DE3739375A1 - Method, with the associated devices, for cooling or heating liquids or gases using the Peltier effect - Google Patents

Abstract

The taste of drinks is determined decisively by the temperature. The consumer thus wants a "cool beer". At the same time, for reasons of keeping quality, the temperature level may only vary within strictly predetermined limits. In addition to the absolute temperature level, the relative temperature, the temperature difference, also plays a crucial role. Furthermore, the cooling process, i.e. the temporal cooling gradient, is crucial for the state of liquids or gases. These requirements presuppose mobile cooling systems which guarantee reliable cooling until shortly before removal/use. The mobile operation requires extreme mechanical strength, small construction sizes, low environmental pollution and great economy with simultaneously low energy consumption. At the same time, the cooling unit is in this case also to assume heating functions if required. These requirements are met by the method, with the associated devices, presented in this invention. The method with the associated devices is based on the use of thermo-electric cooling. As a result of the extreme adaptation of the cooling system to the container, compact construction sizes are achieved. Possibilities for application lie in drink preparation in the form of the cooling bar, preservation of stored blood in the area of medical technology, drink transport and drink extraction. Further possibilities for application lie in preparation and ... Original abstract incomplete.

Description

The taste of drinks becomes crucial at least subjectively determined by the temperature the liquid. So z. B. the consumer a "cool beer" or a "warm red wine".

Other examples are well known "ice-cold Coca-Cola "or a" refreshing glass of sparkling wine ".

Furthermore, the shelf life of drinks becomes essential increases when the temperature level is kept low becomes. At the same time, the temperature level only move within strictly specified limits - one think e.g. B. the storage of wine.

Beverage manufacturers and distributors thus increasingly forced, besides the actual one To offer the product also the service. The Slogan cool beer is a combination of one Service and a product. The temperature is a means to meet the needs of the consumer To satisfy refreshment.

However, that is not essential for the consumer absolute temperature z. B. 15 ° C alone, but also the temperature difference to the environment; "the drink should be a maximum of 10 ° C colder or warmer than that Ambient temperature ".

The temperature difference is considered in the long term extremely important - it could be common cold are caused or others are not yet foreseeable diseases. These uncertainties could to a loss of image and thus to a loss of the market of the beverage manufacturer.

Furthermore, certain liquids / gases require certain cooling processes. With drinks could be the taste changes too quickly to remove heat.

Another problem is that the service performance must extend to the immediate Ent acceptance by the consumer. However, this sets mobile Units ahead.

Mobile use also requires extreme protection  against mechanical destruction. Even in this case it must be ensured that toxic substances must not mix with the drink.

The object of the present invention was therefore in developing a unity, that of a liquid or removes heat from a gas accordingly Consumer requirements with respect to e.g. B. Liquid temperature and temperature difference one on the part and the requirements of liquids / gases on the other hand, with regard to cooling or reheating speed. The unit should be as possible be mobile due to low energy consumption and distinguish high efficiency. Furthermore it should come back for pollution reasons be usable. It is still essential at Solution of the task that even with mechanical Destruction no harmful effects may occur.

Today's procedures work as follows:

Beverage cooling is easy in the home to be solved, if there is space in the refrigerator. The refrigerator works on the principle of the absorber or compressor. While working on this Principles of toxic substances, however, is the exit of the substances very unlikely. difficulties however, occur even when larger units e.g. B. Beer kegs are to be cooled. Either is the fridge is too full or the container fits alone seen from its dimensions, not in the refrigerator compartment. With mobile use z. B. at garden parties, sports parties, when driving, sailing or transporting the problem is more apparent.

Refrigerated transports require a high level of equipment. They are only larger economically when transported Quantities. In markets where it's economical necessary quantities are not reached  the drinks that are actually chilled Consumers should be offered, warm for sale need. The enjoyment is significantly impaired and thus the market success.

Cooling bags available on the market are also not a solution. Take the cooler bags in connection with the cold save, they require a prior cooling in the fridge - if you take the cold pockets, that's it the energy consumption is so great that after a few Hours the car battery or the battery in the camper is exhausted. The other is the cooler bags no direct product reference established - d. H. a Beverage manufacturers cannot use their brand Service from the point of view of marketing combine.

Furthermore, cooling coils are state of the art: The Beverage is drawn through a cooling coil before being removed guided. Aside from being such a cooling snake is very expensive to purchase the main disadvantage of the cooling coil in their limited capacity. In many cases it is enough for the content of a glass. Received during peak operation so the consumer will inevitably have a warm drink instead of a chilled one.

