EP1020149A2 - Method to control refrigeration conditions of refrigerated modules and device to achieve said method - Google Patents
Method to control refrigeration conditions of refrigerated modules and device to achieve said method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1020149A2 EP1020149A2 EP00100725A EP00100725A EP1020149A2 EP 1020149 A2 EP1020149 A2 EP 1020149A2 EP 00100725 A EP00100725 A EP 00100725A EP 00100725 A EP00100725 A EP 00100725A EP 1020149 A2 EP1020149 A2 EP 1020149A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- temperature
- control unit
- value
- refrigerated
- measure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
- A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
- A47F3/0482—Details common to both closed and open types
-
- 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
- F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
- F25D21/002—Defroster control
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/02—Humidity
-
- 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/11—Sensor to detect if defrost is necessary
-
- 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/11—Sensor to detect if defrost is necessary
- F25B2700/111—Sensor to detect if defrost is necessary using an emitter and receiver, e.g. sensing by emitting light or other radiation and receiving reflection by a sensor
-
- 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
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
-
- 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
- F25D2700/14—Sensors measuring the temperature outside the refrigerator or freezer
-
- 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
- F25D2700/16—Sensors measuring the temperature of products
Definitions
- This invention concerns a method to control the refrigeration conditions of refrigerated modules, and the device which achieves said method.
- the invention is suitable to be used in showcases and refrigerated modules used to display, preserve and sell refrigerated food products, in order to reduce the overall consumption of electric energy and to optimize the preservation conditions of the food products.
- the invention allows to reduce to a minimum the influence of the defrosting and anti-misting cycles on the preservation of the food products; it also ensures that the optimum thermostat parameters are maintained for the correct preservation of the refrigerated food stuffs.
- frost, ice or snow on the surfaces of an evaporator during the functioning of a refrigeration plant can assume proportions such as to compromise the correct functioning of the refrigeration system; therefore it is usual practice to follow programmed defrosting cycles to melt the deposits of frost or ice from the surfaces of the evaporator.
- programmed defrosting cycles are performed automatically, at fixed periods of time, determined according to experience and the functioning parameters of the refrigeration plant.
- every defrosting cycle causes an increase in temperature and therefore has a negative influence on the preservation of the products themselves, and in any case causes a high energy consumption, at the end of the cycle, in order to restore the correct refrigeration conditions.
- the state of the art includes a method which provides to make a series of short defrosting cycles, at a limited interval from each other, and then to make a complete defrosting only after the refrigeration plant has been functioning for a long period of time.
- This solution does not solve the problem completely, since the defrosting operations do not take into account the real situations which have occurred inside the refrigerated module.
- Another problem connected with maintaining optimum refrigeration conditions is that when the humid air contained inside the refrigerated compartment comes into contact with a surface which has a lower temperature than dew temperature, condensation forms on said surface and, if the surface is transparent, causes it to mist over.
- the state of the art provides to use electric anti-misting devices, including the heating filaments of the type used in the heated rear windows of motor vehicles.
- electric fans are also used, suitable to direct a flow of air, heated or not, onto the surfaces most subject to the phenomenon of misting.
- the high consumption of electric energy is due not only to the power absorbed directly by the anti-misting devices, but also to the fact that the refrigeration system of the refrigeration plant must be activated more frequently and for longer periods of time to deal with the increase in temperature inside the showcase caused by the anti-misting devices.
- the anti-misting devices which function constantly unless there are correction interventions made, can cause a deterioration of the preservation conditions of the food products.
- thermohygrometric parameters are controlled using thermoregulators, or other similar control devices, installed inside the volume of the refrigerated module in a position such that the detector element is suitable to be lapped by the cooling air.
- thermoregulators are programmed to define a thermostat setting suitable to ensure the correct conditions for preserving the food products.
- the temperature of the cooling air is constantly measured and, if variations are monitored in the real temperature with respect to the programmed value, an intervention is made on the refrigeration plant to restore correct conditions.
- This method of control ensures that only the thermostat parameters of the cooling air are maintained; it does not allow to control the actual, real temperature of the products contained in the refrigerated module. This is a problem since the action of external agents can alter the relation between the thermostat value (air temperature) and the real temperature of the product.
- a first purpose of the invention is to determine, in a manner which uses a processor, the activation and duration of the defrosting cycles in an evaporator in a refrigeration plant, in such a way as to reduce the influence of the defrosting operations on the parameters of preservation of the refrigerated products.
- the invention provides to start the defrosting cycles only when necessary, that is, when the conditions inside the refrigeration plant require it because the frost or ice on the outside surfaces of the evaporator begins to influence the thermo-dynamic parameters of the system to a considerable extent.
- the invention provides to terminate the defrosting cycle at the actual moment when correct functioning conditions have been restored.
- Another purpose of the invention is to control, in a manner using a processor, the activation and de-activation of the electric anti-misting devices so as to reduce the consumption of electric energy.
- a further purpose of the invention is to regulate the thermostat parameters so as to ensure that the foodstuffs contained therein are perfectly preserved and maintained irrespective of the quantity and type of light striking them.
- the invention provides to regulate the thermostat parameters according to the intensity of the light which strikes the products on display.
- the invention provides to control and measure the values of a plurality of parameters of the refrigeration plant, and to begin defrosting of the evaporator only when a significant variation is registered in one or more of said parameters with respect to normal working conditions.
- the significant variation is interpreted by the control system as a symptom of a behavior of the evaporator which is no longer efficient, caused by the presence of an excessive quantity of frost or ice on the walls of the evaporator.
- the defrosting cycle is taken to be terminated, and is therefore stopped, when the controlled parameters return within the values corresponding to an efficient functioning of the evaporator.
- the parameters measured include at least the air temperature at inlet to and outlet from the evaporator.
- the pressure of the gas circulating in the cooling circuit is also measured.
- the speed of circulation of the air inside the refrigerated space is also measured.
- the invention also uses means to physically detect the growth of deposits of frost on the surfaces of the evaporator and uses these values as a threshold value; when this value is exceeded, the defrosting cycle is activated.
- the invention also uses the parameter relating to the time which has passed since the last defrosting operation was carried out.
- the invention also uses the parameter relating to the time during which the refrigerated showcase has remained open, indirectly deducing the quantity of humidity introduced from outside into the refrigerated compartment containing the products.
- control system includes means suitable to achieve self-learning operations, in order to use the data acquired in the first defrosting cycles to establish the times and modes to be used in subsequent defrosting cycles.
- the invention to establish the end of the defrosting cycle, provides to monitor the actual temperature assumed by the surface of the evaporator. When this temperature reaches a pre-set value, the control system interprets this situation as a signal that all the frost on the surfaces of the evaporator has been completely melted and commands the defrosting cycle to stop.
- optical means are provided suitable to monitor that the frost is completely melted and to give permission for the defrosting cycle to be interrupted.
- the defrosting cycle is ended a fixed time after starting.
- the invention provides to continuously measure at least the temperature t s of the transparent surface of the module on which it is desired to prevent the formation of condensation, and on which the electric anti-misting devices are installed; moreover, it provides to measure the outside temperature t a and the relative humidity ⁇ a of the location where the refrigerated module is installed.
- the invention provides to measure the humidity ⁇ s inside the refrigerated module.
- the electric anti-misting devices are normally kept inactive, and are only activated when the values detected of the temperatures t s and t a and of the relative humidity ⁇ a assume, within a defined field of tolerance, pre-set reference values.
- the reference values pre-determined theoretically or experimentally and memorized in tables in an electronic control unit which manages the functioning of the refrigerated showcase, are those which, under normal working conditions of the refrigeration plant, cause the afore-said surface to mist over.
