EP4137013A1

EP4137013A1 - Open refrigerator display with cascade system for evaporation of condensation moisture

Info

Publication number: EP4137013A1
Application number: EP22767625.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Viktor Oleksandrovych LUKYANCHUK; Sergiy Oleksandrovych MASLOVSKYY; Taras Valeriyovych MAZUROK
Original assignee: Coastrock Holdings Ltd; Je Modern Expo Ltd
Current assignee: Coastrock Holdings Ltd; Je Modern Expo Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-09
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2023-02-22
Also published as: EP4137013A4; WO2022191809A1

Abstract

An open refrigerator display relates to commercial equipment and is designed for storage and display of goods with specified temperature parameters. The technical problem of the invention is to increase the productivity of evaporation of condensation moisture with reasonable energy expenditures. An open refrigerator display case, comprising a heat-insulating housing with a heat exchanger and means for supplying cooled air to a goods storage zone and for creating an air curtain, a compressor (17) and a condenser (12) is characterised in that a condensation moisture evaporation system comprises a set (10) of at least three containers which are arranged in a cascade in a lower section of the heat-insulating housing below a condensate drainage means, the upper container having the smallest size and the lower container having the greatest size, which provides for spontaneous transfer of condensation moisture from the upper container to the middle container and then to the lower container, which includes a cartridge (11) with a fabric evaporator, before which condenser cooling fans (13) are disposed, while an opening is arranged behind the set of cascading containers (10) in a rear wall of the display case for removing the air stream which is created by the condenser fans and passes through the condensation moisture evaporation system out of the display case.

Description

1. Technical field

The invention relates to commercial refrigeration equipment, in particular, to the means for removing condensation moisture during the operation of open refrigerator display cases.

2. Prior art

Open refrigerator display cases are one of the most common types of commercial refrigeration equipment, which is due to the convenience of its operation in self-service retail establishments. Customers have constant free access to goods that require special conditions. The operation of a refrigerator display case provides for the supply of cooled air to a goods storage zone through perforations of a rear wall. To create an air curtain that limits the access of warm ambient air to the goods storage zone, cooled air is supplied, through a special channel, to an opening in the front section of the ceiling. When choosing goods and getting acquainted with goods characteristics, customers repeatedly damage the integrity of the air curtain, thereby providing access of the warm ambient air to the interior of the display case. To ensure a stable temperature for goods storage, the supply of cooled air is automatically increased. However, at the same time, the amount of condensation moisture created during the operation of the refrigerator display case increases. A large amount of condensation moisture is a characteristic of the operation of all open refrigerator display cases. In this regard, an important technical task in the development and improvement of the design of open refrigerator display cases is the development of a reasonable system for removing this moisture, which would have high productivity with low energy expenditures and which would be convenient to operate.
A refrigerator display case [RU 12943, dated 20 March 2000, Bulletin No. 8] is known, in which the means for condensation moisture removal include a tray installed under the evaporator and connected to the compressor of the refrigeration unit, which is disposed in a lower compartment of the refrigerator display case. The drainage tube of the tray runs from an upper section of the display case to the lower compartment through an internal channel. The end of the drainage tube is connected to a water-collecting bath intended for condensation moisture evaporation, which is installed in such a way as to ensure heat contact with the heat-loaded element of the compressor. In the upper compartment, the condensate drainage tray is stepped and contains at least two inclined water drainage chutes installed, with a gap, one above the other, the lower one of which is connected to the water drainage tube.
The disadvantage of the described analogue is the low productivity of evaporation of condensation moisture, which is due to the insufficiently high temperature of the heat-loaded compressor element and the small area of evaporation.
A cooling and conditioning unit [ US20130031921, publ. on 07 February 2013 ] is known, which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator, an evaporator heating device used during the defrosting cycle, a drainage tray into which melt water enters, a drainage tray heating device, a frost detection sensor for the evaporator, and a moisture sensor for the drainage tray, as well as a controller that controls the on/off of the evaporator and drainage tray heating devices. The moisture from the drainage tray is evaporated by means of a heating element, the operation of which is controlled by a sensor and a controller.
The disadvantage of the described analogue is the high energy expenditures, requiring evaporation in the event of entry of a large amount of moisture.
Improved refrigeration equipment [ WO2006121347, publ. on 16 November 2006 ] is known, which includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, a fan, and a tray for collecting water when defrosting the refrigerator, which is disposed in a closed housing that has ventilation openings. At the same time, at least part of the tubing between the compressor and the condenser passes through the tray designed for water evaporation. And the fan, the closed housing, as well as the tray are designed in such a way that, when the fan is used, it moves air through the housing, above the surface of the tray, which ensures condensation moisture evaporation.
The disadvantage of the described analogue is the insufficient productivity of evaporation of moisture, which is due to the small area of evaporation and insufficient productivity of evaporation by means of a fan only.
A refrigerator [ DE102013208236, publ. on 06 November 2014 ] is known, with a device for the collection and evaporation of condensation moisture, which is created during the operation of the household refrigerator. According to the technical solution, the refrigerator comprises an evaporation element made of a porous and/or hygroscopic material, which includes multiple separate plates and a wetting device disposed of above the evaporation device and evenly distributing moisture along its length. This also provides for the possibility of rotation of the evaporation device for its wetting in the tray. To intensify the evaporation process, the heat of the compressor is used.
The disadvantage of the analogue is the limited scope of use, as it is intended for a household refrigerator, as well as the insufficient productivity of evaporation, which cannot ensure the removal of an increased amount of condensation moisture that is typical for an open refrigerator display case.

