US20080156009A1 - Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens - Google Patents
Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens Download PDFInfo
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- US20080156009A1 US20080156009A1 US11/646,754 US64675406A US2008156009A1 US 20080156009 A1 US20080156009 A1 US 20080156009A1 US 64675406 A US64675406 A US 64675406A US 2008156009 A1 US2008156009 A1 US 2008156009A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- refrigerating
- refrigerating modules
- modules
- cooling medium
- module
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D16/00—Devices using a combination of a cooling mode associated with refrigerating machinery with a cooling mode not associated with refrigerating machinery
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/02—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/02—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
- F25D2700/123—Sensors measuring the inside temperature more than one sensor measuring the inside temperature in a compartment
Definitions
- the invention relates to refrigeration appliances for use in residential kitchens and other adjoining rooms in a dwelling.
- Refrigeration appliances for use in residential kitchens and other rooms in a dwelling unit are known.
- Modular refrigeration devices such as refrigerator, freezer, ice maker and wine cooler modules for use in residential dwellings are known.
- the invention relates to a refrigeration appliance system constructed and arranged for use in a residential kitchen and other rooms in a dwelling a plurality of separate refrigerating modules each having an insulated cabinet, an apparatus for receiving a cooling medium to cool the interior of the refrigerating module, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the module; and a temperature selector for selecting an operating temperature for the insulated refrigerating module.
- the refrigeration appliance system also includes a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit for chilling a cooling medium comprising a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a variable speed condenser fan and a controller, a cooling medium circuit connecting the central cooling unit and the plurality of refrigerating modules to supply cooling medium from the central cooling unit to the plurality of refrigerating modules, and to return cooling medium to the central cooling unit from the refrigerating modules; and a plurality of cooling medium flow control devices connected in the cooling medium circuit for controlling flow of cooling medium to each of the refrigerating modules.
- the refrigeration appliance system can have a control circuit to connect the temperature sensors, the temperature selectors and the cooling medium flow control devices for the plurality of refrigerating modules with the controller.
- the controller can include a first portion to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules to the respective selected operating temperatures, and a second portion to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules.
- the cooling medium can be air and the cooling medium circuit can be insulated ducts connecting the central cooling unit and the plurality of refrigerating modules for supplying chilled air to the plurality of refrigerating modules and returning air from the refrigerating modules to the central cooling unit.
- the apparatus for receiving a cooling medium can be air inlets from the insulated ducts leading to the respective refrigerating modules and air outlets leading from the respective refrigerating modules to the insulated ducts, and the cooling medium flow control devices can be a baffle for each refrigerating module for controlling the flow of chilled air flowing into the refrigerating module through the air inlet.
- the central cooling unit can be an evaporator and an expansion device with feedback based on the refrigerating system load connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and condenser and arranged to chill the cooling medium air to a temperature below the lowest selected refrigerating module operating temperature, and can have at least one evaporator fan to circulate the chilled cooling medium air through the insulated ducts to respective refrigerating modules.
- the second portion of the controller can be arranged to operate the baffles of the respective refrigerating modules to control the flow of chilled air flowing into the respective refrigerating modules to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
- the cooling medium can be a liquid coolant and the cooling medium circuit can include insulated conduits leading from the central cooling unit to each of the refrigerating modules for supplying liquid coolant to each of the refrigerating modules and for returning liquid coolant to the central cooling unit.
- the apparatus for receiving cooling medium for the respective refrigerating modules can be a heat exchanger in communication with the interior of the insulated cabinet and the cooling medium flow control devices can be a valve for controlling the flow of liquid coolant to the heat exchanger.
- the central cooling unit can be a chilled liquid evaporator and an expansion device with feedback based on the refrigerating system load connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and condenser and arranged to chill the liquid coolant to a temperature below the lowest selected refrigerating module operating temperature, and can have a pump arranged to circulate the liquid coolant to the respective refrigerating modules.
- the second portion of the controller can be arranged to operate the valves to control the flow of chilled liquid coolant through the respective refrigerating module heat exchangers to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
- the cooling medium can be a refrigerant and the cooling medium circuit can include insulated conduits leading from the central cooling unit to each of the refrigerating modules for supplying refrigerant to each of the refrigerating modules and for returning refrigerant to the central cooling unit, and the apparatus for receiving cooling medium can be a refrigerating module evaporator in communication with the interior of the insulated cabinet and a refrigerating module evaporator fan arranged to circulate air chilled by the refrigerating module evaporator in the insulated cabinet.
- the cooling medium flow control devices can be expansion devices with feedback based on load for adjusting flow of refrigerant to the refrigerating module evaporators of the respective refrigerating modules.
- a second portion of the controller can be arranged to control the expansion valves for the respective refrigerating modules to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules can be a refrigerator freezer module having an above freezing refrigerator compartment, a below freezing freezer compartment, a door for the refrigerator compartment, a door for the freezer compartment and an evaporator compartment.
- the refrigerating module evaporator and refrigerating module evaporator fan can be positioned in the evaporator compartment and can be arranged to supply chilled air to the freezer compartment.
- the refrigerator freezer module can have a compartment separator including a passage arranged for the flow of chilled air to the refrigerator compartment from a source of chilled air, a return passage for flow of air from the refrigerator compartment to the evaporator compartment, and an adjustable refrigerator compartment damper for controlling flow of chilled air to the refrigerator compartment.
- the at least one temperature sensor can be arranged to sense the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the at least one temperature selector can select the operating temperature for the refrigerator compartment.
- the second portion of the controller can maintain the selected operating temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and adjustment of the refrigerant compartment damper can control the temperature of the freezer compartment.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules can be an above freezing refrigerator module.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules can be a below freezing freezer module.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules is an above freezing refrigerator module and one of the refrigerating modules is a below freezing freezer module.
- the refrigerating modules can be selectively operated at different operating temperatures.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a refrigeration appliance module that can be used in combination with a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
- a modular refrigeration appliance system can be provided for a residential kitchen and adjoining rooms in a dwelling that can include a central cooling unit for some or all the refrigerating modules that a consumer may desire to include in their kitchen, either at the time of construction, or to expand or change refrigerating modules over time as needs or desires change.
- a modular kitchen could allow consumers to select multiple refrigeration modules fitting their lifestyles the best with ultimate flexibility in their kitchens and totally customizable kitchens with modular appliances not only for refrigeration but also for food preparation and kitchen clean-up.
- a single, variable capacity central cooling unit can be provided that is capable of matching the cooling need to the aggregate heat load of the refrigerating modules.
- the central cooling unit can be arranged to run continuously by controlling the volume of cooling medium directed to each refrigerating module so that each module will be cooled to a user selected temperature and maintained at the desired temperature accurately.
- the cooling medium can be cold air, refrigerant or a liquid coolant such as an ethylene glycol and water solution.
- the central cooling unit can be a vapor compression system, but is not limited to that. If a central cooling unit is a vapor compression cooling system the central cooling unit can have a variable capacity compressor capable of handling the cooling load from multiple refrigerating module products.
- Refrigerating module products can include above freezing refrigerator modules, below freezing freezer modules, refrigerator freezer modules having above freezing and below freezing compartments in various configurations that can include, but are not limited to, built in, stackable, under counter or drawer configurations.
- refrigerating module products could include specific purpose modules such as ice maker, wine cooler and bar refrigerator units.
- conventional refrigeration products having a complete refrigeration system can be combined with a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
- one or more below freezing freezer units can be combined with a modular refrigeration system appliance arranged for a plurality of fresh food above freezing refrigerator modules.
- a hybrid approach can be an energy efficient approach to providing cooling for modular products since the central cooling unit can run under more favorable cooling cycle conditions since a very cold, i.e. below 0° F., cooling medium would not be required.
- refrigerating modules 20 and 22 can be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can include a central cooling unit 10 .
- a refrigeration appliance system that can include a central cooling unit 10 .
- two refrigerating modules 20 , 22 are illustrated.
- more than one or more than two refrigerating modules can be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired and although two or three refrigerating modules are included in the disclosed embodiments, they should be understood to include the possibility of one or more than two or three refrigerating modules within the scope of the invention.
- the refrigeration appliance system can be arranged to permit expansion of the refrigeration appliance system subsequent to initial installation by adding additional refrigerating modules as a user's needs change over time requiring new or additional refrigerating modules.
- refrigerating modules 20 , 22 can be installed in a residential kitchen and/or in adjoining or nearby rooms such as a great room, bar, recreation room and the like.
- Central cooling unit 10 can be installed in a nearby location such as a basement, utility room, garage, or, if desired, in the kitchen in the proximity of some or all of the refrigeration appliance modules depending on the style of dwelling and whether a basement or crawl space is available or desired for installation of the central cooling unit 10 .
- Refrigerating modules 20 , 22 can be free standing or built in modules and can be general purpose refrigerator or freezer modules, or can be special purpose modules such as an ice maker or a wine cooler. Refrigerating modules 20 , 22 can take of the form of a conventional refrigerator or freezer cabinet having a hinged door, or can take the form of a refrigerator drawer appliance such as disclosed in co-pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/102,321 filed Apr. 8, 2005 fully incorporated herein by reference.
- Refrigerating module 20 can have an insulated cabinet 24 and an insulated door 25 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 24 to selectively open and close an opening 28 in insulated cabinet 24 .
- Refrigerating module 22 can have an insulating cabinet 26 and an insulated door 27 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 26 to selectively open and close an opening 29 in insulated cabinet 26 .
- insulated doors 25 and 27 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 25 and 27 .
- Refrigerating modules 20 and 22 can each have a heat exchanger 30 positioned in the insulated cabinets 24 and 26 respectively.
- refrigerating modules 20 and 22 can have a variable speed heat exchanger fan 32 positioned to circulate air (illustrated by air flow arrows 38 ) over the respective heat exchangers 30 and through the respective refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- a single speed fan can be used instead of a variable speed fan 32 .
- Refrigerating modules 20 , 22 can also have a temperature sensor 34 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- Temperature sensor 34 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.
