EP2361027B1 - Open front display case with secondary air curtain - Google Patents
Open front display case with secondary air curtain Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2361027B1 EP2361027B1 EP09832302.5A EP09832302A EP2361027B1 EP 2361027 B1 EP2361027 B1 EP 2361027B1 EP 09832302 A EP09832302 A EP 09832302A EP 2361027 B1 EP2361027 B1 EP 2361027B1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- airflow
- case
- outlet
- air curtain
- refrigerated
- 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.)
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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
- A47F3/0443—Cases or cabinets of the open type with forced air circulation
- A47F3/0447—Cases or cabinets of the open type with forced air circulation with air curtains
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to refrigerated cases. More particularly, the disclosure relates to open front cases/merchandisers.
- Self-service cases exist for consumers principally to access product.
- a variety of self-service refrigerated case configurations exist, including: open front cases; open top cases; sliding front door cases; and hinged front door cases.
- open front cases a curtain flow of refrigerated air passes downward along the opening. A portion of the curtain, flow returns to an inlet/return proximate the bottom of the opening along with some volume of entrained ambient air.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,722,149 titled “Refrigerated Display Merchandiser” discloses an open front case wherein a secondary air curtain flow of ambient air is passed downward in front of the refrigerated curtain flow. The use of a secondary curtain flow may encourage a greater proportion of the refrigerated curtain flow to recirculate and with a reduced heat transfer to the recirculated portion of the refrigerated curtain flow from the ambient air.
- U.S. Patent No. 7,162,882 titled “Multi-Band Air Curtain Separation Barrier” discloses an open front case having the features of the pre-characterising portion of claim 1, as well as a third air curtain comprising cool air driven between the first and second air curtains.
- the third and second air curtains are directed at increasingly divergent angles from the case.
- the third air curtain passes downward in front of the refrigerated air curtain and is formed by a return airflow drawn from in front of the inlet/return.
- the second air curtain flow of ambient air is directed across the opening in front of the third flow.
- the third flow can thus be somewhat cooler than the second flow and yet further reduce heat transfer to the return flow.
- a refrigerated case having a base.
- a refrigerated compartment is above the base.
- a rear wall and a top are along the refrigerated compartment.
- a refrigeration system includes a heat absorption heat exchanger and a first fan.
- the first fan is positioned to drive an airflow from a first inlet across the heat absorption heat exchanger.
- a first portion of the airflow passes through the rear wall and top to exit a first outlet.
- a second fan is positioned to drive a second airflow from a second inlet to exit a second outlet.
- the second airflow bypasses the heat absorption heat exchanger.
- a diversion port is positioned to direct a second portion of the first airflow to merge with the second airflow upstream of the second outlet.
- the heat absorption heat exchanger and first fan may be in the base.
- the case may be implemented as a reengineering of an existing case configuration or a remanufacturing of an existing case.
- FIG. 1 shows a refrigerated case 20.
- the case 20 (see also FIG. 2 ) extends from a first (e.g., left as viewed by a consumer facing the case) end 22 to a second (right) end 24.
- the case has a front 26 and a rear 28.
- the exemplary front 26 has an opening 30 to a refrigerated compartment 32.
- the opening may extend from an upper end 34 proximate a top 36 to a lower end 38 proximate a base 40 below the compartment.
- the base 40 may contain portions of the refrigeration equipment (discussed below).
- FIG. 2 shows the compartment 32 in front of the front surface 42 of a rear wall structure 44.
- the rear wall structure 44 includes a rear duct 46 section.
- the exemplary compartment 32 is also below a lower surface 48 of a top/upper wall structure 50 which contains a top duct section 52.
- the top duct section 52 extends from a junction with the upper end of the rear duct section 46.
- the compartment 32 contains a vertical array of shelves 60.
- Each exemplary shelf 60 extends from a rear end/edge 62 at the rear wall 44 to a front end/edge 64.
