EP3396278A1 - Refrigeration system and method - Google Patents
Refrigeration system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3396278A1 EP3396278A1 EP17168713.0A EP17168713A EP3396278A1 EP 3396278 A1 EP3396278 A1 EP 3396278A1 EP 17168713 A EP17168713 A EP 17168713A EP 3396278 A1 EP3396278 A1 EP 3396278A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- frequency
- compartment
- vibration actuators
- gas mixture
- refrigeration system
- 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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Links
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 66
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B35/00—Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for
- F04B35/04—Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for the means being electric
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D33/00—Non-positive-displacement pumps with other than pure rotation, e.g. of oscillating type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
- F04F7/00—Pumps displacing fluids by using inertia thereof, e.g. by generating vibrations therein
Definitions
- the invention relates to a refrigeration system and a corresponding method.
- the present invention will be mainly be described in conjunction with refrigerator or freezer.
- the here described refrigeration system can for example be used in home appliances.
- Conventional refrigerators are configured to use a fan or ventilator to distribute cooled air, for example. Therefore, in particular a heat exchanger is configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of the air within a compartment.
- Typical refrigerators comprise in general two compartments, in particular called refrigerator and freezer, respectively.
- the cooled air which is generated by the heat exchanger, is distributed within the refrigerator and freezer, respectively, wherein a temperature gradient can be obtained. That means that the temperature on the opposite side of the heat exchanger of the refrigerator or freezer can be higher than a temperature adjacent to the fan or ventilator, wherein the fan or ventilator is typically arranged adjacent to the heat exchanger. Therefore, stored food adjacent to the heat exchanger experiences a colder temperature as in an area adjacent to a door of the refrigerator or freezer. Therefore, the food can freeze which in particular leads to spoilage of the food, for example.
- Document US 4,009,591 relates to a single evaporator, single fan combination refrigerator.
- the single evaporator, single fan combination refrigerator includes a temperature control system, which thermostatically maintains the fresh food compartment at a desired temperature by cycling the refrigerator system on and off as required.
- the present invention provides a refrigeration system with the features of claim 1 and a refrigeration method with the features of claim 10.
- the refrigeration system comprises a heat exchanger configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture within a compartment, wherein the heat exchanger comprises or is in connection with a plurality of first vibration activators and wherein the plurality of the first vibration activators is configured to excite the gas mixture with a first frequency.
- the compartment of the refrigeration system further comprises a plurality of second vibration actuators, wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators is configured to envelop the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment.
- the here described refrigeration system comprises at least one compartment.
- the here described refrigeration system can comprise one, two or more individual compartments, wherein each of the compartments can comprise the heat exchanger or the compartments are connected to each other via an air channel, wherein the temperature within the different compartments can be regulated by a temperature sensor, for example.
- the heat exchanger is a device used in transfer heat between a solid object and a fluid, or between two or more fluids, for example.
- the refrigeration method comprises the steps of adjusting a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture via a heat exchanger within the compartment.
- the method further comprises activating a plurality of first vibration actuators on the heat exchanger and the step activating a plurality of second vibration actuators within the compartment.
- the method further comprises the step exciting the gas mixture with a first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators for example piezoelectric elements and the step enveloping the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency with a second frequency within the compartment via the plurality of second vibration actuators.
- the present invention uses the finding that by enveloping the first frequency of the excited gas mixture, for example by varying the amplitude of the second frequency, the gas mixture can be guided and homogeneously distributed within the compartment by using the second frequency.
- the present invention provides two different frequencies wherein the first frequency can be provided by the gas mixture excited by the first frequency and the second frequency can be provided by the compartment and components of the compartment, respectively, for example by excitation of walls of the compartment. Therefore, the gas mixture within the compartment can be homogeneously distributed within the compartment in a cost-efficient manner.
- At least one of the here described refrigeration system can be provided in a refrigerator or freezer.
- the first frequency can comprise or can be a resonance frequency of the compartment and the second frequency can comprise or can be an envelope frequency configured to guide and distribute the said excited gas mixture of the resonance frequency with the envelop frequency within the compartment. Therefore, by using the here described two different frequencies, namely the first frequency (resonance frequency or close to the resonance frequency) and the second frequency (envelope frequency) the gas mixture, in particular air, can be homogeneously and fast and therefore effectively distributed in the compartment.
- the envelope frequency so-called the envelope
- the envelope frequency thus generalizes the concept of a constant frequency.
- An envelope function may be a function of time, space, angle, or indeed of any variable.
- the maximum level of the envelope frequency can be configured to be equal to the resonance frequency and the minimum level of the envelope frequency can be configured to be between 20% and 30% of the resonance frequency. Therefore by changing the envelope frequency from area to area the gas mixture with the predetermined temperature within the compartment can be guided from the corresponding area to the corresponding area whereby a homogeneous distribution of the gas mixture can be efficiently conducted by changing or varying the second frequency and the envelope frequency, respectively.
