KR20070101345A - Pulse electrothermal and heat-storage ice detachment apparatus and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for pulse electrothermal and heat-storage ice detachment. A pulse electrothermal ice detachment apparatus includes one or more coolant tubes, and optionally, fins in thermal contact with the coolant tubes. The tubes and/or fins form a resistive heater. One or more switches may apply electrical power to the resistive heater, generating heat to detach ice from the tubes and/or the fins. A freezer unit forms a heat-storage icemaking system having a compressor and a condenser for dissipating waste heat, and coolant that circulates through the compressor, the condenser and a coolant tube. The coolant tube is in thermal contact with an evaporator plate. A tank, after the compressor and before the condenser, transfers heat from the coolant to a heating liquid. The heating liquid periodically flows through a heating tube in thermal contact with the evaporator plate, detaching ice from the evaporator plate.

Description

PULSE ELECTROTHERMAL AND HEAT-STORAGE ICE DETACHMENT APPARATUS AND METHODS

Related Applications for Cross Reference (PCT)

This application supersedes U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/646394, filed Jan. 24, 2005, 60/646932, filed Jan. 25, 2005, and 60/739506, filed Nov. 23, 2005. Insist.

Ice or frost can accumulate on cold surfaces where water vapor or water is present. This separation of ice or frost may be desirable to keep the surface clean (eg, for thermal transfer improvement or treatment, aerodynamic properties), or to allow ice to be obtained for use. This is advantageous for cleaning the surface of the ice with minimal energy for most refrigeration applications.

[summary]

In one embodiment, the pulse heat transfer and ice separator comprises one or more refrigerant tubes and fins of a refrigeration unit. The fins are in thermal contact with the refrigerant tube, and one or both tubes, or fins, form a resistive heater. One or more switches may supply power to a resistive heater that generates heat to separate ice from the tube and / or fins. The resistive heater may form one or more heater sections, and the switch is configured to supply power to the heater sections, respectively.

In yet another embodiment, the pulse electrothermal ice separator comprises one or more refrigerant tubes of a refrigeration unit. One or more tubes are formed in the resistance heater. One or more switches may supply power to the heater to separate the ice from the tube.

In another embodiment, one method separates ice from cooling tubes and / or cooling fins of the refrigeration unit. Steps of the method accumulate ice on the coolant tubes and / or cooling fins during normal refrigeration mode and supply one or both power tubes and fans to power the ice to separate the ice.

In yet another embodiment, the pulse electrothermal ice separator comprises an ice making tube having one or more ice growth zones. One or more cold fingers and / or refrigerant tubes remove heat from each ice growth zone. Water is introduced into the ice making tube so that at least some of the water freezes in the ice growth zone and becomes ice. The power supply periodically supplies a power pulse that melts at least the interfacial layer of ice to the tube or a heater in thermal contact with the tube to separate the ice from the tube.

In yet another embodiment, the pulse electrothermal ice separator comprises one or more ice making tubes. Coolers and / or coolant tubes remove heat by dissipating heat from the ice growth zone of each ice making tube. Water is introduced into each ice making tube so that at least some of the water freezes in the ice growth zone and becomes ice. The power supply periodically supplies each tube with a power pulse that melts at least the interfacial layer of ice to separate the ice from the tube.

In yet another embodiment, the pulse electrothermal ice separator comprises one or more refrigerant tubes in thermal contact with the evaporation plate. One or more heaters are located near the evaporation plate and between the refrigerant tubes. The heater is configured to convert power into heat, so that the ice separates from the evaporation plate.

In yet another embodiment, the pulse electrothermal ice separator comprises one or more refrigerant tubes in thermal contact with the evaporation plate. The heater is configured to convert power into heat, so that the ice separates from the evaporation plate.

In yet another embodiment, the freezer unit was formed as a heat storage ice making system. The refrigeration unit has a compressor and a condenser for dissipating unwanted heat, and has a refrigerant circulated through the compressor, the condenser and the refrigerant tube. The refrigerant tube is in thermal contact with the evaporation plate. The tank, behind the compressor and in front of the condenser, transfers heat from the refrigerant to the heating liquid. The heating liquid periodically flows through the heating tube in thermal contact with the evaporation plate to separate ice from the evaporation plate.

In yet another embodiment, one method separates ice from the refrigerant tube, cooling fins and / or evaporation plate of the refrigeration unit. Heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the heating liquid during ice making or refrigeration mode. Ice accumulates on the refrigerant tube, cooling fins and / or evaporation plate during ice making or refrigeration mode. The heating liquid flows through the heating tube in thermal contact with the at least one refrigerant tube, the cooling fins and the evaporation plate to separate the ice.

In yet another embodiment, the pulse heat transfer ice separator comprises a heat exchanger having a refrigerant tube in thermal contact with the heat exchange surface. The power supply is electrically switched to a heat exchanger for pulse heating.

1 is a schematic diagram of one pulse electrothermal ice separator according to one embodiment.

2 (a) and 2 (b) are views showing part A of the pulse electrothermal ice separator of FIG.

3 is a view showing a pulse electrothermal ice separator according to one embodiment.

4 is a view showing a pulse electrothermal ice separator according to one embodiment.

5 is a view showing a pulse electrothermal ice separator according to one embodiment.

6 is a flowchart of a process of separating ice from a cooling fin of a refrigerant tube and / or a refrigeration unit, according to one embodiment.

7 shows one embodiment of a heat exchanger with an array of fins mounted on a tube.

8 is a cross-sectional view through one tube and pin assembly.

9 is a heat-diffusion diagram of time versus length for pure aluminum at room temperature.

FIG. 10 shows the time versus temperature for an aluminum heat exchanger when power is supplied by (a) heating pulses during operation and (b) heating pulses by cooling pump and fan off. It is also.

11 is a perspective view of one heat exchanger formed as a pulse system for ice separation, according to one embodiment.

12 is a top view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 11 with accumulated ice, power supply and connections to the switch.

13 is a diagram illustrating one heat exchanger formed as a pulse system for ice separation, according to one embodiment.

14 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating one accordion type heat exchanger formed as a pulse system for ice separation, according to one embodiment.

16 is a cross sectional view of a foil washer attached to form a refrigerant tube.

17 is a cross-sectional view of a foil washer attached to a straight pipe for forming a refrigerant tube.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of one accordion type heat exchanger formed as a pulse system for ice separation according to another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of one accordion type heat exchanger formed as a pulse system for ice separation according to another embodiment.

