EP3933311A1 - Kühlvorrichtung - Google Patents

Kühlvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3933311A1
EP3933311A1 EP20183430.6A EP20183430A EP3933311A1 EP 3933311 A1 EP3933311 A1 EP 3933311A1 EP 20183430 A EP20183430 A EP 20183430A EP 3933311 A1 EP3933311 A1 EP 3933311A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transfer device
heat transfer
refrigeration apparatus
heat
evaporator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP20183430.6A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Metehan ÜYÜCÜ
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Original Assignee
Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS filed Critical Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority to EP20183430.6A priority Critical patent/EP3933311A1/de
Publication of EP3933311A1 publication Critical patent/EP3933311A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
    • F25D3/04—Stationary cabinets
    • F25D3/045—Details
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/082—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid disposed in a cold storage element not forming part of a container for products to be cooled, e.g. ice pack or gel accumulator
    • F25D2303/0822—Details of the element
    • F25D2303/08221—Fasteners or fixing means for the element
    • 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
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
    • 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
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/068—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the fans
    • F25D2317/0682—Two or more fans
    • 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
    • F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
    • F25D2323/0023—Control of the air flow cooling refrigerating machinery
    • 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
    • F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
    • F25D2323/0028—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the fans
    • F25D2323/00281—Two or more fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
    • F25D2700/121—Sensors measuring the inside temperature of particular compartments

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a refrigeration apparatus.
  • a refrigeration apparatus including for example a fridge or freezer or combined fridge-freezer or the like
  • arrangements are commonly provided to circulate cold air within the refrigeration apparatus to provide more efficient cooling of food and other products in the refrigeration apparatus.
  • the freezer compartment is often located at or towards the bottom of the combined fridge-freezer. It is therefore necessary to force cold air from the bottom of the combined fridge-freezer upwards towards the cold (non freezer) compartment.
  • the cold air is passed through channels or pipes from one part of the refrigeration apparatus to another.
  • channels or pipes may become blocked because of ice forming within the channel or pipe, and/or can become crushed by ice forming around the exterior of the channel or pipe.
  • a refrigeration apparatus comprising:
  • the refrigeration apparatus may be for example a fridge or freezer or combined fridge-freezer, etc.
  • the heat transfer device may remove heat from the cool compartment directly, by for example absorbing heat directly from the cool compartment.
  • air passing through the heat transfer device when the heat transfer device is located at the first position will be cooled by the heat transfer device. That cooled air can pass into and/or around the cool compartment to cool the interior of the cool compartment.
  • the evaporator is located below the cool compartment.
  • the refrigeration apparatus comprises a drive arrangement for at least driving movement of the heat transfer device from the second position to the first position.
  • the drive arrangement comprises a fan for blowing the heat transfer device from the second position to the first position.
  • the fan can be operated when desired to blow the heat transfer device from the second position to the first position.
  • the heat transfer device in the case that the evaporator is located below the cool compartment, can be allowed to move from the first position to the second position simply by allowing the heat transfer device to fall under gravity. In an example, this may occur automatically when the fan is switched off.
  • the fan is located adjacent the evaporator for blowing air through the evaporator to circulate air within the refrigeration apparatus.
  • the refrigeration apparatus comprises a freezer compartment for receiving items to be frozen by the refrigeration apparatus, the freezer compartment being located below the cool compartment.
  • a fan is already commonly provided in order to blow cold air from the region around the evaporator to parts of the refrigeration apparatus that need to be cooled.
  • this often includes blowing cold air to the region around the cool compartment which is located above the freezer compartment and the evaporator.
  • such a fan may be used to drive the upward movement of the heat transfer device from the second position to the first position. This re-uses parts already provided in a combi fridge freezer and avoids the cost of having to provide a dedicated drive arrangement just for driving movement of the heat transfer device.
  • the heat transfer device comprises a phase change material for absorbing heat and releasing heat by undergoing phase changes.
  • heat will normally be absorbed by the phase change material when the heat transfer device is at the first position adjacent the cool compartment, and heat will normally be released by the phase change material when the heat transfer device is at the second position adjacent the evaporator.
  • the heat transfer device is formed of a sheet of thermally conductive material in which the phase change material is mounted.
  • the sheet of the heat transfer device comprises a plurality of slots in which the phase change material is mounted.
  • the refrigeration apparatus comprises at least one rail on which the heat transfer device is mounted to move between the first and second positions.
  • Examples described herein provide a refrigeration apparatus which has a movable heat transfer device which is moved to transfer heat (or, equivalently, to transfer "cold") around the refrigeration apparatus.