- the reference values mainly take into account that a high relative humidity ⁇ a of the premises where the refrigerated showcase or module is installed will systematically cause condensation on a surface every time the temperature t s of the surface is less than the temperature t a of the premises and the dew temperature t r of the air inside said premises.
- the invention provides to monitor the development in time of these reference values in order to activate the electrical anti-misting devices before the phenomenon of misting-over occurs.
- the time that the anti-misting devices are activated may have a fixed and pre-determined value.
- the anti-misting devices are automatically de-activated when the electronic control unit detects that the value of the temperature t s has risen above a pre-determined threshold, according to the pre-defined conditions of temperature and outside humidity. If these external, environmental conditions change, the threshold value corresponding to the de-activation of the anti-misting devices is also modified in a correlated manner.
- the invention provides to use detection means, or light detectors, located inside the refrigerated module and suitable to detect the quantity of light or infra-red entering the cooling volume.
- These detection means are advantageously located very near the products on display, so as to be able to detect, in a credible manner, the actual variation in the temperature of the products caused by the infra-red rays, by means of calculus algorithms.
- the invention provides to condition the functioning of the refrigeration plant according to the quantity of infra-red measured by the detection means, so that the temperature of the products displayed is the optimum temperature for a perfect preservation.
- the invention provides to give an alarm signal to the assistants every time the quantity of infra-red measured by the detection means reaches too high a threshold value which cannot be corrected by a modification to the thermostat setting.
- Another variant provides that, every time the quantity of infra-red measured by the detection means reaches defined threshold values, means are activated to protect the products displayed, such as for example photochromic glass, screens or otherwise, chosen according to the use and location of the refrigerated module.
- Fig. 1 shows a refrigerated showcase 10, of the type used to display and sell ice cream, comprising at the front part a glass pane 11 and at the rear a hinged top 12 which can be opened and through which the sales assistant can access the refrigerated compartment located inside the showcase.
- the showcase 10 is equipped with a cooling circuit 17 shown schematically in its essential components in Fig. 2; it comprises an evaporator unit 13, a compressor unit 14, a condenser unit 15 and a stabilizing member 16 to stabilize the cooling fluid, such as an expansion valve, a capillary or other similar element.
- a cooling circuit 17 shown schematically in its essential components in Fig. 2; it comprises an evaporator unit 13, a compressor unit 14, a condenser unit 15 and a stabilizing member 16 to stabilize the cooling fluid, such as an expansion valve, a capillary or other similar element.
- the functioning of the cooling circuit 17 is controlled and managed by an electronic unit, or CPU, 18 which is programmed to maintain inside the showcase 10 the desired hygrothermal conditions according to the organoleptic characteristics of the food product to be refrigerated.
- CPU electronic unit
- frost 26 is deposited on the outer surfaces of the fins 19 and the tubes 20 of the evaporator 13, which is transformed into ice if it is not completely eliminated.
- the layer of frost 26 increases in thickness, and constitutes an obstacle to the flow of air, indicated by the arrows 21 in Fig. 2, through the evaporator 13 and thus lowers the efficiency of the evaporator 13 and the refrigeration plant.
- a defrosting cycle which can be done, for example, by making a hot fluid circulate inside the tubes 20 of the evaporator, or by making a solution with a low freezing point fall into the evaporator, or by switching off the compressor 14 and waiting for the frost 26 to melt naturally.
- the procedure used for defrosting is in any case irrelevant for the purposes of the invention.
- the invention provides to identify, according to the actual working conditions of the refrigeration plant and to the conditions of the refrigerated environment, the most appropriate moment to begin every defrosting cycle, and the most appropriate moment to end it.
- the circuit suitable to make the control mentioned above comprises temperature monitoring means 22a and 22b located respectively at inlet and outlet of the evaporator 13 and suitable to determine the temperature of the air respectively entering and emerging from the evaporator 13.
- the circuit also comprises means 23 suitable to detect the pressure of the cooling fluid, arranged along the cooling circuit 17.
- optical detection means 25 suitable to measure the thickness of the layer of frost 26 which has formed on the fins 19 and tubes 20 of the evaporator 13, consisting of a light emitter 27 and a mating receiver 28.
- the light emitter 27 advantageously consists of a fiber optic suitable to emit a luminous signal
- the receiver 28 consists of an optical detector which is suitable, according to the luminous signal reflected by the layer of frost 26, to calculate the thickness thereof.
- the control unit 18 comprises a timer 29 suitable to measure and memorize the time which has elapsed since the last defrosting cycle, and to measure the duration of every defrosting cycle.
- the respective parameters measured by the means 22a, 22b, 23, 24 and 25 are sent to the control unit 18, which is suitable to process them according to a pre-established program, possibly interpolating them with each other, and to establish when, inside the showcase 10, the actual conditions have been created which require a defrosting cycle to be started.
- a first embodiment provides to start the defrosting cycle when the difference between the temperature of the air entering the evaporator 13, measured by the probe 22a, and the temperature of the air leaving the evaporator 13, measured by the probe 22b, goes below a pre-determined threshold, when there are defined and pre-determined conditions of the cooling fluid pressure and possibly of the air speed inside the showcase 10.
- control unit 18 according to the signals relating to the measurements made by the sensor 23, and possibly by the sensor 24, which define the working conditions of the refrigeration plant, determines an intervention threshold relative to the difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature of the air to/from the evaporator 13.
- control unit 18 supplies a signal to activate the defrosting cycle.
- the defrosting cycle can be actuated by acting on a switch 31.
- this can cause the cooling fluid to be heated and circulate inside the tubes 20 of the evaporator 13 to melt the frost 26.
- the signal relating to this value of thickness, as detected by the optical sensor 25, is sent to the control unit 18, inside which a threshold value is memorized; when the threshold value is exceeded, the permission for the defrosting cycle to begin is given.
- one variant of the invention provides to consider the time which has passed since the last defrosting operation was carried out, calculated by the timer 29.
- control unit 18 sends an alarm message, so that the assistants are warned of a possible malfunctioning of the refrigeration plant.
- the method provides to define a maximum time threshold; when this is reached, a defrosting cycle is started anyway, even if the actual parameters monitored do not indicate that it is necessary.
- the timer 29 is also used to measure the time during which the glass 11 or the hinged top 12 stay open, that is, the time during which the refrigerated inner environment of the showcase 10 stays in contact with the outside environment, with the relative exchange of air, and therefore humidity is introduced inside the system.
- the mean humidity of the inner environment of the showcase 10 may rise, and therefore this can accelerate the formation of frost 26 on the evaporator 13.
- the control unit 18 can be programmed so as to carry out cross-over comparisons between the parameters detected, and to start the defrosting cycle only when all said parameters, according to the pre-defined thresholds, indicate that defrosting is necessary.
- a preferential threshold is chosen from among those mentioned above, and the other parameters are used only to confirm the indications supplied by the basic parameter.
- control unit 18 can make a self-learning program according to which tables are defined of pre-determined values of all the parameters measured, and permission to start defrosting is given without making interpolations or comparisons but simply when the parameters reach said pre-determined values.
- the first defrosting cycle is always carried out after a pre-set time, in order to define a parameter setting table.
- a first embodiment of the invention provides to measure, by means of a probe 30, the actual temperature reached by the surface of the evaporator 13.
- This value is measured continuously and compared by the control unit 18 with a pre-defined threshold value, according to which the frost 26 is assumed to have completely melted.
- control unit 18 uses the data monitored by the optical detection means 25.
- the control unit 18 gives permission for the defrosting cycle to be interrupted.
- the defrosting cycle is interrupted a fixed time after starting, as measured by the timer 29.
- the temperature values of the surface of the evaporator 13, the actual thickness of the frost 26 and the defrosting time can be appropriately interpolated and compared with each other by the control unit 18 to establish the most appropriate moment to stop defrosting.