- Temperature selectors 36 can be provided for each of the refrigerating modules 20 , 22 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 20 , 22 . While temperature selectors 36 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigerating modules 20 , 22 , those skilled in the art will understand that temperature selectors 36 can be located in each of the refrigerating modules 20 , 22 as is well known in the art, or could be centrally located if desired. Temperature selectors 36 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- the refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 1 also includes a central cooling unit 10 .
- Central cooling unit 10 can include a variable speed compressor 12 , a condenser 14 , and an expansion device 18 connected in a refrigerating circuit with a chilled liquid evaporator 40 .
- a variable speed condenser fan 16 can be provided to circulate air over condenser 14 .
- Chilled liquid evaporator 40 can be a shell and tube evaporator also known as a secondary loop evaporator.
- Expansion device 18 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow through expansion device 18 based on the heat load in the refrigeration appliance system.
- Central cooling unit 10 can be connected to the refrigerating modules 20 , 22 with insulated conduits 42 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying liquid coolant from chilled liquid evaporator 40 to heat exchangers 30 and from heat exchangers 30 to chilled liquid evaporator 40 .
- Liquid coolant, not shown, contained in chilled liquid evaporator 40 , insulated conduits 42 and heat exchangers 30 can be circulated by a pump 44 that can be a variable speed pump.
- each refrigerating module can have a valve 46 to control flow of liquid coolant into the heat exchanger 30 .
- Valves 46 can be on-off valves to allow or prevent flow of liquid coolant through the heat exchanger 30 for a refrigerating module.
- Central cooling unit 10 can also have a microprocessor based controller 50 having a first portion 52 that can be arranged to control the operation of central cooling unit 10 and a second portion 54 arranged to control the volume of liquid coolant directed to the respective refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- a control circuit 56 can be provided to connect the temperature sensors 34 , the temperature selectors 36 , the variable speed compressor 12 , the variable speed condenser fan 16 , the expansion device 18 , pump 44 , valves 46 and heat exchanger fans 32 with controller 50 .
- a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a distributed refrigeration system that can have a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and secondary loop utilizing a chilled liquid evaporator network.
- liquid coolant that can be used is DYNALENE HC heat transfer fluid, a water-based organic salt that is non-toxic, non-flammable with low viscosity, although those skilled in the art will understand that other liquid coolant solutions such as an ethylene glycol and water solution can be used as desired.
- central cooling unit 10 can be continuously operating so that chilled liquid at an adequate temperature to achieve the lowest selected temperature in the refrigeration appliance system is continuously circulated in insulated conduits 42 forming a cooling medium circuit from chilled liquid evaporator 40 to refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- Controller 50 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 10 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- one or more than two refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system.
- the aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first portion 52 of controller 50 as a function of temperatures sensed by temperature sensors 34 , operating temperatures selected by temperature selectors 36 , and feedback from expansion device 18 .
- Controller 50 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- Second portion 54 of controller 50 can be arranged to control valves 46 and heat exchanger fans 32 to maintain the selected operating temperatures in the respective refrigerating modules based on the settings of temperature selectors 36 and temperature sensors 34 .
- a single continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit 10 can be provided for a plurality of refrigerating modules 20 , 22 that can be set to operate at different operating temperatures.
- the variable capacity central cooling unit 10 can be arranged for chilling a cooling medium.
- a cooling medium circuit, insulated conduits 42 can be provided connecting the central cooling unit 10 to supply a cooling medium from the central cooling unit 10 to the plurality of refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- a plurality of cooling medium flow control devices, valves 46 can be connected in the cooling medium circuit, insulated conduits 42 , for controlling flow of cooling medium to each of the refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- a controller 50 and control circuit 56 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacity central cooling unit 10 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules 20 , 22 to the respective selected operating temperatures, and the controller 50 and control circuit 56 can be arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules 20 , 22 by controlling the cooling medium flow control devices, valves 46 , to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- Controller 50 can control the speed of variable speed pump 44 to vary the volume of liquid cooling in the cooling medium circuit, insulated conduits 42 , and controller 50 can control the speed of variable speed heat exchanger fans 32 to further control the operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 20 , 22 .
- refrigerating modules 70 and 72 can be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can include a central cooling unit 60 . Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , two refrigerating modules 70 , 72 are illustrated. According to the invention one or more than two refrigerating modules can be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired. Refrigerating modules 70 , 72 can be free standing or built in modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, or can be special purpose modules. Refrigerating module 70 can have an insulated cabinet 74 and an insulated door 75 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 74 to selectively open and close opening 78 in insulated cabinet 74 .
- Refrigerating module 72 can have an insulating cabinet 76 and an insulated door 77 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 76 to selectively open and close opening 79 in insulated cabinet 76 .
- insulated doors 75 and 77 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 75 and 77 .
- Refrigerating modules 70 , 72 can have a temperature sensor 84 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Temperature sensor 84 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.
- Temperature selectors 86 can be provided for each of the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 . While temperature selectors 86 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigerating modules 70 , 72 , a temperature selector 86 can be located in each of the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 as is well known in the art, or can be centrally located if desired. Temperature selectors 86 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- the refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 2 also includes a central cooling unit 60 .
- Central cooling unit 60 can include a variable speed compressor 62 , a condenser 64 and an expansion device 68 connected in a refrigerating circuit with an evaporator 90 .
- a variable speed condenser fan 66 can be provided to circulate air over condenser 64 .
- Evaporator 90 can be a tube and fin evaporator for cooling air that can be used as the cooling medium in the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- Expansion device 68 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control flow through the expansion device 68 based on the heat load in the refrigeration appliance system including the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Central cooling unit 60 can be connected to the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 with insulated ducts 92 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying chilled air from evaporator 90 to refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Chilled air can be circulated by an evaporator fan 94 that can be a variable speed fan.
- Air inlets 93 can lead from the insulated ducts 92 to the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72
- air outlets 95 can lead from the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 to the air ducts 92 .
- Air inlets 93 and air outlets 95 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, chilled air, in the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Air inlets 93 and air outlets 95 can be positioned with respect to insulated cabinets 74 , 76 to provide a desired chilled air flow pattern in the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Air flow arrows 80 schematically illustrate the air flow in the insulated cabinets 74 , 76 .
- each refrigerating module 70 , 72 can have a baffle 96 to control flow of chilled air through air inlets 93 into the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Baffles 96 can be on-off or variable to control flow of chilled air through a refrigerating module.
- Baffles 96 can be adjustable between open and closed positions to permit or block flow of chilled air into the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 and variable speed evaporator fan 94 can vary the flow of chilled air into the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Baffles 96 can also be variably movable between open and closed positions to permit, block and vary the flow of chilled air into the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Central cooling unit 60 can have a microprocessor based controller 100 having a first portion 102 that can be arranged to control the operation of central cooling unit 60 and a second portion 104 to control the volume of chilled air directed to the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 similar to controller 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- a control circuit 106 can be provided to connect the temperature sensors 84 , the temperature selectors 86 , the variable speed compressor 62 , the variable speed condenser fan 66 , the expansion device 68 , evaporator fan 94 , and baffles 96 to controller 100 .
- a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 as a distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and a chilled forced air cooling delivery network.
- central cooling unit 60 can be continuously operating so that chilled air is continuously circulated in insulated ducts 92 forming a cooling medium circuit from evaporator 90 to refrigerating modules 70 , 72 and back to evaporator 90 .
- Controller 100 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 60 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- one or more than two refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system.
- the aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first portion 102 of controller 100 as a function of temperatures sensed by temperature sensors 84 , operating temperatures selected with temperature selectors 86 , and feedback from expansion device 68 . Controller 100 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 . Second portion 104 of controller 100 can be arranged to control baffles 96 and evaporator fan 94 to maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the settings of temperature selectors 86 and temperature sensors 84 .
- a single continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit 60 can be provided for a plurality of refrigerating modules 70 , 72 that can be set to operate at different operating temperatures.
- the variable capacity central cooling unit 60 can be arranged for chilling a cooling medium.
- a cooling medium circuit, insulated ducts 92 can be provided connecting the central cooling unit 60 to supply the cooling medium from the central cooling unit 60 to the plurality of refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- a plurality of cooling medium flow control devices, baffles 96 can be provided for controlling flow of cooling medium, chilled air, to each of the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 , through air inlets 93 and air outlets 95 .
- a controller 100 and control circuit 106 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacity central cooling unit 60 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules 70 , 72 to the respective selected operating temperatures, and the controller 100 and control circuit 106 can be arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules 70 , 72 by controlling the cooling medium flow control devices, evaporator fan 94 and baffles 96 , to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- Controller 100 can control the speed of variable speed fan 94 to vary the volume of cooling medium, chilled air, in the cooling medium circuit, insulated ducts 92 , to further control the operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 70 , 72 .
- the embodiment of FIG. 2 is preferably used for above freezing refrigerator modules to avoid the need to circulate chilled air in the cooling medium circuit to achieve temperatures approximating 0° F. for freezer modules, although freezer modules can be included in the FIG. 2 embodiment if desired.
- refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 can be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can include a central cooling unit 110 .
- one refrigerating module or more than three refrigerating modules can be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired.
- Refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 can be free standing or built in modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer or can be special purpose modules.
- Refrigerating module 120 can have an insulated cabinet 126 and an insulated door 127 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 126 to selectively open and close an opening 135 in insulated cabinet 126 .
- Refrigerating module 122 can have an insulated cabinet 128 and an insulated door 129 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 128 to selectively open and close an opening 137 in insulated cabinet 128 .
- Refrigerating module 124 can have an insulated cabinet 140 and an insulated door 141 to selectively open and close an opening 139 in insulated cabinet 140 .
- insulated doors 127 , 129 and 141 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 127 , 129 and 141 .
- Refrigerating modules 120 , 122 , and 124 can include a refrigerating module evaporator 130 and a refrigerating module variable speed evaporator fan 132 arranged to circulate chilled air in the respective refrigerating modules. Air flow arrows 148 schematically illustrate the chilled air flow in the respective refrigerating modules. Refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 can have a temperature sensor 134 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 . Temperature sensor 134 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.
- Temperature selectors 136 can be provided for each of the refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 . While temperature selectors 136 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 a temperature selector 136 can be located in each of the refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 as is well known in the art, or can be centrally located if desired. Temperature selectors 136 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 .
