is a component that controls the power output of stovetop heating elements through duty-cycle control.
11:35The pulsing behavior of the heating elements is achieved by repeatedly switching the power on and off at varying intervals.
16:26The Simmerstat is a cost-efficient solution that allows for more precise temperature control and reduces the power output for gentler cooking tasks.
19:54The varying cam profile in the simmerstat regulates the resting position of the bimetallic switch, which controls the switch contacts and enables the pulsing behavior of the heating elements.