- the here described second frequency or envelope frequency can vary in its amplitude depending on its start point. It is conceivable that the amplitude of the second frequency or envelope frequency increases in a direction from the lower surface to the upper surface as well as vice versa. That is, that the second frequency or envelope frequency in particular can also increase its amplitudes in a direction from the upper surface to the lower surface. Therefore, a homogeneous distribution or circulation of the gas mixture, which can be air, with the predetermined temperature can be ensured.
- the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be configured to be individually controllable within an array, wherein the array can comprise the plurality of the second vibration actuators for example piezoelectric elements. That is, that the envelope frequency can be increased or decreased by actuation of certain points of the array, for example.
- the second vibration actuators can be controlled or can function in dependence of the temperature sensor, which can be located in the compartment. In other words, not all of the plurality of the second vibration actuators has to be excited simultaneously. The plurality of the second vibration actuators can be controlled or can be excited by the temperature sensor, accordingly.
- the heat exchanger can be configured to be arranged on a back surface of the compartment and the compartment can further comprise an upper surface, a lower surface, a closeable front cover and two opposite side surfaces connecting at least the upper surface with the lower surface and wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be arranged on the upper surface, the lower surface and/or the two opposite side surfaces.
- the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be arranged on the upper surface, the lower surface and the two opposite side surfaces.
- the closeable front cover comprises the plurality of the second vibration actuators.
- the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be arranged in the array, for example. That is that the upper surface, and the lower surface and/or the two opposite side surfaces can each comprise the array, which comprises the plurality of the second vibration actuators. Therefore, a homogeneous distribution of the gas mixture with the predetermined temperature within the compartment can be ensured.
- the predetermined temperature of the gas mixture can be easily provided, wherein the plurality of first vibration actuators excite the gas mixture with its resonance frequency.
- the closeable front cover can be configured to be a door and the compartment can be configured to be thermally insulated to an ambient atmosphere. Therefore, the refrigeration system can be conducted in an energy saving manner and cost-efficient manner, respectively.
- the predetermined temperature can comprise a range of -20°C to 5°C. Therefore, the here described refrigeration system provides compartments which are configured to store food at low temperature, for example 1°C to 5°C and/or freeze food in a range between 0°C and -20°C.
- first vibration actuators and the second vibration actuators can comprise electromechanical vibration actuators. Therefore, the excitation or a vibration of the corresponding first and second vibration actuators of the compartment as well as of the heat exchanger can be easily conducted.
- the refrigeration system can be a refrigerator or a freezer.
- exciting the gas mixture with the first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators can comprise the resonance frequency and wherein enveloping the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment can comprise the envelope frequency.
- enveloping the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency can comprise guiding and distributing the said excited gas mixture of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency.
- Fig. 1A shows an embodiment of a refrigeration system 100 according to the invention.
- the refrigeration system 100 comprises a heat exchanger 15 configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture in form of air 30 within a compartment 2, wherein the heat exchanger 15 comprises a plurality of first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 and wherein the plurality of the first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 is configured to excite the gas mixture 30 with a first frequency.
- the compartment 2 of the refrigeration system 100 further comprises a plurality of second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24, wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24 is configured to envelop the said excited gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment 2.
- the first frequency can comprise a resonance frequency and the second frequency can comprise an envelope frequency E1, E2 configured to guide and distribute the said excited gas mixture 30 of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency within the compartment 2.
- Fig. 1A the heat exchanger 15 which comprises the plurality of first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 and an array 20 of the plurality of the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24 are illustrated separately in a refrigeration compartment RE1 and a freezer compartment F1 in order to better illustrate a setup of the refrigeration system 100.
- Fig. 1A in particular illustrates that the heat exchanger 15 of the refrigeration system 100 is arranged on a back surface 3 of the compartment 2 and the compartment 2 further comprises an upper surface 4, a lower surface 5, a closeable front cover 6 and two opposite side surfaces 7, 8 connecting at least the upper surface 4 with the lower surface 5.
- the closeable front cover 6 in Fig. 1 A can be a door, for example.
- the door of the compartment 2 can be configured to thermally insulate the compartment 2 of the refrigeration system 100 to an ambient atmosphere.
- the plurality of second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24 are arranged in the array 20, wherein the array 20 are arranged or mounted on the opposite side surfaces 7, 8.
- the arrangement of the array 20, which comprises the array 20 with the plurality of the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24, is not limited to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A . It is also conceivable that the plurality of the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24 is arranged on the upper surface 4, the lower surface 5 and/or the two opposite side surfaces 7, 8 to ensure an efficient distribution of the gas mixture 30 with the predetermined temperature within the compartment 2.
- the refrigeration system 100 comprises an air channel 40, which can be understood as an optional feature.