This tries the disadvantages described above provided procedures with its devices bypass. The process with its devices did following advantages.

• 1. There are no environmentally hazardous and toxic Fabrics for use. Even with a mechanical Zer there is no danger of interference.
• 2. The structure comes from the Peltier elements Beverage content not with the thermoelectric cooling element in touch. Even with aggressive substances just need the materials of the heat sink be changed or coated.  
• 3. The Peltier elements can be arranged in such a compact manner be net that the overall height of the container is not or changes only marginally.
• 4. This compact design allows cleaning in the event of repairs or repairs, the cooling systems easily shut down be removed from the container. You need in this Case only a counter bearing for the heat sink.
• 5. Procedure with the associated devices enables operation regardless of position. Self if the beer keg lies or is shaken, it is Cooling process feasible.
• 6. By adapting the cooling system to the liquid kess or gas containers can reduce energy consumption be optimized.
• 7. Even with a composition of larger ones Container operation is economical. Only the liquid is cooled and not the dead space.
• 8. If only parts of the containers are transported, this is also economically feasible because it is not connected systems have no energy requirement.
• 9. The cooling systems can also operate in the low-voltage range (12 volts) are operated, so that even in the event of a fault operation there is no danger to the user.
• 10. By combining the cooling system with a Control unit, actuator and sensors cannot only the target temperature can be regulated, but also the cooling / heating process.
• 11. If warming of the beverage is desired, the unit is simply reversed and under the container posed.
• 12. The system has no moving parts. It is therefore extremely durable and independent of maintenance.
• 13. Due to their size, such systems are ideal for mobile use. They are also easy  with the help of autonomous energy generation plants or -operate storage.

The present invention is based on the principle of thermoelectric cooling. This procedure is based on an effect discovered by Peltier in 1834:

In a circle of two different conductors, when a voltage is applied at one point, heating occurs, while cooling occurs at the other end. The arrangement of the Peltier element consists of two legs of a doped semiconductor material as well as a contact bridge on the cold side of the two legs and a contact bridge on the warm side of the two legs ( Figures 1 and 2). The amount of heat absorbed or indicated is proportional to the current and depends on the substances used in the thermocouple.

In picture 1 you can see the cold side of the Peltier element ( 1 ), the warm side ( 2 ), the electron flow ( 3 ), the defect electron flow ( 4 ) and the direction of the current flowing through ( 5 ).

Figure 2 shows a Peltier cooling block in its entirety. ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) are the legs of doped semiconductor material, ( 8 ) are the two contact bridges and ( 9 ) the warm contact bridges.

As the pictures show, this includes System no mechanically rotating parts. The Energy supply is in the low voltage range. Thereby there is no danger even with electrical defects for the people.

A possible embodiment in the form of a cooling plate is described in Figure 3. ( 10 ) identifies the heat radiating area. The efficiency of heat radiation is improved by increasing the surface area in the form of cooling fins. The Peltier elements - in individual cases one can also suffice - are represented by ( 12 ). The cooling capacity of the Peltier blocks is conducted into the liquid or gas via the cooling baffle ( 13 ). In many cases this cooling plate alone will suffice. As it is well known that cold falls down, the cooling plate must be positioned above the container. In the embodiment shown, there is also an elastic system underneath the cooling plate. B. consisting of a cold conductive liquid (water or brine, ie water mixed with salt to lower the freezing point) and a flexible container z. B. in the form of a film container ( 14 ).

The cooling plate fits through this elastic shape the surface of the liquid or gas container well received. If necessary, the elastic element can also be segmented to ensure a better location Afford.

A beer keg could be one of those elastic element may be omitted. The intensive connection to the container becomes easy made by water between the cooling baffles and the surface of the container poured or any other cryogenic liquid. Through the bead at the top of the beer kegs the water does not drain.

The cooling plate can be converted into a hot plate by the polarity of the applied voltage is exchanged, and if necessary the plate under the Container is put - heat is known to rise up.

Another variant is shown in Figure 4. You can see the liquid container ( 15 ), for. B. represented by a beer keg. This liquid or gas container can also be equipped with an insulating layer ( 16 ). At the upper part of the container, the Peltier elements ( 17 ) are arranged together with the heat ribs ( 18 ) and the cooling baffle ( 19 ). The cooling baffle can either be designed in the form of a simple cylinder or can additionally be provided with cooling fins to increase the cooling rate ( 20 ). The figure clearly shows that the Peltier elements do not come into contact with the liquid / gas in any way.