- Each exemplary shelf 60 has an upper surface 66 which may support refrigerated products 68 (e.g., food, beverages, and the like).
- the refrigeration system's compressor 70 and heat rejection heat exchanger (e.g., gas cooler or condenser) 72 may be located in the case base 40.
- a fan (not shown) may force an airflow across the condenser 72.
- Alternative implementations may involve one or more of the refrigeration system components being remote. For example, a single remote central compressor and condenser may deliver refrigerant to multiple display cases.
- the expansion device 76 and heat absorption heat exchanger (e.g., evaporator) 78 may also be located in the base 40.
- a fan 80 may be in the base 40 to drive a recirculating airflow 500 along a flowpath 510.
- the airflow 500 enters the base at an inlet/return 82 proximate the lower end 38 of the opening 30.
- portions 502 may be vented into the compartment as branch flows to flow over/around the product 68 to cool the product.
- the remainder of the flow 500 reaches the top duct section 52.
- the air flow generally passes along a first leg 510-1 of the flowpath 510 within the base and through the evaporator 78 so as to be cooled.
- the airflow 500 then flows upward through the rear duct section 46 along a second leg 510-2.
- Minus the branch flows 502 (if any) the airflow 500 then flows forward (as shown in FIG. 3 ) along a third leg 510-3 through the top duct section 52.
- the flow is discharged from an outlet 90 (e.g., as a discharge flow 504).
- the flow 504 may interact/communicate with the secondary curtain flow 506.
- the secondary curtain flow 506 is discharged from a second outlet 92 immediately ahead/forward of the outlet 90.
- the outlet 92 is immediately behind a header 94 (e.g., containing lights 96).
- the secondary curtain flow 506 is provided by a secondary airflow 508 driven through a secondary duct 100 by a second fan 102.
- the exemplary secondary duct 100 is formed as part of the case top structure 50 above the top duct section 52.
- the exemplary secondary duct 100 and associated flowpath have an inlet 104.
- the inlet 104 is proximate the rear of the case top.
- FIG. 4 shows a modified case top according to one exemplary embodiment based upon the baseline version of FIG. 3 .
- the flow 500 is further split by a baffle 106 into a first portion 512 (along a first branch 520) which passes out the outlet 90 as a refrigerated air curtain 504'.
- a second portion 514 is diverted (along a second branch or passageway 522) to merge with the secondary airflow 508 to form the secondary air curtain/flow 506' (to precool the secondary air curtain flow relative to the flow 508). Because the airflow 500 is refrigerated, the secondary curtain/flow 506' will be colder than the prior art secondary curtain/flow 506.
- the exemplary flow 514 is introduced to the flow 508 via an opening/port 120 (diversion port) upstream of the outlet 92.
- a deflector 122 may be positioned to help block the flow 508 from flowing into the passageway 522.
- the exemplary deflector extends downward from an upper edge of the port 120 that may be formed of a non-metal or other relatively insulative material so as to limit opportunities for condensation on the deflector due to the temperature differences between the flow 508 on one side and the flow 514 on the other side.
- FIG. 5 shows a top 202 of a case 200 which, except as otherwise described, may be similar to the case 20.
- the baffle 204 is oriented or otherwise configured to converge the branch 522' toward the port 206.
- the convergence increases the speed of the flow 514' exiting the outlet 206 relative to the flow 514. This increased speed causes increased mixing potentially resulting in a more uniform flow 506" relative to the FIG. 4 flow 506'.
- the increased speed is also intended to reduce the chance of flow reversal through the branch/passageway 522'.
- the FIG. 3 prior art flow 504 discharges at a temperature of 34°F (1.1°C) and relative humidity of 90%; the flow 506 discharges at the ambient temperature of 75°F (23.9°C) and 55% relative humidity.
- sufficient airflow 514/514' is mixed with the airflow 508 so that the discharged airflow 506/506" has a temperature of approximately 67°F (19.4°C) and a relative humidity of 64%.