- each of the here shown compartments RE1, F1, namely the refrigerator compartment RE1 and the freezer compartment F1 can comprise the here described refrigeration system 100 with the heat exchanger 15 and the compartment 2 with the corresponding first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 and the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24.
- the envelope frequencies E1, E2 are illustrated by sinusoidal waves, for example, wherein amplitudes of the envelope frequency E1 increases in a direction from the lower surface 5 to the upper surface 4. And in contrast the envelope frequency E2 increases in a direction from the upper surface 4 to the lower surface 5 of the compartment 2 so that the air circulates within the refrigerator compartment RE1 as indicated by the arrows which effectively supports the distribution of cold air within the refrigerator compartment RE1. Therefore, the refrigeration system can be driven in an energy efficient manner.
- Fig. 1B shows a graph G1 to illustrate the cooling performance of the refrigeration system 100 as described in connection with Fig. 1A .
- the time is shown on the horizontal axis (x-axis) and a cooling performance of the refrigeration system 100 is shown on the vertical axis (y-axis).
- the cooling performance of the refrigeration system 100 maintains substantially constant after starting the heat exchanger 15, first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 and second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24, wherein the first vibration actuator 11, 12, 13, 14 are in particular homogeneously arranged on the heat exchanger 15 and the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24 can be homogeneously distributed within the array 20, wherein the array 20 is mounted or arranged on the upper surface 4, the lower surface 5, the closeable front door cover 6 and/or the opposite side surfaces 7, 8. That means that the cooling performance increases in shorter time than in conventional systems due to efficient distribution of the gas mixture 30 according to the invention.
- Fig. 2A illustrates the refrigeration system 1 according to the state of the art.
- the refrigeration system 1 of Fig. 2A is based on Fig. 1A .
- the refrigeration system 1 according to the state of the art comprises two fans 41, 41' instead of in particular the first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 and the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24.
- the fan 41 is arranged in the refrigeration compartment RE1 and the fan 41' is arranged in the freezer compartment F1.
- the fan 41 is further arranged adjacent the air channel 40 and thus in an upper region of the refrigeration compartment RE1. Therefore, the refrigeration compartment RE1 provides a colder region 42 (indicated by the points) and a cold region 43.
- a temperature adjacent to the fans 41, 41' is lower than in direction to the closable front cover 6. Therefore, food can freeze which in particular leads to spoilage of the food, for example.
- Fig. 2B shows a graph G2 to illustrate the cooling performance of the refrigeration system 1 according to the state of the art as described in connection with Fig. 2A .
- Fig. 3 illustrates a graph G3 for illustrating different types of envelope frequencies.
- the envelope frequencies can comprise three levels R1, R2, R3.
- the first level of envelope frequency R1 can be equal to the resonance frequency, for example.
- the second level of envelope frequency R2 can be 50% of the resonance frequency, for example.
- the third level of envelope frequency R3 can be 30% of the resonance frequency, for example.
- the different levels of the envelope frequencies R1, R2, R3 are separated by the dotted lines in Fig. 3 , accordingly.
- Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a refrigeration system.
- the refrigeration method starts with adjusting S1 a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture 30 via a heat exchanger 50 within a compartment 2. Further steps comprise activating S2 a plurality of first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 on the heat exchanger 15 and activating S3 a plurality of second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24 within the compartment 2. The method further comprises the step exciting S4 the gas mixture 30 with a first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 and in the final step enveloping S5 the said exciting gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment 2 via the plurality of second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24.
- the step exciting S4 the gas mixture 30 with the first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 comprises the resonance frequency and the step enveloping the said excited gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment 2 comprises the envelope frequency E1, E2.
- Enveloping S5 the said exciting gas mixture 30 of the first frequency comprises guiding and distributing the said excited gas mixture 30 of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency.
- Fig. 5 shows an example for an embodiment of different types of envelope frequencies according to the invention which is a more detailed example in view of the graph of Fig. 3 .
- Frequency F1 is the envelope frequency and the frequency F2 is a follower frequency.
- the frequency F1 is determined according to mechanical properties of refrigerator and is in interval certain values (for example minimum 50 Hz -maximum 200Hz) and is variable in different locations of the compartment RE1.
- the amplitude of frequency F1 can be constant and is determined by cooling experiments. In particular, this amplitude must distribute the cool air more efficient and wherein it should not be disturbed by the user as a sound noise.
- frequency F2 is determined again by mechanical properties of refrigerator. and frequency F2 is constant and bigger than frequency F1.
- the amplitude of frequency F2 is changeable (0-1 kHz) according to the envelope frequency F1.
- the frequency F1 can change in different locations of cabin as for example shown in Fig. 3 and frequency F2 follows frequency F1 which is not shown in Fig. 3 and only shown in Fig. 5 .
- Fig. 5 shows at A a maximum frequency F1 of for example 200Hz which can be the resonance frequency resulting in a maximum cooling and which can be used for a maximum distribution of air.