The electronic unit ( 21 ) can also be seen. Its task is to regulate the cooling process

• a) with regard to the desired cooling temperature
• b) as required with regard to the cooling rate.

The electronics unit includes sensors for detection the temperature difference (outside temperature, temperature the liquid). If necessary, further sensors are available seen the properties of the gases / liquids can measure. The electronics also include unit a controller. This can e.g. B. in the form of a Microcontrollers be executed. This controller is able to process processes through stored pro to influence grams. The actuators can be in Form of semiconductor switching elements or in the form of Relay.

Furthermore, it can be seen that in one embodiment, the cooling rod has a counter bearing ( 22 ). This means that even strong vibrations of the unit cannot harm it.

While in one variant the coolness is an integral part of the container, another variant provides an easily detachable connection between the cooling unit and the liquid container ( 23 ). Options include screw connections, bayonet locks, clamp locks, each coupled with sealing devices. This variant has the advantage that it can be repaired and cleaned more quickly.

The variant shown in Figure 4 works regardless of location, even if the container is lying, the cooling process is effective as long as the cooling rod is in contact with the liquid.

In Fig. 5, the compact cooling unit includes the insulation walls in addition to the cooling system. This may accelerate the filling process and the assembly process. The insulation in the lower part of the container is permanently installed in this version ( 25 ). Cooling rod, insulating unit are also fixed to the bottom of the liquid container by devices ( 26 ).

Figure 6 illustrates how the containers can be combined relatively easily using a fixed or flexible energy supply system ( 27 ). The energy supply system can be constructed in the form of a single cable, a cable rail, a cable grid system in a flexible or solid form. The energy is supplied by suitable plug connections ( 28 ) only when the connection to the cooling container is established. Execution examples for this are state of the art.

In connection with insulated containers it should thus be able to be fairly simple and inexpensive Cooling systems e.g. B. at beverage wholesalers, transportation to realize expensive or private households. The Rush mode, which is typical of such a business, can be intercepted very easily without the quality who should suffer from it.

Fig. 7, 8 and 9 show further versions.

In the variant shown in Figure 7, the system is so compact that it can be easily z. B. beer bottle, champagne bottle, fruit juice bottle can be put over. An application in the field of medical technology is also grateful for the preservation of blood supplies. Medicines or samples can also be preserved.

In this variant, a few, in extreme cases a Peltier element, are sufficient. The unit is thus extraordinarily inexpensive to manufacture and operate economically. The protective insulating layer ( 29 ) and the cooling cylinder ( 30 ) can be seen in Figure 7. Both components are designed to be as elastic as possible. This greatly simplifies handling.

At the same time, through this embodiment similar cooling systems for different Bottle shapes can be used, e.g. B. champagne bottle, Beer bottle, soda bottle, preserved blood, medicine sample.

In the variant shown in Figure 8, numerous Peltier elements ( 31 ) are used around the container. This variant can be useful for strong cooling capacities.

Figure 9 shows a variant in which the cooling container forms a self-contained unit. One knows the container wall ( 32 ), the insulation ( 33 ) and the cooling unit ( 34 ). In this variant, the cooling unit is integrated in the lid. The lid can be unscrewed, clamped, or otherwise removed as required. Both the hot plates and the cold plates are enlarged by ribs or cylinders.

Another variant is shown in Figure 10. The system is a kind of cooling rod. Just as an immersion heater is used to generate heat, this cooling rod can be used in the same way as for cold. If the polarity a is changed , it can even be used as a heating rod. You can see the Peltier elements ( 35 ), the heat-conducting plates ( 36 ) and the cooling rod ( 37 ). If the polarity is reversed, the cooling rod ( 37 ) becomes a heat rod and the heat sink ( 36 ) becomes a heat sink. This embodiment opens up numerous application possibilities in the context of beverage preparation and in laboratory operation for chemical or medical purposes.

The invention is not based on the embodiment shown examples limited, but within the scope of the disclosure often variable.

All new in the description and drawings disclosed single and combination features are considered viewed essential to the invention.