20 is a diagram illustrating a pulse electrothermal ice separator formed by one tubular ice maker according to one embodiment.

21 is a view showing a pulse electrothermal ice separator formed by one tubular ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a part of the tubular ice maker of FIG. 20. FIG.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a part of the tubular ice maker of FIG. 21.

24 is a side cross-sectional view of a pulse electrothermal ice separator formed with one tubular ice maker, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the tubular ice maker of the embodiment of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a top sectional view of the tubular ice maker of FIG. 24. FIG.

27 is a cross-sectional view of one pulse electrothermal ice separator formed with an ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged detailed view of the ice maker of FIG. 27.

29 is a cross-sectional view of one pulse electrothermal ice separator formed with an ice maker according to one embodiment.

30 is an enlarged detail view of a part of the ice maker of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit component that includes a heat storage device for ice separation according to one embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the evaporation plate shown in FIG. 31.

33 is a schematic representation of a refrigeration unit component that includes a heat storage device for ice separation according to one embodiment.

34 shows a heat storage ice separator.

35 is a flowchart of a procedure for operating a refrigeration unit using heat storage ice acquisition.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Heat exchangers act to transfer heat between thermal masses. In one heat exchanger configuration, air is circulated near the heat exchanger surface cooled by the circulating refrigerant. When the temperature of the refrigerant is low enough, ice may form on the surface, delaying the heat exchanger between the surface and the air. Since the heated surface must be recooled by air to restart the heat exchanger, it is desirable to remove this ice with minimal heat.

1 schematically shows a pulse electrothermal ice separator 20. The apparatus 20 includes a switch 12 that regulates the supply of power from the heater 10 and the power supply 14 to the heater 10. In another embodiment, the power supply 14 forms part of the device 20. The apparatus 20 operates to separate ice from one or more surfaces, as described in more detail below. As used herein, “detach” may mean dissolving ice from at least one or more surfaces by melting at least the interfacial layer of ice, or may mean complete dissolution and / or evaporation of ice.

2 (a) shows part A of the pulse electrothermal ice separator 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). A refrigeration unit (not shown) comprising the device 20 flows the refrigerant 8 into the tube 4. Heat moves from the refrigeration unit to the refrigerant 8. Cooling fins 2 are in thermal contact with the tube 4 to facilitate heat transfer. Ice 6 (1) may condense on tubes 4 and / or fins 2 from water vapor. The device 20 periodically separates the ice 6 (1) from the surface of the tube 4 and / or fins 2. FIG. 2 (b) shows part A after the ice 6 (1) has been separated from the tube 4 and the fin 2.

3 shows a pulse electrothermal ice separator 20 (1). 3 may not be drawn to scale. The coolant 8 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) flows through the coolant tube 4 (1), and the cooling fins 2 (1) are used to smoothly transfer heat to the coolant. It is in thermal contact with (4 (1)). The coolant tube 4 (1) and the cooling fins 2 (1) may be made of, for example, copper, aluminum or alloys thereof. Marked A represents part A shown in Figs. 2 (a) and 2 (b). Ice 6 (1) (see FIG. 2 (a), FIG. 2 (b)) may grow on one or both of the coolant tube 4 (1) and fin 2 (1). Within device 20 (1), fin 2 (1) is an example of heater 10 in FIG. Only a few pins 2 (1) are labeled in FIG. 3 for clarity. The pins 2 (1) are electrically conductive and, as shown, are connected to each other between the switches 12 (1), 12 (2) and ground 16 in a sinuous configuration. The tube 4 (1) may be formed of an electrical insulator or conductor, but when formed of a conductor, the tube 4 (1) is substantially electrically insulated from the fins 2 (1). The electrical insulation between the tube 4 (1) and the fins 2 (1) may be, for example, a material such as a metal oxide (eg anodized coating), a polymer, a mixture and / or Or by interposing another dielectric between the tube 4 (1) and the fin 2 (1). Fins 2 (1) form heater sections 7 (1), 7 (2).

When ice separation is required, the switch 12 (1) and / or 12 (2) is closed and the power available at the terminals 18 (1), 18 (2) to the heater section 7 (1). And / or 7 (2)), respectively. Electric power generates heat in the pin 2 (1) and separates the ice 6 (1). Within the apparatus 20 (1), the tube 4 (1) is not heated directly (eg electrically), but the ice on the tube 4 (1) is separated. This is because the tube 4 (1) is heated through thermal contact with the fin 2 (1). The configuration of the fins 2 (1) into two heater sections 7 (1), 7 (2) is representative only, and in one embodiment, the fins may be divided into only one heater section or two or more heater sections. It can be seen that it can be configured.

The refrigeration unit including the pulse electrothermal ice separator 20 (1) closes the valve connected to the coolant source prior to ice separation, while continuing to operate the refrigeration compressor to tube the coolant 8 to the tube. Can be subtracted from (4 (1)). It may be advantageous to withdraw the refrigerant from the tube 4 (1) prior to ice separation. Because heat is generated during ice separation only on the thermal mass of the tubes 4 (1) and fins 2 (1), heat is not wasted on heating and refrigerant. The heating of the refrigerant must be supplied to recool the refrigerant so that refrigeration can be resumed, reducing the power required since it does not accelerate ice separation and reduce the overall heat.

It can be seen that other processes of the refrigeration or freezing unit using the apparatus 20 (1) can function in combination with ice separation. For example, if the refrigeration or freezing unit uses a fan to transfer heat to the device 20 (1), the fan shuts down while dissolving the ice. If each fan is installed near the section that separates the ice (eg section 7 (1) or 7 (2)), the fan near the section that separates the ice will run while the fan near the other section continues to run. Stops.

4 shows a pulse electrothermal ice separator 20 (2). 4 may not be drawn to scale. The coolant 8 (see FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (b)) flows through the coolant tube 4 (2). Cooling fins 2 (2) in thermal contact with the tube 4 (2) make it easier for heat to move to the refrigerant. Only a few pins 2 (2) are indicated by symbols in FIG. 4 for clarity of illustration. The coolant tube 4 (2) and the cooling fins 2 (2) may be made of copper, aluminum or alloys thereof, for example. Marked A represents part A shown in Figs. 2 (a) and 2 (b). Ice 6 (1) (see FIG. 2 (a), FIG. 2 (b)) can grow on one or both of the coolant tube 4 (2) and fin 2 (2). Within the apparatus 20 (2), the tube 4 (2) is an example of the heater 10 in FIG. 1. The tubes 4 (2) are connected to each other between the switches 12 (3), 12 (4), 12 (5) and ground 16. The fins 2 (2) may be formed of an electrical insulator or a conductor, but when formed of a conductor, the fins 2 (2) are substantially electrically insulated from the tube 4 (2). The electrical insulation between the tube 4 (2) and the fins 2 (2) may include, for example, materials such as metal oxides (eg, anodized coatings), polymers, mixtures, and the like. And / or by interposing another dielectric between the tube 4 (2) and the fin 2 (2). Tube 4 (2) forms heater sections 7 (3), 7 (4), 7 (5).