- the vertical axis represents the percentage of the airflow 500 that is diverted and mixed with the secondary airflow 508 to produce the pre-cooled secondary airflow 506'/506" for different airflow ratios shown on the horizontal axis.
- the airflow ratio is defined as the ratio of the mixed secondary air curtain/flow 506/506" average velocity to the refrigerated air curtain/flow 504'/504" average velocity and different ratios are obtained depending upon the airflow volumetric flow rates and opening widths (outlet areas).
- Exemplary rates of the total primary airflow 500 and secondary airflow 508 are near parity (e.g., the airflow 500 is between half and twice the airflow 508, more narrowly, 80-120%).
- the primary and secondary opening widths are the same while the total primary airflow 500 is 8% less than the secondary airflow 508.
- Thermodynamics requires that both mass and energy be conserved as the diverted flow at 34°F (1.1°C) and relative humidity of 90% is mixed with airflow 508 at an ambient temperature of 75°F (23.9°C) and 55% relative humidity.
- FIG. 7 shows the impact to the mixed secondary airflow 506'/506" temperature and relative humidity for the percent (%) of diverted airflow shown in FIG 6 .
- the left side vertical axis of FIG. 8 shows infiltration and total cooling load reductions of a secondary air curtain operating with the temperature and moisture levels of FIG 7 . While the presence of a secondary air curtain will reduce the amount of interface shearing/mixing between the primary air curtain and the secondary air curtain, this interaction is not entirely eliminated. By pre-cooling the secondary air curtain, the temperature difference between the primary air curtain and the secondary air curtain is reduced and for the same shearing/mixing, less infiltration will occur.
- the FIG. 8 right side vertical axis shows the secondary air curtain temperature reduction for the percent (%) of diverted flow of FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- Exemplary diversions from the flow 500 are effective to divert the flow 514/514' as approximately 5-40% (more narrowly 15-25%) of the remainder of the flow 500 reaching the baffle 106/204 or 1-12% (more narrowly 3-10% or 4-7%) of the initial flow 500 through the heat absorption heat exchanger.
- the exemplary flow 514/514' is effective to reduce the temperature of the secondary curtain flow 506'/506" at least approximately 2°F (1.1°C) below the temperature of the flow 508 (more narrowly 5°F-8°F (2.8°C-4.4°C)).
- the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the case may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the refrigerated case may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Freezers Or Refrigerated Showcases (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Description
- The disclosure relates to refrigerated cases. More particularly, the disclosure relates to open front cases/merchandisers.
- There are many varieties of refrigerated cases. Self-service cases exist for consumers principally to access product. A variety of self-service refrigerated case configurations exist, including: open front cases; open top cases; sliding front door cases; and hinged front door cases. In open front cases, a curtain flow of refrigerated air passes downward along the opening. A portion of the curtain, flow returns to an inlet/return proximate the bottom of the opening along with some volume of entrained ambient air.
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U.S. Patent No. 6,722,149 titled "Refrigerated Display Merchandiser" discloses an open front case wherein a secondary air curtain flow of ambient air is passed downward in front of the refrigerated curtain flow. The use of a secondary curtain flow may encourage a greater proportion of the refrigerated curtain flow to recirculate and with a reduced heat transfer to the recirculated portion of the refrigerated curtain flow from the ambient air.U.S. Patent No. 7,162,882 titled "Multi-Band Air Curtain Separation Barrier" discloses an open front case having the features of the pre-characterising portion of claim 1, as well as a third air curtain comprising cool air driven between the first and second air curtains. The third and second air curtains are directed at increasingly divergent angles from the case. The third air curtain passes downward in front of the refrigerated air curtain and is formed by a return airflow drawn from in front of the inlet/return. The second air curtain flow of ambient air is directed across the opening in front of the third flow. The third flow can thus be somewhat cooler than the second flow and yet further reduce heat transfer to the return flow. - One aspect of the disclosure is a refrigerated case having a base. A refrigerated compartment is above the base. A rear wall and a top are along the refrigerated compartment. A refrigeration system includes a heat absorption heat exchanger and a first fan. The first fan is positioned to drive an airflow from a first inlet across the heat absorption heat exchanger. A first portion of the airflow passes through the rear wall and top to exit a first outlet. A second fan is positioned to drive a second airflow from a second inlet to exit a second outlet. The second airflow bypasses the heat absorption heat exchanger. A diversion port is positioned to direct a second portion of the first airflow to merge with the second airflow upstream of the second outlet.