  • a heat transfer device may be provided instead of or in addition to one or more channels or pipes which may be provided in the refrigeration apparatus to pass cold air around the refrigeration apparatus.
  • the use of the heat transfer device can avoid or mitigate problems that may occur in known refrigeration apparatus that have one or more channels or pipes for passing cold air around the refrigeration apparatus, including for example icing up or crushing of such channels or pipes as discussed above, or that have obstacles to good air flow within the refrigeration apparatus.
  • movement of the heat transfer device may be achieved using a fan.
  • a fan may already be provided in the refrigeration apparatus to encourage air flow through the evaporator and/or to blow cold air from the region around the evaporator of the refrigeration apparatus to parts of the refrigeration apparatus that need to be cooled.
  • the refrigeration apparatus 10 may be a fridge or a freezer or a combined fridge-freezer or the like.
  • the refrigeration apparatus 10 is a combined fridge-freezer or "combi fridge freezer", having a cool compartment 12 and a freezer compartment 14.
  • the cool compartment 12 is a chamber in which food or other items can be placed to cool the items. Such cool compartments are conventionally maintained at a temperature above the freezing point of water, such as between around 3°C to 5°C or so.
  • the freezer compartment 14 is a chamber in which food or other items can be placed to freeze the items. Such freezer compartments are conventionally maintained at a temperature below the freezing point of water, such as around -18°C or so.
  • the cool compartment 12 is located at or towards the top of the refrigeration apparatus 10.
  • the freezer compartment 14 is located below the cool compartment 12.
  • the freezer compartment 14 is located at or towards the bottom of the refrigeration apparatus 10.
  • the refrigeration apparatus 10 implements a vapour-compression refrigeration cycle to cool the interior of relevant parts of the refrigeration apparatus 10, including in particular the cool compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14.
  • the refrigeration apparatus 10 has a vapor compression cycle arrangement which includes a closed circuit of tubing and coils through which a refrigerant flows as is known per se.
  • the refrigeration apparatus 10 has an evaporator 16, a condenser (not shown), a compressor (not shown) and an expansion valve (not shown).
  • the evaporator 16 is located below the cool compartment 12. In this example of the combi fridge freezer refrigeration apparatus 10, the evaporator 16 is located adjacent and close to the freezer compartment 14, at or towards the bottom of the refrigeration apparatus 10.
  • the refrigerant is selected to have a temperature of vaporisation such that it will vaporise in the evaporator 16 as the refrigerant absorbs heat from the interior of the freezer compartment 14.
  • the compressor (not shown) compresses the vaporised refrigerant and so raises the temperature of the refrigerant significantly.
  • the high pressure, high temperature refrigerant vapour passes from the compressor through a "hot" external section of the circuit of tubing and coils of the vapor compression cycle arrangement.
  • This external section acts as a condenser in the refrigeration cycle, transferring heat to the environment (e.g. the room in which the refrigeration apparatus 10 is located) as the refrigerant condenses in this external section.
  • the loss of heat causes at least some of the refrigerant vapour in the condenser to condense back to a liquid form.
  • the high pressure refrigerant now cooled and at least partially in liquid form, passes to an expansion valve (not shown) which reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to expand and cool.
  • the low pressure, low temperature refrigerant then passes through the evaporator 16 to absorb heat from the interior of the freezer portion 111.
  • the compressor may be driven by a low power DC motor, selected according to the refrigerant vapour pressure and temperature required in the external condenser section of the circuit and the rate of cooling required by the evaporator 16 of the circuit.
  • An evaporator fan 18 is provided to encourage air flow through the evaporator 16 in order to promote transfer of heat out of the freezer compartment 14.
  • the vapor compression cycle arrangement specifically cools the freezer compartment 14 by virtue of heat being removed from the freezer compartment 14 by the evaporator 16.
  • the refrigeration apparatus 10 is a combined fridge-freezer or "combi fridge freezer”
  • the cold air from around the evaporator 16 is passed through channels or pipes from the region around the evaporator 16 to the region around the cool compartment 12.
  • channels or pipes may become blocked because of ice forming within the channel or pipe, and/or can become crushed by ice forming around the exterior of the channel or pipe. This prevents or hinders efficient transfer of heat (or "cold") within the refrigeration apparatus.
  • a heat transfer device 20 is provided.
  • the heat transfer device 20 is movable from a first position, which is adjacent the cool compartment 12 to enable heat to be removed from the cool compartment 12, to a second position, which is adjacent the evaporator 16 to enable heat to be removed from the heat transfer device 20 so as to cool the heat transfer device 20.