When ice separation is required, the switches 12 (3), 12 (4) and / or 12 (5) are closed and power available at the terminal 18 (3) to the heater section 7 (3). , 7 (4) and / or 7 (5)), respectively. Electric power generates heat in the tube 4 (2) and separates the ice 6 (1). Within the device 20 (2), the fins 2 (2) are not heated directly (eg electrically), but the ice on the fins 2 (2) is separated. This is because the fins 2 (2) are heated through thermal contact with the tubes 4 (2). The configuration of the tube 4 (2) into three heater sections 7 (3), 7 (4), 7 (5) is merely representative, and in other embodiments, the tube has less than three or more heaters. It can be seen that it can be organized into sections.

Refrigeration units comprising apparatus 20 (1), apparatus 20 (2), as discussed above, may empty the refrigerant 8 prior to ice separation to avoid wasting heat on heating the refrigerant. . In one other embodiment, the sections 7 (3), 7 (4), 7 (5) are defined as sections of the tube 4 (2), so that the valves and tubes are used to The refrigerant may be supplied to continue to flow through, and may be supplied to block and / or discharge the refrigerant from the section where the defrost is disappearing. Other features that operate in a refrigeration or freezing unit using device 20 (2) (fans connected to device 20 (1) as discussed above) may function in conjunction with ice separation. It can be seen that.

As yet another embodiment, the device 20 (2) can separate ice within the section followed by the movement of the refrigerant through the tube 4 (2). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the refrigerant may normally move in sequence through sections 7 (3), 7 (4), and 7 (5). The speed of the refrigerant moving through the tube 4 (2) can be determined by the refrigeration system configuration of the unit comprising the device 20 (2). While the refrigerant flows normally through the tube 4 (2), the device 20 (2) can supply a first pulse of power to the section 7 (3); The first pulse lasts long enough to remove ice from section 7 (3). The refrigerant in section 7 (3) will absorb some heat generated by the first pulse. After a time delay configured using the velocity information of the refrigerant moving through the tube 4 (2), the device 20 (2) then sends a second pulse of power to the section 7 (4). The refrigerant was in section 7 (3) while the first pulse was in section 7 (4) during the second pulse as it was fed. During the second pulse, the heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the section 7 (3) while helping the first pulse to heat the section 7 (4) is necessary to separate the ice from the section 7 (4). The duration of two pulses can be reduced.

After a time delay configured using the velocity information of the refrigerant moving through the tube 4 (2), the device 20 (2) then sends a third pulse of power to the section 7 (5). The refrigerant was in section 7 (4) while the second pulse was in section 7 (5) during the third pulse as it was being fed. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the sections 7 (3), 7 (4) between the first and second pulses during the third pulse helps to heat the section 7 (4). The duration of the third pulse required to separate the ice from the can be reduced. The method described herein can be repeated any number of times through sections in which the refrigerant flows continuously.

5 shows a pulse electrothermal ice separator 20 (3). 5 may not be drawn to scale. The coolant 8 (see FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (b)) moves through the coolant tube 4 (3). Cooling fins 2 (3) in thermal contact with the tube 4 (3) make it easier for heat to move to the refrigerant. Only a few pins 2 (3) are indicated by the symbols in FIG. 5 for clarity of illustration. The coolant tube 4 (3) and the cooling fins 2 (3) may be made of copper, aluminum or alloys thereof, or other materials having low thermal resistivity, for example. Marked A represents part A shown in Figs. 2 (a) and 2 (b). Ice 6 (1) (see FIG. 2 (a), FIG. 2 (b)) can grow on one or both of the coolant tube 4 (2) and fin 2 (2). Within the apparatus 20 (3), the tube 4 (3) is an example of the heater 10 in FIG. 1. Tube 4 (3) is provided with heater sections 7 (6), 7 (7), 7 (8) between switches 12 (6), 12 (7), 12 (8) and ground 16. Are connected to each other to form)). The fins 2 (3) may be formed of an electrical insulator or a conductor, but when formed of a conductor, the fins 2 (3) may be electrically connected to the tube 4 (3), but the fins ( 2 (3)) is connected only within the common heater section, so it is positioned substantially the same as the heater section opposite.

As ice separation is required, the switches 12 (6), 12 (7) and / or 12 (8) are closed, and the power used by the terminal 18 (4) is transferred to the respective heater section 7 (6). ) ,, 7 (7) and / or 7 (8)). Electric power generates heat in the tube 4 (3) to separate the ice 6. In the device 20 (3), the electrical heating of the fins 2 (3) is incidental but can occur. This is because little current flows through the pins 2 (3), even though they are electrically conductive and connected to the tubes 4 (3). The ice on the fins 2 (3) is separated mainly because the fins 2 (3) are heated through thermal contact with the tube (i.e., as discussed above in connection with FIG. do). The configuration of the tube 4 (3) into three heater sections 7 (6), 7 (7), 7 (8) is merely representative, and in other embodiments, the tube has less than three or more heaters. It can be seen that it can be organized into sections. Refrigeration units comprising devices 20 (1), 20 (2), 20 (3) as discussed above may empty the refrigerant 8 prior to ice separation to avoid wasting heat on heating the refrigerant. Can be. In one embodiment, the sections 7 (6), 7 (7), 7 (8) are defined as sections of the tube 4 (2), so that valves and tubes pass through sections that are not defrosting. The refrigerant may be supplied to continue to flow, and may be supplied to block and / or discharge the refrigerant from the defrosting section. Other features that operate in a refrigeration or freezing unit using device 20 (3) (fans connected to device 20 (1) as discussed above) may function in conjunction with ice separation. Able to know. The ice separation can be carried out in a timed consecutive section, and therefore occurs after the refrigerant has passed through the section, as described above in connection with the apparatus 20 (2).