- In various implementations, the heat absorption heat exchanger and first fan may be in the base.
- The case may be implemented as a reengineering of an existing case configuration or a remanufacturing of an existing case.
- The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a refrigerated case according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a side sectional view of the case according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a prior art case top. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a first top for the case according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a second top for the case according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a percentage of the primary airflow diverted to velocity ratio according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of mixed temperature and relative humidity to percentage of primary airflow diverted according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of load reduction and secondary airflow temperature reduction to percentage of primary airflow diverted according to an exemplary embodiment. - Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
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FIG. 1 shows a refrigeratedcase 20. The case 20 (see alsoFIG. 2 ) extends from a first (e.g., left as viewed by a consumer facing the case)end 22 to a second (right)end 24. The case has afront 26 and a rear 28. Theexemplary front 26 has an opening 30 to a refrigeratedcompartment 32. The opening may extend from anupper end 34 proximate atop 36 to alower end 38 proximate abase 40 below the compartment. Thebase 40 may contain portions of the refrigeration equipment (discussed below). -
FIG. 2 shows thecompartment 32 in front of thefront surface 42 of arear wall structure 44. Therear wall structure 44 includes arear duct 46 section. Theexemplary compartment 32 is also below alower surface 48 of a top/upper wall structure 50 which contains atop duct section 52. Thetop duct section 52 extends from a junction with the upper end of therear duct section 46. Thecompartment 32 contains a vertical array ofshelves 60. Eachexemplary shelf 60 extends from a rear end/edge 62 at therear wall 44 to a front end/edge 64. Eachexemplary shelf 60 has anupper surface 66 which may support refrigerated products 68 (e.g., food, beverages, and the like). - In one example, the refrigeration system's
compressor 70 and heat rejection heat exchanger (e.g., gas cooler or condenser) 72 may be located in thecase base 40. A fan (not shown) may force an airflow across thecondenser 72. Alternative implementations may involve one or more of the refrigeration system components being remote. For example, a single remote central compressor and condenser may deliver refrigerant to multiple display cases. - The expansion device 76 and heat absorption heat exchanger (e.g., evaporator) 78 may also be located in the
base 40. Afan 80 may be in thebase 40 to drive arecirculating airflow 500 along a flowpath 510. Theairflow 500 enters the base at an inlet/return 82 proximate thelower end 38 of the opening 30. As theairflow 500 passes upward through therear duct section 46,portions 502 may be vented into the compartment as branch flows to flow over/around theproduct 68 to cool the product. The remainder of theflow 500 reaches thetop duct section 52. - In the prior art, the air flow generally passes along a first leg 510-1 of the flowpath 510 within the base and through the
evaporator 78 so as to be cooled. Theairflow 500 then flows upward through therear duct section 46 along a second leg 510-2. Minus the branch flows 502 (if any) theairflow 500 then flows forward (as shown inFIG. 3 ) along a third leg 510-3 through thetop duct section 52. The flow is discharged from an outlet 90 (e.g., as a discharge flow 504). Upon discharge, theflow 504 may interact/communicate with thesecondary curtain flow 506. Thesecondary curtain flow 506 is discharged from asecond outlet 92 immediately ahead/forward of theoutlet 90. Theoutlet 92 is immediately behind a header 94 (e.g., containing lights 96). Thesecondary curtain flow 506 is provided by asecondary airflow 508 driven through asecondary duct 100 by asecond fan 102. The exemplarysecondary duct 100 is formed as part of the casetop structure 50 above thetop duct section 52. The exemplarysecondary duct 100 and associated flowpath have aninlet 104. Theinlet 104 is proximate the rear of the case top. -