  • the heat transfer device 20 is a physical device which is moved from one place to another in the refrigeration apparatus 10 to transfer heat (or, equivalently, to "transfer cold") around the refrigeration apparatus 10 as necessary or desired.
  • the heat transfer device 20 is shown at the first position which is adjacent the cool compartment 12 towards the top of the refrigeration apparatus 10.
  • the heat transfer device 20 may remove heat from the cool compartment 12 by cool air passing from the heat transfer device 20 to the cool compartment 12 and/or by warm air passing from the cool compartment 12 to the heat transfer device 20.
  • a fan 22 is shown adjacent the cool compartment 12 to blow air through the heat transfer device 20 when the heat transfer device 20 is at the first position to promote heat transfer between the heat transfer device 20 and the cool compartment 12.
  • the heat transfer device 20 may remove heat from the cool compartment 12 directly, for example by absorbing heat directly by thermal conduction from the cool compartment 12 when the heat transfer device 20 is in thermal contact with the cool compartment 12 when the heat transfer device 20 is at the first position adjacent the cool compartment 12. Indeed, in some examples it is not necessary to have such a fan 22 adjacent the cool compartment 12 (such fans being commonly provided in known combined fridge-freezers or combi fridge freezers) as sufficient heat transfer can be achieved via the heat transfer device 20.
  • the heat transfer device 20 After the heat transfer device 20 has cooled the cool compartment 12, the heat transfer device 20 is now relatively warm. The heat transfer device 20 is moved or allowed to move to the second position, which is adjacent the evaporator 16. Heat can then be removed from the heat transfer device 20 so as to cool the heat transfer device 20. The heat is removed from the heat transfer device 20 by the evaporator 16 in this example. Once the heat transfer device 20 is sufficiently cold, the heat transfer device 20 can be moved back up to the first position adjacent the cool compartment 12 so as to be able to cool the cool compartment 12 again. Movement of the heat transfer device 20 is indicated schematically by the arrows A.
  • the refrigeration apparatus 10 has at least one track or rail 24 which extends vertically between the cool compartment 12 and the evaporator 16.
  • the rail or rails 24 guide movement of the heat transfer device 20.
  • the heat transfer device 20 is mounted directly on the rail(s) 24 to slide along the rail(s) 24.
  • At least one of the rail(s) 24 and the heat transfer device 20 may have engagement surfaces that are of low friction, such as being coated with a low friction material, such as for example polytetrafluoroethylene or the like.
  • the heat transfer device 20 may have one or more wheels or rollers, etc., to engage with the or each rail 24.
  • the or each rail 24 may have end stops at each end to prevent the heat transfer device 20 coming off the rail 24 and to define the maximum extent of travel of the heat transfer device 20
  • some drive arrangement is provided to drive movement of the heat transfer device 20 from the second position, which is adjacent the evaporator 16 towards the bottom of the refrigeration apparatus 10, to the first position, which is adjacent the cool compartment 12 towards the top of the refrigeration apparatus 10.
  • the drive arrangement may also drive movement of the heat transfer device 20 from the first (upper) to the second (lower) position.
  • the heat transfer device 20 can be allowed to fall from the first position to the second position under gravity.
  • the drive arrangement may include an electric motor which drives movement of the heat transfer device 20 via for example a rack and pinion connection or using a system of one or more pullies and/or drive belts or the like.
  • movement of the heat transfer device 20 from the second (lower) position to the first (upper) position is achieved using a fan 26.
  • the fan 26 is located below the cool compartment 12, towards the bottom of the refrigeration apparatus 10.
  • the fan 26 can be operated when desired to blow air towards the heat transfer device 20 so as to push the heat transfer device 20 upwards to the first position.
  • the air flow is indicated schematically at B in Figure 2 .
  • the heat transfer device 20 may have a baffle 28 to assist the air from the fan 26 pushing the heat transfer device 20 upwards.
  • the baffle 28 projects generally out of the plane of the heat transfer device 20.
  • the baffle 28 may be planar.
  • the baffle 28 may be concave, with the hollow portion facing the fan 26 to receive air flow from the fan 26. Such a shape helps to trap the air blowing up from the fan 26, which improves transfer of energy to move the heat transfer device 20. Further, the baffle 28 can assist in directing flow of cold air away from the heat transfer device 20 to the cool compartment 12.