Example 1. A pulse electrothermal ice separator comprising a single, one meter tube was constructed and tested. The tube was made of copper with an outer diameter of 1 cm and an electrical resistance of 1.4 mohm. The device comprises 200 aluminum fins, each fin having a thickness of 0.19 mm and an area of 4 cm x 4 cm; The pins are spaced 4 mm apart on the tube. Cold glycol with T = -10 ° C flows through the tube, allowing the tube to cool so that frost forms on the tube and fins. A DC power pulse with a voltage of 1.47V and a current of 1000A and lasting 4 or 5 seconds separates all the frost that formed on the device (in this case, it melts).

6 is a flow chart of process 30 for separating ice from a coolant tube and / or cooling fins of a refrigeration unit. Step 30 may be performed by any pulse electrothermal ice separator 20 (1) to 20 (3), for example. In step 32, the refrigeration unit is operated in the refrigeration mode. The low temperature refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant tube and cooling the tube and / or cooling fins refrigerates heat (e.g. heat from the item being refrigerated or heat leaking through a gap in the unit). Move from unit to tube and / or pin. Water vapor in the air in the refrigeration unit condenses as ice on the coolant tube and / or cooling fins. In step 34, the normal refrigeration mode is stopped for ice separation. Step 34 is optional and may not occur in some refrigeration units. For example, step 34 may not occur in units where it is desirable to continue refrigeration in certain sections while defrost in other sections is removed. Step 36 passes through the refrigerant tube and / or cooling fins to separate (e.g., dissolve, melt or evaporate) the ice accumulated on the refrigerant tube and / or cooling fins in the first section where ice is being removed. Apply a power pulse. In the example of step 36, the ice accumulated on any of the sections 7 (1) to 7 (8) is also separated by closing the corresponding switches 12 (1) to 12 (8). Step 38 checks whether the ice separation is complete or whether the defrost of the additional section of the refrigerant tube and / or fin should be removed. If the ice separation is complete, the method 30 resumes the refrigeration mode in step 32. If the defrost in the additional section is removed, any delay step 38 causes the heat absorbed refrigerant to move to the next section within one section where the defrost is being removed, and step 40 removes the defrost in the next section. (30), the process returns to Step 38 to check whether the ice removal is complete.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a heat exchanger 600 having an array of tubes and fin assemblies 620 lined up, each assembly 620 installed on a tube 606, as shown in the figure. It has a pin 604. In normal operation, while the refrigerant flows through the tube 606 in the direction of arrow 612, the gas cools and flows in the direction of arrow 614. Each tube 606 flows through the tube 606 to generate heat when the switch is closed, so that power is supplied to the power source 608 through a switch 610 that activates the heat exchanger 600 for ice removal. It is connected. In FIG. 7, only one tube 606 with electrical connection is shown for clarity. When a short current pulse flows through the tube 606, Joule-heat is generated in the wall of the tube 606. Since there is a very low thermal resistance between the tube 606 and the fin 604, a high rate of heat radiation occurs within the fin 604. Thus, the joule-heat transfers quickly to the fins 604 in the tube 606 to melt ice or / and frost on the heat exchanger 600.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of one tube and fin assembly 620 of FIG. 7 and shows the exact geometric definition using heat transfer calculations. The following example shows the thermal diffusivity. For some materials, the heat diffusion length, L _D, is given by:

식 15

Equation 15

here,

식 16

Equation 16

t is time, α is thermal diffusion of material, k is thermal conductivity of material, ρ is concentration of material, C _P Is the heat capacity of the material.

9 is an explanatory diagram of a time s with respect to the thermal diffusion length m of pure aluminum at room temperature. In particular, in FIG. 9, for aluminum, thermal diffusion exceeds 1.8 cm per second and 3.9 cm in 5 seconds. Thus, when heat is generated inside the tube 606, this diffusion length sufficiently heats the fin 604 (where pin 604 is the same as the standard size) within about 1 second.

This embodiment makes it easy to use within a wide range of heat exchangers recently used in the refrigeration industry. For example, the shape of the pins 604 may be one or more rings, squares, pins, or the like. Fins 604 and tubes 606 may be made from one or more of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, conductive polymers, or other alloys. Stainless steel tubes can be readily used for resistance heating, for example. This is because stainless steel has a relatively high electrical resistance. Other metals and alloys may also be used. The power supply 608 may be any DC or AC power supply; The power supply 608 of some embodiments is a low voltage, high current power supply. For example, the power supply 608 may be one of one or more batteries, a super-capacitor layer, a step-down transformer, an electronic step-down transformer, or the like. In one embodiment, the power supply 608 generates a high frequency current and is advantageous as the electrical resistance of the tube 606 may be increased by the skin effect when flowing the high frequency current.

To maintain a more uniform electrical heating, the fin 604 can be electrically insulated from the tube 606 while maintaining sufficient thermal contact with the tube 606. For example, an anodized layer on a thin aluminum layer, a thin layer of polymer, or an epoxy adhesive can form this thin electrical insulation.

   As illustrated in such examples, such pulse heating limits heat loss due to convective heat exchangers with liquid coolant in the base tube and due to air on the outer surface of the heat exchanger. Minimizing this heat loss reduces the average power required and enables ice removal and defrosting without stopping the heat exchanger 600 (e.g. without stopping the freezer, cooler or air conditioner). ). By applying a heating pulse of sufficient frequency, the outer surface of the tube and the ice or frost layer grown on the fins melt, keeping the heat exchanger surface substantially free of frost and ice. This pulsed heating can thus improve the performance and reliability of the heat exchanger (by reducing startup and stopping the required cycles), and such pulsed heating can, in addition, reduce the power required for ice removal and during ice removal. By reducing the temperature change, the shelf life of the food stored in the refrigerator can be increased.

Considering the heat exchanger of Fig. 7, which is made of aluminum and has a general size, a dive 606 with an inner diameter of 1 cm, a wall thickness of 0.30 mm, a fin 604 with a diameter of 36 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm, and a fin The spacing between 604 is 4 mm. Such a heat exchanger has a size of about 330 g / m (length of tube 606 per meter) and the total width (fin 604 + outer surface of the tube) is 0.47 m ² / m (meter length of tube per square meter). Assuming the coolant temperature in the tube 606 is -18 ° C, the convective heat exchange rate at the inner surface of the tube 606 is 1000W / (m2K), and the ambient air temperature is + 5 ° C. , The convective heat exchange coefficient between air and the outer surface of the heat exchanger 600 is 65 W / (m ² · K).

As shown in FIG. 10, if a 3V / m electric field is applied to the tube 606, it will take less than 1.4 seconds to heat the aluminum surface above 0 ° C. Once the aluminum surface is above 0 ° C., any ice and frost formed on the aluminum surface begins to melt.