- the glass 11 is equipped with electrically conductive heating filaments 32 suitable to heat the glass 11 when fed with a specific feed tension v alim (Fig. 6).
- heating filaments 32 instead of the heating filaments 32, it is possible to use glass of a pyrolithic type, or glass suitable to cooperate with fans blowing hot air, or other conventional anti-misting systems.
- the invention provides to activate the feed to the heating filaments 32 only when the temperature t s of the glass 11, the temperature t a and the relative humidity ⁇ a of the premises where the showcase 10 is installed assume defined reference values.
- Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a circuit associated with the control unit 18, suitable to control the anti-misting cycles according to the invention.
- the temperature sensor 34 detects the temperature t a of the premises where the showcase 10 is installed, the humidity sensor 36 measures the value of relative humidity ⁇ a of the same premises and the temperature sensor 35 detects the temperature t s of the surface of the glass 11.
- the values detected by the sensors 34, 35 and 36 are sent continuously to the control unit 18, which processes them, possibly interpolating them with each other, and compares them with reference values contained in the memorization unit 33. According to this comparison, the control unit 18 defines when conditions to cause the glass 11 to mist over occur and therefore, as a consequence, provides to close the switch 37, for example a relay switch, to feed the heating filament 32 with the feed tension V alim .
- control unit 18 monitors the variations in time of said temperature values t a and t s and of the relative humidity ⁇ a and then can be programmed so as to activate the heating filaments 32 before the conditions occur which cause misting over.
- the time for which the heating filaments 32 are activated may assume a fixed and pre-ordained value corresponding to a programmed anti-misting time.
- the cessation of feed to the heating filaments 32 is governed by a parameter control made by the unit 18, and in particular by the control of the temperature t s of the glass 11, established according to the external conditions of outside humidity and temperature.
- a further control of the refrigeration conditions in the showcase 10 is based on the quantity of light "L" which penetrates inside the refrigerated showcase through the glass 11.
- the light "L" which may be natural, artificial or mixed, can cause the surface temperature of the products on display to rise, due to radiance.
- a light-detector 38 suitable to detect the quantity of infrared "L” striking the products on display, and to transmit the values detected to the control unit 18.
- the light-detector 38 is installed on the same plane on which the tray 39 lies, so as to detect, in a credible manner, the actual quantity of infrared "L” striking the ice-cream contained therein, so that it is possible to detect the real variation in the temperature of the product with a reasonable degree of reliability.
- the control unit 18 is suitable to pilot the cooling assembly 40 of the showcase 10, a signalling assembly and protection means 42, such as photochromic glass, movable screens or similar, suitable to defend the products on display from the light "L".
- a signalling assembly and protection means 42 such as photochromic glass, movable screens or similar, suitable to defend the products on display from the light "L".
- the cooling assembly 40 works with forced air circulation and is normally controlled by a thermoregulator 43, also functionally connected to the control unit 18, suitable to detect the parameters relating to the thermostat setting of the cooling air circulating inside the showcase 10 and to transmit them to the unit 18.
- the values supplied at outlet from the light-detector 38 are acquired continuously by the control unit 18, which conditions the functioning of the cooling assembly 40 according to said values.
- the thermostat setting is modified, lowering the temperature of the air by a value correlated to the quantity of infrared detected.
- this value can be lowered, for example to -22°C, if the light-detector 38 detects a quantity of infrared such as to significantly raise the temperature of the product.
- the invention instead of or in combination with the lowering of the temperature setting, provides to increase the speed of the fan 40a in order to increase the intensity of heat exchange between cooling air and refrigerated products, so that the increase in temperature caused by the light "L" is efficiently combated.
- the increase in speed of the fan 40a is timed.
- the speed of the fan 40a is increased until the thermoregulator 43 detects a temperature value equal to that required, but with a defined correction factor added.
- the correction factor is calculated by the control unit 18, using defined algorithms, according to values supplied continuously by the light-detector 38 and is such as to ensure that the products on display have the thermostat parameters required by the legislation in force and necessary for perfect preservation.
- the control unit 18 activates the signalling assembly 41, which can comprise visual signallers 41a, for example a display, lamps, leds or otherwise, or acoustic signalling means 41b such as a buzzer or similar, or even signalling means of a mixed type.
- the control unit 18 can also activate the optional protection means 42 chosen on each occasion according to the use of the showcase 10 or where the showcase 10 is installed.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Defrosting Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention concerns a method to control the refrigeration conditions of refrigerated modules, and the device which achieves said method.
- The invention is suitable to be used in showcases and refrigerated modules used to display, preserve and sell refrigerated food products, in order to reduce the overall consumption of electric energy and to optimize the preservation conditions of the food products.
- The invention allows to reduce to a minimum the influence of the defrosting and anti-misting cycles on the preservation of the food products; it also ensures that the optimum thermostat parameters are maintained for the correct preservation of the refrigerated food stuffs.
- There are various problems in the state of the art concerning the refrigeration of foodstuffs in order to ensure optimum hygrothermal conditions for preservation.
- For example, it is well-known that the formation of frost, ice or snow on the surfaces of an evaporator during the functioning of a refrigeration plant can assume proportions such as to compromise the correct functioning of the refrigeration system; therefore it is usual practice to follow programmed defrosting cycles to melt the deposits of frost or ice from the surfaces of the evaporator.
- In practice, programmed defrosting cycles are performed automatically, at fixed periods of time, determined according to experience and the functioning parameters of the refrigeration plant.
- However, every defrosting cycle causes an increase in temperature and therefore has a negative influence on the preservation of the products themselves, and in any case causes a high energy consumption, at the end of the cycle, in order to restore the correct refrigeration conditions.
- Alternative solutions have therefore been studied with the purpose of reducing the influence of such cycles on the preservation conditions of the refrigerated products.
- For example, the state of the art includes a method which provides to make a series of short defrosting cycles, at a limited interval from each other, and then to make a complete defrosting only after the refrigeration plant has been functioning for a long period of time. This solution does not solve the problem completely, since the defrosting operations do not take into account the real situations which have occurred inside the refrigerated module.
- Another problem connected with maintaining optimum refrigeration conditions is that when the humid air contained inside the refrigerated compartment comes into contact with a surface which has a lower temperature than dew temperature, condensation forms on said surface and, if the surface is transparent, causes it to mist over.
- Misting over not only reduces visibility for the customer and conceals the products displayed, but also causes drips which can damage the products or the packaging. Moreover, the drips can damage the metal parts of the windows and the refrigerated modules, or can reach the electrical parts, with considerable risks both for the assistants and for the customers.
- To overcome this problem, the state of the art provides to use electric anti-misting devices, including the heating filaments of the type used in the heated rear windows of motor vehicles. In some cases electric fans are also used, suitable to direct a flow of air, heated or not, onto the surfaces most subject to the phenomenon of misting.
- Conventional anti-misting devices are normally kept functioning permanently, which entails a high consumption of electric energy and also a negative effect on the parameters of thermosetting of the refrigerated showcase.
- The high consumption of electric energy is due not only to the power absorbed directly by the anti-misting devices, but also to the fact that the refrigeration system of the refrigeration plant must be activated more frequently and for longer periods of time to deal with the increase in temperature inside the showcase caused by the anti-misting devices.
- Moreover, the anti-misting devices, which function constantly unless there are correction interventions made, can cause a deterioration of the preservation conditions of the food products.
- In conventional refrigerated modules, it is well-known that the thermohygrometric parameters are controlled using thermoregulators, or other similar control devices, installed inside the volume of the refrigerated module in a position such that the detector element is suitable to be lapped by the cooling air.