  • the rear part of the refrigeration apparatus 10 in which the heat transfer device 20 moves up and down may be entirely or substantially closed off from the other parts of the refrigeration apparatus 10 to create a (substantially) closed air space within with the transfer device 20 moves. This assists in promoting an effective transfer of force by the fan 26 blowing air towards the heat transfer device 20 so as to push the heat transfer device 20 upwards to the first position.
  • the rear part of the refrigeration apparatus 10 may be closed off from the other parts of the refrigeration apparatus 10 using a sheet or curtain of suitable material (not shown), such as a plastics or similar sheet.
  • the rear part of the refrigeration apparatus 10 in which the heat transfer device 20 may be provided internally with air flow channels or guides so as to direct the air from the fan 26 towards the heat transfer device 20 better, again promoting an effective transfer of force by the fan 26 blowing air towards the heat transfer device 20.
  • the fan 26 for blowing movement of the heat transfer device 20 may be the same (evaporator) fan 18 which is used to blow air through the evaporator 16 to promote heat transfer with the refrigerant in the evaporator 16. This re-use of the evaporator fan to also move the heat transfer device 20 saves on costs and parts.
  • the fan 26 for blowing movement of the heat transfer device 20 may be provided as a separate fan, in addition to any evaporator fan 18. Whilst this requires an additional fan, it may provide for better and independent control of movement of the heat transfer device 20 when needed, without affecting operation of the evaporator fan 18 which is used to promote heat transfer out of the freezer compartment 14. Further, this fan 26 may also be used generally to push cold air from around the evaporator 16 to other parts of the refrigeration apparatus 10 that need to be cooled.
  • the heat transfer device 20 as a whole may have a high heat capacity so as to be able to store large amounts of heat (or "cold”).
  • the heat transfer device 20 may have a high specific heat capacity so as to be able to store large amounts of heat (or “cold”) whilst being lightweight and therefore easily moved.
  • the heat transfer device 20 comprises a phase change material.
  • a phase change material absorbs heat and releases heat by undergoing phase changes, which allows large amounts of heat to be absorbed and released respectively. Heat will normally be absorbed by the phase change material when the heat transfer device 20 is at the first position adjacent the cool compartment 12, and heat will normally be released by the phase change material when the heat transfer device 20 is at the second position adjacent the evaporator 16.
  • phase change materials are known and may be used herein, including for example hydrocarbons, such as paraffins (C n H 2n+2 ) and lipids, salt hydrates (M x N y H 2 O), etc.
  • the heat transfer device 20 is in the form of a generally planar sheet.
  • the main sheet part of the heat transfer device 20 is generally of the same shape and size as the coils of the evaporator 16 when viewed in elevation (the view of Figure 1 ), i.e. so that the heat transfer device 20 fits well and snugly against the coils of the evaporator 16 when the heat transfer device 20 is at the second position adjacent the evaporator 16.
  • the main sheet part of the heat transfer device 20 is formed of a material that has a high thermal conductivity to promote efficient heat transfer to and from the heat transfer device 20. Suitable materials include metals.
  • the main sheet part of the heat transfer device 20 is formed of a material that has a low density so as to keep the weight of the heat transfer device 20 down.
  • a particularly suitable material that has both high thermal conductivity and low density is aluminium, though other materials may be used instead of or in addition to aluminium.
  • the aluminium or other material of the main sheet part of the heat transfer device 20 may be relatively thin so as to keep down the weight of the heat transfer device 20.
  • the total mass of the heat transfer device 20 may be around 200 grams, with for example the phase change material 32 having a total mass of around 100 grams and the remaining structural parts of the heat transfer device 20 having a total mass of around 100 grams.
  • the mass of the heat transfer device 20 is therefore low enough that it can be driven upwards by a fan 26 of relatively low power, as is commonly found in known refrigeration apparatus.
  • a number of apertures 30, in this case in the form of slots 30, are provided in the heat transfer device 20.
  • the slots 30 extend through the sheet part of the heat transfer device 20, from one face of the heat transfer device 20 to the other. In this example, the slots 30 are closed at their opposed ends.
  • Each slot 30 has or contains a material 32 for storing and releasing heat.
  • the material 32 is a phase change material.
  • the heat transfer device 20 of this example therefore has a number of strips 32 of phase change material for storing and releasing heat.
  • the heat transfer device 20 may first be located near the evaporator 16.
  • the fan 26 at this point is switched off.
  • the heat transfer device 20 is cooled by cold air from the region around the evaporator 16.
  • this includes the phase change material 32 changing phase (from for example a liquid to a solid) to release energy stored by the phase change material 32.
  • the phase change material 32 can normally maintain that phase, and therefore store "cold", for around 20 to 25 minutes or so.