When the heat exchanger stopped, the temperature of the heat exchanger during pulse heating

The temperature of the heat exchanger during pulse heating when the heat exchanger is operating continuously

Determined by here

,

to be.

10 shows the experimental temperature of the heat exchanger 600 according to the pre-listed above, when powered by a heating pulse during operation and when powered by a heating pulse by a cooling pump and fan off. It is a diagram showing time. In particular, Figure 10 shows that defrosting takes less than 1.4 seconds to begin to melt during successive operations, so defrosting can be successfully performed without shutting down the refrigerant pump or fan. In this example, 3V is applied to one meter section of a heat exchanger tube (eg, tube 606) that generates a heating power of 1.671 kW. The tube delivers a current of 557.004A at 3V applied.

11 shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger 650 formed as a pulse system for ice separation. Heat exchanger 650 may be formed of, for example, a metal or an electrical and thermal conductor polymer. Surfaces 654 (1) and 654 (2) are cooled by circulating refrigerant. Air is directed in the direction of arrow 662 past the cooling surfaces 652, 656 (1), 656 (2) and the corresponding cooling surface opposite to the surfaces 652 and 654 (2) not shown in this figure. Circulate Heat moves from the air to the cooling surface of the heat exchanger, and to the refrigerant; Ice forms on the cooling surface. A thin film ice detector 653 may be attached to one or more cooling surfaces, eg, cooling surface 652 for detecting the presence of ice and / or frost, and may measure the thickness of the ice or frost. have. Top surface 658 and bottom surface 660 are thermally insulated so that no ice is formed thereon.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a heat exchanger 650 having accumulated ice 6 (2) and connected to a power supply 664 and a switch 666. As shown in FIG. In operation, heat exchanger 650 may cool the air and accumulate ice. Switch 666 then closes and sends a heating pulse of current through heat exchanger 650; The duration of the power and heating pulses is such that the boundary of the ice-object melts before dissipating significant heat from the pulses to the ice 6 (2) and the cooling surface of the heat exchanger 650. I can regulate it. If the heat exchanger 650 is oriented vertically (e.g., as shown in Figures 11 and 12), then the gravity will be transferred from the heat exchanger 650 to ice 6 (2) after the heating pulse is applied. It can slide off.

13 shows a heat exchanger 670 formed as a pulse system for ice separation. The heat exchanger 670 forms an air passage 672 where heat enters the inlet 674 of the heat exchanger 670 from the air and moves to the refrigerant exiting the outlet 676 of the heat exchanger 670. Dotted lines F14-F14 represent the top of the cross-sectional plane shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger 670 captured from a plane vertically extending downward from dashed lines F14-F14 in FIG. 13. Air flows through the heat exchanger 670 in the direction of arrow 680. The cooling surface 673 forms both sides of the air passage 672, and the heat insulation layer 678 insulates the top and bottom of each air passage 672 as shown in the figure. Each cooling surface 673 is connected to the power supply 682 via a switch 684 (shown as only one cooling surface 673 is connected for clarity).

In operation, heat exchanger 670 cools the air and may accumulate ice 6 (3) on cooling surface 673. Switch 684 then closes and sends an electrical heating pulse through each cooling surface 673; The duration of the power and heating pulses is adjusted to melt the ice-object interface before dissipating significant heat from the pulses to the ice 6 (3) and the coolant and cooling surfaces 673. do. If the heat exchanger 670 is oriented vertically (e.g., as shown in Figures 13 and 14), then the gravity will be changed from the ice surface 673 to ice 6 (3) after the heating pulse is applied. It can slide off.

It will be appreciated that variations of heat exchangers 650 and 670 are within the scope of this specification. For example, the cooling surface of the heat exchanger 650 may be formed differently from the shapes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12; The refrigerant flows through the passage of the tube or heat exchanger 650. Instead of connecting the cooling surface to the power supply, a heating foil or membrane may be installed on the dielectric layer near the cooling surface of the heat exchanger 650 or 670. The space can be sealed between the heating foil or the membrane and the cooling surface, which can also be emptied to bring the heating foil or membrane in thermal contact with the cooling surface, while the ice is being separated, with the heating foil or membrane Pressure is applied to develop an air gap between the cooling surfaces.

The cooling surface may form sections (eg, heat exchangers 20 (1), 20 (2), 20 (3)), as these sections may form electrical connections to switches and power supplies. Not all sections receive a heating pulse at a given time.

15 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an accordian type heat exchanger 700 formed into a pulse system for ice separation. In the heat exchanger 700, a refrigerant 706 (freon, or other liquid) flows through the refrigerant tube 702 having cooling fins 704 that form a heat exchange surface for exchanging heat with ambient air. While the coolant tube 702 appears to have a coolant in the fin 704, some embodiments may have a coolant tube having a heat exchange surface extending laterally from a straight tube or pipe (eg, see FIG. 17). In another embodiment, the tube or pipe may form a serpentine or zigzag heat exchange surface (eg, see FIG. 19). Ice 6 (4), which may form on the cooling fins 704, may be removed through ice removal pulses. When closing switch 708, power supply 710 sends a heating pulse of current through heat exchanger 700, the heating pulse being at least an ice material formed between fin 704 and ice 6 (4). Melting the interface, the heating pulse may also melt all of the ice 6 (4). Generally the density of heating per unit area is about 100KW / m ^2, from about 5KW / m ^2. The magnitude of the current and the pulse duration can be adjusted based on the temperature, flow rate and characteristics of the refrigerant (eg, density, heat capacity and thermal conductivity). Typical pulse duration is 0.1 to 10 seconds. Power supply 160 is a regular AC power outlet, or a DC power supply, such as a battery, capacitor, or ultracapacitor. The switch 708 may be a semiconductor type (power-MOSFET, IGBT, thyristor, etc.), a mechanical switch, an electromagnet switch, or a combination of the above. Solid ice 6 (4) remaining after the heating pulse is then subjected to gravity (e.g., ice 6 (4) flows away from fins 704) or scratches, vibrations, or air blowing. It can be removed by mechanical action on the heat exchanger 700. Vibration may be supplied by any small electric motor 712, crankshaft 714, any electromagnet vibrator 716, or by generating pressure vibrations, for example, with refrigerant 706.