- the frequency F1 has a minimum frequency F1 of for example 50Hz which is 25% oft the resonance frequency which results in minimum cooling and which can be used for a minimum distribution of air within a compartment RE1.
- the follower frequency F2 can be 1 kHz.
- the envelope frequency G3 of Fig. 3 is used as an embodiment of the invention to generate an air circulation as shown by arrow 30 in Fig. 1 a
- the envelope frequency F1 of Fig. 5 could also be used as a further embodiment of the invention to generate an air circulation within the compartment RE1.
- the present invention provides a refrigeration system 100.
- the refrigeration system 100 comprises a heat exchanger 15 configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture 30 within a compartment 2, wherein the heat exchanger 15 comprises a plurality of first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 and wherein the plurality of the first vibration actuators 11, 12, 13, 14 is configured to excite the gas mixture 30 with a first frequency.
- the compartment 2 comprises a plurality of second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24, wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators 21, 22, 23, 24 is configured to envelope the said excited gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with a second frequency within the compartment 2.
- the present invention further provides a corresponding method.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a refrigeration system and a corresponding method.
- Although applicable to any system that needs to cool or freeze in particular food within a compartment the present invention will be mainly be described in conjunction with refrigerator or freezer. The here described refrigeration system can for example be used in home appliances.
- Conventional refrigerators are configured to use a fan or ventilator to distribute cooled air, for example. Therefore, in particular a heat exchanger is configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of the air within a compartment.
- Typical refrigerators comprise in general two compartments, in particular called refrigerator and freezer, respectively. The cooled air, which is generated by the heat exchanger, is distributed within the refrigerator and freezer, respectively, wherein a temperature gradient can be obtained. That means that the temperature on the opposite side of the heat exchanger of the refrigerator or freezer can be higher than a temperature adjacent to the fan or ventilator, wherein the fan or ventilator is typically arranged adjacent to the heat exchanger. Therefore, stored food adjacent to the heat exchanger experiences a colder temperature as in an area adjacent to a door of the refrigerator or freezer. Therefore, the food can freeze which in particular leads to spoilage of the food, for example.
- Document
US 4,009,591 relates to a single evaporator, single fan combination refrigerator. The single evaporator, single fan combination refrigerator includes a temperature control system, which thermostatically maintains the fresh food compartment at a desired temperature by cycling the refrigerator system on and off as required. - Accordingly, there is a need for an improved refrigeration system.
- The present invention provides a refrigeration system with the features of
claim 1 and a refrigeration method with the features of claim 10. - The refrigeration system comprises a heat exchanger configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture within a compartment, wherein the heat exchanger comprises or is in connection with a plurality of first vibration activators and wherein the plurality of the first vibration activators is configured to excite the gas mixture with a first frequency. The compartment of the refrigeration system further comprises a plurality of second vibration actuators, wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators is configured to envelop the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment. For example, the here described refrigeration system comprises at least one compartment. That is, that the here described refrigeration system can comprise one, two or more individual compartments, wherein each of the compartments can comprise the heat exchanger or the compartments are connected to each other via an air channel, wherein the temperature within the different compartments can be regulated by a temperature sensor, for example. The heat exchanger is a device used in transfer heat between a solid object and a fluid, or between two or more fluids, for example.
- The refrigeration method comprises the steps of adjusting a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture via a heat exchanger within the compartment. The method further comprises activating a plurality of first vibration actuators on the heat exchanger and the step activating a plurality of second vibration actuators within the compartment. The method further comprises the step exciting the gas mixture with a first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators for example piezoelectric elements and the step enveloping the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency with a second frequency within the compartment via the plurality of second vibration actuators.
- The present invention uses the finding that by enveloping the first frequency of the excited gas mixture, for example by varying the amplitude of the second frequency, the gas mixture can be guided and homogeneously distributed within the compartment by using the second frequency.
- Therefore, the present invention provides two different frequencies wherein the first frequency can be provided by the gas mixture excited by the first frequency and the second frequency can be provided by the compartment and components of the compartment, respectively, for example by excitation of walls of the compartment. Therefore, the gas mixture within the compartment can be homogeneously distributed within the compartment in a cost-efficient manner.
- It is understood, that at least one of the here described refrigeration system can be provided in a refrigerator or freezer.
- Further embodiments of the present invention are subject of the further sub-claims and of the following description, referring to the drawings.
- In one embodiment, the first frequency can comprise or can be a resonance frequency of the compartment and the second frequency can comprise or can be an envelope frequency configured to guide and distribute the said excited gas mixture of the resonance frequency with the envelop frequency within the compartment. Therefore, by using the here described two different frequencies, namely the first frequency (resonance frequency or close to the resonance frequency) and the second frequency (envelope frequency) the gas mixture, in particular air, can be homogeneously and fast and therefore effectively distributed in the compartment.