- Such thermoregulators are programmed to define a thermostat setting suitable to ensure the correct conditions for preserving the food products.
- The temperature of the cooling air is constantly measured and, if variations are monitored in the real temperature with respect to the programmed value, an intervention is made on the refrigeration plant to restore correct conditions.
- This method of control, however, ensures that only the thermostat parameters of the cooling air are maintained; it does not allow to control the actual, real temperature of the products contained in the refrigerated module. This is a problem since the action of external agents can alter the relation between the thermostat value (air temperature) and the real temperature of the product.
- It is well-known, in fact, that the external light causes an increase, due to radiance, in the temperature of the products on display, although the temperature of the cooling air remains more or less constant.
- Thus it may happen that, during the course of the day, the real temperature of the products exposed to the light exceeds - even by several degrees - the values set by the thermostat setting and considered optimum for the correct preservation of the foodstuffs.
- The present Applicant has devised, tested and embodied this invention to overcome these shortcomings and to obtain further advantages.
- The invention is set forth and characterized in the respective main claims, while the dependent claims describe other innovative characteristics of the invention.
- A first purpose of the invention is to determine, in a manner which uses a processor, the activation and duration of the defrosting cycles in an evaporator in a refrigeration plant, in such a way as to reduce the influence of the defrosting operations on the parameters of preservation of the refrigerated products.
- To be more exact, the invention provides to start the defrosting cycles only when necessary, that is, when the conditions inside the refrigeration plant require it because the frost or ice on the outside surfaces of the evaporator begins to influence the thermo-dynamic parameters of the system to a considerable extent.
- Moreover, the invention provides to terminate the defrosting cycle at the actual moment when correct functioning conditions have been restored.
- Another purpose of the invention is to control, in a manner using a processor, the activation and de-activation of the electric anti-misting devices so as to reduce the consumption of electric energy.
- A further purpose of the invention is to regulate the thermostat parameters so as to ensure that the foodstuffs contained therein are perfectly preserved and maintained irrespective of the quantity and type of light striking them.
- To be more exact, the invention provides to regulate the thermostat parameters according to the intensity of the light which strikes the products on display.
- In a first embodiment, the invention provides to control and measure the values of a plurality of parameters of the refrigeration plant, and to begin defrosting of the evaporator only when a significant variation is registered in one or more of said parameters with respect to normal working conditions.
- The significant variation is interpreted by the control system as a symptom of a behavior of the evaporator which is no longer efficient, caused by the presence of an excessive quantity of frost or ice on the walls of the evaporator.
- Similarly, the defrosting cycle is taken to be terminated, and is therefore stopped, when the controlled parameters return within the values corresponding to an efficient functioning of the evaporator.
- The parameters measured include at least the air temperature at inlet to and outlet from the evaporator.
- According to a first variant, the pressure of the gas circulating in the cooling circuit is also measured.
- According to another variant, the speed of circulation of the air inside the refrigerated space is also measured.
- According to a variant, the invention also uses means to physically detect the growth of deposits of frost on the surfaces of the evaporator and uses these values as a threshold value; when this value is exceeded, the defrosting cycle is activated.
- According to a further variant, the invention also uses the parameter relating to the time which has passed since the last defrosting operation was carried out.
- According to another variant, the invention also uses the parameter relating to the time during which the refrigerated showcase has remained open, indirectly deducing the quantity of humidity introduced from outside into the refrigerated compartment containing the products.
- According to the invention, the control system includes means suitable to achieve self-learning operations, in order to use the data acquired in the first defrosting cycles to establish the times and modes to be used in subsequent defrosting cycles.
- In a first embodiment, to establish the end of the defrosting cycle, the invention provides to monitor the actual temperature assumed by the surface of the evaporator. When this temperature reaches a pre-set value, the control system interprets this situation as a signal that all the frost on the surfaces of the evaporator has been completely melted and commands the defrosting cycle to stop.
- According to another variant, optical means are provided suitable to monitor that the frost is completely melted and to give permission for the defrosting cycle to be interrupted.
- According to a further variant, the defrosting cycle is ended a fixed time after starting.
- In another embodiment, the invention provides to continuously measure at least the temperature ts of the transparent surface of the module on which it is desired to prevent the formation of condensation, and on which the electric anti-misting devices are installed; moreover, it provides to measure the outside temperature ta and the relative humidity ϕa of the location where the refrigerated module is installed.
- According to a variant, the invention provides to measure the humidity ϕs inside the refrigerated module.
- According to the invention, the electric anti-misting devices are normally kept inactive, and are only activated when the values detected of the temperatures ts and ta and of the relative humidity ϕa assume, within a defined field of tolerance, pre-set reference values.
- The reference values, pre-determined theoretically or experimentally and memorized in tables in an electronic control unit which manages the functioning of the refrigerated showcase, are those which, under normal working conditions of the refrigeration plant, cause the afore-said surface to mist over.
- The reference values mainly take into account that a high relative humidity ϕa of the premises where the refrigerated showcase or module is installed will systematically cause condensation on a surface every time the temperature ts of the surface is less than the temperature ta of the premises and the dew temperature tr of the air inside said premises.
- In a preferential embodiment, the invention provides to monitor the development in time of these reference values in order to activate the electrical anti-misting devices before the phenomenon of misting-over occurs.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the time that the anti-misting devices are activated may have a fixed and pre-determined value.
- According to a variant, the anti-misting devices are automatically de-activated when the electronic control unit detects that the value of the temperature ts has risen above a pre-determined threshold, according to the pre-defined conditions of temperature and outside humidity. If these external, environmental conditions change, the threshold value corresponding to the de-activation of the anti-misting devices is also modified in a correlated manner.
- In a further embodiment, the invention provides to use detection means, or light detectors, located inside the refrigerated module and suitable to detect the quantity of light or infra-red entering the cooling volume.
- These detection means are advantageously located very near the products on display, so as to be able to detect, in a credible manner, the actual variation in the temperature of the products caused by the infra-red rays, by means of calculus algorithms.
- The invention provides to condition the functioning of the refrigeration plant according to the quantity of infra-red measured by the detection means, so that the temperature of the products displayed is the optimum temperature for a perfect preservation.
- According to a variant, the invention provides to give an alarm signal to the assistants every time the quantity of infra-red measured by the detection means reaches too high a threshold value which cannot be corrected by a modification to the thermostat setting.
- Another variant provides that, every time the quantity of infra-red measured by the detection means reaches defined threshold values, means are activated to protect the products displayed, such as for example photochromic glass, screens or otherwise, chosen according to the use and location of the refrigerated module.
- These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of some preferential forms of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- Fig. 1
- shows a refrigerated showcase adopting the control method according to the invention;
- Fig. 2
- shows in simplified form a cooling circuit used in the showcase shown in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3
- is a block diagram of a circuit used in the showcase shown in Fig. 1 to control the defrosting cycles;
- Fig. 4
- shows a part of the surface of the evaporator partly covered with frost before the defrosting cycle;
- Fig. 5
- shows the same part of Fig. 4 at the end of the defrosting cycle;
- Fig. 6
- is a block diagram of a circuit used in the showcase shown in Fig. 1 to control the anti-misting cycles;
- Fig. 7
- is a block diagram of a circuit used in the showcase shown in Fig. 1 to control the thermostat parameters.
- Fig. 1 shows a
refrigerated showcase 10, of the type used to display and sell ice cream, comprising at the front part aglass pane 11 and at the rear a hinged top 12 which can be opened and through which the sales assistant can access the refrigerated compartment located inside the showcase. - The description which follows concerns a showcase for ice cream, but the invention can also be applied substantially to any type of showcase or refrigerated module for the display and sale of refrigerated food products.