  • the fan 26 is then switched on to push the heat transfer device 20 up towards the cool compartment 12 and to maintain the heat transfer device 20 at the first position adjacent the cool compartment 12.
  • cold air coming off the heat transfer device 20 then blows into and/or around the cool compartment 12 to cool the interior of the cool compartment 12.
  • the air flow may be enhanced by the fan 22 which is adjacent the cool compartment 12 and which may be operated to blow air through the heat transfer device 20 when the heat transfer device 20 is at the first position.
  • the air flow may be enhanced by the fan 26 which is used to push the heat transfer device 20 up to the first position adjacent the cool compartment 12.
  • the phase change material 32 changes phase (from for example a solid to a liquid) to store energy, which is effectively the heat from the cool compartment 12.
  • the fan 26 may be switched off. This allows the heat transfer device 20 to fall under gravity back to the second position near the evaporator 16 so that the heat transfer device 20 can be cooled again.
  • Control of the one or more fans or other arrangement to drive the heat transfer device 20 upwards to the first position and then move or allow the heat transfer device 20 to fall to the second position may be by way of a controller of the refrigeration apparatus 10. This control may be based on testing and calibration during manufacture of the refrigeration apparatus 10.
  • One or more sensors may be provided in the refrigeration apparatus 10 to provide input signals to the controller for this purpose. For example, there may be one or more sensors that provide signals representing one or more of: inner cabinet temperature within one or both of the cool compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14; moisture levels within one or both of the cool compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14; ambient temperature; door sense which senses whether doors for one or both of the cool compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14 are open or closed; temperature of the evaporator 16; etc
  • Examples described herein allow for efficient heat transfer within the refrigeration apparatus 10. Examples described herein can avoid the problem of air transfer pipes freezing or becoming crushed by ice as can occur with known refrigeration apparatus.
  • the parts can be relatively low cost. Some examples avoid the need for a motor or sensors and a controller, etc., to move and control movement of the heat transfer device 20 respectively. Movement of the heat transfer device 20 can be achieved in some examples using a fan that is already provided in the refrigeration apparatus 10 to promote air flow through the evaporator 16 of the refrigeration apparatus 10. Some examples avoid the need for a separate fan adjacent the cool compartment 12 of the refrigeration apparatus 10.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
EP20183430.6A 2020-07-01 2020-07-01 Kühlvorrichtung Withdrawn EP3933311A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20183430.6A EP3933311A1 (de) 2020-07-01 2020-07-01 Kühlvorrichtung

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20183430.6A EP3933311A1 (de) 2020-07-01 2020-07-01 Kühlvorrichtung

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3933311A1 true EP3933311A1 (de) 2022-01-05

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EP20183430.6A Withdrawn EP3933311A1 (de) 2020-07-01 2020-07-01 Kühlvorrichtung

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2094459A (en) * 1981-01-19 1982-09-15 Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co Refrigerator
US4637222A (en) * 1984-06-08 1987-01-20 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Refrigerator for vehicle
US20040226309A1 (en) * 2003-02-17 2004-11-18 Broussard Kenneth W. Temperature controlled, pallet-sized shipping container
DE102004035017A1 (de) * 2004-07-20 2006-02-16 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Kältegerät mit Kältespeicher
WO2010099439A2 (en) * 2009-02-28 2010-09-02 Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Ice maker control system and method
US20150143823A1 (en) * 2013-11-26 2015-05-28 The Regents Of The University Of California System and Method for Solar Powered Thermal Management and Transport
DE202018106306U1 (de) * 2018-11-06 2018-11-13 Va-Q-Tec Ag Temperierbarer Container mit Vakuumisolationselementen

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2094459A (en) * 1981-01-19 1982-09-15 Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co Refrigerator
US4637222A (en) * 1984-06-08 1987-01-20 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Refrigerator for vehicle
US20040226309A1 (en) * 2003-02-17 2004-11-18 Broussard Kenneth W. Temperature controlled, pallet-sized shipping container
DE102004035017A1 (de) * 2004-07-20 2006-02-16 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Kältegerät mit Kältespeicher
WO2010099439A2 (en) * 2009-02-28 2010-09-02 Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Ice maker control system and method
US20150143823A1 (en) * 2013-11-26 2015-05-28 The Regents Of The University Of California System and Method for Solar Powered Thermal Management and Transport
DE202018106306U1 (de) * 2018-11-06 2018-11-13 Va-Q-Tec Ag Temperierbarer Container mit Vakuumisolationselementen

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