Claims (22)

1. A method for cooling liquids and gases, characterized in that these substances are cooled with the aid of the Peltier effect and at the same time the cooling units with the liquid keits Containers z. B. beer keg, beer can, bottle or the gas container are firmly connected but easily detachable as required. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that that to reduce energy intake by the Environment z. B. isolate by the warm ambient air de Combined materials with the cooling element be kidneyed. 3. The method according to claim 1-3, characterized in that additional to increase the cooling rate Cooling sheets with different characteristics forms attached in the liquid or gas container will. 4. The method according to claim 1-4, characterized in that one or more sensors are installed in the cooling system are both the temperature of the liquids or Gases, the ambient temperature as well as others Detect parameters of liquids or gases and the cooling process according to the requirements of Be regulate users or liquids / gases. be it in the form of the limitation of the cooling temperature or in Form of reduction or acceleration of cooling speed.   5. The method according to claim 1-4, characterized in that the individual liquid or gas containers have control devices that have a coupling to the energy supply both individually and ins total z. B. in the form of a grid with plug contacts allow in the way that both the connection to the energy supply as well as the transports are economically feasible. 6. Device for performing the method according to Claims 1-5, characterized in that Peltier fixed or easily detachable elements with a liquid or gas containers can be combined. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the temperature-influencing element (Peltierele ment) together with the cooling and heat conducting Buildings form a compact unit that is lightweight for cleaning and repair from a container can be taken and reintroduced can e.g. B. by a screw connection, bayonet Connection or clamp connection, connected to you bodies. 8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that that as an alternative to claim 7, the compact cooling unit is executed in the form of a cooling plate, which as Cooling plate placed on the container or as a hot plate can be placed under the container. Are the areas in contact with one another are designed in such a way that a cold or heat transfer with very little Losses can occur. 9. The device according to claim 6-8, characterized in that by a flexible unit z. B. in the form of a Liquid container with an elastic film automatically an intensive touch of both surfaces is produced in such a way that even with rounded or an upward curved surface.   10. The device according to claim 6-9, characterized records that the heat dissipation or cold dissipation is accelerated by increasing the Guide surface z. B. in the form of cooling or heating fins. 11. The device according to claim 6-10, characterized records that the cooling or heating unit directly ver is bound with an insulating jacket z. B. in the way that when a beer keg is filled, the keg is filled from above, and then the compact Cooling unit in the barrel via screw connections is introduced, sealed and adjusted. Here the outer cylinder contains the isolation unit and the inner cylinder the cooling or heating unit, if necessary. coupled with cooling or heating fins. The outer jacket the beer keg offers protection against mechanical Destruction. 12. The apparatus of claim 6-10, characterized records that, as an alternative to claim 11, the insulation Unit is attached in such a way that it is the barrel or encloses the container from the outside. 13. The apparatus according to claim 6-12, characterized records that in the container or on the container walls Holding and adjusting devices are attached in the way that the cooling unit against vibrations is secured. 14. The apparatus according to claim 6-13, characterized records that with the cooling, heating unit sensors be combined in conjunction with a rule device and actuator, z. B. realized by Microcontrollers and semiconductor switches or relays that Temperature of the liquids / gases on the one hand and the On the other hand, record the ambient temperature and the Cooling process / heating process according to the process requirements regulations regulate in relation to temperature and temperature course.   15. The apparatus according to claim 6-14, characterized records that the cooling unit in the form of an over litter - consisting of insulation unit, cold conductor, Sensors and radiant heaters - is executed. 16. The apparatus according to claim 6-15, characterized records that the walls of the cooling unit are elastic are carried out so that an intensive heat exchange can take place regardless of the container shape. 17. The apparatus according to claim 6-16, characterized records that the enveloping container from a A large number of Peltier elements consists of that cooling side and heating side on the wall directly face each other. 18. The apparatus according to claim 6-17, characterized records that the enveloping container in the form of a closed container is executed in the Liquid or gas container is introduced, and then the overtank is closed. 19. The apparatus according to claim 6-18, characterized records that the energy supply is pluggable for both one unit as well as for several units z. B. Busbar-like in line or cross is, so that several units simultaneously with one or can be supplied in a few simple steps. 20. The apparatus according to claim 6-19, characterized records that the cooling system with an autonomous energy supply unit z. B. in the form of solar cells and or a battery is coupled in such a way that System can be operated autonomously and the cooling process is not interrupted even if the Connection to the higher-level energy system opened becomes. 21. The apparatus according to claim 6-20, characterized records that the cooling unit with a protective layer against aggressive liquids or gases.   22. The apparatus of claim 6-21, characterized ge indicates that the cooling unit in the form of a Cooling rod / heating rod is executed, the similar how a immersion heater can work autonomously, in if necessary, open containers can also be introduced and by changing the polarity of a liquid / gas can both extract heat (cooling) as well Can supply heat.