- The
showcase 10 is equipped with acooling circuit 17 shown schematically in its essential components in Fig. 2; it comprises anevaporator unit 13, acompressor unit 14, acondenser unit 15 and a stabilizingmember 16 to stabilize the cooling fluid, such as an expansion valve, a capillary or other similar element. - The functioning of the
cooling circuit 17 is controlled and managed by an electronic unit, or CPU, 18 which is programmed to maintain inside theshowcase 10 the desired hygrothermal conditions according to the organoleptic characteristics of the food product to be refrigerated. - While the refrigeration plant is functioning, a layer of
frost 26 is deposited on the outer surfaces of thefins 19 and thetubes 20 of theevaporator 13, which is transformed into ice if it is not completely eliminated. - With time, the layer of
frost 26 increases in thickness, and constitutes an obstacle to the flow of air, indicated by thearrows 21 in Fig. 2, through theevaporator 13 and thus lowers the efficiency of theevaporator 13 and the refrigeration plant. - It is therefore necessary to carry out a defrosting cycle which can be done, for example, by making a hot fluid circulate inside the
tubes 20 of the evaporator, or by making a solution with a low freezing point fall into the evaporator, or by switching off thecompressor 14 and waiting for thefrost 26 to melt naturally. - The procedure used for defrosting is in any case irrelevant for the purposes of the invention.
- To control the defrosting operations, the invention provides to identify, according to the actual working conditions of the refrigeration plant and to the conditions of the refrigerated environment, the most appropriate moment to begin every defrosting cycle, and the most appropriate moment to end it.
- The circuit suitable to make the control mentioned above comprises temperature monitoring means 22a and 22b located respectively at inlet and outlet of the
evaporator 13 and suitable to determine the temperature of the air respectively entering and emerging from theevaporator 13. The circuit also comprises means 23 suitable to detect the pressure of the cooling fluid, arranged along the coolingcircuit 17. - According to a variant, there are also means 24 suitable to detect the speed of the air inside the
showcase 10. - In the variant shown in Fig. 4, there are also optical detection means 25 suitable to measure the thickness of the layer of
frost 26 which has formed on thefins 19 andtubes 20 of theevaporator 13, consisting of alight emitter 27 and amating receiver 28. - The
light emitter 27 advantageously consists of a fiber optic suitable to emit a luminous signal, and thereceiver 28 consists of an optical detector which is suitable, according to the luminous signal reflected by the layer offrost 26, to calculate the thickness thereof. - The
control unit 18 comprises atimer 29 suitable to measure and memorize the time which has elapsed since the last defrosting cycle, and to measure the duration of every defrosting cycle. - According to the invention, the respective parameters measured by the
means control unit 18, which is suitable to process them according to a pre-established program, possibly interpolating them with each other, and to establish when, inside theshowcase 10, the actual conditions have been created which require a defrosting cycle to be started. - To be more exact, a first embodiment provides to start the defrosting cycle when the difference between the temperature of the air entering the
evaporator 13, measured by theprobe 22a, and the temperature of the air leaving theevaporator 13, measured by theprobe 22b, goes below a pre-determined threshold, when there are defined and pre-determined conditions of the cooling fluid pressure and possibly of the air speed inside theshowcase 10. - In this case, the
control unit 18, according to the signals relating to the measurements made by thesensor 23, and possibly by thesensor 24, which define the working conditions of the refrigeration plant, determines an intervention threshold relative to the difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature of the air to/from theevaporator 13. - Once this threshold has been exceeded, the
control unit 18 supplies a signal to activate the defrosting cycle. - The defrosting cycle can be actuated by acting on a
switch 31. - In one embodiment, when the
switch 31 is commutated, this can cause the cooling fluid to be heated and circulate inside thetubes 20 of theevaporator 13 to melt thefrost 26. - Alternatively the other defrosting methods cited above can be used, or others.
- In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, among the parameters used to verify whether the defrosting cycle needs to be started, there is also the actual thickness of the layer of
frost 26 on the surfaces of theevaporator 13. - The signal relating to this value of thickness, as detected by the
optical sensor 25, is sent to thecontrol unit 18, inside which a threshold value is memorized; when the threshold value is exceeded, the permission for the defrosting cycle to begin is given. - To start the defrosting cycle, one variant of the invention provides to consider the time which has passed since the last defrosting operation was carried out, calculated by the
timer 29. - In the event that the actual parameters indicated above, as detected by the
respective sensors control unit 18 sends an alarm message, so that the assistants are warned of a possible malfunctioning of the refrigeration plant. - Similarly, if a long period of time has elapsed since the last defrosting, but the
sensors - According to a variant, the method provides to define a maximum time threshold; when this is reached, a defrosting cycle is started anyway, even if the actual parameters monitored do not indicate that it is necessary.
- The
timer 29 is also used to measure the time during which theglass 11 or the hinged top 12 stay open, that is, the time during which the refrigerated inner environment of theshowcase 10 stays in contact with the outside environment, with the relative exchange of air, and therefore humidity is introduced inside the system. - In the event that the hinged top 12 stays open for a long time, the mean humidity of the inner environment of the
showcase 10 may rise, and therefore this can accelerate the formation offrost 26 on theevaporator 13. - The
control unit 18 can be programmed so as to carry out cross-over comparisons between the parameters detected, and to start the defrosting cycle only when all said parameters, according to the pre-defined thresholds, indicate that defrosting is necessary. - According to a variant, a preferential threshold is chosen from among those mentioned above, and the other parameters are used only to confirm the indications supplied by the basic parameter.
- After the first defrosting cycles, the
control unit 18 can make a self-learning program according to which tables are defined of pre-determined values of all the parameters measured, and permission to start defrosting is given without making interpolations or comparisons but simply when the parameters reach said pre-determined values. - According to a variant, the first defrosting cycle is always carried out after a pre-set time, in order to define a parameter setting table.
- To bring the defrosting cycle to an end, in order to prevent it continuing for longer than is necessary, a first embodiment of the invention provides to measure, by means of a
probe 30, the actual temperature reached by the surface of theevaporator 13. - This value is measured continuously and compared by the
control unit 18 with a pre-defined threshold value, according to which thefrost 26 is assumed to have completely melted. - Once this threshold value has been reached, the defrosting is interrupted and the normal functioning of the
cooling circuit 17 restored. - According to a variant, the
control unit 18 uses the data monitored by the optical detection means 25. - When said means 25 optically detect the complete disappearance of the frost 26 (Fig. 5), the
control unit 18 gives permission for the defrosting cycle to be interrupted. According to another variant, the defrosting cycle is interrupted a fixed time after starting, as measured by thetimer 29. - In this case too, the temperature values of the surface of the
evaporator 13, the actual thickness of thefrost 26 and the defrosting time can be appropriately interpolated and compared with each other by thecontrol unit 18 to establish the most appropriate moment to stop defrosting. - In this case, the
glass 11 is equipped with electricallyconductive heating filaments 32 suitable to heat theglass 11 when fed with a specific feed tension valim (Fig. 6). - Instead of the
heating filaments 32, it is possible to use glass of a pyrolithic type, or glass suitable to cooperate with fans blowing hot air, or other conventional anti-misting systems. - The invention provides to activate the feed to the
heating filaments 32 only when the temperature ts of theglass 11, the temperature ta and the relative humidity ϕa of the premises where theshowcase 10 is installed assume defined reference values. - Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a circuit associated with the
control unit 18, suitable to control the anti-misting cycles according to the invention. - A
memorization unit 33, two temperature sensors respectively 34 and 35, ahumidity sensor 36 and aswitch 37, normally on and serially connected to theheating filament 32, are connected to theelectronic control unit 18. - The
temperature sensor 34 detects the temperature ta of the premises where theshowcase 10 is installed, thehumidity sensor 36 measures the value of relative humidity ϕa of the same premises and thetemperature sensor 35 detects the temperature ts of the surface of theglass 11. - According to a variant which is not shown here, there is a further sensor connected to the
unit 18 suitable to measure the humidity inside theshowcase 10. - The values detected by the
sensors control unit 18, which processes them, possibly interpolating them with each other, and compares them with reference values contained in thememorization unit 33. According to this comparison, thecontrol unit 18 defines when conditions to cause theglass 11 to mist over occur and therefore, as a consequence, provides to close theswitch 37, for example a relay switch, to feed theheating filament 32 with the feed tension Valim. - To be more exact, the
control unit 18 monitors the variations in time of said temperature values ta and ts and of the relative humidity ϕa and then can be programmed so as to activate theheating filaments 32 before the conditions occur which cause misting over. The time for which theheating filaments 32 are activated may assume a fixed and pre-ordained value corresponding to a programmed anti-misting time. - According to a variant, the cessation of feed to the
heating filaments 32 is governed by a parameter control made by theunit 18, and in particular by the control of the temperature ts of theglass 11, established according to the external conditions of outside humidity and temperature. - A further control of the refrigeration conditions in the
showcase 10 is based on the quantity of light "L" which penetrates inside the refrigerated showcase through theglass 11. - In the course of the day, or in particular display conditions of the
showcase 10, the light "L", which may be natural, artificial or mixed, can cause the surface temperature of the products on display to rise, due to radiance. - This happens even if the temperature of the cooling air, moved by a fan 40a, is kept substantially constant and on the values established by the programmed thermostat setting.