- In physics and engineering, the envelope frequency, so-called the envelope, of an oscillating signal is a smooth curve. The envelope frequency thus generalizes the concept of a constant frequency. An envelope function may be a function of time, space, angle, or indeed of any variable.
- In one embodiment, the maximum level of the envelope frequency can be configured to be equal to the resonance frequency and the minimum level of the envelope frequency can be configured to be between 20% and 30% of the resonance frequency. Therefore by changing the envelope frequency from area to area the gas mixture with the predetermined temperature within the compartment can be guided from the corresponding area to the corresponding area whereby a homogeneous distribution of the gas mixture can be efficiently conducted by changing or varying the second frequency and the envelope frequency, respectively.
- The here described second frequency or envelope frequency can vary in its amplitude depending on its start point. It is conceivable that the amplitude of the second frequency or envelope frequency increases in a direction from the lower surface to the upper surface as well as vice versa. That is, that the second frequency or envelope frequency in particular can also increase its amplitudes in a direction from the upper surface to the lower surface. Therefore, a homogeneous distribution or circulation of the gas mixture, which can be air, with the predetermined temperature can be ensured.
- In one embodiment the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be configured to be individually controllable within an array, wherein the array can comprise the plurality of the second vibration actuators for example piezoelectric elements. That is, that the envelope frequency can be increased or decreased by actuation of certain points of the array, for example. For example, the second vibration actuators can be controlled or can function in dependence of the temperature sensor, which can be located in the compartment. In other words, not all of the plurality of the second vibration actuators has to be excited simultaneously. The plurality of the second vibration actuators can be controlled or can be excited by the temperature sensor, accordingly.
- In one embodiment the heat exchanger can be configured to be arranged on a back surface of the compartment and the compartment can further comprise an upper surface, a lower surface, a closeable front cover and two opposite side surfaces connecting at least the upper surface with the lower surface and wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be arranged on the upper surface, the lower surface and/or the two opposite side surfaces. Preferably, the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be arranged on the upper surface, the lower surface and the two opposite side surfaces. It is further possible that the closeable front cover comprises the plurality of the second vibration actuators. As here described, the plurality of the second vibration actuators can be arranged in the array, for example. That is that the upper surface, and the lower surface and/or the two opposite side surfaces can each comprise the array, which comprises the plurality of the second vibration actuators. Therefore, a homogeneous distribution of the gas mixture with the predetermined temperature within the compartment can be ensured.
- For example, by arranging the heat exchanger on the back surface of the compartment the predetermined temperature of the gas mixture can be easily provided, wherein the plurality of first vibration actuators excite the gas mixture with its resonance frequency.
- In one embodiment the closeable front cover can be configured to be a door and the compartment can be configured to be thermally insulated to an ambient atmosphere. Therefore, the refrigeration system can be conducted in an energy saving manner and cost-efficient manner, respectively.
- In one embodiment, the predetermined temperature can comprise a range of -20°C to 5°C. Therefore, the here described refrigeration system provides compartments which are configured to store food at low temperature, for example 1°C to 5°C and/or freeze food in a range between 0°C and -20°C.
- In one embodiment the first vibration actuators and the second vibration actuators can comprise electromechanical vibration actuators. Therefore, the excitation or a vibration of the corresponding first and second vibration actuators of the compartment as well as of the heat exchanger can be easily conducted.
- In one embodiment the refrigeration system can be a refrigerator or a freezer.
- In one embodiment, exciting the gas mixture with the first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators can comprise the resonance frequency and wherein enveloping the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment can comprise the envelope frequency.
- In one embodiment, enveloping the said excited gas mixture of the first frequency can comprise guiding and distributing the said excited gas mixture of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency.
- The here disclosed features for the refrigeration system are also disclosed for the refrigeration method as well as vice versa.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, which are specified in the schematic figures of the drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1A
- shows an embodiment of a refrigeration system according to the present patent application;
- Fig. 1B
- shows a graph for illustrating a cooling performance of the refrigeration system of
Fig. 1 A; - Fig. 2A
- shows a refrigeration system according to the state of the art;
- Fig. 2B
- shows a corresponding cooling performance of the refrigeration system according to the state of the art;
- Fig. 3
- shows a graph for illustrating different types of envelope frequencies;
- Fig. 4
- shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present patent application; and
- Fig. 5
- shows a graph for illustrating an example of different types of envelope frequencies.
- In the figures like reference signs denote like elements unless stated otherwise.
