GB2291698A

GB2291698A - Beverage cooling systems

Info

Publication number: GB2291698A
Application number: GB9414826A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Johnson; Harold Schlichting
Original assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc
Current assignee: Cornelius Inc
Priority date: 1994-07-22
Filing date: 1994-07-22
Publication date: 1996-01-31
Also published as: GB9414826D0

Abstract

An energy saving pump control for use in dispensing chilled beverage, the beverage being maintained chilled by heat exchange with a liquid coolant which is pumped around a dispense network (3) in proximity to the beverage to be dispensed, comprises a temperature sensing means for sensing either coolant return temperature or the temperature differential between the coolant entering or leaving the pump. The temperature signal is used to control the speed of the pump motor (1). <IMAGE>

Description

Energy Saving Pump Control for Beverage Dispense Systems y The present invention relates to an energy saving pump control.

Beverage dispense systems typically include arrangements for pumping coolant, such as water or glycol, around a so-called python network in order that beverages are dispensed at an optimum temperature and condition. The python network ensures the drink, whether it be pre-mixed or in the form of syrup and water which is mixed at the dispense nozzle, remains cool in the product pipes/lines as the drink/syrup/water stands in the pipe before dispense.

The python comprises the product pipes and coolant lines through which the coolant is circulated.

The coolant and the beverage are pumped by electrical pumps. The choice of the type and rating of pumps is determined by a worst case scenario.

Thus, if the beverage dispense system is to be sold in Italy, the designer must consider what the hottest operating conditions will be. However, these conditions will only occur sporadically and so in general terms the system will be over-rated.

An over-rating of the pump motor is an additional expense. Furthermore, such a motor does not use energy efficiently. There is no motor control and too much coolant or carbonated water may be pumped through the python lines causing over-cooling and washing of the ice in an ice bank (if used). Washing of the ice in an ice bank will produce an uneven ice bank shape that will impinge upon the product coils when the ice bank is rebuilt.

A further factor in previous design considerations is that a system would be rated for a particular and fixed set of parameters. Thus the system would have an optimum pump distance, for example 15 metres. If an Installation required only a five metre pump distance obviously the pump meter was again over-rated.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an energy saving control arrangement that substantially relieves the above problems.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an energy saving pump control for beverage dispense, the control comprising a motor for the pump, temperature sensing means and a controller, the motor being arranged to power the pump whereby liquids such as coolant are pumped around a coolant circuit of a beverage dispense system, the temperature sensing means being arranged to sense the temperature of the liquid and the controller in accordance with measurand signals received from the temperature sensing means being arranged to control the motor rotation speed and thus the pump.

Preferably, the motor is an AC motor, or a DC motor with appropriate speed controls to allow variable or stepped speeds. Alternatively, the motor speed may be adjusted by a magnetic or viscous drive mechanism.

The temperature sensing means may be arranged to determine liquid temperature as it leaves the pump or to determine the temperature differential between the liquid entering the pump and liquid leaving the pump.

The controller may be arranged to ensure additional cooling prior to an expected dispense session or, reduce cooling when there will be no dispense operations such as when the bar is closed.

Thus, energy is saved.

The present invention also provides a beverage dispense system including an energy saving pump control for beverage dispense, the control comprising a motor for the pump, temperature sensing means and a controller, the motor being arranged to power the pump whereby liquids such as coolant are pumped around a coolant circuit of a beverage dispense system, the temperature sensing means being arranged to sense the temperature of the liquid and the controller in accordance with measurand signals received from the temperature sensing means being arranged to control the motor rotation speed and thus the pump.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing of a beverage dispense system.

A pump 1 is located in a beverage dispense system 2. The system includes a python network 3 that links the pump 1, a dispense head 4 and a coolant bath 5. The python includes a coolant pathway and a plurality of product pipes.

The coolant bath 5 may be in the form of an ice bath, the ice bank created by a refrigeration system (not shown). The ice bath cools the coolant and beverage product held in coils within the bath 5.

The pump 1 pumps the coolant around the python 3 such that the product in respective pipes within the python remains chilled even when the particular beverage is not dispensed for several minutes.

The motor is coupled to a controller 6. The controller 6 controls the speed of the motor 1. Thus when there is reduced energy requirements on the beverage system due to environmental conditions or lack of dispense, the pump speed is reduced. Thus, a lower rated pump 1 than would be normally acceptable may be used, as the pump may be arranged to be over-sped for short periods of time with only limited possibility of failure. With previous systems such an approach would be dangerous as it is possible the motor could be consistantly operated at high speeds.

The motor 1 may be controlled by a magnetic/viscous drive mechanism or could be a DC motor with a speed controller or an AC motor with a speed controller or an AC motor with stepped speed levels.

The controller 6 is arranged to either sense coolant return temperature or the temperature differential between the coolant leaving the motor 1 compared to coolant returning to the motor 1.

It will be appreciated that as the motor 1 is temperature controlled it is possible to use a lower rated motor. Thus the pump, including the motor, is more energy efficient. Furthermore, heat loss in the python is reduced due to lower coolant flow rates and the pump and motor life expectancy is enhanced. As lower rated motors are possible they provide less noise and vibration which enhances their environmental acceptability. In addition, lower rated motors require less space and allow beverage dispense systems of smaller dimension.

Lower rated motors will pump coolant at lower flow rates and so if the pump is arranged in a soda circuit, that is to say a carbonated water system, there will be reduced CO2 gas breal < -out as the water is circulated.

It will be appreciated that as pump flexibility is increased it is possible to choose a single pump rating that may accommodate a full range of performance requirements. A single pump rating type will reduce the need for several types of pump to be stored. Furthermore, maintenance personnel will only be required to carry spare parts for that one particular pump.

It will be understood that the controller 5 could also be linked to a timer to allow additional cooling prior to an expected dispense session. Thus, the beverage dispense system could be adapted to specific bar or retail opening bars.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A beverage dispense system includes an energy saving pump control for beverage dispense, the control comprising a motor for the pump, temperature sensing means and a controller, the motor being arranged to power the pump whereby liquids such as coolant are pumped around a coolant circuit of a beverage dispense system, the temperature sensing means being arranged to sense the temperature of the liquid, the controller being arranged to control the motor rotation speed and thus the pump in accordance with measured signals received from the temperature sensing means.

2. A beverage dispense system as claimed in Claim 1 in which the coolant return temperature measured after the coolant leaves the pump is used as the signal supplied to the controller.

3. A beverage dispense system as claimed in Claim 1 in which the temperature differential between the coolant entering and leaving the pump is used as the signal supplied to the controller.

4. A beverage dispense system as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.