- Inside the
showcase 10 there is a light-detector 38 suitable to detect the quantity of infrared "L" striking the products on display, and to transmit the values detected to thecontrol unit 18. - In this case, the light-
detector 38 is installed on the same plane on which thetray 39 lies, so as to detect, in a credible manner, the actual quantity of infrared "L" striking the ice-cream contained therein, so that it is possible to detect the real variation in the temperature of the product with a reasonable degree of reliability. - The
control unit 18 is suitable to pilot the coolingassembly 40 of theshowcase 10, a signalling assembly and protection means 42, such as photochromic glass, movable screens or similar, suitable to defend the products on display from the light "L". - The cooling
assembly 40 works with forced air circulation and is normally controlled by athermoregulator 43, also functionally connected to thecontrol unit 18, suitable to detect the parameters relating to the thermostat setting of the cooling air circulating inside theshowcase 10 and to transmit them to theunit 18. - The values supplied at outlet from the light-
detector 38 are acquired continuously by thecontrol unit 18, which conditions the functioning of the coolingassembly 40 according to said values. - In the event that the light-
detector 38 detects a quantity of infrared "L" such as to cause an increase in the temperature of the refrigerated product, the thermostat setting is modified, lowering the temperature of the air by a value correlated to the quantity of infrared detected. - For example, if according to the thermostat setting the air temperature is fixed at -20°C, this value can be lowered, for example to -22°C, if the light-
detector 38 detects a quantity of infrared such as to significantly raise the temperature of the product. - According to a variant, instead of or in combination with the lowering of the temperature setting, the invention provides to increase the speed of the fan 40a in order to increase the intensity of heat exchange between cooling air and refrigerated products, so that the increase in temperature caused by the light "L" is efficiently combated.
- In a first embodiment, the increase in speed of the fan 40a is timed.
- According to a variant, the speed of the fan 40a is increased until the
thermoregulator 43 detects a temperature value equal to that required, but with a defined correction factor added. - The correction factor is calculated by the
control unit 18, using defined algorithms, according to values supplied continuously by the light-detector 38 and is such as to ensure that the products on display have the thermostat parameters required by the legislation in force and necessary for perfect preservation. - In this case, when the light-
detector 38 detects a quantity of infrared which is held to be excessive and cannot be corrected by modifying the thermostat setting, thecontrol unit 18 activates the signallingassembly 41, which can comprisevisual signallers 41a, for example a display, lamps, leds or otherwise, or acoustic signalling means 41b such as a buzzer or similar, or even signalling means of a mixed type. In this case, thecontrol unit 18 can also activate the optional protection means 42 chosen on each occasion according to the use of theshowcase 10 or where theshowcase 10 is installed.
Claims (41)
- Method to control refrigeration conditions in refrigerated showcases, modules (10) or similar, used in commercial outlets to display, preserve and sell food products, said refrigerated modules comprising at least a front glass (11), an at least partly closed refrigerated compartment, a cooling circuit (17) consisting at least of an evaporator unit (13), a compressor unit (14), a condenser unit (15) and a stabilizing member (16), anti-misting devices (32) associated with said front glass (11) and a cooling assembly (40) controlled by a thermoregulator device (43), the method being characterized in that, during functioning, it provides to continuously measure at least the values of temperature of the air (21) entering and leaving said evaporator unit (13), to compare them with pre-determined threshold values and to give permission to start a defrosting cycle to defrost said evaporator unit (13) only when the continuously measured values reach said threshold values.
- Method as in Claim 1, characterized in that it also provides to continuously measure the value of the pressure of the cooling fluid circulating inside said cooling circuit (17) and to use said measured value to give permission to start a defrosting cycle.
- Method as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it also provides to continuously measure the value of the speed of the air circulating inside the refrigerated module (10) and to use said measured value to give permission to start a defrosting cycle.
- Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it provides to optically measure the thickness of the layer of frost (26) which has formed on the surface of the evaporator (13) and to use said measured value to give permission to start a defrosting cycle.
- Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it provides to measure the time which has passed since the last defrosting operation and to use said measured value to give permission to start a defrosting cycle.
- Method as in Claim 5, characterized in that it provides to define a maximum threshold time after which a defrosting cycle is in any case started.
- Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it provides to measure the time for which said refrigerated compartment of the refrigerated module (10) has remained in contact with the outside, with consequent exchange of air, and to use said measured value to give permission to start a defrosting cycle.
- Method as in Claim 1, characterized in that, during the defrosting cycle, it provides to measure the actual temperature reached by a segment of surface of the evaporator (13), and to give permission to interrupt the defrosting cycle when said measured temperature reaches a pre-determined threshold value.
- Method as in Claim 8, characterized in that, during the defrosting cycle, it provides to optically measure the thickness of the layer of frost (26) which has formed on the surface of the evaporator (13) and to give permission to interrupt the defrosting cycle when said thickness reaches a minimum pre-determined value.
- Method as in Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it provides to measure the time which has passed since the start of the defrosting cycle and to give permission to interrupt said cycle after a pre-determined fixed time.
- Method as in Claim 1, characterized in that it provides to continuously measure at least the values of temperature (ta) and of relative humidity (ϕa) of the premises where the module (10) is installed and the value of temperature (ts) of said glass (11), and to activate the feed to said anti-misting devices (32), normally kept inactive, when said values (ta, ϕa, ts) assume pre-determined reference values such as to determine conditions where said glass (11) is misted over in normal working conditions of the refrigerated module (10).
- Method as in Claim 11, characterized in that it provides to monitor the development in time of said temperature values (ta,ts) and relative humidity value (ϕa) and to activate said anti-misting devices (32) before misting conditions set in.
- Method as in Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it provides to keep the feed to the anti-misting devices (32) active for a pre-determined set time.
- Method as in Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it provides it provides to keep the feed to the anti-misting devices (32) active until at least the value (ts) of the temperature of the surface (11) assumes a pre-determined value relating to the measured values of temperature (ta) and outside humidity (ϕa).
- Method as in Claim 1, characterized in that it provides to use light-detector means (38) suitable to measure the quantity of infrared which passes through said glass (11) and strikes the refrigerated food products, and to condition the thermostat parameters of said cooling assembly (40) according to the quantity of infrared detected by said light-detector means (38).
- Method as in Claim 15, characterized in that it provides to modify the thermostat setting relating to the temperature of the air circulating inside the refrigerated module (10) according to the quantity of infrared detected by said light-detector means (38).
- Method as in Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it provides to modify the parameter relating to the speed of circulation of the air according to the quantity of infrared detected by said light-detector means (38).
- Method as in Claim 15, characterized in that it provides to signal an alarm condition in the event that the quantity of infrared detected by said light-detector means (38) reaches a value which cannot be corrected by modifying the thermostat parameters.
- Method as in Claim 15, characterized in that it provides to temporarily activate protection and screening means (42) in the event that the quantity of infrared detected by said light-detector means (38) reaches a value which cannot be corrected by modifying the thermostat parameters.
- Device to control refrigeration conditions in refrigerated showcases, modules (10) or similar, used in commercial outlets to display, preserve and sell food products, said refrigerated modules (10) comprising at least a front glass (11), an at least partly closed refrigerated compartment, a cooling circuit (17) consisting at least of an evaporator unit (13), a compressor unit (14), a condenser unit (15) and a stabilizing member (16), anti-misting devices (32) associated with said front glass (11) and a cooling assembly (40) controlled by a thermoregulator device (43), the device being characterized in that it comprises means (22a) to measure the temperature of the air (21) entering said evaporator unit (13) and means (22b) to measure the temperature of the air (21) leaving the evaporator unit (13), said means (22a, 22b) being connected to a control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to activate a defrosting cycle to defrost the evaporator (13) when the difference between the temperature of the air entering and the temperature of the air leaving said evaporator unit (13) reaches a pre-determined threshold value.
- Device as in Claim 20, characterized in that it comprises means (23) to measure the pressure of the cooling fluid circulating in the evaporator unit (13), said means (23) being connected to the control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to use said pressure value to give permission to start the defrosting cycle.
- Device as in Claim 20 or 21, characterized in that it comprises means (24) suitable to measure the speed of the air circulating inside the refrigeration module (10), said means (24) being connected to the control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to use said air speed value to give permission to start the defrosting cycle.
- Device as in any Claim from 20 to 22 inclusive, characterized in that it comprises optical detection means (25) suitable to measure the value of the thickness of the frost (26) on the surface of the evaporator (13), said means (25) being connected to the control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to use said value of the thickness of the frost (26) to give permission to start the defrosting cycle.
- Device as in Claim 23, characterized in that the optical detection means (25) comprise light-emitting means (27) consisting of a fiber optic suitable to emit a luminous signal, and receiver means (28) suitable to detect the luminous signal reflected by the frost (26) so as to be able to calculate the thickness thereof.
- Device as in any Claim from 20 to 24 inclusive, characterized in that it comprises means (29) suitable to measure the time which has passed since the last defrosting operation, said means (29) being connected to the control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to use said value of the elapsed time to give permission to start the defrosting cycle.
- Device as in Claim 25, characterized in that said means (29) are suitable to measure the time for which the refrigerated compartment of the refrigerated module (10) has remained in contact with the outside, with consequent exchange of air, the control unit (18) being suitable to use said value to give permission to start the defrosting cycle.
- Device as in Claim 20, characterized in that it comprises means (30) suitable to measure the actual temperature of the surface of the evaporator (13) during the defrosting cycle, said means (30) being connected to the control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to give permission to interrupt the defrosting cycle according to the temperature signal supplied by said means (30).
- Device as in Claim 20, characterized in that it comprises optical detection means (25) suitable to measure the value of the thickness of the frost (26) on the surface of the evaporator (13), said means being connected to the control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to give permission to interrupt the defrosting cycle when the actual value of the thickness of the frost (26) has gone below a minimum threshold value.
- Device as in Claim 20, characterized in that it comprises means (29) suitable to measure the time which has elapsed since the start of the defrosting cycle, said means (29) being connected to the control unit (18), said control unit (18) being suitable to give permission to interrupt the defrosting cycle when the means (29) detect that a pre-determined set time has elapsed since the beginning of the cycle.
- Device as in Claim 20, characterized in that it comprises a memorization unit (33), interruption means (37) to interrupt the electric feed to said anti-misting devices (32) and temperature and humidity sensors (34, 35, 36), said control unit (18) being suitable to compare the values continuously detected by said sensors (34, 35, 36) with reference values contained in said memorization unit (33) and to intervene on said interruption means (37) to activate said anti-misting devices (32) in the event that environment conditions exist such as to cause said glass (11) to mist over.
- Device as in Claim 30, characterized in that a first temperature sensor (34) and a humidity sensor (36) are suitable to detect respectively the temperature (ta) and the relative humidity (ϕa) of the premises where the refrigerated module (10) is installed and a second temperature sensor (35) is suitable to detect the temperature (ts) of said glass (11).
- Device as in Claim 31, characterized in that said second temperature sensor (35) is attached to the outer face of said glass (11).
- Device as in Claim 30, characterized in that the control unit (18) is suitable to de-activate the electric feed to the anti-misting devices (32) after a pre-determined set time.
- Device as in Claim 30, characterized in that the control unit (18) is suitable to de-activate the electric feed to the anti-misting devices (32) according to the data detected and supplied at least by the second sensor (35) of the temperature (ts) of the glass (11).
- Device as in Claim 20, characterized in that it comprises a light-detector (38) connected at inlet to said control unit (18) and suitable to pilot at least said cooling assembly (40) to regulate the thermostat parameters according to the data detected by said light-detector (38).
- Device as in Claim 35, characterized in that said control unit (18) is suitable to lower the thermostat setting relating to the temperature of the air circulating inside the refrigerated module (10) when the quantity of infrared detected by the light-detector (38) exceeds a defined threshold value.
- Device as in Claim 35 or 36, used in a refrigerated module (10) equipped with a cooling assembly (40) comprising a fan (40a) for the forced circulation of cooling air, characterized in that said control unit (18) is suitable to pilot said fan (40a) to increase the speed of rotation thereof so as to increase the heat exchange between said cooling air and said refrigerated products in such a manner as to combat the variations in temperature of the products caused by the radiance of said light (12).
- Device as in Claim 37, characterized in that said increase in speed of the fan (40a) occurs in a timed manner.
- Device as in Claim 37, characterized in that said increase in speed of the fan (40a) is maintained until the thermohygrometric parameters detected by the thermoregulator (43) assume a value equal to that normally required, to which a correction factor is added calculated by said control unit (18) according to the values supplied by said light-detector (38).
- Device as in Claim 35, characterized in that it comprises signalling means (41), of a visual type (41a), acoustic type (41b) or mixed, connected at outlet to said control unit (18), suitable to be activated every time that the value supplied by said light-detector (38) exceeds a pre-determined threshold value.