- the refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 3 also includes a central cooling unit 110 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can include a variable speed compressor 112 , a condenser 114 and a variable speed condenser fan 116 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can also include a manifold 117 and an accumulator 118 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can be connected to the refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 with insulated supply conduits 142 and insulated return conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying refrigerant from central cooling unit 110 through manifold 117 to refrigerating modules 120 , 122 , and 124 and returning refrigerant from refrigerating modules 120 , 122 , and 124 to accumulator 118 through insulated return conduits 144 for delivery to variable speed compressor 112 .
- Refrigerating module evaporators 130 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 .
- each refrigerating module 120 , 122 and 124 can have an expansion device 138 to control flow of refrigerant into the respective refrigerating module evaporators 130 .
- Expansion devices 138 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow through expansion device 138 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can also have a microprocessor based controller 150 having a first portion 152 that can be arranged to control the operation of central cooling unit 110 and a second portion 154 to control the volume of refrigerant directed to the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 similar to controller 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- a control circuit 156 can be provided to connect the temperature sensors 134 , the temperature selectors 136 , the variable speed compressor 112 , the variable speed condenser fan 116 , expansion devices 138 and evaporator fans 132 to controller 150 .
- a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3 as a distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and an evaporator network.
- the evaporators can all be above freezing, all below freezing, or a mixture of above freezer and below freezing refrigerating modules.
- central cooling unit 110 can be continuously operating so that refrigerant is continuously circulated in insulated supply conduits 142 and insulated return conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit from condenser 114 through manifold 117 to refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 and back to compressor 112 through accumulator 118 .
- Controller 150 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 110 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 .
- three refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 are illustrated in FIG. 3 , according to the invention one or more than three refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system.
- the aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first portion 152 of controller 150 as a function of temperatures sensed by temperature sensors 134 , operating temperatures selected with temperature selectors 136 and feedback from expansion devices 138 . Controller 150 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 . Second portion 154 of controller 150 can be arranged to control expansion devices 138 and refrigerating module evaporator fans 132 to maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the settings of temperature selectors 136 and temperature sensors 134 .
- Controller 150 can be arranged to maintain approximately the same evaporator pressure in the refrigerating module evaporators 130 and control the temperature in the respective refrigerating modules by varying the flow of refrigerant into the refrigerating module evaporators 130 and controlling the speed of the respective refrigerating module evaporator fans 132 .
- a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit 110 can be provided for a plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 that can be set to operate at different operating temperatures.
- the variable capacity central cooling unit 110 can be arranged for chilling a cooling medium, a refrigerant.
- a cooling medium circuit, insulated supply conduits and insulated return conduits 142 , 144 can be provided connecting the central cooling unit 110 to supply the cooling medium from the central cooling unit 110 to the plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 .
- a plurality of cooling medium flow control devices, expansion devices 138 can be provided for controlling flow of cooling medium, refrigerant, to each of the refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 .
- a controller 150 and control circuit 156 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacity central cooling unit 110 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 to the respective selected operating temperatures, and the controller 150 and control circuit 156 can be arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium, refrigerant, directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 by controlling the cooling medium flow control devices, expansion devices 138 and refrigerating module evaporator fans 132 , to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 .
- Controller 150 can control the speed of variable speed compressor 112 , variable speed condenser fan 116 and expansion devices 138 to control the vapor pressure of the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the cooling medium circuit, insulated supply and return conduits 142 , 144 , to further control the operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 122 and 124 .
- refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 can be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can include a central cooling unit 110 .
- one refrigerating module or more than three refrigerating modules can be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired.
- refrigerating modules 120 and 124 can be free standing or built in modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer or can be special purpose modules.
- Refrigerating module 160 can be a refrigerator freezer having a refrigerator compartment 168 and a freezer compartment 166 .
- Refrigerator compartment 168 can have an insulated refrigerator compartment door 174 hinged to insulated cabinet 162 and freezer compartment 166 can have an insulated freezer compartment door 172 hinged to insulated cabinet 162 .
- insulated doors 127 , 141 , 172 and 174 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 127 , 141 , 172 and 174 .
- Refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 can include a refrigerating module evaporator 130 and a variable speed refrigerating module evaporator fan 132 arranged to circulate chilled air in the respective refrigerating modules, see air flow arrows 148 .
- Refrigerating modules 120 and 124 can have a temperature sensor 134 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigerating modules 120 , 124 .
- Refrigerator freezer module 160 can have a temperature sensor 134 for refrigerator compartment 168 and a temperature sensor 134 for freezer compartment 166 .
- Temperature sensors 134 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.
- Temperature selectors 136 can be provided for each of the refrigerating modules 120 and 124 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 120 and 124 .
- Refrigerator freezer 160 can have two temperature selectors 136 , one for the refrigerator compartment 168 and one for the freezer compartment 166 .
- Temperature selectors 136 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 a temperature selector(s) 136 can be located in each of the refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 as is well known in the art, or alternately can be centrally located if desired. Temperature selectors 136 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 .
- the refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 4 can include a central cooling unit 110 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can include a variable speed compressor 112 , a condenser 114 and a variable speed condenser fan 116 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can also include a manifold 117 and an accumulator 118 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can be connected to the refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 with insulated supply conduits 142 and insulated return conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying refrigerant from central cooling unit 110 through manifold 117 to refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 and returning refrigerant from refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 to accumulator 118 through insulated return conduits 144 for delivery to variable speed compressor 112 .
- Refrigerating module evaporators 130 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 .
- each refrigerating module 120 , 124 and 160 can have an expansion device 138 to control flow of refrigerant into the respective refrigerating module evaporators 130 .
- Expansion devices 138 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow through expansion device 138 .
- Central cooling unit 110 can also have a microprocessor based controller 150 having a first portion 152 that can be arranged to control the operation of central cooling unit 110 and a second portion 154 to control the volume of refrigerant directed to the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 similar to microprocessor based controller 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- a control circuit 156 can be provided to connect the temperature sensors 134 , the temperature selectors 136 , the variable speed compressor 112 , the variable speed condenser fan 116 , expansion devices 138 and evaporator fans 132 to controller 150 .
- a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 as a distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and an evaporator network.
- the evaporators can all be above freezing, all below freezing, or a mixture of above freezer and below freezing refrigerating modules in addition to refrigerator freezer module 160 .
- Refrigerating module 160 can be a two temperature refrigerator freezer module that can be arranged to have an above freezing refrigerator compartment 168 and a below freezing freezer compartment 166 as noted above.
- An insulated compartment separator 164 can be provided to divide insulated cabinet 162 into a refrigerator compartment 168 and a freezer compartment 166 .
- Freezer compartment 166 can have an evaporator compartment that can be formed by an evaporator compartment wall 170 that can be arranged to separate the refrigerating module evaporator 130 from the freezer compartment 166 .
- Evaporator compartment wall 170 is illustrated schematically as a dashed line below refrigerating module evaporator 130 to indicate that air flows (air flow arrows 148 ) into freezer compartment 166 from the refrigerating module evaporator 130 , and similarly, air returns to the evaporator compartment under the influence of refrigerating module evaporator fan 132 .
- Insulated compartment separator 164 can have chilled air passages 176 positioned on compartment separator 164 that can allow chilled air (air flow arrows 158 ) from the freezer compartment 166 or evaporator compartment to flow into refrigerator compartment 168 as is well known in the art.
- Compartment separator 164 can have a refrigerator compartment damper 178 to control the flow of air from the refrigerator compartment 168 back to freezer compartment 166 and refrigerating module evaporator 130 drawn by refrigerating module evaporator fan 132 .
- refrigerator compartment damper 178 is shown in the return air path from refrigerator compartment 168 .
- chilled air passages 176 could be arranged in the return air path from refrigerator compartment 168 and refrigerant compartment damper 178 arranged in the flow of chilled air into refrigerator compartment 168 if desired.
- Refrigerator compartment damper 178 can be an automatic damper operated by controller 150 as illustrated in FIG. 4 , or, if desired, refrigerator compartment damper 178 can be a manually adjustable damper manually adjusted by the user and temperature sensor 134 and temperature selector 136 eliminated from freezer compartment 166 .
- central cooling unit 110 can be continuously operating so that refrigerant is continuously circulated in insulated supply conduits 142 and return conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit from condenser 114 through manifold 117 to refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 and back to compressor 112 through accumulator 118 .
- Controller 150 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 110 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 .
- one or more than three refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system.
- the aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first portion 152 of controller 150 as a function of temperatures sensed by temperature sensors 134 , operating temperatures selected with temperature selectors 136 , and feedback from expansion devices 138 . Controller 150 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 . Second portion 154 of controller 150 can be arranged to control expansion devices 138 and refrigerating module evaporator fans 132 to maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the settings of temperature selectors 136 and temperature sensors 134 .
- second portion 154 of controller 150 can be arranged to control refrigerator compartment damper 178 to control the amount of chilled air flowing from freezer compartment 166 and refrigerating module evaporator 132 through compartment separator 164 into refrigerator compartment 168 in conjunction with refrigerating module evaporator fan 132 to maintain the user selected temperature in refrigerator compartment 168 as well as in freezer compartment 166 .
- Controller 150 can be arranged to maintain approximately the same evaporator pressure in the refrigerating module evaporators 130 and control the temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 by varying the flow of refrigerant into the refrigerating module evaporators 130 and controlling the speed of the respective refrigerating module evaporator fans 132 .
- a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit 110 can be provided for a plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 that can be set to operate at different operating temperatures, and refrigerating module 160 can be set to have a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment.
- the variable capacity central cooling unit 110 can be arranged for chilling a cooling medium, a refrigerant.
- a cooling medium circuit, insulated supply conduits and insulated return conduits 142 , 144 can be provided connecting the central cooling unit 110 to supply the cooling medium from the central cooling unit 110 to the plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 .
- a plurality of cooling medium flow control devices, expansion devices 138 can be provided for controlling flow of cooling medium, refrigerant, to each of the refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 .