16 shows a cross-sectional view of a foil washer 722 attached to form a coolant tube 720. The coolant tube 720 may be used, for example, as the coolant tube 702 (see FIG. 15). Foil washer 722 is, for example, a 4 mil stainless steel foil washer having an inner diameter of 1 inch, a diameter of 3 inches, and having outer edge 724 and inner edge 726 soldered or spot-welded. Can be. Each washer 722 thus forms a heat exchange surface (e.g., a pair of washers form one cooling fin 704 as in FIG. 15).

17 is a cross-sectional view of the foil washer 732 attached to the straight pipe 734 for forming the refrigerant tube 730. The coolant tube 730 can be used, for example, as the coolant tube 702 (see FIG. 15). Foil washer 732 is, for example, a 4 mil stainless steel foil washer having an inner diameter of 1 inch, a diameter of 3 inches, and having outer edge 736 and inner edge 738 soldered or spot-welded. Washer 732 may also be soldered or welded to pipe 734. Each pair of washers 732 thus forms a cooling fin (eg, cooling fin 704 of FIG. 15). As shown in FIG. 15, when the current pulse is induced, the wall thickness of the pipe 734 and washer 732 associated with it can be selected to have a similar concentration W of heating power.

18 shows another accordion type heat exchanger 740 formed as a pulse system for ice separation. The heat exchanger 740 has a refrigerant tube 742 having a cooling fin 744 for exchanging heat with the surrounding air. Ice 6 (5), which may form on cooling fins 744, may be removed through pulsed electrothermal ice separation, which acts in a similar way to heat exchanger 740, as for heat exchanger 720. When closing the switch 748, the power supply 746 sends a heating pulse of current through the heat exchanger, the heating pulse melting at least the ice material interface formed between the fin 744 and the ice 6 (5), The heating pulse also melts or evaporates all the ice 6 (5).

19 shows another accordion type heat exchanger 760 formed as a pulse system for ice separation. The heat exchanger 760 has a refrigerant tube 762 that exchanges heat with ambient air, and the refrigerant tube 762 carries refrigerant flowing through the band 764 of the refrigerant tube 762 to maximize the heat exchange surface area. It's a serpentine type. Ice (not shown) that may form on the coolant tube 762 may be removed through pulsed electrothermal ice separation. When closing switch 768, power supply 766 sends a heating pulse of current through heat exchanger 760, which heats at least the ice material interface formed between fin 764 and ice, and the heating pulse. Can also melt all ice 6 (5).

It will be appreciated that variations of the heat exchangers 730, 740, and 760 are within the scope of this specification. For example, the heat exchange surfaces of the heat exchangers 730, 740, and 760 may be shaped differently than the shapes shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19. Instead of tubes and / or cooling fins that are connected to the power supply, a heating foil or film may be installed on the dielectric layer near this surface. The space can be sealed between the heating foil or the membrane and the heat exchange surface, which can also be emptied to bring the heating foil or membrane in thermal contact with the cooling surface, while the ice is being separated, with the heating foil or membrane Pressure is applied to develop an air gap between the cooling surfaces. The heat exchange surface may form a section as discussed above, and because the section may form an electrical connection to the switch and the power supply, not all sections receive a heating pulse at a given time.

Pulsed heating of thin-walled metal tubes and foils is advantageously at low voltages (1V to 24V) but at high currents (hundreds or thousands of amps). When direct use of higher voltages (eg 120 VAC or 240 VAC) is desired, higher electrical resistance is advantageous. Higher resistance can be obtained by separating the heater conductive film from the cooling tube. For example, a heat exchanger with fins can be made of thin anodized aluminum, and a high resistance heating film is applied on top of the (insulation) anodization layer. The heating film can be applied by CVD, PVD, electrolytic coating, or painting.

Fig. 20 shows a pulse electrothermal ice separator formed by a tubular ice maker 100 (1). 20 may not be drawn to scale. The portion of tubular ice maker 100 (1), denoted B, is shown in detail in FIG. Ice maker 100 (1) uses pulsed electrothermal ice separation, described further below, to obtain an ice ring 6 (6). Ice making tube 110 (1) is oriented perpendicular to the freezing compartment (not shown). In one embodiment, the tube 110 (1) is about 3 to 5 inches long and has an outer diameter of about 1 inch and a wall thickness of about 10 mils. Tube 110 (1) may be formed of a synthetic material, such as, for example, a stainless steel, titanium alloy, or a polymer filled with carbon particles and / or fibers to make an electrically conductive material. . Spray head 120 sprays water 130 into tube 110 (1). The series of heat conduction fins 140 moves heat straight from the cold finger 150 to the freezing compartment, so the ice growth region of the tube (not shown in FIG. 20, see FIG. 22) is below the freezing point of water. To reach. Only two heat transfer fins 140 are shown in FIG. 20, and fewer or more fins 140 are provided around the tube 110 (1) as needed for efficient heat transfer. Cooler 150 and heat transfer fins 140 may be made of copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof, for example.

Fig. 22 shows the B portion of the tubular ice maker 100 (1) in more detail. The cooler 150 fully surrounds the tube 110 (1) and defines a continuous corresponding ice growth location 112 (1) around the inside of the tube 110 (1). Ice growth location 112 (1) is separated by ice separation region 115 (1), and ice does not grow in ice separation region 115 (1). The ice separation region 115 (1) may be defined as an area other than the vicinity of the cooler 150 or the thermostat 118 may be used to raise the temperature of the tube 110 (1) in the region 115 (1). Can be supplied. For example, the temperature regulating element 118 may be a thermal insulator that prevents heat from flowing from the region 118 to the heat conduction fins 140. Alternatively, the thermostat may be a heater that raises the temperature of the ice separation region 115 (1).

Referring again to FIG. 20, ice 6 (6) grows near cooler 150 as water 130 flows through tube 120. The remaining freezing water 155 moves through the separation screen 160 to the storage tank 170 which is added to the feed water 190. Water 130, which turns to ice 6 (6), and thus does not return to feed water 190, is resupplied by a water supply device 220 that is controlled by feed valve 230. The pump 200 in the storage tank 170 pulls water 190 through the tube 205 to the spray head 120 to begin the process as described above. Any heater 210 may be used to keep the water 190 from freezing.