3. Technical problem

The invention is based on the problem of developing a design of an open refrigerator display case, which would include an evaporation means that will provide high productivity of evaporation when a large amount of moisture enters, with reasonable energy expenditures and the convenience of operation.

4. Disclosure of the technical solution

The problem solution is achieved by the fact that an open refrigerator display case comprises a heat-insulating housing, in which a heat exchanger and means for supplying cooled air to a goods storage and display zone and for creating an air curtain are installed, as well as a tray where a compressor and a condenser, condenser cooling means, and a condensation moisture removal system are installed. The invention, according to the technical solution, is characterised in that the condensation moisture evaporation system comprises a set of at least three containers, which are arranged in a cascade one above another. The set of containers is installed in a lower section of the heat-insulating housing below a condensate drainage means. In this case, the upper container has the smallest size, and the lower container has the greatest size, which provides for spontaneous transfer of condensation moisture from the upper container to the middle container and then to the lower container, which includes a cartridge with a fabric evaporator, before which condenser cooling means (fans) are disposed, while an opening is arranged behind the set of cascading containers in a rear wall of the display case for removing the air stream, which is created by the condenser cooling means (fans) and passes through the condensation moisture evaporation system out of the display case.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger is installed in the discharge channel, which is arranged in a rear section of the heat-insulating housing of the display case, while condensation moisture is drained through an outlet tube, the lower end of which is immersed in a tray disposed in the tray of the display case, and, from this tray, condensation moisture enters the upper container of the set of cascading containers.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the middle container of the set of cascading containers may be additionally equipped with a tube leading from the condenser.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower container may be additionally equipped with a heating element.

4. Description of drawings

The claimed technical solution is illustrated by the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a general view of the open refrigerator display case (front view);
Fig. 2 is a general view of the open refrigerator display case (back view);
Fig. 3 is the open refrigerator display case in section;
Fig. 4 is the compressor and the condenser, as well as the condensation moisture removal system (general view);
Fig. 5 is the compressor and the condenser, as well as the condensation moisture removal system (side view);
Fig. 6 is the set of cascading containers without additional heating means;
Fig. 7 is the set of cascading containers with additional equipment of the middle container with a condenser tube using the heat of condensation;
Fig. 8 is the set of cascading containers with additional equipment of the middle container with a condenser tube using the heat of condensation and additional equipment of the lower container with a heating element.