FIG. 4 shows a modified case top according to one exemplary embodiment based upon the baseline version ofFIG. 3 . In the top duct section, theflow 500 is further split by abaffle 106 into a first portion 512 (along a first branch 520) which passes out theoutlet 90 as a refrigerated air curtain 504'. Asecond portion 514 is diverted (along a second branch or passageway 522) to merge with thesecondary airflow 508 to form the secondary air curtain/flow 506' (to precool the secondary air curtain flow relative to the flow 508). Because theairflow 500 is refrigerated, the secondary curtain/flow 506' will be colder than the prior art secondary curtain/flow 506. Theexemplary flow 514 is introduced to theflow 508 via an opening/port 120 (diversion port) upstream of theoutlet 92. Adeflector 122 may be positioned to help block theflow 508 from flowing into thepassageway 522. The exemplary deflector extends downward from an upper edge of theport 120 that may be formed of a non-metal or other relatively insulative material so as to limit opportunities for condensation on the deflector due to the temperature differences between theflow 508 on one side and theflow 514 on the other side. -
FIG. 5 shows a top 202 of acase 200 which, except as otherwise described, may be similar to thecase 20. Thebaffle 204 is oriented or otherwise configured to converge the branch 522' toward theport 206. The convergence increases the speed of the flow 514' exiting theoutlet 206 relative to theflow 514. This increased speed causes increased mixing potentially resulting in a moreuniform flow 506" relative to theFIG. 4 flow 506'. The increased speed is also intended to reduce the chance of flow reversal through the branch/passageway 522'. - In one example, the
FIG. 3 prior art flow 504 discharges at a temperature of 34°F (1.1°C) and relative humidity of 90%; theflow 506 discharges at the ambient temperature of 75°F (23.9°C) and 55% relative humidity. In the revised exemplary case ofFIGS. 4 or 5 ,sufficient airflow 514/514' is mixed with theairflow 508 so that the dischargedairflow 506/506" has a temperature of approximately 67°F (19.4°C) and a relative humidity of 64%. - In the graphical representation of
FIG 6 , the vertical axis represents the percentage of theairflow 500 that is diverted and mixed with thesecondary airflow 508 to produce the pre-cooled secondary airflow 506'/506" for different airflow ratios shown on the horizontal axis. The airflow ratio is defined as the ratio of the mixed secondary air curtain/flow 506/506" average velocity to the refrigerated air curtain/flow 504'/504" average velocity and different ratios are obtained depending upon the airflow volumetric flow rates and opening widths (outlet areas). Exemplary rates of the totalprimary airflow 500 andsecondary airflow 508 are near parity (e.g., theairflow 500 is between half and twice theairflow 508, more narrowly, 80-120%). In theFIG. 6 example, the primary and secondary opening widths are the same while the totalprimary airflow 500 is 8% less than thesecondary airflow 508. Thermodynamics requires that both mass and energy be conserved as the diverted flow at 34°F (1.1°C) and relative humidity of 90% is mixed withairflow 508 at an ambient temperature of 75°F (23.9°C) and 55% relative humidity. -
FIG. 7 shows the impact to the mixed secondary airflow 506'/506" temperature and relative humidity for the percent (%) of diverted airflow shown inFIG 6 . - The left side vertical axis of
FIG. 8 shows infiltration and total cooling load reductions of a secondary air curtain operating with the temperature and moisture levels ofFIG 7 . While the presence of a secondary air curtain will reduce the amount of interface shearing/mixing between the primary air curtain and the secondary air curtain, this interaction is not entirely eliminated. By pre-cooling the secondary air curtain, the temperature difference between the primary air curtain and the secondary air curtain is reduced and for the same shearing/mixing, less infiltration will occur. TheFIG. 8 right side vertical axis shows the secondary air curtain temperature reduction for the percent (%) of diverted flow ofFIGS. 6 and 7 . - Exemplary diversions from the