The ice ring 6 (6) is obtained by closing the switch 12 (9) that supplies power from the power supply 14 (1) to the tube 110 (1). 20 shows the upper end of the tube 110 (1) leading to the power supply 14 (1) via the switch 12 (9) and the lower end of the tube 110 (1) connected to ground 16. Although it shows a bus bar connecting, it can be seen that the connection between power and ground can be reversed. In one embodiment, a tube 110 (1) formed of stainless steel with a thickness of about 10 mils, the switch 12 (9) is closed for about 1 second, with a current of about 1-6 volts AC and about 300 amps. Supply a power pulse. The power dissipated in the tube 110 (1) raises the temperature of the tube above the freezing point of water to melt at least the interfacial layer of the ice ring 6 (6) and the ice ring 6 (6). )) Is separated from tube 110 (1) (which becomes loose in this case), and gravity pulls the ice ring downwards out of the tube.

The electrical resistance 110 (1) of the tube can be selected according to the voltage and current capacity of the power supply 14 (1) and suitability of the switch 12 (9). For example, a tube 110 (1) exhibiting low electrical resistance may determine the use of a high current, low voltage power supply 14 (1) and switch 12 (9), but with a higher resistance. The ice making tube 110 (1) having the power supply 14 (1) and the switch 12 (9) formed to be suitable for high voltage and low current.

In one embodiment, the electrical resistance of the tube 110 is optimized so that a commercially available line voltage such as 110-120 VAC or 220-240 VAC is suitable for the power supply 14 (1).

 Tube 110 (1) is thus an example of heater 10 in FIG. 1. Separation screen 160 allows ice ring 6 (6) to be moved to harvesting box 180 for ice ring 6 (7). The grown ice 6 (6) described above directs dissolved air and contaminants into the remaining water 155 falling from the tube 110 (1). Thus, ice ring 6 (6) (and obtained ice ring 6 (7)) are of high quality and transparent. Dissolved air and contaminants can accumulate in water 190, and ice maker 100 (1) may thus comprise a drain 240 regulated by a drain valve 250 for periodically draining at least a portion of the water 190. In one optional embodiment (not shown) ), The reservoir tank 170 and the pump 200 are not considered, and the water supply device 220 directly replaces the spray head 120 and simply discharges the remaining water 155.

Fig. 21 shows a pulse electrothermal ice separator formed by the tubular ice maker 100 (2). 21 may not be shown to scale. A portion of tubular ice maker 100 (2), denoted C, is shown in more detail in FIG. Icemaker 100 (2) includes the same and necessary elements corresponding to (and numbered) the tubular icemaker 100 (1). The tubular ice maker 100 (2) uses a refrigerant tube 260 (1) to cool the ice growth region (see FIG. 23). The coolant tube 260 (1) may be made of copper, aluminum or another alloy, for example. The dielectric layer 270 electrically insulates the tube 110 (2) from the refrigerant tube 260 (1), but has a minimal effect on heat transfer from the tube 110 (2) to the tube 260 (1). . Dielectric layer 270 may be formed of, for example, a polymer filled with polyimide or thermally conductive fibers or powders, alumina fibers or powders, glass fibers, or boron nitride powders. In the ice making system 100 (1), ice 6 (8) is placed in a tube 110 (2) near the tube 260 (1) in a manner similar to how ice is grown and obtained. Growing as it flows through), the ice ring 6 (8) switches 12 (9) for powering the tube 110 (2) from the power supply 14 (1). Is obtained by closing the ice ring 6 (8) to the ice ring 6 (9) harvesting collection box 180.

Figure 23 shows part C of the tubular ice maker 100 (2) in more detail. Each coolant tube 260 (1) has a cooler 280 that flows through the coolant 290 and defines a corresponding ice growth location 112 (2). The ice growth region 112 (2) is separated from the ice separation region 115 (2), and the ice does not grow in the region 115 (2). The ice separation region 115 (2) is clearly shown in FIG. 23 as an area, not near the cooler 280, but the temperature regulating element 118 is in the region 115 (2) in the same manner as shown in FIG. It may be provided to raise the temperature of the tube 110 (2).

Fig. 24 shows a side sectional view of the pulse electrothermal ice separator formed by the tubular ice maker 100 (3). 24 may not be shown to scale. Part D of the ice maker 100 (3) is shown in more detail in FIG. An upper sectional view of the ice maker 100 (3) through which dashed lines F26-F26 in FIG. 24 pass is shown in FIG. Ice maker 100 (3) includes the same and necessary elements corresponding to (and numbered) the tubular ice makers 100 (1) and 100 (2). Ice maker 100 (3) has a respective ice plate with heat transfer plate 280 (only a few heat transfer plates 280 and ice 6 (10) are shown in FIG. 24 for clarity of illustration). Ice rings 6 (10) are made in the production tube 110 (3). Tube 110 (3) may be formed, for example, of stainless steel or a titanium alloy. Heat transfer plate 280 may be made of copper, aluminum or these compounds. The coolant tube 260 (2) circulates a coolant that removes heat from the heat transfer plate 280 and the tube 110 (3). Tube 205 supplies a spray head 120 that sprays water 130 over the inner surface of each tube 110 (3). When the ice ring 6 (10) is ready to be obtained, the switch 12 (10) connects the power pulses from the power supply 14 (2) to each busbar 152, In turn, each tube 110 (3) is connected to the ground (16). The heat generated in each tube 110 (3) by electric power melts at least the interfacial layer of each ice ring 6 (10), and the ice ring separates the ice from the tube 110 (3). . The equipment for separating the frozen water separated from the obtained ice, the equipment for obtaining the frozen water in the storage tank, the discharge and resupply equipment for the storage tank and the equipment determined when the ice is ready to be obtained are shown in FIGS. It may be the same as the facility shown in 21.

FIG. 25 shows in greater detail part D of an embodiment tubular ice maker 100 (3). Ice 6 (10) grows immediately near the ice making tube 110 (3). Dielectric layer 295 is provided between tube 110 (3) and heat transfer plate 280 to electrically insulate the tube from plate 280. The dielectric layer 295 may be, for example, a polyimide film clad between the copper layers 290 available from DuPont. In addition, the dielectric layer 295 may comprise a polymer filled with thermally conductive fibers or powder, alumina fibers or powder, glass fibers, or boron nitride powder. Copper layer 290 is attached to heat transfer plate 280 with tube 110 (3) and solder 285 layers. For example, the tube 110 (3) may be installed by first wrapping it with solder foil, then wrapping it with a polyimide film 295 clad between the copper layers 290, and then again with the solder foil. have. Multiple tubes 110 (3) installed in this way may be inserted into holes in heat transfer plate 280, and then the entire assembly may be tube 110 (3), copper. Solder 285 may be placed in a furnace to reflow bond to layer 290 and heat transfer plate 280.