The drawings indicate the following:

1 -: heat-insulating housing of the refrigerator display case;
2 -: tray of the refrigerator display case;
3 -: heat exchanger (evaporator);
4 -: cooled air supply fan;
5 -: discharge channel of the refrigerator display case;
6 -: goods storage and display zone;
7 -: outlet for air curtain creation;
8 -: condensation moisture outlet tube;
9 -: condensation moisture collection tray;
10 -: set of cascading containers of the condensation moisture removal system;
101 -: upper container of the set of cascading containers;
102 -: middle container of the set of cascading containers;
103 -: lower container of the set of cascading containers;
11 -: cartridge with a fabric evaporator;
12 -: condenser;
13 -: condenser cooling means (fans);
14 -: condenser tube inserted into the middle container (102);
15 -: heating element installed in the lower container (103);
16 -: opening for removing air from the condensation moisture removal system;
17 -: compressor.

An open refrigerator display case comprises a heat-insulating housing (1), under which a tray (2) is disposed. A heat exchanger (evaporator) (3) and means for supplying cooled air (fan) (4), through a discharge channel (5), to a goods storage and display zone (6) and an outlet (7) for creating an air curtain are installed in the heat-insulating housing (1). Under the evaporator, an outlet tube (8) is installed, which is immersed in the condensation moisture of a collection tray (9) disposed under the heat-insulating housing (1) in an upper section of the tray (2). From the collection tray (9), condensation moisture is transferred to the set of cascading containers (10) of the condensation moisture removal system. Further, the set of cascading containers comprises the upper container (101), the middle container (102), and the lower container (103). In the lower container (103), in a front section, a cartridge with a fabric evaporator (11) is installed, which is disposed opposite condenser (12) cooling means - fans (13). In this case, according to one of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the middle container (102) of the set of cascading containers (10) may be equipped with a tube (14) diverted from the condenser (12), and the tube (14) is heat-loaded. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower container (103) of the cascade (10) is equipped with a heating element (15). The air stream, which is created by the condenser (12) fans (13), passes through an opening (16) in a rear wall of the display case opposite the set of cascading containers (10). Next to the condenser (12), a compressor (17) is arranged, which ensures the supply of the refrigerant to the heat exchanger (evaporator) (3).