-
Fig. 1A shows an embodiment of arefrigeration system 100 according to the invention. Therefrigeration system 100 comprises aheat exchanger 15 configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture in form ofair 30 within acompartment 2, wherein theheat exchanger 15 comprises a plurality offirst vibration actuators first vibration actuators gas mixture 30 with a first frequency. Thecompartment 2 of therefrigeration system 100 further comprises a plurality ofsecond vibration actuators second vibration actuators excited gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with the second frequency within thecompartment 2. - In particular, the first frequency can comprise a resonance frequency and the second frequency can comprise an envelope frequency E1, E2 configured to guide and distribute the said
excited gas mixture 30 of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency within thecompartment 2. - In
Fig. 1A theheat exchanger 15 which comprises the plurality offirst vibration actuators array 20 of the plurality of thesecond vibration actuators refrigeration system 100. -
Fig. 1A in particular illustrates that theheat exchanger 15 of therefrigeration system 100 is arranged on aback surface 3 of thecompartment 2 and thecompartment 2 further comprises anupper surface 4, alower surface 5, a closeablefront cover 6 and twoopposite side surfaces upper surface 4 with thelower surface 5. The closeablefront cover 6 inFig. 1 A can be a door, for example. The door of thecompartment 2 can be configured to thermally insulate thecompartment 2 of therefrigeration system 100 to an ambient atmosphere. - As illustrated in
Fig. 1A the plurality ofsecond vibration actuators array 20, wherein thearray 20 are arranged or mounted on theopposite side surfaces array 20, which comprises thearray 20 with the plurality of thesecond vibration actuators Fig. 1A . It is also conceivable that the plurality of thesecond vibration actuators upper surface 4, thelower surface 5 and/or the twoopposite side surfaces gas mixture 30 with the predetermined temperature within thecompartment 2. - As illustrated in
Fig. 1 A therefrigeration system 100 comprises anair channel 40, which can be understood as an optional feature. In other words each of the here shown compartments RE1, F1, namely the refrigerator compartment RE1 and the freezer compartment F1 can comprise the here describedrefrigeration system 100 with theheat exchanger 15 and thecompartment 2 with the correspondingfirst vibration actuators second vibration actuators - The envelope frequencies E1, E2 are illustrated by sinusoidal waves, for example, wherein amplitudes of the envelope frequency E1 increases in a direction from the
lower surface 5 to theupper surface 4. And in contrast the envelope frequency E2 increases in a direction from theupper surface 4 to thelower surface 5 of thecompartment 2 so that the air circulates within the refrigerator compartment RE1 as indicated by the arrows which effectively supports the distribution of cold air within the refrigerator compartment RE1. Therefore, the refrigeration system can be driven in an energy efficient manner. -
Fig. 1B shows a graph G1 to illustrate the cooling performance of therefrigeration system 100 as described in connection withFig. 1A . - In graph G1 the time is shown on the horizontal axis (x-axis) and a cooling performance of the
refrigeration system 100 is shown on the vertical axis (y-axis). As can be seen the cooling performance of therefrigeration system 100 maintains substantially constant after starting theheat exchanger 15,first vibration actuators second vibration actuators first vibration actuator heat exchanger 15 and thesecond vibration actuators array 20, wherein thearray 20 is mounted or arranged on theupper surface 4, thelower surface 5, the closeablefront door cover 6 and/or theopposite side surfaces gas mixture 30 according to the invention. -
Fig. 2A illustrates therefrigeration system 1 according to the state of the art. - The
refrigeration system 1 ofFig. 2A is based onFig. 1A . In contrast to therefrigeration system 100 ofFig 1A , therefrigeration system 1 according to the state of the art comprises twofans 41, 41' instead of in particular thefirst vibration actuators second vibration actuators fan 41 is arranged in the refrigeration compartment RE1 and the fan 41' is arranged in the freezer compartment F1. Thefan 41 is further arranged adjacent theair channel 40 and thus in an upper region of the refrigeration compartment RE1. Therefore, the refrigeration compartment RE1 provides a colder region 42 (indicated by the points) and acold region 43. In addition, a temperature adjacent to thefans 41, 41' is lower than in direction to the closablefront cover 6. Therefore, food can freeze which in particular leads to spoilage of the food, for example. -
Fig. 2B shows a graph G2 to illustrate the cooling performance of therefrigeration system 1 according to the state of the art as described in connection withFig. 2A . - In graph G2 the time is shown on the horizontal axis (x-axis) and the cooling performance of the
refrigeration system 1 is shown on the vertical axis (y-axis). As can be seen inFig. 2B the cooling performance increases much slower than in comparison to the graph G1 ofFig. 1B . This is based on a slower distribution of thegas mixture 30 when using thefan 41. - Consequently, the
refrigeration system 100 ofFig. 1A distributes thegas mixture 30 fast and in efficient manner. -
Fig. 3 illustrates a graph G3 for illustrating different types of envelope frequencies. - In graph G3 the time is shown on the horizontal axis (x-axis) and vibration amplitude of the envelope frequency is shown on the vertical axis (y-axis).