- a controller 150 and control circuit 156 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacity central cooling unit 110 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 to the respective selected operating temperatures, and the controller 150 and control circuit 156 can be arranged adjust the volume of cooling medium, refrigerant, directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 by controlling the cooling medium flow control devices, expansion devices 138 and refrigerating module evaporator fans 132 , to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 .
- Controller 150 can control the speed of variable speed compressor 112 , variable speed condenser fan 116 and expansion devices 138 to control the vapor pressure of the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the cooling medium circuit, insulated supply and return conduits 142 , 144 , to further control the operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 120 , 124 and 160 .
- a freezer module 180 is illustrated that can be used in combination with a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
- Freezer module 180 can be a conventional freezer capable of operating without connection to the refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. Particularly when a freezer module arranged for 0° F. storage temperatures is desired for use in combination with the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1 (employing liquid coolant as the cooling medium), FIG. 2 (employing chilled air as the cooling medium), or FIG. 3 (particularly when above freezing refrigerator modules will be connected in the refrigeration appliance system) it can be advantageous to incorporate a freezer module 180 as illustrated in FIG. 5 . However, a freezer module 180 can be combined with any of the embodiments according to the invention.
- Freezer module 180 can have a insulated freezer cabinet 182 defining an opening 184 for access to the freezer compartment and can have an insulated freezer door 185 hinged to the insulated freezer cabinet 182 to selectively open and close the freezer compartment. Freezer door 185 can have a handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing freezer door 185 for access to freezer module 180 .
- Freezer module 180 can include a freezer cooling unit 189 in a machinery compartment 186 outside the refrigerated portion of the freezer cabinet 182 that can include a freezer compressor 190 , a freezer condenser 192 and a freezer condenser fan 194 .
- Freezer module 180 can include a freezer evaporator 196 that can be positioned in insulated freezer cabinet 182 and can have a freezer evaporator fan 198 and a freezer expansion device 204 .
- Freezer module 180 can have a freezer temperature sensor 200 that can be similar to the temperature sensors described above.
- Freezer module 180 can also have a freezer temperature selector 202 to allow user to select the operating temperature for the freezer module.
- Freezer module 180 can have a controller 208 and a control circuit 206 connecting the freezer temperature sensor 200 , freezer temperature selector 202 , freezer compressor 190 , freezer condenser fan 194 and freezer evaporator fan 198 to controller 208 .
- Controller 208 can operate freezer module 180 in a manner similar to conventional freezer products as is well known in the art.
- freezer compressor 190 freezer condenser fan 194 and freezer evaporator fan 198 can be provided with variable speed motors as desired for optimum operation.
- Freezer expansion device 204 can be an expansion device with feedback as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 or can be a capillary tube expansion device, again as well known in the art.
- Freezer compressor 190 can be a variable speed compressor if desired as is well known in the art.
- freezer condenser 192 and/or freezer evaporator 196 can be static heat exchangers and that if a static heat exchanger is used the respective freezer condenser fan 194 and/or freezer evaporator fan 198 could be eliminated.
- freezer module 180 could be a chest freezer having freezer evaporator 196 positioned in contact with the inner liner 210 defining the freezer compartment in the insulation between the inner liner 210 and cabinet 182 as is well known in the art.
- freezer condenser 192 could be positioned in contact with cabinet 182 positioned in the insulation between inner liner 210 and cabinet 182 as is well known in the art.
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Abstract
A refrigeration appliance system for a residential kitchen having multiple separate refrigerating modules and a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit with a variable speed compressor for chilling a cooling medium. A cooling medium circuit supplies cooling medium to the plurality of refrigerating modules from the central cooling unit. Flow control devices control flow of cooling medium to the refrigerating modules. A control circuit controls the central cooling unit and the temperature in the refrigerating modules. The refrigerating modules can be refrigerator, freezer or refrigerator freezer modules. The cooling medium can be air, cooling liquid or refrigerant. A below freezing freezer module having an insulated freezer cabinet, a freezer compressor, a freezer condenser and a freezer evaporator can be combined with the refrigeration appliance system for providing 0° F. freezer storage without requiring the central cooling unit to provide 0° F. cooling medium.
Description
- This application is related to patent application docket number US20030364 filed concurrently herewith.
- (1) Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to refrigeration appliances for use in residential kitchens and other adjoining rooms in a dwelling.
- (2) Description of Related Art
- Refrigeration appliances for use in residential kitchens and other rooms in a dwelling unit are known. Modular refrigeration devices such as refrigerator, freezer, ice maker and wine cooler modules for use in residential dwellings are known.
- The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance system constructed and arranged for use in a residential kitchen and other rooms in a dwelling a plurality of separate refrigerating modules each having an insulated cabinet, an apparatus for receiving a cooling medium to cool the interior of the refrigerating module, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the module; and a temperature selector for selecting an operating temperature for the insulated refrigerating module.
- The refrigeration appliance system also includes a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit for chilling a cooling medium comprising a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a variable speed condenser fan and a controller, a cooling medium circuit connecting the central cooling unit and the plurality of refrigerating modules to supply cooling medium from the central cooling unit to the plurality of refrigerating modules, and to return cooling medium to the central cooling unit from the refrigerating modules; and a plurality of cooling medium flow control devices connected in the cooling medium circuit for controlling flow of cooling medium to each of the refrigerating modules.
- The refrigeration appliance system can have a control circuit to connect the temperature sensors, the temperature selectors and the cooling medium flow control devices for the plurality of refrigerating modules with the controller. The controller can include a first portion to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules to the respective selected operating temperatures, and a second portion to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules.
- The cooling medium can be air and the cooling medium circuit can be insulated ducts connecting the central cooling unit and the plurality of refrigerating modules for supplying chilled air to the plurality of refrigerating modules and returning air from the refrigerating modules to the central cooling unit.
- The apparatus for receiving a cooling medium can be air inlets from the insulated ducts leading to the respective refrigerating modules and air outlets leading from the respective refrigerating modules to the insulated ducts, and the cooling medium flow control devices can be a baffle for each refrigerating module for controlling the flow of chilled air flowing into the refrigerating module through the air inlet.
- The central cooling unit can be an evaporator and an expansion device with feedback based on the refrigerating system load connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and condenser and arranged to chill the cooling medium air to a temperature below the lowest selected refrigerating module operating temperature, and can have at least one evaporator fan to circulate the chilled cooling medium air through the insulated ducts to respective refrigerating modules. The second portion of the controller can be arranged to operate the baffles of the respective refrigerating modules to control the flow of chilled air flowing into the respective refrigerating modules to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
- In another aspect of the invention the cooling medium can be a liquid coolant and the cooling medium circuit can include insulated conduits leading from the central cooling unit to each of the refrigerating modules for supplying liquid coolant to each of the refrigerating modules and for returning liquid coolant to the central cooling unit.
- The apparatus for receiving cooling medium for the respective refrigerating modules can be a heat exchanger in communication with the interior of the insulated cabinet and the cooling medium flow control devices can be a valve for controlling the flow of liquid coolant to the heat exchanger.
- The central cooling unit can be a chilled liquid evaporator and an expansion device with feedback based on the refrigerating system load connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and condenser and arranged to chill the liquid coolant to a temperature below the lowest selected refrigerating module operating temperature, and can have a pump arranged to circulate the liquid coolant to the respective refrigerating modules. The second portion of the controller can be arranged to operate the valves to control the flow of chilled liquid coolant through the respective refrigerating module heat exchangers to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
- In an other aspect of the invention the cooling medium can be a refrigerant and the cooling medium circuit can include insulated conduits leading from the central cooling unit to each of the refrigerating modules for supplying refrigerant to each of the refrigerating modules and for returning refrigerant to the central cooling unit, and the apparatus for receiving cooling medium can be a refrigerating module evaporator in communication with the interior of the insulated cabinet and a refrigerating module evaporator fan arranged to circulate air chilled by the refrigerating module evaporator in the insulated cabinet.
- The cooling medium flow control devices can be expansion devices with feedback based on load for adjusting flow of refrigerant to the refrigerating module evaporators of the respective refrigerating modules. A second portion of the controller can be arranged to control the expansion valves for the respective refrigerating modules to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules can be a refrigerator freezer module having an above freezing refrigerator compartment, a below freezing freezer compartment, a door for the refrigerator compartment, a door for the freezer compartment and an evaporator compartment. The refrigerating module evaporator and refrigerating module evaporator fan can be positioned in the evaporator compartment and can be arranged to supply chilled air to the freezer compartment.
- The refrigerator freezer module can have a compartment separator including a passage arranged for the flow of chilled air to the refrigerator compartment from a source of chilled air, a return passage for flow of air from the refrigerator compartment to the evaporator compartment, and an adjustable refrigerator compartment damper for controlling flow of chilled air to the refrigerator compartment. The at least one temperature sensor can be arranged to sense the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the at least one temperature selector can select the operating temperature for the refrigerator compartment.
- The second portion of the controller can maintain the selected operating temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and adjustment of the refrigerant compartment damper can control the temperature of the freezer compartment.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules can be an above freezing refrigerator module.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules can be a below freezing freezer module.
- At least one of the refrigerating modules is an above freezing refrigerator module and one of the refrigerating modules is a below freezing freezer module.
- The refrigerating modules can be selectively operated at different operating temperatures.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a refrigeration appliance module that can be used in combination with a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. - In a modular kitchen with multiple refrigeration modules the refrigeration system to cool the modules is a challenging problem. The simplest approach would be to have individual complete refrigeration systems for each module. In early phases of modularity for residential kitchens this might be the approach taken, especially when modular refrigeration product choices are few and economies of scale are not available. However, as modularity becomes more mainstream and kitchen designs begin to incorporate modular refrigeration products with appropriate infrastructure it will become desirable to have a single central cooling system from cost, manufacturing and energy efficiency perspectives. Consumers will be primarily interested in energy efficiency, cost, flexibility and expandability offered by a modular refrigeration appliance system with less concern about the central cooling technology to support the modular system.