flow 500 are effective to divert theflow 514/514' as approximately 5-40% (more narrowly 15-25%) of the remainder of theflow 500 reaching thebaffle 106/204 or 1-12% (more narrowly 3-10% or 4-7%) of theinitial flow 500 through the heat absorption heat exchanger. Theexemplary flow 514/514' is effective to reduce the temperature of the secondary curtain flow 506'/506" at least approximately 2°F (1.1°C) below the temperature of the flow 508 (more narrowly 5°F-8°F (2.8°C-4.4°C)). - One or more embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, the present teachings may be implemented in the context of a remanufacturing or reengineering of a variety of existing or yet-developed cases and configurations thereof. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
- It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the refrigerated case with secondary air curtain as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the plenum and its inlets, outlets, and airflow devices may be arranged in any suitable manner or otherwise varied. The length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the case may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the refrigerated case may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
- The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
- A refrigerated case (20;200) comprising:a base (40);a refrigerated compartment (32) above the base;a rear wall (44) along the refrigerated compartment;a top (50) along the refrigerated compartment;a refrigeration system comprising:a heat absorption heat exchanger (78); anda first fan (80) positioned to drive an airflow (500) from a first inlet (82) across the heat absorption heat exchanger (78), at least a first portion (504';504") of the first airflow passing through the rear wall and top to exit a first outlet (90); anda second fan (102) positioned to drive a second airflow (508) from a second inlet (104) to exit a second outlet (92) bypassing the heat absorption heat exchanger (78);characterised in that a diversion port (120;206) is positioned to direct a second portion (514;514') of the first airflow (500) to merge with the second airflow (508) upstream of the second outlet (92).
- The case (20;200) of claim 1 wherein:the first outlet (90) and the second outlet (92) are positioned so as to produce adjacent first (504';504") and second (506';506") air curtains, portions of both of which return to the first inlet to become the airflow (500).
- The case (20; 200) of claim 1 wherein:the diversion port is dimensioned to pass 1-12 percent of the first airflow as said second portion.
- The case (20;200) of claim 1 wherein:the first outlet (90) is proximate an upper front of the refrigerated compartment; and the second outlet (92) is immediately forward of the first outlet.
- The case (200) of claim 4 wherein:a diversion passageway tapers in cross-section toward the diversion port at which the second portion of the first airflow is merged with the second airflow.
- The case (20;200) of claim 1 further comprising:at least one vertical array of shelves (60).
- The case (20;200) of claim 1 wherein:a portion (502) of the airflow (500) downstream of the heat absorption heat exchanger (78) is diverted into the refrigerated compartment (32) along a rear of the compartment.
- The case (20;200) of claim 1, wherein:the rear wall (44) includes a rear duct;the top (50) includes a top duct;the first fan (80) is positioned to drive the first portion (504';504") of the first airflow (500) from a first inlet (82) through the rear duct and the top duct to exit the first outlet (90), the first portion of the first airflow at least partially creating a primary air cushion;the second fan (110) is positioned to drive the second airflow (508) to at least partially create a secondary air cushion; anda baffle (106) is disposed within the top duct, the baffle positioned to direct the first portion of the first airflow (500) to the first outlet (90) and to direct the second portion (514;514') of the first airflow to the second outlet (92) for precooling the secondary air curtain.
- The case (20; 200) of claim 8, wherein a flow passage between the baffle (106) and the top duct converges toward the second outlet (92) to accelerate the second portion (514;514') of the first airflow (500).