- In Graph G3 three levels of envelope frequencies are shown R1, R2, R3. For example, the envelope frequencies can comprise three levels R1, R2, R3. The first level of envelope frequency R1 can be equal to the resonance frequency, for example. The second level of envelope frequency R2 can be 50% of the resonance frequency, for example. And the third level of envelope frequency R3 can be 30% of the resonance frequency, for example. The different levels of the envelope frequencies R1, R2, R3 are separated by the dotted lines in
Fig. 3 , accordingly. -
Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a refrigeration system. - The refrigeration method starts with adjusting S1 a predetermined temperature of a
gas mixture 30 via a heat exchanger 50 within acompartment 2. Further steps comprise activating S2 a plurality offirst vibration actuators heat exchanger 15 and activating S3 a plurality ofsecond vibration actuators compartment 2. The method further comprises the step exciting S4 thegas mixture 30 with a first frequency via the plurality offirst vibration actuators exciting gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with the second frequency within thecompartment 2 via the plurality ofsecond vibration actuators - The step exciting S4 the
gas mixture 30 with the first frequency via the plurality offirst vibration actuators excited gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with the second frequency within thecompartment 2 comprises the envelope frequency E1, E2. Enveloping S5 the saidexciting gas mixture 30 of the first frequency comprises guiding and distributing the saidexcited gas mixture 30 of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency. -
Fig. 5 shows an example for an embodiment of different types of envelope frequencies according to the invention which is a more detailed example in view of the graph ofFig. 3 . - Frequency F1 is the envelope frequency and the frequency F2 is a follower frequency. The frequency F1 is determined according to mechanical properties of refrigerator and is in interval certain values (for example minimum 50 Hz -maximum 200Hz) and is variable in different locations of the compartment RE1. The amplitude of frequency F1 can be constant and is determined by cooling experiments. In particular, this amplitude must distribute the cool air more efficient and wherein it should not be disturbed by the user as a sound noise.
- F2 is determined again by mechanical properties of refrigerator. and frequency F2 is constant and bigger than frequency F1. The amplitude of frequency F2 is changeable (0-1 kHz) according to the envelope frequency F1.
- In particular, the frequency F1 can change in different locations of cabin as for example shown in
Fig. 3 and frequency F2 follows frequency F1 which is not shown inFig. 3 and only shown inFig. 5 . -
Fig. 5 shows at A a maximum frequency F1 of for example 200Hz which can be the resonance frequency resulting in a maximum cooling and which can be used for a maximum distribution of air. On the other side, at B the frequency F1 has a minimum frequency F1 of for example 50Hz which is 25% oft the resonance frequency which results in minimum cooling and which can be used for a minimum distribution of air within a compartment RE1. As an example, the follower frequency F2 can be 1 kHz. - As the envelope frequency G3 of
Fig. 3 is used as an embodiment of the invention to generate an air circulation as shown byarrow 30 inFig. 1 a , the envelope frequency F1 ofFig. 5 could also be used as a further embodiment of the invention to generate an air circulation within the compartment RE1. - Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.
- The present invention provides a
refrigeration system 100. Therefrigeration system 100 comprises aheat exchanger 15 configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of agas mixture 30 within acompartment 2, wherein theheat exchanger 15 comprises a plurality offirst vibration actuators first vibration actuators gas mixture 30 with a first frequency. Thecompartment 2 comprises a plurality ofsecond vibration actuators second vibration actuators excited gas mixture 30 of the first frequency with a second frequency within thecompartment 2. The present invention further provides a corresponding method. -
- 1
- refrigeration system (state of the art)
- 100
- refrigeration system of the invention
- 2
- compartment
- 3
- back surface
- 4
- upper surface
- 5
- lower surface
- 6
- closeable front cover
- 7, 8
- two opposite side surfaces
- 11, 12, 13, 14
- first vibration actuators
- 15
- heat exchanger
- 20
- array
- 21, 22, 23, 24
- second vibration actuators on each side of the side surfaces
- 30
- gas mixture
- 40
- air channel
- 41, 41'
- fan
- 42
- colder region
- 43
- cold region
- E1, E2
- envelope frequencies
- R1-R3
- different levels of envelope frequencies
- S1 - S5
- method steps
- G1, G2, G3
- graphs
- RE1
- refrigeration compartment
- F1
- freezer compartment
Claims (12)
- Refrigeration system (100), the system comprising:a heat exchanger (15) configured to adjust a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture (30) within a compartment (2), whereinthe heat exchanger (15) is in connection with a plurality of first vibration actuators (11, 12, 13, 14), wherein the plurality of the first vibration actuators (11, 12, 13, 14) is configured to excite the gas mixture (30) with a first frequency; and whereinthe compartment (2) comprises a plurality of second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24), wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24) are configured to envelope said excited gas mixture (30) of the first frequency with a second frequency within the compartment (2).
- Refrigeration system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency comprises a resonance frequency and the second frequency form an envelope frequency (E1, E2) configured to guide and distribute the said excited gas mixture (30) of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency within the compartment (2).