- According to the invention, a modular refrigeration appliance system can be provided for a residential kitchen and adjoining rooms in a dwelling that can include a central cooling unit for some or all the refrigerating modules that a consumer may desire to include in their kitchen, either at the time of construction, or to expand or change refrigerating modules over time as needs or desires change. A modular kitchen could allow consumers to select multiple refrigeration modules fitting their lifestyles the best with ultimate flexibility in their kitchens and totally customizable kitchens with modular appliances not only for refrigeration but also for food preparation and kitchen clean-up. According to the invention a single, variable capacity central cooling unit can be provided that is capable of matching the cooling need to the aggregate heat load of the refrigerating modules. The central cooling unit can be arranged to run continuously by controlling the volume of cooling medium directed to each refrigerating module so that each module will be cooled to a user selected temperature and maintained at the desired temperature accurately. The cooling medium can be cold air, refrigerant or a liquid coolant such as an ethylene glycol and water solution. The central cooling unit can be a vapor compression system, but is not limited to that. If a central cooling unit is a vapor compression cooling system the central cooling unit can have a variable capacity compressor capable of handling the cooling load from multiple refrigerating module products. Refrigerating module products can include above freezing refrigerator modules, below freezing freezer modules, refrigerator freezer modules having above freezing and below freezing compartments in various configurations that can include, but are not limited to, built in, stackable, under counter or drawer configurations. Also, refrigerating module products could include specific purpose modules such as ice maker, wine cooler and bar refrigerator units. In addition, conventional refrigeration products having a complete refrigeration system can be combined with a modular refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. For example, one or more below freezing freezer units can be combined with a modular refrigeration system appliance arranged for a plurality of fresh food above freezing refrigerator modules. As will be described in more detail below, a hybrid approach can be an energy efficient approach to providing cooling for modular products since the central cooling unit can run under more favorable cooling cycle conditions since a very cold, i.e. below 0° F., cooling medium would not be required.
- Turning to
FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in schematic form, refrigeratingmodules central cooling unit 10. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 two refrigeratingmodules practice refrigerating modules Central cooling unit 10 can be installed in a nearby location such as a basement, utility room, garage, or, if desired, in the kitchen in the proximity of some or all of the refrigeration appliance modules depending on the style of dwelling and whether a basement or crawl space is available or desired for installation of thecentral cooling unit 10. Refrigeratingmodules modules - Refrigerating
module 20 can have an insulatedcabinet 24 and aninsulated door 25 that can be hinged toinsulated cabinet 24 to selectively open and close anopening 28 ininsulated cabinet 24. Refrigeratingmodule 22 can have an insulatingcabinet 26 and aninsulated door 27 that can be hinged toinsulated cabinet 26 to selectively open and close anopening 29 ininsulated cabinet 26. Those skilled in the art will understand thatinsulated doors insulated doors modules heat exchanger 30 positioned in theinsulated cabinets modules heat exchanger fan 32 positioned to circulate air (illustrated by air flow arrows 38) over therespective heat exchangers 30 and through therespective refrigerating modules variable speed fan 32. Refrigeratingmodules temperature sensor 34 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigeratingmodules Temperature sensor 34 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.Temperature selectors 36 can be provided for each of the refrigeratingmodules respective refrigerating modules temperature selectors 36 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigeratingmodules temperature selectors 36 can be located in each of the refrigeratingmodules Temperature selectors 36 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for therespective refrigerating modules - The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in
FIG. 1 also includes acentral cooling unit 10. Central coolingunit 10 can include avariable speed compressor 12, acondenser 14, and anexpansion device 18 connected in a refrigerating circuit with a chilledliquid evaporator 40. A variablespeed condenser fan 16 can be provided to circulate air overcondenser 14. Chilledliquid evaporator 40 can be a shell and tube evaporator also known as a secondary loop evaporator.Expansion device 18 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow throughexpansion device 18 based on the heat load in the refrigeration appliance system. Central coolingunit 10 can be connected to the refrigeratingmodules insulated conduits 42 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying liquid coolant from chilledliquid evaporator 40 toheat exchangers 30 and fromheat exchangers 30 to chilledliquid evaporator 40. Liquid coolant, not shown, contained in chilledliquid evaporator 40,insulated conduits 42 andheat exchangers 30 can be circulated by apump 44 that can be a variable speed pump. Further, each refrigerating module can have avalve 46 to control flow of liquid coolant into theheat exchanger 30.Valves 46 can be on-off valves to allow or prevent flow of liquid coolant through theheat exchanger 30 for a refrigerating module. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that if a single speedheat exchanger fan 32 is used in arefrigerating module adjustable valve 46 can be used to control the amount of liquid coolant flowing into aheat exchanger 30, although it can be more energy efficient to use a variable speedheat exchanger fan 32, avariable speed pump 44 and an on-offvalve 46 to control the temperature in therespective refrigerating modules unit 10 can also have a microprocessor basedcontroller 50 having afirst portion 52 that can be arranged to control the operation ofcentral cooling unit 10 and asecond portion 54 arranged to control the volume of liquid coolant directed to therespective refrigerating modules control circuit 56 can be provided to connect thetemperature sensors 34, thetemperature selectors 36, thevariable speed compressor 12, the variablespeed condenser fan 16, theexpansion device 18, pump 44,valves 46 andheat exchanger fans 32 withcontroller 50. Thus, a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated inFIG. 1 as a distributed refrigeration system that can have a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and secondary loop utilizing a chilled liquid evaporator network. One example of a liquid coolant that can be used is DYNALENE HC heat transfer fluid, a water-based organic salt that is non-toxic, non-flammable with low viscosity, although those skilled in the art will understand that other liquid coolant solutions such as an ethylene glycol and water solution can be used as desired. - According to the invention,
central cooling unit 10 can be continuously operating so that chilled liquid at an adequate temperature to achieve the lowest selected temperature in the refrigeration appliance system is continuously circulated ininsulated conduits 42 forming a cooling medium circuit from chilledliquid evaporator 40 to refrigeratingmodules Controller 50 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of thecentral cooling unit 10 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigeratingmodules modules FIG. 1 , according to the invention one or more than two refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system. The aggregate cooling load can be determined by thefirst portion 52 ofcontroller 50 as a function of temperatures sensed bytemperature sensors 34, operating temperatures selected bytemperature selectors 36, and feedback fromexpansion device 18.Controller 50 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigeratingmodules Second portion 54 ofcontroller 50 can be arranged to controlvalves 46 andheat exchanger fans 32 to maintain the selected operating temperatures in the respective refrigerating modules based on the settings oftemperature selectors 36 andtemperature sensors 34. Thus, according to the invention, a single continuously operating variable capacitycentral cooling unit 10 can be provided for a plurality of refrigeratingmodules central cooling unit 10 can be arranged for chilling a cooling medium. A cooling medium circuit,insulated conduits 42, can be provided connecting thecentral cooling unit 10 to supply a cooling medium from thecentral cooling unit 10 to the plurality of refrigeratingmodules valves 46, can be connected in the cooling medium circuit,insulated conduits 42, for controlling flow of cooling medium to each of the refrigeratingmodules controller 50 andcontrol circuit 56 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacitycentral cooling unit 10 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigeratingmodules controller 50 andcontrol circuit 56 can be arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of the refrigeratingmodules valves 46, to maintain the selected operating temperature in therespective refrigerating modules Controller 50 can control the speed ofvariable speed pump 44 to vary the volume of liquid cooling in the cooling medium circuit,insulated conduits 42, andcontroller 50 can control the speed of variable speedheat exchanger fans 32 to further control the operating temperature in therespective refrigerating modules - Turning to
FIG. 2 , in another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in schematic form, refrigeratingmodules FIG. 1 , two refrigeratingmodules modules module 70 can have an insulatedcabinet 74 and aninsulated door 75 that can be hinged toinsulated cabinet 74 to selectively open andclose opening 78 ininsulated cabinet 74. Refrigeratingmodule 72 can have an insulatingcabinet 76 and aninsulated door 77 that can be hinged toinsulated cabinet 76 to selectively open andclose opening 79 ininsulated cabinet 76. Those skilled in the art will understand thatinsulated doors insulated doors modules temperature sensor 84 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigeratingmodules Temperature sensor 84 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.Temperature selectors 86 can be provided for each of the refrigeratingmodules respective refrigerating modules temperature selectors 86 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigeratingmodules temperature selector 86 can be located in each of the refrigeratingmodules Temperature selectors 86 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for therespective refrigerating modules - The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in
FIG. 2 also includes a central cooling unit 60. Central cooling unit 60 can include avariable speed compressor 62, acondenser 64 and an expansion device 68 connected in a refrigerating circuit with an evaporator 90. A variablespeed condenser fan 66 can be provided to circulate air overcondenser 64. Evaporator 90 can be a tube and fin evaporator for cooling air that can be used as the cooling medium in the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . Expansion device 68 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control flow through the expansion device 68 based on the heat load in the refrigeration appliance system including the refrigeratingmodules modules insulated ducts 92 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying chilled air from evaporator 90 to refrigeratingmodules evaporator fan 94 that can be a variable speed fan.Air inlets 93 can lead from theinsulated ducts 92 to therespective refrigerating modules air outlets 95 can lead from therespective refrigerating modules air ducts 92.Air inlets 93 andair outlets 95 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, chilled air, in the refrigeratingmodules Air inlets 93 andair outlets 95 can be positioned with respect toinsulated cabinets respective refrigerating modules insulated cabinets module baffle 96 to control flow of chilled air throughair inlets 93 into therespective refrigerating modules respective refrigerating modules speed evaporator fan 94 can vary the flow of chilled air into therespective refrigerating modules respective refrigerating modules controller 100 having afirst portion 102 that can be arranged to control the operation of central cooling unit 60 and asecond portion 104 to control the volume of chilled air directed to therespective refrigerating modules controller 50 in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . Acontrol circuit 106 can be provided to connect thetemperature sensors 84, thetemperature selectors 86, thevariable speed compressor 62, the variablespeed condenser fan 66, the expansion device 68,evaporator fan 94, and baffles 96 tocontroller 100. Thus, a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated inFIG. 2 as a distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and a chilled forced air cooling delivery network. - According to the invention, central cooling unit 60 can be continuously operating so that chilled air is continuously circulated in