- Device as in Claim 35, characterized in that it comprises means to temporarily activate protection means (42), such as photochromic glass, screens or similar, suitable to defend said products from said light.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT1999UD000005 IT1310521B1 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 1999-01-15 | Control method for refrigeration conditions comprises showcase with a glass panel and rear hinged top and heating filaments governed by the control unit with cooling assembly measuring the temperature values |
ITUD990006 | 1999-01-15 | ||
IT1999UD000007 IT1310523B1 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 1999-01-15 | Control method for refrigeration conditions comprises showcase with a glass panel and rear hinged top and heating filaments governed by the control unit with cooling assembly measuring the temperature values |
IT1999UD000006 IT1310522B1 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 1999-01-15 | Control method for refrigeration conditions comprises showcase with a glass panel and rear hinged top and heating filaments governed by the control unit with cooling assembly measuring the temperature values |
ITUD990007 | 1999-01-15 | ||
ITUD990005 | 1999-01-15 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1020149A2 true EP1020149A2 (en) | 2000-07-19 |
EP1020149A3 EP1020149A3 (en) | 2000-11-02 |
Family
ID=27274214
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00100725A Withdrawn EP1020149A3 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 2000-01-14 | Method to control refrigeration conditions of refrigerated modules and device to achieve said method |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1020149A3 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1016842C2 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2002-06-13 | Edwin De Koeijer | Ice-cream maker at least comprising an assembly of an ice-making device and an ice-cream display case. |
WO2007072523A1 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-06-28 | Ixfin S.P.A. | System for automated defrosting of a refrigerating apparatus |
WO2013007618A3 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2013-07-25 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | No frost refrigeration device and method of defrosting an evaporator |
ITUB20160124A1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2017-07-20 | Paolo Soffientini | MACHINE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND EXPOSURE OF FRESH ICE CREAM, SORBETS, GRANITE AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS |
EP2578968A4 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2017-08-30 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigeration and air-conditioning device |
RU2649853C2 (en) * | 2013-05-21 | 2018-04-05 | Либхерр-Хаусгерете Линц Гмбх | Refrigerator and / or freezer |
IT201700003447A1 (en) * | 2017-01-13 | 2018-07-13 | Tommaso Pernici | GELATO INSTRUMENT |
CN111265070A (en) * | 2020-01-14 | 2020-06-12 | 刘红亮 | Show window for fast food restaurant dish display area |
CN114644179A (en) * | 2022-03-04 | 2022-06-21 | 刘晓岩 | Traditional chinese medicine preparation process temperature monitoring system |
CN117407634A (en) * | 2023-10-18 | 2024-01-16 | 中国空气动力研究与发展中心计算空气动力研究所 | Flat plate frosting thickness rapid prediction method based on frosting characteristic curve |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3453837A (en) * | 1967-11-09 | 1969-07-08 | Honeywell Inc | Defrost control apparatus |
US3777505A (en) * | 1971-07-21 | 1973-12-11 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Defrosting method and apparatus |
US3892947A (en) * | 1974-02-27 | 1975-07-01 | Donnelly Mirrors Inc | Electrically heated panel with anti-shock conductive strips |
US4827729A (en) * | 1987-07-07 | 1989-05-09 | Flachglas Ag | Method of removing a mist coating from the interior face of a glazed panel of a refrigerating cabinet |
GB2300934A (en) * | 1995-05-13 | 1996-11-20 | Hussmann | Controlling heater for glass door of refrigeration equipment |
-
2000
- 2000-01-14 EP EP00100725A patent/EP1020149A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3453837A (en) * | 1967-11-09 | 1969-07-08 | Honeywell Inc | Defrost control apparatus |
US3777505A (en) * | 1971-07-21 | 1973-12-11 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Defrosting method and apparatus |
US3892947A (en) * | 1974-02-27 | 1975-07-01 | Donnelly Mirrors Inc | Electrically heated panel with anti-shock conductive strips |
US4827729A (en) * | 1987-07-07 | 1989-05-09 | Flachglas Ag | Method of removing a mist coating from the interior face of a glazed panel of a refrigerating cabinet |
GB2300934A (en) * | 1995-05-13 | 1996-11-20 | Hussmann | Controlling heater for glass door of refrigeration equipment |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002047516A1 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2002-06-20 | Van Houtven, Marc | Ice cream unit comprising at least an ice cream maker combined with an ice cream display cabinet |
US6868687B2 (en) | 2000-12-11 | 2005-03-22 | Marc van Houtven | Ice cream unit comprising at least an ice cream maker combined with an ice cream display cabinet |
NL1016842C2 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2002-06-13 | Edwin De Koeijer | Ice-cream maker at least comprising an assembly of an ice-making device and an ice-cream display case. |
WO2007072523A1 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-06-28 | Ixfin S.P.A. | System for automated defrosting of a refrigerating apparatus |
EP3330643A1 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2018-06-06 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus |
US10222115B2 (en) | 2010-05-26 | 2019-03-05 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus |
EP2578968A4 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2017-08-30 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigeration and air-conditioning device |
EP3330642A1 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2018-06-06 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus |
EP3330640A1 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2018-06-06 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus |
EP3330641A1 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2018-06-06 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus |
WO2013007618A3 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2013-07-25 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | No frost refrigeration device and method of defrosting an evaporator |
RU2649853C2 (en) * | 2013-05-21 | 2018-04-05 | Либхерр-Хаусгерете Линц Гмбх | Refrigerator and / or freezer |
ITUB20160124A1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2017-07-20 | Paolo Soffientini | MACHINE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND EXPOSURE OF FRESH ICE CREAM, SORBETS, GRANITE AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS |
EP3195732A1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2017-07-26 | Paolo Soffientini | Machine for batch freezing and displaying of fresh ice creams, sorbets, slushes and similar products |
IT201700003447A1 (en) * | 2017-01-13 | 2018-07-13 | Tommaso Pernici | GELATO INSTRUMENT |
CN111265070A (en) * | 2020-01-14 | 2020-06-12 | 刘红亮 | Show window for fast food restaurant dish display area |
CN114644179A (en) * | 2022-03-04 | 2022-06-21 | 刘晓岩 | Traditional chinese medicine preparation process temperature monitoring system |
CN114644179B (en) * | 2022-03-04 | 2024-04-12 | 黑龙江职业学院(黑龙江省经济管理干部学院) | Temperature monitoring system for traditional Chinese medicine preparation process |
CN117407634A (en) * | 2023-10-18 | 2024-01-16 | 中国空气动力研究与发展中心计算空气动力研究所 | Flat plate frosting thickness rapid prediction method based on frosting characteristic curve |
CN117407634B (en) * | 2023-10-18 | 2024-05-03 | 中国空气动力研究与发展中心计算空气动力研究所 | Flat plate frosting thickness rapid prediction method based on frosting characteristic curve |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1020149A3 (en) | 2000-11-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7367198B2 (en) | Method of control for a refrigerated merchandiser | |
AU724798B2 (en) | Refrigeration system and method of control | |
KR100455873B1 (en) | Microprocessor controlled demand defrost for a cooled enclosure | |
US4993233A (en) | Demand defrost controller for refrigerated display cases | |
US4644755A (en) | Emergency refrigerant containment and alarm system apparatus and method | |
EP1020149A2 (en) | Method to control refrigeration conditions of refrigerated modules and device to achieve said method | |
EP2520880B1 (en) | Cooling box | |
US10178918B2 (en) | Anti-fog heat control for a refrigerated merchandiser | |
JPH0146771B2 (en) | ||
US5729990A (en) | Refrigeration system | |
JP4894536B2 (en) | Cooling system | |
CN110986465A (en) | Refrigerator defrosting system | |
KR100443317B1 (en) | Refrigeration showcase | |
WO2004075693A1 (en) | Refrigerated display merchandiser with variable air curtain | |
JP2001153532A (en) | Open showcase | |
JP3654412B2 (en) | Refrigerator for refrigerated showcase | |
AU2008226387B2 (en) | A refrigeration control system | |
JP2934747B2 (en) | Showcase temperature control method | |
JP7201466B2 (en) | cold storage | |
KR200283650Y1 (en) | Refrigeration showcase | |
US2770101A (en) | Refrigerated display case | |
JP3296338B2 (en) | Showcase defrost controller | |
KR100208368B1 (en) | Refrigerator and its defrost control method | |
JPH05296646A (en) | Device for controlling defrosting in showcase | |
JP2000020866A (en) | Device for managing operating state of equipment |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20010208 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Free format text: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20021119 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20030531 |