- Refrigeration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum level of the envelope frequency is configured to be equal to the resonance frequency and the minimum level of the envelope frequency is configured to be between 20% and 30% of the resonance frequency.
- Refrigeration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24) are configured to be individually controllable within an array (20), wherein the array (20) comprises the plurality of the second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24).
- Refrigeration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger (15) is configured to be arranged on a back surface (3) of the compartment (2) and the compartment (2) further comprises an upper surface (4), a lower surface (5), a closeable front cover (6) and two opposite side surfaces (7, 8) connecting at least the upper surface (4) with the lower surface (5), and wherein the plurality of the second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24) is configured to be arranged on the upper surface (4), the lower surface (5) and/or the two opposite side surfaces (7, 8).
- Refrigeration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closable front cover (6) is configured to be a door and the compartment (2) is configured to be thermally insulated to an ambient atmosphere.
- Refrigeration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined temperature comprises a range of -25°C to 10°C.
- Refrigeration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vibration actuators (11, 12, 13, 14) and second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24) comprises electromechanical vibration actuators.
- Refrigeration system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigeration system (100) is a refrigerator or a freezer.
- Refrigeration method, the method comprising:adjusting (S1) a predetermined temperature of a gas mixture (30) via a heat exchanger (15) within a compartment (2);activating (S2) a plurality of first vibration actuators (11, 12, 13, 14) on the heat exchanger (15),activating (S3) a plurality of second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24) within the compartment (2);exciting (S4) the gas mixture (30) with a first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators (11, 12, 13, 14), andenveloping (S5) the said excited gas mixture (30) of the first frequency with a second frequency within the compartment (2) via the plurality of second vibration actuators (21, 22, 23, 24).
- Refrigeration method according to claim 10, wherein exciting the gas mixture (30) with the first frequency via the plurality of first vibration actuators (11, 12, 13, 14) comprises a resonance frequency and wherein enveloping the said excited gas mixture (30) of the first frequency with the second frequency within the compartment (2) comprises an envelope frequency.
- Refrigeration method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 and 11, wherein enveloping the said excited gas mixture (30) of the first frequency comprises guiding and distributing the said excited gas mixture (30) of the resonance frequency with the envelope frequency.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17168713.0A EP3396278B1 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2017-04-28 | Refrigeration system and method |
TR2017/07508A TR201707508A3 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2017-05-23 | Refrigeration system and method. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17168713.0A EP3396278B1 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2017-04-28 | Refrigeration system and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3396278A1 true EP3396278A1 (en) | 2018-10-31 |
EP3396278B1 EP3396278B1 (en) | 2021-08-18 |
Family
ID=58640752
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP17168713.0A Active EP3396278B1 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2017-04-28 | Refrigeration system and method |
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EP (1) | EP3396278B1 (en) |
TR (1) | TR201707508A3 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110530089A (en) * | 2019-08-20 | 2019-12-03 | 南通大学附属医院 | A kind of included novopen constant temperature storage device for mixing function |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4009591A (en) | 1976-01-02 | 1977-03-01 | General Electric Company | Single evaporator, single fan combination refrigerator with independent temperature controls |
JPS59152374U (en) * | 1983-03-30 | 1984-10-12 | 松下精工株式会社 | refrigerator |
JPS6287700A (en) * | 1985-10-14 | 1987-04-22 | Misuzu Erii:Kk | Compact fan |
DE102011082063A1 (en) * | 2011-09-02 | 2013-03-07 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Refrigeration apparatus e.g. household refrigeration apparatus, for storing e.g. wine in catering region, has refrigerant circuit for cooling storage chamber, and piezoelectric fans provided for generating air stream in apparatus |
-
2017
- 2017-04-28 EP EP17168713.0A patent/EP3396278B1/en active Active
- 2017-05-23 TR TR2017/07508A patent/TR201707508A3/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4009591A (en) | 1976-01-02 | 1977-03-01 | General Electric Company | Single evaporator, single fan combination refrigerator with independent temperature controls |
JPS59152374U (en) * | 1983-03-30 | 1984-10-12 | 松下精工株式会社 | refrigerator |
JPS6287700A (en) * | 1985-10-14 | 1987-04-22 | Misuzu Erii:Kk | Compact fan |
DE102011082063A1 (en) * | 2011-09-02 | 2013-03-07 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Refrigeration apparatus e.g. household refrigeration apparatus, for storing e.g. wine in catering region, has refrigerant circuit for cooling storage chamber, and piezoelectric fans provided for generating air stream in apparatus |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110530089A (en) * | 2019-08-20 | 2019-12-03 | 南通大学附属医院 | A kind of included novopen constant temperature storage device for mixing function |
Also Published As
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TR201707508A3 (en) | 2018-12-21 |
EP3396278B1 (en) | 2021-08-18 |
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