insulated ducts 92 forming a cooling medium circuit from evaporator 90 to refrigeratingmodules Controller 100 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 60 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigeratingmodules modules FIG. 2 , according to the invention one or more than two refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system. The aggregate cooling load can be determined by thefirst portion 102 ofcontroller 100 as a function of temperatures sensed bytemperature sensors 84, operating temperatures selected withtemperature selectors 86, and feedback from expansion device 68.Controller 100 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigeratingmodules Second portion 104 ofcontroller 100 can be arranged to controlbaffles 96 andevaporator fan 94 to maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the settings oftemperature selectors 86 andtemperature sensors 84. Thus, according to the invention, a single continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit 60 can be provided for a plurality of refrigeratingmodules insulated ducts 92, can be provided connecting the central cooling unit 60 to supply the cooling medium from the central cooling unit 60 to the plurality of refrigeratingmodules modules air inlets 93 andair outlets 95. Acontroller 100 andcontrol circuit 106 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacity central cooling unit 60 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigeratingmodules controller 100 andcontrol circuit 106 can be arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of the refrigeratingmodules evaporator fan 94 and baffles 96, to maintain the selected operating temperature in therespective refrigerating modules Controller 100 can control the speed ofvariable speed fan 94 to vary the volume of cooling medium, chilled air, in the cooling medium circuit,insulated ducts 92, to further control the operating temperature in therespective refrigerating modules FIG. 2 is preferably used for above freezing refrigerator modules to avoid the need to circulate chilled air in the cooling medium circuit to achieve temperatures approximating 0° F. for freezer modules, although freezer modules can be included in theFIG. 2 embodiment if desired. - Turning to
FIG. 3 , in another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in schematic form, refrigeratingmodules central cooling unit 110. According to the invention one refrigerating module or more than three refrigerating modules can be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired. Refrigeratingmodules module 120 can have an insulatedcabinet 126 and aninsulated door 127 that can be hinged toinsulated cabinet 126 to selectively open and close anopening 135 ininsulated cabinet 126. Refrigeratingmodule 122 can have an insulatedcabinet 128 and aninsulated door 129 that can be hinged toinsulated cabinet 128 to selectively open and close anopening 137 ininsulated cabinet 128. Refrigeratingmodule 124 can have an insulatedcabinet 140 and aninsulated door 141 to selectively open and close anopening 139 ininsulated cabinet 140. Those skilled in the art will understand thatinsulated doors insulated doors modules refrigerating module evaporator 130 and a refrigerating module variablespeed evaporator fan 132 arranged to circulate chilled air in the respective refrigerating modules. Air flowarrows 148 schematically illustrate the chilled air flow in the respective refrigerating modules. Refrigeratingmodules temperature sensor 134 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigeratingmodules Temperature sensor 134 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.Temperature selectors 136 can be provided for each of the refrigeratingmodules respective refrigerating modules temperature selectors 136 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigeratingmodules temperature selector 136 can be located in each of the refrigeratingmodules Temperature selectors 136 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for therespective refrigerating modules - The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in
FIG. 3 also includes acentral cooling unit 110.Central cooling unit 110 can include avariable speed compressor 112, acondenser 114 and a variablespeed condenser fan 116.Central cooling unit 110 can also include a manifold 117 and anaccumulator 118.Central cooling unit 110 can be connected to the refrigeratingmodules insulated supply conduits 142 and insulatedreturn conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying refrigerant fromcentral cooling unit 110 throughmanifold 117 to refrigeratingmodules modules accumulator 118 through insulatedreturn conduits 144 for delivery tovariable speed compressor 112. Refrigeratingmodule evaporators 130 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the refrigeratingmodules module expansion device 138 to control flow of refrigerant into the respectiverefrigerating module evaporators 130.Expansion devices 138 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow throughexpansion device 138.Central cooling unit 110 can also have a microprocessor basedcontroller 150 having afirst portion 152 that can be arranged to control the operation ofcentral cooling unit 110 and asecond portion 154 to control the volume of refrigerant directed to therespective refrigerating modules controller 50 in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . Acontrol circuit 156 can be provided to connect thetemperature sensors 134, thetemperature selectors 136, thevariable speed compressor 112, the variablespeed condenser fan 116,expansion devices 138 andevaporator fans 132 tocontroller 150. Thus, a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated inFIG. 3 as a distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and an evaporator network. Depending on the refrigerating modules selected, the evaporators can all be above freezing, all below freezing, or a mixture of above freezer and below freezing refrigerating modules. - According to the invention,
central cooling unit 110 can be continuously operating so that refrigerant is continuously circulated ininsulated supply conduits 142 and insulatedreturn conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit fromcondenser 114 throughmanifold 117 to refrigeratingmodules compressor 112 throughaccumulator 118.Controller 150 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of thecentral cooling unit 110 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigeratingmodules modules FIG. 3 , according to the invention one or more than three refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system. The aggregate cooling load can be determined by thefirst portion 152 ofcontroller 150 as a function of temperatures sensed bytemperature sensors 134, operating temperatures selected withtemperature selectors 136 and feedback fromexpansion devices 138.Controller 150 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigeratingmodules Second portion 154 ofcontroller 150 can be arranged to controlexpansion devices 138 and refrigeratingmodule evaporator fans 132 to maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the settings oftemperature selectors 136 andtemperature sensors 134.Controller 150 can be arranged to maintain approximately the same evaporator pressure in therefrigerating module evaporators 130 and control the temperature in the respective refrigerating modules by varying the flow of refrigerant into the refrigeratingmodule evaporators 130 and controlling the speed of the respective refrigeratingmodule evaporator fans 132. Thus, according to the invention, a single, continuously operating variable capacitycentral cooling unit 110 can be provided for a plurality of refrigeratingmodules central cooling unit 110 can be arranged for chilling a cooling medium, a refrigerant. A cooling medium circuit, insulated supply conduits and insulatedreturn conduits central cooling unit 110 to supply the cooling medium from thecentral cooling unit 110 to the plurality of refrigeratingmodules expansion devices 138, can be provided for controlling flow of cooling medium, refrigerant, to each of the refrigeratingmodules controller 150 andcontrol circuit 156 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacitycentral cooling unit 110 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigeratingmodules controller 150 andcontrol circuit 156 can be arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium, refrigerant, directed to respective ones of the refrigeratingmodules expansion devices 138 and refrigeratingmodule evaporator fans 132, to maintain the selected operating temperature in therespective refrigerating modules Controller 150 can control the speed ofvariable speed compressor 112, variablespeed condenser fan 116 andexpansion devices 138 to control the vapor pressure of the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the cooling medium circuit, insulated supply and returnconduits respective refrigerating modules - Turning to
FIG. 4 , in another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in schematic form, refrigeratingmodules central cooling unit 110. According to the invention one refrigerating module or more than three refrigerating modules can be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired. As described in the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 3 , refrigeratingmodules module 160 can be a refrigerator freezer having arefrigerator compartment 168 and afreezer compartment 166.Refrigerator compartment 168 can have an insulatedrefrigerator compartment door 174 hinged toinsulated cabinet 162 andfreezer compartment 166 can have an insulatedfreezer compartment door 172 hinged toinsulated cabinet 162. Those skilled in the art will understand thatinsulated doors insulated doors modules refrigerating module evaporator 130 and a variable speed refrigeratingmodule evaporator fan 132 arranged to circulate chilled air in the respective refrigerating modules, seeair flow arrows 148. Refrigeratingmodules temperature sensor 134 arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigeratingmodules Refrigerator freezer module 160 can have atemperature sensor 134 forrefrigerator compartment 168 and atemperature sensor 134 forfreezer compartment 166.Temperature sensors 134 can be a thermistor or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.Temperature selectors 136 can be provided for each of the refrigeratingmodules respective refrigerating modules Refrigerator freezer 160 can have twotemperature selectors 136, one for therefrigerator compartment 168 and one for thefreezer compartment 166. Whiletemperature selectors 136 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigeratingmodules modules Temperature selectors 136 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for therespective refrigerating modules - The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic form in
FIG. 4 , similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 , can include acentral cooling unit 110.Central cooling unit 110 can include avariable speed compressor 112, acondenser 114 and a variablespeed condenser fan 116.Central cooling unit 110 can also include a manifold 117 and anaccumulator 118.Central cooling unit 110 can be connected to the refrigeratingmodules insulated supply conduits 142 and insulatedreturn conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying refrigerant fromcentral cooling unit 110 throughmanifold 117 to refrigeratingmodules modules accumulator 118 through insulatedreturn conduits 144 for delivery tovariable speed compressor 112. Refrigeratingmodule evaporators 130 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the refrigeratingmodules module expansion device 138 to control flow of refrigerant into the respectiverefrigerating module evaporators 130.Expansion devices 138 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow throughexpansion device 138.Central cooling unit 110 can also have a microprocessor basedcontroller 150 having afirst portion 152 that can be arranged to control the operation ofcentral cooling unit 110 and asecond portion 154 to control the volume of refrigerant directed to therespective refrigerating modules controller 50 in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . Acontrol circuit 156 can be provided to connect thetemperature sensors 134, thetemperature selectors 136, thevariable speed compressor 112, the variablespeed condenser fan 116,expansion devices 138 andevaporator fans 132 tocontroller 150. Thus, a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is illustrated inFIG. 4 as a distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and an evaporator network. Depending on the refrigerating modules selected, the evaporators can all be above freezing, all below freezing, or a mixture of above freezer and below freezing refrigerating modules in addition torefrigerator freezer module 160. - Refrigerating
module 160 can be a two temperature refrigerator freezer module that can be arranged to have an above freezingrefrigerator compartment 168 and a below freezingfreezer compartment 166 as noted above. Aninsulated compartment separator 164 can be provided to divideinsulated cabinet 162 into arefrigerator compartment 168 and afreezer compartment 166.Freezer compartment 166 can have an evaporator compartment that can be formed by anevaporator compartment wall 170 that can be arranged to separate therefrigerating module evaporator 130 from thefreezer compartment 166.Evaporator compartment wall 170 is illustrated schematically as a dashed line below refrigeratingmodule evaporator 130 to indicate that air flows (air flow arrows 148) intofreezer compartment 166 from the refrigeratingmodule evaporator 130, and similarly, air returns to the evaporator compartment under the influence of refrigeratingmodule evaporator fan 132.Insulated compartment separator 164 can have chilledair passages 176 positioned oncompartment separator 164 that can allow chilled air (air flow arrows 158) from thefreezer compartment 166 or evaporator compartment to flow intorefrigerator compartment 168 as is well known in the art.Compartment separator 164 can have arefrigerator compartment damper 178 to control the flow of air from therefrigerator compartment 168 back tofreezer compartment 166 and refrigeratingmodule evaporator 130 drawn by refrigeratingmodule evaporator fan 132. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 4 ,refrigerator compartment damper 178 is shown in the return air path fromrefrigerator compartment 168. Those skilled in the art will understand thatchilled air passages 176 could be arranged in the return air path fromrefrigerator compartment 168 andrefrigerant compartment damper 178 arranged in the flow of chilled air intorefrigerator compartment 168 if desired.Refrigerator compartment damper 178 can be an automatic damper operated bycontroller 150 as illustrated inFIG. 4 , or, if desired,refrigerator compartment damper 178 can be a manually adjustable damper manually adjusted by the user andtemperature sensor 134 andtemperature selector 136 eliminated fromfreezer compartment 166. - Similar to the embodiment of