5. The best way of carrying out the invention

The operation of an open refrigerator display case consists of cooling air and supplying it to a goods storage and display zone. To do this, the compressor (17) supplies the refrigerant to the heat exchanger (evaporator) (3), which is arranged in the discharge channel (5) of the heat-insulating housing (1) of the refrigerator display case. From there, by means of the fan (4), cooled air is supplied, through the perforations in the display case wall, to the goods storage and display zone (6), as well as to the outlet (7) in order to create an air curtain. The refrigerant is cooled and passes into the liquid phase in the condenser (12), in front of which fans (13) are installed to ensure the efficiency of cooling and condensation of the refrigerant, which provide cooling of the condenser by moving air masses. The compressor (17) and the condenser (12) are installed in the tray (2) of the refrigerator display case. Condensation moisture from the heat-insulating housing (1), by means of the outlet tube (8), enters the collection tray (9), which is arranged in the tray (2) under the heat-insulating housing (1).
Since the operation of the open refrigerator display case is associated with the creation of a large amount of condensation moisture, which is due to the ingress of warm ambient air into the goods storage and cooling zone (6), a technical solution for a condensation moisture removal system with increased productivity has been developed, which is implemented as follows.
From the collection tray (9), condensation moisture is transferred to the upper container (101) of the set of cascading containers (10). Further, it is transferred to the middle container (102) and then to the lower container (103). Since the perimeter of the middle container (102) is greater than the perimeter of the upper container (101), and the perimeter of the lower container (103) is greater than the perimeter of the middle container (102), spontaneous transfer of water occurs.
During this process, the condenser (12) fans (13) ensure the creation of an air stream, the temperature of which is 3-7 °C higher than the ambient air temperature, which increases the productivity of evaporation and removal of condensation moisture from the tray (2) of the display case.
In addition, in a front section of the lower container (103) of the cascade (10), the cartridge with a fabric evaporator (11) is installed, comprising a complex of surfaces made of a hygroscopic material, the lower edge of which is immersed in water entering the lower container (103) of the cascade (10). Due to the hygroscopic properties of the cartridge material, water rises through the capillaries of the tissue and enters the air stream created by the condenser (12) fans (13), which intensifies evaporation of moisture by increasing the evaporation surface.
The basic configuration does not provide for additional means for heating in the containers (102) and (103). Meanwhile, it fully removes condensation moisture from the tray of the display case due to its large dimensions and due to the large area of evaporation created by the set of cascading containers (10). The productivity of such a system is 14-22 l/day, and it does not require additional energy expenditures to remove condensation moisture.
If the dimensions of a display case are smaller, which leads to a decrease in the area of evaporation created by the set of cascading containers (10), the invention provides for additional intensification of the evaporation process by passing a tube (14) of the condenser (12) through the middle container (102). This does not require the use of additional energy expenditures and does not improve the process of cooling and condensation of the refrigerant, but is only associated with the structural design of the product.
If the dimensions of a display case are further reduced and, as a result, a further decrease in the area of evaporation created by the set of cascading containers (10) occurs, then a heating element (15), which turns on when it is completely covered with water (i.e. the amount of water becomes larger than the amount which may be removed without its use), is installed in the lower container (103). This optimises energy expenditures and provides the necessary productivity for moisture removal for small open refrigerator display cases.
Behind the set of cascading containers, an opening (16) is arranged, through which the air stream, which is created by the condenser (12) fans (13), removes all moisture in a gaseous state.
Therefore, due to the reasonable arrangement of the condensation moisture removal system in the tray (2) under the heat-insulating housing (1), which does not get warm air and evaporated moisture from the tray (2), the creation of a water seal between the outlet tube (8) and the collection tray (9) is additionally ensured, which ensures the reliability of the operation of the refrigerator display case. Operating convenience is ensured by the simple design of the condensation moisture removal system.
Therefore, the use of the claimed technical solution ensures an increase in the productivity of removal of condensation moisture from the internal volume of the open refrigerator display case, reasonable energy expenditures, as well as the convenience and reliability of operation. The claimed technical solution was tested in the laboratory of JE MODERN-EXPO LTD, accredited by the National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine according to the DSTU ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard (ISO/IEC 17025:2017), Decision No. 201554, 15.1 (technical result). In the application materials, the technical solution is fully described and may be implemented using industrial technologies. Therefore, it meets the criterion of patentability of invention ("industrial applicability").

Claims

An open refrigerator display case with cascade system for evaporation of condensation moisture, comprising of a heat-insulating housing, in which a heat exchanger and means for supplying cooled air to a goods storage and display zone and for creating an air curtain are installed, as well as a tray where a compressor and a condenser, condenser cooling means, and a condensation moisture removal system are installed, characterised in that the system for removing condensation moisture comprises a set of at least three containers which are arranged in a cascade, one above another, the upper container having the smallest size and the lower container having the greatest size, which ensures spontaneous transfer of condensation moisture from the upper container to the middle container and then to the lower container, which includes a cartridge with a fabric evaporator, before which condenser cooling means (fans) are disposed, while an opening is arranged behind the set of cascading containers in a rear wall of the display case for removing the air stream, which is created by the condenser cooling means (fans) and passes through the condensation moisture evaporation system out of the display case.
The open refrigerator display case according to claim 1, which is characterised in that the heat exchanger is installed in the discharge channel disposed in a rear section of the heat-insulating housing of the display case, while condensation moisture is drained through an outlet tube, the lower end of which is immersed in a tray disposed in the tray of the display case, and, from this tray, condensation moisture enters the upper container of the set of cascading containers.
The open refrigerator display case according to claim 1, which is characterised in that the middle container of the set of cascading containers may be additionally equipped with a tube leading from the condenser.
The open refrigerator display case according to claim 1, which is characterised in that the lower container may be additionally equipped with a heating element.