- The case (20; 200) of claim 9, comprising a deflector (122) coupled to the top duct and position to direct the second portion (514;514') of the first airflow (500) downwardly toward the second outlet (92).
- The case (20; 200) of claim 10, wherein at least one third portion of the first airflow (500) is diverted from the rear duct into the refrigerated compartment.
- A method for operating an open-front refrigerated case (20;200), the method comprising:directing a first airflow (500) through a heat absorption heat exchanger (78) to cool the first airflow;directing a first portion (504';504") of the first airflow as a first air curtain flow across an opening of the refrigerated case;directing a second airflow (508);diverting a second portion (514;514') of the first airflow (500) to merge with the second airflow (508);discharging the combined second airflow (508) and second portion (514;514') in front of the first air curtain flow as a second air curtain flow; andreturning at least portions of the first air curtain flow (504';504") and second air curtain flow (506';506") as the first airflow (500) through the heat absorption heat exchanger.
- The method of claim 12 wherein:the diverting is effective to reduce a temperature of the second airflow (508) by 2.8-4.4 °C.
- The method of claim 12 wherein:the diverting is effective to reduce a temperature of the second airflow (508) by at least 1.1°C.
- The method of claim 12 wherein:the second portion (514;514') of the first airflow (500) is 1-12 percent of the first airflow (500) at the point of diversion, preferably 4-7 percent; andthe second portion (514;514') of the first airflow (500) is 1-11 percent of the second airflow (508), preferably 4-7 percent.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12140808P | 2008-12-10 | 2008-12-10 | |
PCT/US2009/064577 WO2010068367A1 (en) | 2008-12-10 | 2009-11-16 | Open front display case with secondary air curtain |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2361027A1 EP2361027A1 (en) | 2011-08-31 |
EP2361027A4 EP2361027A4 (en) | 2012-10-31 |
EP2361027B1 true EP2361027B1 (en) | 2017-03-29 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP09832302.5A Not-in-force EP2361027B1 (en) | 2008-12-10 | 2009-11-16 | Open front display case with secondary air curtain |
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EP (1) | EP2361027B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102245059B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010068367A1 (en) |
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PL2612574T3 (en) * | 2012-01-06 | 2015-01-30 | Uab Freor Lt | Refrigeration unit |
US10028594B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2018-07-24 | Hussmann Corporation | Merchandiser with merged air discharge |
US10646054B2 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2020-05-12 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Showcase and operation method thereof |
US10016071B2 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2018-07-10 | Pepsico, Inc. | Product merchandising systems and methods |
US20240324794A1 (en) * | 2021-07-13 | 2024-10-03 | Hussmann Corporation | Refrigerated merchandiser with tunable airflow discharge |
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---|---|---|---|---|
US1863579A (en) * | 1932-06-21 | Method and apparatus of air conditioning | ||
US2630684A (en) * | 1950-02-11 | 1953-03-10 | Sherer Gillett Company | Refrigerated multiple shelf display case |
JPS51134963A (en) * | 1975-05-20 | 1976-11-22 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Method for defrost operation of cold-air circulation type open showcas e |
US5357767A (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1994-10-25 | Hussmann Corporation | Low temperature display merchandiser |
US6722149B1 (en) * | 2003-01-07 | 2004-04-20 | Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc. | Refrigerated display merchandiser |
US7162882B2 (en) * | 2003-01-07 | 2007-01-16 | Carrier Corporation | Multi-band air curtain separation barrier |
-
2009
- 2009-11-16 WO PCT/US2009/064577 patent/WO2010068367A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-11-16 CN CN200980149938.7A patent/CN102245059B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-11-16 EP EP09832302.5A patent/EP2361027B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN102245059B (en) | 2014-03-19 |
CN102245059A (en) | 2011-11-16 |
EP2361027A1 (en) | 2011-08-31 |
WO2010068367A1 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
EP2361027A4 (en) | 2012-10-31 |
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