FIG. 3 , according to the invention,central cooling unit 110 can be continuously operating so that refrigerant is continuously circulated ininsulated supply conduits 142 and returnconduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit fromcondenser 114 throughmanifold 117 to refrigeratingmodules compressor 112 throughaccumulator 118.Controller 150 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of thecentral cooling unit 110 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigeratingmodules modules FIG. 4 , according to the invention one or more than three refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system. The aggregate cooling load can be determined by thefirst portion 152 ofcontroller 150 as a function of temperatures sensed bytemperature sensors 134, operating temperatures selected withtemperature selectors 136, and feedback fromexpansion devices 138.Controller 150 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the refrigeratingmodules Second portion 154 ofcontroller 150 can be arranged to controlexpansion devices 138 and refrigeratingmodule evaporator fans 132 to maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the settings oftemperature selectors 136 andtemperature sensors 134. In addition,second portion 154 ofcontroller 150 can be arranged to controlrefrigerator compartment damper 178 to control the amount of chilled air flowing fromfreezer compartment 166 and refrigeratingmodule evaporator 132 throughcompartment separator 164 intorefrigerator compartment 168 in conjunction with refrigeratingmodule evaporator fan 132 to maintain the user selected temperature inrefrigerator compartment 168 as well as infreezer compartment 166.Controller 150 can be arranged to maintain approximately the same evaporator pressure in therefrigerating module evaporators 130 and control the temperature in therespective refrigerating modules module evaporators 130 and controlling the speed of the respective refrigeratingmodule evaporator fans 132. Thus, according to the invention, a single, continuously operating variable capacitycentral cooling unit 110 can be provided for a plurality of refrigeratingmodules module 160 can be set to have a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The variable capacitycentral cooling unit 110 can be arranged for chilling a cooling medium, a refrigerant. A cooling medium circuit, insulated supply conduits and insulatedreturn conduits central cooling unit 110 to supply the cooling medium from thecentral cooling unit 110 to the plurality of refrigeratingmodules expansion devices 138, can be provided for controlling flow of cooling medium, refrigerant, to each of the refrigeratingmodules controller 150 andcontrol circuit 156 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacitycentral cooling unit 110 in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigeratingmodules controller 150 andcontrol circuit 156 can be arranged adjust the volume of cooling medium, refrigerant, directed to respective ones of the refrigeratingmodules expansion devices 138 and refrigeratingmodule evaporator fans 132, to maintain the selected operating temperature in therespective refrigerating modules Controller 150 can control the speed ofvariable speed compressor 112, variablespeed condenser fan 116 andexpansion devices 138 to control the vapor pressure of the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the cooling medium circuit, insulated supply and returnconduits respective refrigerating modules - Turning to
FIG. 5 , afreezer module 180 is illustrated that can be used in combination with a refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.Freezer module 180 can be a conventional freezer capable of operating without connection to the refrigeration appliance system according to the invention. Particularly when a freezer module arranged for 0° F. storage temperatures is desired for use in combination with the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 1 (employing liquid coolant as the cooling medium),FIG. 2 (employing chilled air as the cooling medium), orFIG. 3 (particularly when above freezing refrigerator modules will be connected in the refrigeration appliance system) it can be advantageous to incorporate afreezer module 180 as illustrated inFIG. 5 . However, afreezer module 180 can be combined with any of the embodiments according to the invention.Freezer module 180 can have a insulatedfreezer cabinet 182 defining anopening 184 for access to the freezer compartment and can have an insulatedfreezer door 185 hinged to theinsulated freezer cabinet 182 to selectively open and close the freezer compartment.Freezer door 185 can have a handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closingfreezer door 185 for access tofreezer module 180.Freezer module 180 can include afreezer cooling unit 189 in amachinery compartment 186 outside the refrigerated portion of thefreezer cabinet 182 that can include afreezer compressor 190, afreezer condenser 192 and afreezer condenser fan 194.Freezer module 180 can include afreezer evaporator 196 that can be positioned ininsulated freezer cabinet 182 and can have afreezer evaporator fan 198 and afreezer expansion device 204.Freezer module 180 can have a freezer temperature sensor 200 that can be similar to the temperature sensors described above.Freezer module 180 can also have afreezer temperature selector 202 to allow user to select the operating temperature for the freezer module.Freezer module 180 can have a controller 208 and acontrol circuit 206 connecting the freezer temperature sensor 200,freezer temperature selector 202,freezer compressor 190,freezer condenser fan 194 andfreezer evaporator fan 198 to controller 208. Controller 208 can operatefreezer module 180 in a manner similar to conventional freezer products as is well known in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand thatfreezer compressor 190,freezer condenser fan 194 andfreezer evaporator fan 198 can be provided with variable speed motors as desired for optimum operation.Freezer expansion device 204 can be an expansion device with feedback as used in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-4 or can be a capillary tube expansion device, again as well known in the art.Freezer compressor 190 can be a variable speed compressor if desired as is well known in the art. Alternately, those skilled in the art will understand thatfreezer condenser 192 and/orfreezer evaporator 196 can be static heat exchangers and that if a static heat exchanger is used the respectivefreezer condenser fan 194 and/orfreezer evaporator fan 198 could be eliminated. Forexample freezer module 180 could be a chest freezer havingfreezer evaporator 196 positioned in contact with theinner liner 210 defining the freezer compartment in the insulation between theinner liner 210 andcabinet 182 as is well known in the art. Similarly,freezer condenser 192 could be positioned in contact withcabinet 182 positioned in the insulation betweeninner liner 210 andcabinet 182 as is well known in the art. - While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
Claims (20)
1. A refrigeration appliance system constructed and arranged for use in a residential kitchen and other rooms in a dwelling comprising:
a plurality of separate refrigerating modules each having:
an insulated cabinet having an opening for access to the interior of the cabinet;
at least one insulated door for covering and uncovering an opening in the insulated cabinet;
an apparatus for receiving a cooling medium to cool the interior of the refrigerating module;
at least one temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the module; and
at least one temperature selector for selecting an operating temperature for the insulated refrigerating module;
a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit for chilling a cooling medium comprising a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a variable speed condenser fan and a controller;
a cooling medium circuit connecting the central cooling unit and the plurality of refrigerating modules to supply cooling medium from the central cooling unit to the plurality of refrigerating modules, and to return cooling medium to the central cooling unit from the refrigerating modules;
a plurality of cooling medium flow control devices connected in the cooling medium circuit for controlling flow of cooling medium to each of the refrigerating modules;
a control circuit connecting the temperature sensors, the temperature selectors and the cooling medium flow control devices for the plurality of refrigerating modules with the controller, said controller including:
a first portion to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules in order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules to the respective selected operating temperatures, and
a second portion to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules.
2. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 1 , wherein the cooling medium is air; the cooling medium circuit comprises insulated ducts connecting the central cooling unit and the plurality of refrigerating modules for supplying chilled air to the plurality of refrigerating modules and returning air from the refrigerating modules to the central cooling unit; the apparatus for receiving a cooling medium comprises air inlets from the insulated ducts leading to the respective refrigerating modules and air outlets leading from the respective refrigerating modules to the insulated ducts; and the cooling medium flow control devices comprise a baffle for each refrigerating module for controlling the flow of chilled air flowing into the refrigerating module through the air inlet; the central cooling unit further comprises an evaporator and an expansion device with feedback based on the refrigerating system load connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and condenser and arranged to chill the cooling medium air to a temperature below the lowest selected refrigerating module operating temperature and at least one evaporator fan to circulate the chilled cooling medium air through the insulated ducts to respective refrigerating modules; and the second portion of the controller is arranged to operate the baffles of the respective refrigerating modules to control the flow of chilled air flowing into the respective refrigerating modules to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
3. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 2 , wherein the baffles are adjustable baffles adjustable between open and closed positions to permit or block flow of chilled air into the respective refrigerating modules, and wherein the evaporator fan is an adjustable speed fan to vary the flow of chilled air into refrigerating modules having an open adjustable baffle.
4. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 2 , wherein the adjustable baffles are variably movable between open and closed positions to permit, block and vary the flow of chilled air into the respective refrigerating modules.
5. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 2 , wherein the refrigerating modules are above freezing refrigerator modules.
6. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 1 , wherein the cooling medium is a liquid coolant; the cooling medium circuit includes insulated conduits leading from the central cooling unit to each of the refrigerating modules for supplying liquid coolant to each of the refrigerating modules and for returning liquid coolant to the central cooling unit; the apparatus for receiving cooling medium for the respective refrigerating modules comprises a heat exchanger in communication with the interior of the insulated cabinet; and the cooling medium flow control devices comprise a valve for controlling the flow of liquid coolant to the heat exchanger; the central cooling unit further comprises a chilled liquid evaporator and an expansion device with feedback based on the refrigerating system load connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and condenser and arranged to chill the liquid coolant to a temperature below the lowest selected refrigerating module operating temperature, and a pump arranged to circulate the liquid coolant to the respective refrigerating modules; and the second portion of the controller is arranged to operate the valves to control the flow of chilled liquid coolant through the respective refrigerating module heat exchangers to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
7. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 6 , wherein the valves are on-off valves to control flow of liquid coolant to the respective refrigerating modules, and the pump is a variable speed pump and the first portion of the controller adjusts the flow rate of liquid coolant in the cooling medium circuit by controlling the speed of the variable speed pump.
8. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 6 , wherein each of the refrigerating modules further includes a variable speed heat exchanger fan arranged for circulating air over the heat exchanger in the insulated cabinet.
9. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 6 , wherein the refrigerating modules are above freezing refrigerator modules.
10. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 1 , wherein the cooling medium is a refrigerant; the cooling medium circuit includes insulated conduits leading from the central cooling unit to each of the refrigerating modules for supplying refrigerant to each of the refrigerating modules and for returning refrigerant to the central cooling unit; the apparatus for receiving cooling medium comprises a refrigerating module evaporator in communication with the interior of the insulated cabinet and a refrigerating module evaporator fan arranged to circulate air chilled by the refrigerating module evaporator in the insulated cabinet; the cooling medium flow control devices comprise expansion devices with feedback based on load for adjusting flow of refrigerant to the refrigerating module evaporators of the respective refrigerating modules; and the second portion of the controller is arranged to control the expansion valves for the respective refrigerating modules to maintain the respective selected operating temperatures.
11. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the refrigerating modules comprises a refrigerator freezer module having an above freezing refrigerator compartment, a below freezing freezer compartment, an insulated door for the refrigerator compartment, an insulated door for the freezer compartment and an evaporator compartment, and wherein the refrigerating module evaporator and refrigerating module evaporator fan are positioned in the evaporator compartment and are arranged to supply chilled air to the freezer compartment; wherein the refrigerator freezer module further comprises a compartment separator including a passage arranged for the flow of chilled air to the refrigerator compartment from a source of chilled air, a return passage for flow of air from the refrigerator compartment to the evaporator compartment, and an adjustable refrigerator compartment damper for controlling flow of chilled air to the refrigerator compartment, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is arranged to sense the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the at least one temperature selector selects the operating temperature for the refrigerator compartment, and wherein the second portion of the controller maintains the selected operating temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and adjustment of the refrigerant compartment damper controls the temperature of the freezer compartment.
12. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 11 wherein the at least one temperature sensor comprises a first temperature sensor for the refrigerator compartment and a second temperature sensor for the freezer compartment, and the at least one temperature selector comprises a first temperature selector for the refrigerator compartment and second temperature selector for the freezer compartment.
13. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the controller responds to the second temperature sensor and second temperature selector to control the expansion device to control the volume of refrigerant flowing to the refrigerating module evaporator, and responds to the first temperature sensor and the first temperature selector to control the adjustable refrigerator compartment damper to control the flow of chilled air to the refrigerator compartment respectively to maintain the selected temperatures for the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.
14. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 11 , wherein the refrigerator compartment damper is manually adjustable by the operator to adjust the freezer compartment operating temperature.
15. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the refrigerating modules is an above freezing refrigerator module.
16. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the refrigerating modules is a below freezing freezer module.
17. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the refrigerating modules is an above freezing refrigerator module and one of the refrigerating modules is a below freezing freezer module.
18. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 1 , wherein the refrigerating modules are above freezing refrigerator modules.
19. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the refrigerating modules is an above freezing refrigerator module and at least one of the refrigerating modules is a below freezing freezer module.
20. The refrigeration appliance system of claim 1 , wherein the refrigerating modules can be selectively operated at different operating temperatures.
Priority Applications (18)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/646,754 US20080156009A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens |
US11/769,935 US8042355B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Temporary refrigerator storage modules |
US11/769,903 US8161760B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Utilities grid for distributed refrigeration system |
US11/769,811 US8336321B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen |
US11/769,989 US8336322B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Distributed refrigeration system with optional storage module and controller |
US11/770,033 US8061153B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Refrigeration appliance with optional storage module |
US11/769,837 US8245524B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Thermal cascade system for distributed household refrigeration system |
US11/769,864 US20080156034A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Distributed refrigeration system with custom storage modules |
CA002608948A CA2608948A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-10-31 | Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens |
EP07254642A EP1942310A2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-11-30 | Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens |
MX2007015310A MX2007015310A (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-12-04 | Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens. |
BRPI0704968-4A BRPI0704968A (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-12-27 | modular variable capacity refrigeration system for kitchens |
US12/612,211 US9791203B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2009-11-04 | Secondary fluid infrastructure within a refrigerator and method thereof |
US13/279,661 US20120174607A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2011-10-24 | Refrigeration appliance with optional storage module |
US13/432,047 US20120186279A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2012-03-28 | Utilities grid for distributed refrigeration system |
US13/492,985 US20120247127A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2012-06-11 | Thermal cascade system for distributed household refrigeration system |
US13/909,247 US9252570B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2013-06-04 | Countertop module utilities enabled via connection |
US14/988,433 US9991683B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2016-01-05 | Refrigerator module utilities enabled via connection |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/646,754 US20080156009A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens |
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US11/646,972 Continuation-In-Part US20080156007A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Distributed refrigeration system for modular kitchens |
Related Child Applications (8)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/646,972 Continuation-In-Part US20080156007A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Distributed refrigeration system for modular kitchens |
US11/769,989 Continuation-In-Part US8336322B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Distributed refrigeration system with optional storage module and controller |
US11/769,935 Continuation-In-Part US8042355B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Temporary refrigerator storage modules |
US11/769,864 Continuation-In-Part US20080156034A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Distributed refrigeration system with custom storage modules |
US11/769,811 Continuation-In-Part US8336321B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen |
US11/769,837 Continuation-In-Part US8245524B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Thermal cascade system for distributed household refrigeration system |
US11/770,033 Continuation-In-Part US8061153B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Refrigeration appliance with optional storage module |
US11/769,903 Continuation-In-Part US8161760B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Utilities grid for distributed refrigeration system |
Publications (1)
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US20080156009A1 true US20080156009A1 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
Family
ID=39233092
Family Applications (1)
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---|---|---|---|
US11/646,754 Abandoned US20080156009A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20080156009A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1942310A2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0704968A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2608948A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007015310A (en) |
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US20080271475A1 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2008-11-06 | Wuesthoff Edward P | Refrigerator having compartment capable of converting between refrigeration and freezing temperatures |
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US20090282844A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2009-11-19 | Alexander Pinkus Rafalovich | Ice producing apparatus and method |
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US20100326096A1 (en) * | 2008-11-10 | 2010-12-30 | Brent Alden Junge | Control sytem for bottom freezer refrigerator with ice maker in upper door |
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US11185191B2 (en) | 2016-05-20 | 2021-11-30 | Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc. | Modular food holding system |
CN113915895A (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2022-01-11 | 海信(山东)冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator and refrigerating method thereof |
CN114593557A (en) * | 2022-03-31 | 2022-06-07 | 海信(山东)冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator and refrigeration control method thereof |
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US8245524B2 (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2012-08-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Thermal cascade system for distributed household refrigeration system |
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US20070144190A1 (en) * | 2003-12-24 | 2007-06-28 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Refrigerator |
US20090151375A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2009-06-18 | Ronald Scott Tarr | Temperature controlled compartment and method for a refrigerator |
US20090282844A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2009-11-19 | Alexander Pinkus Rafalovich | Ice producing apparatus and method |
US9127873B2 (en) | 2006-12-14 | 2015-09-08 | General Electric Company | Temperature controlled compartment and method for a refrigerator |
US20080271475A1 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2008-11-06 | Wuesthoff Edward P | Refrigerator having compartment capable of converting between refrigeration and freezing temperatures |
US8806886B2 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2014-08-19 | General Electric Company | Temperature controlled devices |
US20090158768A1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2009-06-25 | Alexander Pinkus Rafalovich | Temperature controlled devices |
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US9845987B2 (en) * | 2008-09-09 | 2017-12-19 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Cooling device |
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US20130305772A1 (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2013-11-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | High efficiency refrigerator |
US9897364B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2018-02-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | High efficiency refrigerator |
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US10072876B2 (en) | 2009-09-30 | 2018-09-11 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor |
US9835360B2 (en) | 2009-09-30 | 2017-12-05 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor |
US10845097B2 (en) | 2009-09-30 | 2020-11-24 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor |
US10816243B2 (en) | 2009-09-30 | 2020-10-27 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor |
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US10139151B2 (en) | 2012-12-03 | 2018-11-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator with ice mold chilled by air exchange cooled by fluid from freezer |
US9766005B2 (en) | 2012-12-03 | 2017-09-19 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator with ice mold chilled by fluid exchange from thermoelectric device with cooling from fresh food compartment or freezer compartment |
US10859303B2 (en) | 2012-12-03 | 2020-12-08 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator with ice mold chilled by air exchange cooled by fluid from freezer |
US9593870B2 (en) | 2012-12-03 | 2017-03-14 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator with thermoelectric device for ice making |
US10655901B2 (en) | 2012-12-03 | 2020-05-19 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator with ice mold chilled by fluid exchange from thermoelectric device with cooling from fresh food compartment of freezer compartment |
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US20170071410A1 (en) * | 2015-09-10 | 2017-03-16 | Prince Castle LLC | Modular food holding system |
US20170071409A1 (en) * | 2015-09-10 | 2017-03-16 | Prince Castle LLC | Modular food holding system |
US10213052B2 (en) | 2015-09-10 | 2019-02-26 | Prince Castle LLC | Modular food holding system |
US10271689B2 (en) * | 2015-09-10 | 2019-04-30 | Prince Castle LLC | Modular food holding system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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MX2007015310A (en) | 2009-02-13 |
EP1942310A2 (en) | 2008-07-09 |
CA2608948A1 (en) | 2008-06-28 |
BRPI0704968A (en) | 2008-08-19 |
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Owner name: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CUR, NIHAT O;KUEHL, STEVEN JOHN;REEL/FRAME:018906/0697 Effective date: 20070123 |
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |