EP1153251A4 - Improvements in multiple zone refrigeration - Google Patents
Improvements in multiple zone refrigerationInfo
- Publication number
- EP1153251A4 EP1153251A4 EP00914626A EP00914626A EP1153251A4 EP 1153251 A4 EP1153251 A4 EP 1153251A4 EP 00914626 A EP00914626 A EP 00914626A EP 00914626 A EP00914626 A EP 00914626A EP 1153251 A4 EP1153251 A4 EP 1153251A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- refrigeration
- refrigeration unit
- unit
- cooling
- condenser
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
- A47F3/0439—Cases or cabinets of the open type
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
- F25B5/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/006—General constructional features for mounting refrigerating machinery components
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
- F25B1/04—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle with compressor of rotary type
- F25B1/047—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle with compressor of rotary type of screw type
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/07—Details of compressors or related parts
- F25B2400/075—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/16—Receivers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/21—Modules for refrigeration systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/22—Refrigeration systems for supermarkets
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B25/00—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00
- F25B25/005—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00 using primary and secondary systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B40/00—Subcoolers, desuperheaters or superheaters
- F25B40/04—Desuperheaters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B6/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several condenser circuits
- F25B6/04—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several condenser circuits arranged in series
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to the commercial refrigeration art, and particularly to a refrigeration unit which, in use, is used to refrigerate a plurality of cooling zones .
- a modular commercial refrigeration unit constructed and arranged for placement in strategic proximity to plural associated product cooling zones is known, and is disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 5,440,894 commonly owned by HUSSMANN CORPORATION, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This prior art document discloses a supermarket or other food store refrigeration system including a refrigeration unit and a refrigeration network comprising a plurality of such units.
- the unit disclosed in U. S. patent 5,440,894 (marketed under the Trademark "PROTOCOL”) is intended for use in cooling the zones of plural fixtures within a shopping arena (including the food merchandising and display area and the food storage and preparation area) of a food store.
- the refrigeration unit comprises a condensing unit rack configured to accommodate the maximum refrigeration loads of the associated zones and being constructed to support the components of a closed refrigeration circuit including a plurality of multiplexed compressor means and associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction means extending from the rack and being operatively connected to evaporator means constructed and arranged for cooling the associates zones, and which unit also has condenser means with a cooling source remote from the compressor rack but operatively constructed and arranged to provide a heat exchange relationship for providing optimum condensing and efficiency of said evaporator means in cooling the associated zones.
- Another modular commercial refrigeration unit constructed and arranged for strategic placement near plural associated product cooling zones is known, and is disclosed in U. S. Patent No.
- the unit comprises a condensing unit rack configured to accommodate the maximum refrigeration loads of associated fixture zones and being constructed to support components of a closed refrigeration circuit having multiplexed compressors and evaporator means with associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction means operatively connected to the evaporator means, and which unit also includes condenser means operatively connected between the compressor and evaporator means as a component of the refrigeration circuit; and the unit also being constructed to support components of a coolant fluid system having heat transfer means associated with the evaporator means and pumping means for circulating a coolant through the heat transfer means in a closed coolant loop to cooling coils for the associated fixtures.
- An important objective of the units disclosed in U. S. 5,440,894 and 5,743,102 was to seek to minimize the amount of refrigerant required in the food store refrigeration network.
- a further object of the units disclosed in U. S. 5,440,894 and 5,743,102 was to obviate the need for providing a dedicated remote plant/machine room thereby releasing valuable floor space within a supermarket or the like.
- Some of these various advantages provided by presently preferred embodiments of the present invention are: low noise and vibration levels; provision of two or more compressors so as to provide capacity control and back-up security; relatively short coupled pipework thereby seeking to reduce capital and running costs and installation time; relatively simple refrigeration circuitry; reduced refrigerant charge and cost, as well as smaller refrigerant gas loss in an event of leakage; flexibility for future retrofits; heat reclaim from fluid loops providing an advantageous energy use and improved efficiency of the refrigeration system/network; provision of a low profile for unobtrusive mounting on top of a cooling zone fixture.
- a refrigeration unit adapted for cooling the multiple cooling zones such as a combination merchandiser or a plurality of fixtures, the unit including refrigeration circuit components comprising a close coupled compressor means, and wherein in use the unit is substantially contained within a footprint area similar to that of a cooling zone fixture.
- footprint of a cooling zone is understood to mean the floor space area occupied by the refrigerated fixture as viewed from above (or below) .
- the unit may be used in a food store, such as a supermarket or the like.
- a “cooling zone” may comprise the product cooling space or refer to the footprint taken by a merchandising, storage or processing cabinet or fixture.
- One or more of such merchandising cabinets may be provided in-line, back to back, or in closely adjacent proximity.
- the unit is preferably provided over or on top of one product cooling zone (fixture) .
- the compressor means preferably comprises two or more compressors that are multiplexed by being connected in parallel in the refrigeration circuits, and preferably the compressors are of a horizontal scroll type. This provides the advantage of a "low-profile" unit which may be providentially or strategically placed on top of one product fixture while being constructed and arranged to refrigerate the plural cooling zones of at least two closely associated fixtures.
- Such horizontal scroll compressors are available from HITACHI under model number FL 200DL, FL 300DL, FL 400DL and FL 500DL.
- one or more of the compressors may be of a vertical scroll type.
- a modular low-profile refrigeration unit is configured to accommodate the maximum aggregate refrigeration loads of at least two product cooling zones provided in a food store area, the unit comprising closed refrigeration circuit components including a plurality of multiplexed compressor means and associated refrigerant high side delivery means and low side suction means, the unit being constructed and arranged for placement, in use, in strategic proximity to the product cooling zones, and being operatively connected to evaporator means for the respective zones, and the refrigeration circuit also including condenser means.
- the condenser means may include a condenser within the unit, which in use may be operatively associated with a remote cooling source so as to provide a heat exchange relationship with the condenser.
- the remote cooling source may be a fluid cooling source, such as a cooling tower or a ground source water supply, or a dedicated normal temperature refrigeration system, a chiller system or recirculating water source or a combination of such alternate fluid cooling sources to assure the condenser means of a continuous supply of liquid coolant at a substantially constant temperature.
- the condenser means may comprise a condenser remote from the unit and having a heat exchange cooling source, such as being air cooled.
- the condensing means may include heat reclaim which may be direct or as a heat pump.
- a refrigeration system which includes at least one refrigeration unit according to the first aspect of the present invention.
- the refrigeration unit of the system will cool the cooling zones of at least two fixtures, and the unit is substantially contained within the footprint size of one of the fixtures.
- the system comprises a modular food store refrigeration system comprising: a plurality of cooling zones for at least two refrigerated fixtures having first closely adjacent locations in the store, separate (discrete) first stage evaporator means for cooling the refrigerated fixtures to maintain food product temperatures therein, the compressor means comprising multiplexed scroll type first stage compressors having a second location in the store in closely adjacent proximity to the first locations of the refrigerated fixtures, and first stage condenser means connected together with said first stage compressors and said first stage evaporator means to form a first stage closed loop refrigeration circuit; an exterior heat exchanger and a closed liquid heat transfer loop extending between the first stage refrigeration circuit and the exterior heat exchanger to transfer heat from the first stage condenser means to the exterior heat exchanger.
- a refrigeration network including at least one refrigeration unit according to the first aspect of the present invention.
- the network comprises: a first modular refrigeration system unit according to the second aspect of the invention is placed in close strategic proximity to first cooling zones and includes first closed refrigeration circuit components including plural multiplexed compressor means with high side receiver means and associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction means operatively connecting first evaporator means for cooling said first refrigerated zones, and said first refrigeration unit also including first condenser means operatively connected in the high side downstream of the compressor means; at least one other modular refrigeration system unit placed in close strategic proximity to associated other cooling zones and comprising other closed refrigeration circuit components including other plural multiplexed compressor means with associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction means operatively connecting other evaporator means for cooling the other refrigerated zones, and said other refrigeration unit also including other condenser means operatively connected in the high side downstream of the other compressor means; and wherein the network may include the respective condensing means and a coolant circulating system having a plurality of heat exchange
- a method of commercially refrigerating a plurality of cooling zones comprising: providing each cooling zone with at least one cooling coil; providing a refrigeration unit adapted for cooling the plurality of cooling zones; and locating the unit on top of the fixture for at least one of the cooling zones so as to be substantially contained within a footprint area of the selected one cooling zone.
- the refrigeration system and unit of the second embodiment is constructed and arranged for mounting within the footprint size of one cooling zone fixture.
- the unit may employ horizontally disposed scroll compressors and be disposed horizontally on top of a selected fixture, especially if the fixture is free standing in the shopping area of a food store.
- the unit may employ vertical scroll compressors and be vertically disposed on top of a selected product fixture, especially if the fixture is positioned against a vertical store wall.
- Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a low-profile refrigeration unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the unit of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is a view from the other end of the unit of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a multiple zoned or combination merchandiser including the unit of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 5 is a plan view of the refrigeration system of Fig. 4;
- Fig. 6 is a plan view of the unit of Fig. 1 with a cover of the unit removed;
- Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the unit of Fig. 1 with the cover removed;
- Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of refrigeration circuitry for a system embodying the invention.
- Fig. 9 is an alternate schematic view of the refrigeration system of Fig. 8.
- Fig. 10 is a partial schematic view showing a modification of the refrigeration system of Figs. 8 and 9;
- Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a refrigeration circuit.
- high side is used in a conventional refrigeration sense to mean the portion of a vapor phase system from the compressor discharge to the evaporator expansion valves
- low side means the portion of the system from the expansion valves to the compressor suction.
- low temperature shall have reference to evaporator temperatures in the range of -35°F to -5°F or the associated frozen food and ice cream product temperatures in the range of -20°F to 0°F; and "standard” or “normal” (or “medium”) temperature means evaporator temperatures in the range of about 15°F to 40°F or the associated non-frozen or fresh refrigerated food temperatures in the range of 25°F to 50°F.
- a refrigeration unit generally designated R, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the refrigeration unit R is adapted for cooling a plurality of product cooling zones, the unit R including refrigerated circuit components comprising multiple compressor means 21, and wherein in use the unit R is sized to be substantially contained within a footprint size of one of the cooling zones.
- the term "footprint" of a cooling zone is defined as the floor space occupied by a selected cooling fixture as viewed from above (or below) .
- the unit R is adapted for use in a food store such as a supermarket and, accordingly, each cooling zone generally comprises the product area of a single merchandising cabinet or fixture 33.
- the location of the refrigeration units R may be outside the actual customer shopping arena as when the cooling zones are storage fixtures or food preparation rooms.
- the modular refrigeration unit R is sized to efficiently maintain its associated multiplicity of discrete cooled zones at optimum refrigeration temperatures, and it will be understood that these zones comprise one or more of the supermarket coolers, freezers, preparation rooms or display merchandisers, the latter usually being an area department or combination lineup of merchandising fixtures operating at substantially the same temperature.
- one or more of such merchandising cabinets or fixtures 33 may be combined in-line and/or back-to-back.
- eight such merchandising fixtures 33 are provided in which three (3) in-line cabinets 33a are arranged back-to-back with three (3) other in-line cabinets 33b, and these are capped by end cabinets 33c.
- the plural fixtures could be two single cabinets located on opposite sides of a store wall, or another arrangement of closely adjacent fixtures 33.
- a single unit R is shown on top and bridging across two of the merchandising cabinets 33 although the preferred unit is sized to be accommodated within the footprint of a single discrete fixture.
- each of the modular units R includes a condensing unit rack or base 20 constructed and arranged to mount and support the operative components of a closed refrigeration circuit 19 dedicated to the refrigeration load requirements of its associated discrete product zones 33.
- a typical condensing unit rack 20 of the present invention preferably has two small multiplexed horizontal scroll compressors 21 or like variable capacity compressing means that is connected by a discharge header 22 to the system condenser 12, also preferably located on the rack 20 in the preferred embodiment.
- a heat reclaim coil 24 may be selectively connected into the high side upstream of the condenser 12.
- An oil separator (not shown) may be incorporated into the system 19 downstream of the discharge manifold 22.
- the closed (vapor compression) refrigeration system 19 may be critically charged with refrigerant and therefore requires no liquid receiver to receive the condensate outflow from the condenser 12.
- a liquid receiver 26 is shown and more than a critical amount of refrigerant may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the high side of the circuit 19 is connected by liquid line 27 to an evaporative expansion valve 28 for the evaporative cooling means 29 associated with the discrete product cooling zones (33) to be cooled.
- the refrigerant expands and vaporizes in the merchandiser evaporators 29 removing heat from the product zone 33 to maintain the preselected desired cooling.
- the outlets of the evaporators 29 connect by suction lines 30 to a common suction header or manifold 31 and thence to the suction side of the compressors 21 to complete the refrigeration circuit.
- the compressor means comprises the two compressors 21, which are multiplexed with one another - that is connected in parallel within the refrigeration circuit.
- the compressors 21 are of the horizontal scroll type as available from HITACHI under model numbers FL 200DL, FL 300DL, FL 400DL and FL 500DL. Provision of the horizontal scroll compressors 21 within the unit R allows for the provision of a unit with a "low-profile" which may be placed discreetly on top of a selected merchandising cabinet 33 so as to be at least partially obscured from view by persons moving around the floor of the supermarket. It will be understood that although the unit R is sized to fit within the profile of a single fixture 33, in practice it may be placed to overlap or bridge across two or more fixtures.
- the refrigeration circuit 19 of the unit R comprises a low side or suction line 30 (S) and a high side or liquid line 27 (L) .
- the suction line 30 is connected to one end of a normally open isolation service valve 25 which can be shut off for installation and servicing of the refrigeration unit R.
- the other side of the shut-off valve 25 is connected through a suction strainer 36, which is connected through safety valve 37 to the suction header 27.
- a gauge 38 tees off of line 30 and a further T junction connects to a control transducer 39 which senses the pressure of the refrigerant in the suction line 30. If the pressure of the refrigerant from the suction line 30 falls below a predetermined level, the operation of the unit R is controlled to ensure that the compressors 21 are not damaged.
- the compressors 21 are connected in parallel and are provided with solenoid valves 41 in by-pass lines 42 for control at start up of the compressors 21 to balance pressures.
- the high side of each compressor 21 is provided with a one-way check valve 44 to isolate the high side refrigeration circuit of each compressor at start up as pressures are balanced.
- Also teed to the output of each of the compressors 21 are discharge stats 45, and an injection stat 46 is connected to each compressor.
- a safety switch 47 is connected to the high side from the discharge manifold, and discharge pressure read-out 48 and gauge connector 49 are provided.
- the refrigeration system units R will generally include still other system components, such as defrost system means, system performance sensing and operating control panel and microprocessor apparatus, alarm systems and the like. As shown in Fig. 9, the unit R includes a connection to the liquid refrigerant receiver 26 followed by a liquid drier/desicator 53, liquid sight glass 54 and one-way valve 55.
- refrigeration system condenser 12 is preferably located on the unit rack 20, it may be roof mounted outside the food store for air cooled operation in a typical manner. When located on the rack 20 it is essential that the sensible heat be rejected outside the shopping arena, and the condenser 12 thus may be cooled in numerous ways.
- a coolant fluid circulating system C can be provided to circulate a cooling fluid or coolant from a remote source (11) to the respective unit condenser/heat exchangers 12.
- the coolant system C derives a cooling liquid, such as water or glycol, from one or more remote sources 11, 11A and 11B and circulates it to the condenser 12 of each modular unit R.
- the coolant source 11 may be a single fluid cooling apparatus, such as a closed or open loop roof top cooling tower 11A or a ground source water supply 11B, or a chiller system or recirculating water source 11 or a combination of such alternate fluid cooling sources to assure a continuous supply of coolant at a substantially constant temperature.
- the condenser 12 which is a plate type condenser, has a heat exchanger with a cooling loop 12a from the remote cooling source.
- the invention further comprises the use of a secondary coolant system C for the direct distributed load cooling of the heat exchange coils 29 of the merchandisers
- a coolant fluid input line 15 (F) and a fluid output line 16 (R) of the condenser 12 are connected to a remote cooling source (11) so as to provide a heat exchange relationship with the condenser 12.
- the unit R may not provide condensing means on board (on the rack 20) , but condenser means 112 is provided at a location remote from the unit R.
- the remote condenser 112 may be roof mounted on the store and comprise an air cooled source.
- the unit R includes a condensing unit rack 20 comprising a base or chassis 56 with fixed upstanding end walls 55 and a removable lid or cover 57 which preferably is sound proofed.
- the compressors 21 and other refrigeration components included in the unit R are mounted to the base 56, the compressors 21 being mounted via a sub-frame.
- the relatively compact size of the unit R may be discerned by the following typical dimensions: length 1290 mm; depth 750 mm; height 275 mm.
- the electrical circuitry for the unit R includes a main unit (pack) controller 59, a power supply circuit for each compressor 21, a circulating fan 60 with a fan guard 60a being placed thereover.
- a vent 61 is provided at the one end wall 55 of the unit R. The combination of the fan 60 and vents 61 allow a through flow of air within the unit R.
- the unit R may be incorporated with the refrigeration system 19 for the merchandising cabinets 33, and which refrigeration unit components comprise, at least the multiple compressor means 21, and wherein in use the unit R is substantially sized for containment within the footprint of one of the merchandising cabinets 33.
- the refrigeration unit R may have an evaporating temperature of around -8°C, a suction return temperature of around 5°C, a condensing temperature of around 35°C, and a liquid temperature of around 32°C, in a preferred embodiment. Further it will be appreciated that a plurality of combined compressors 21 may be provided so as to provide the desired refrigeration capacity. For example, as detailed below.
- a refrigeration unit R provides a compact, low profile, multi-compressor package which can be mounted on top of a single display fixture or other refrigerated case 33 and takes up no floor space within the store.
- the unit R disclosed preferably has two parallel connected (multiplexed) scroll compressors 21 with a selected range from 4HP to 10HP or more.
- a plurality of such refrigeration systems 19 may be provided so as to provide a refrigeration network for the entire store.
- the units R may be constructed and arranged to provide the low and medium temperature needs of the store.
- a plurality of compressors 21 may be provided so as to provide the requisite refrigerant capacity, whereby different sizes of compressors may be utilized on the condensing rack 20 of different units R.
- a "condensing rack” necessarily includes the compressors as the prime mover of the condensing function, but that the condenser per se may be provided at different locations other than the rack.
- a unit R according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a compact, low profile, multi-compressor package which can be mounted on top of a selected discrete cabinet or fixture 33 and, since it takes up no floor space within a shopping arena, it truly meets the requirements for optimum placement.
- the unit R according to the preferred embodiment disclosed hereinbefore has two parallel connected horizontal scroll compressors 21 with a range from about 2HP to 5HP each.
- the preferred embodiment of the unit R disclosed hereinbefore is a fluid cooled unit, and employs a plate heat condenser 12.
- the unit R may also incorporate a small liquid receiver 26, and an electrical control panel and complete internal refrigeration pipework and electrical wiring. With the evaporator (29) connections arranged from the top of the merchandising cabinets 33, external pipework is of an optimum length and relatively easy to install.
- Another embodiment of the commercial refrigeration unit R of the present invention is shown in Fig. 11. This unit is similar in many respects to that of Figs.
- a condensing unit rack 20 houses a closed refrigeration system 19 with multiplexed compressors 21 and the closed (vapor compression) refrigeration system 19 may be critically charged with refrigerant and therefore requires no liquid receiver to receive the condensate outflow from the condenser 12.
- the high side of the circuit 19 is connected by liquid line 27 to an evaporative expansion valve 28 for evaporator means 29 forming a part of the closed refrigeration circuit 19 and being constructed and arranged with a coolant chiller unit 130.
- the refrigerant in the evaporator 29 removes heat from the coolant fluid and the evaporator outlet connects by suction line 31 to the suction side of the compressors 21 to complete the closed refrigeration circuit.
- the refrigeration system condenser 12 is preferably located on the unit rack 20, it may be roof mounted outside the food store for air cooled operation in a typical manner.
- This embodiment further comprises the use of a secondary coolant system 160 for the direct distributed load cooling of the heat exchange coils 129 of the merchandisers 133.
- the rack mounted refrigeration system evaporator 29 is part of the heat exchanger chiller unit 130 for the coolant system.
- the pumping means 142 for the secondary cooling system 160 is also rack mounted, and is connected to circulate the glycol coolant fluid or the like through the chiller heat exchanger 130 and thence outflow through conduit 70 to its distributed load at each associated merchandiser display case heat transfer coil 29.
- the cold coolant fluid removes heat from the coil 129 (typically of conventional tube and fin construction) and the fluid is thence circulated back to the pump 142 through return conduits 46.
- a principal feature of the invention is to place the modular refrigeration unit R strategically in close proximity to the dedicated cooling zone of an associated merchandiser 33 in order to eliminate the traditional machine back room, long piping connections and large refrigerant requirements formerly required, it will be seen that the mounting of the unit R on top of the merchandiser 33 provides an optimum solution to meet all of the objectives of the invention.
- the embodiments of the invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to limit the scope of he invention in any way. Particularly various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
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- Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
- Materials Applied To Surfaces To Minimize Adherence Of Mist Or Water (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9903593.3A GB9903593D0 (en) | 1999-02-18 | 1999-02-18 | Improvements in or relating to refrigeration |
GB9903593 | 1999-02-18 | ||
PCT/US2000/004169 WO2000049345A1 (en) | 1999-02-18 | 2000-02-17 | Improvements in multiple zone refrigeration |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1153251A1 EP1153251A1 (en) | 2001-11-14 |
EP1153251A4 true EP1153251A4 (en) | 2002-09-18 |
EP1153251B1 EP1153251B1 (en) | 2004-06-02 |
Family
ID=10847933
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00914626A Expired - Lifetime EP1153251B1 (en) | 1999-02-18 | 2000-02-17 | Improvements in multiple zone refrigeration |
Country Status (12)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1153251B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE268457T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU743194B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0007012A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2340642A1 (en) |
CZ (1) | CZ20012962A3 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60011232T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2216874T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9903593D0 (en) |
HU (1) | HUP0105350A2 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ510092A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000049345A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050126196A1 (en) * | 2003-12-15 | 2005-06-16 | Hussmann Corporation | Modular refrigeration system |
WO2006087007A1 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2006-08-24 | Carrier Corporation | Transcritical refrigeration display unit |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4895001A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-01-23 | Jondahl Joseph S | Expandable refrigeration system |
FR2689221A1 (en) * | 1992-03-27 | 1993-10-01 | Crost Alain | Multi-compartment refrigerated storage system - uses multiple individually accessible compartments in cabinet with single refrigeration plant to store food and drink. |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3180109A (en) * | 1963-08-21 | 1965-04-27 | Emhart Corp | System for operating refrigerated equipment |
US3350896A (en) * | 1966-01-11 | 1967-11-07 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Multiple evaporator refrigeration systems |
US4723414A (en) * | 1984-10-31 | 1988-02-09 | Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. | Low-temperature showcase |
NZ227690A (en) * | 1988-01-28 | 1991-02-26 | Muller F Pty Ltd | Modular "drop in" refrigeration unit |
US5065591A (en) * | 1991-01-28 | 1991-11-19 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigeration temperature control system |
US5440894A (en) | 1993-05-05 | 1995-08-15 | Hussmann Corporation | Strategic modular commercial refrigeration |
DE69636207T2 (en) * | 1995-03-14 | 2007-04-05 | Hussmann Corp. | Display cabinets with modular evaporator coils and electronic control of evaporation pressure control |
US5743102A (en) | 1996-04-15 | 1998-04-28 | Hussmann Corporation | Strategic modular secondary refrigeration |
US5819549A (en) * | 1996-10-16 | 1998-10-13 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Secondary loop refrigeration system |
US5791156A (en) * | 1997-01-06 | 1998-08-11 | Strautman; Thomas J. | Condensate drain pan for roof mounted vehicle air conditioning unit |
-
1999
- 1999-02-18 GB GBGB9903593.3A patent/GB9903593D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2000
- 2000-02-17 EP EP00914626A patent/EP1153251B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-02-17 NZ NZ510092A patent/NZ510092A/en unknown
- 2000-02-17 WO PCT/US2000/004169 patent/WO2000049345A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-02-17 AU AU35991/00A patent/AU743194B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2000-02-17 ES ES00914626T patent/ES2216874T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-02-17 CA CA002340642A patent/CA2340642A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-02-17 AT AT00914626T patent/ATE268457T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-02-17 BR BR0007012-2A patent/BR0007012A/en active Pending
- 2000-02-17 DE DE60011232T patent/DE60011232T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-17 CZ CZ20012962A patent/CZ20012962A3/en unknown
- 2000-02-17 HU HU0105350A patent/HUP0105350A2/en unknown
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4895001A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-01-23 | Jondahl Joseph S | Expandable refrigeration system |
FR2689221A1 (en) * | 1992-03-27 | 1993-10-01 | Crost Alain | Multi-compartment refrigerated storage system - uses multiple individually accessible compartments in cabinet with single refrigeration plant to store food and drink. |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU743194B2 (en) | 2002-01-24 |
GB9903593D0 (en) | 1999-04-07 |
WO2000049345A1 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
EP1153251B1 (en) | 2004-06-02 |
EP1153251A1 (en) | 2001-11-14 |
CA2340642A1 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
ATE268457T1 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
CZ20012962A3 (en) | 2002-07-17 |
AU3599100A (en) | 2000-09-04 |
DE60011232D1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
DE60011232T2 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
NZ510092A (en) | 2003-01-31 |
HUP0105350A2 (en) | 2002-04-29 |
ES2216874T3 (en) | 2004-11-01 |
BR0007012A (en) | 2001-12-04 |
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