In another embodiment, heat transfer plate 280 is a dielectric instead of soldering to a dielectric film and may be separated into sections assembled to tube 110 (3) with a thermally conductive adhesive.

FIG. 26 is a top sectional view of the tubular ice maker 100 (3) along line F26-F26 in FIG. 26 may not be shown to scale. Each ice making tube 110 (3) and refrigerant tube 260 (2) pass through one or more heat transfer plates 280. 26 shows a hexagonal arrangement of 19 ice making tubes 110 (3) and 54 refrigerant tubes 260 (2), but ice maker 110 (3), refrigerant tubes 260 (2) and Other numbers and arrangements of heat transfer plates 280 may be used to achieve the intended icemaking capacity, or to fit the intended location. The ice maker 100 (3) is thus shown in Fig. 24 (representing a cross section of the ice maker 100 (3) according to the lines F24-F24 shown in Fig. 26). 3)) ice at each intersection and heat transfer plate 280

An array of ice making tubes 100 (3) in which 6 (10) grows is formed.

In addition, the tubular ice maker 100 disclosed herein (eg, tubular ice manufacturing)

Embodiments of groups 100 (1), 100 (2), and 100 (3) will be apparent from a sufficient reading and understanding and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the tube 110 (eg, any of the tubes 110 (1), 110 (2) or 110 (3)) may be circular in cross-section or other cross-sectional shape, square, Ice can be produced corresponding to shapes such as rectangles, ovals, triangles, or stars. Spray head 120 may be substituted by introducing water 130 onto one or more nozzles for spraying water 130 or on the inner surface of one or more water flowing elements or tubes 110. The bus bar 125 is located outside the edge of the tube 110, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, or located inside the edge of the tube 110, as shown in FIG. 24. Since the cooler 150 sufficiently transfers heat from the ice growth region 112 (1), the heat conductive fin 140 is not necessary. The device detects ice formation, for example, by capacitively detecting ice, optically detecting ice, and also by determining the weight of the ice or by determining the flow of water that is disturbed by the ice. 6), 6 (8), and 6 (10). The device is configured to detect the level of ice obtained in the collecting box (eg box 180) or to stop ice production when there is enough ice in the collecting box. Separating screen 160 obtains the ice ring when it is obtained, but may be replaced by a mobile element that moves out from underneath tube 110 at other times. Separating screen 160 may be heated to avoid undesirable accumulation of ice that may interfere with water collection. Pump 200, Heater 210, Supply Valve 230, Drain Valve

250, thermostat 118 and / or switch 12 (9) are operated by a controller (eg, a microprocessor operating a freezer with ice maker 100). The temperature sensor can be used to supply data so that the microprocessor can optimize the operation of the components of the icemaker 100 and / or other device space in which the cooler or icemaker 100 is located. Since the tubes 110 (3) of the ice maker 100 (3) are electrically connected individually or in groups, the ice 6 (10) is a single tube 110 (3) or a group. Simultaneous acquisition from tube 110 (3). Less ice (6 (10)) than that obtained simultaneously from all tubes (110 (3)) results in components associated with generating and converting current operating capacity and magnitude, weight, and / or current required for ice acquisition. Reduce the price.

Another embodiment of a pulsed electrothermal ice separator formed as a tubular ice maker still utilizes a heater in thermal contact with one or more ice making tubes 110.

Such an embodiment may suitably use a wide variety of materials for any ice making tube 110. For example, in one embodiment the tubular ice maker is made of stainless steel or other metal, glass, plastic, polymer, Teflon, ceramic or carbon fiber material, or a composite or combination thereof. ). The ice making tube 110 may be heated by a flexible heater element wrapped around the tube to detect ice formation. Suitable heater elements include metal-to-dielectric stacks, such as, for example, Kapton stacks coated with Inconel. The use of a heater element wrapped around the ice making tube 110 is an independent tube that is not related to the characteristics of the heater (e.g., high current due to high electrical resistance, high cost of power supply not required to be used). Configuration options such as optimizing material properties (eg, corrosion resistance, antibacterial properties) may be allowed. When conductive tube 110 is used, care is taken to ensure that the conductivity of the tube is described by the configuration of power supply 14 and switch 12, or that the tube is electrically insulated from the heater element. It may be used for configuration. The heat resistance between the heater and the ice making tube 110, and the heat resistance between the refrigerant tube 260 or the heat conduction fin 140, the heater and the ice making tube 110 is moderately low, the ice production rate is high, The power required to acquire is low.

Fig. 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the pulse electrothermal ice separator formed by the ice maker 300 (1). 27 may not be shown to scale. Part E of the ice maker 300 (1) is shown in more detail in FIG. The ice maker 300 (1) includes a fin 330 that is cooled by a refrigerant (not shown) flowing through the evaporation plate 310 (1) and the refrigerant tube 320. Pin 330 is divided into ice making pockets as shown. Water enters near plate 310 (1) and / or fins 330 and freezes to ice 6 (11) (only a few tubes 320, fins 330, ice making to clarify the city). Only pocket 335 and ice 6 (11) are shown in FIG. 27). The evaporation plate 310 (1), the refrigerant tube 320, and / or the fin 330 may be made of, for example, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. Icemaker 300 (1) also includes a heater 340 (1) for obtaining ice using one or more pulsed electrothermal ice separations, as described in more detail below. Heater 340 (1) is thus an example of heater 10 in FIG.

28 shows in greater detail the portion E of the ice maker 300 (1). In FIG. 28, the relative layer thickness may not be shown at a constant ratio. The heater 340 (1) includes a resistive heating layer 344 (1) and a dielectric layer 342 (1). The heating layer 344 (1) may be formed, for example, of a suitable resistive metal layer of stainless steel or titanium alloy, or of a thinner layer of good electrical conductor, such as copper. The dielectric layer 342 (1) is suitably formed of a material having an electrical insulator but with high thermal conductivity, and removes the electrical heating layer 344 (1) from the plate 310 (1) while allowing heat to be easily transferred to the dielectric layer. It serves to electrically insulate. In one embodiment, the heater 340 (1) has a dielectric layer 342 (1) made of epoxy glass, polyimide, polyimide glass, or teflon, and a heating layer 344 made of an electrical conductor such as copper. 1)) a printed circuit board.

In operation, icemaker 300 (1) grows ice until it needs to be obtained, and then connects power to heating layer 344 (1). The heat generated by layer 344 (1) rapidly heats plate 310 (1) and fin 330 to separate ice 6 (11). Once ice 6 (11) is obtained, ice production can be resumed by disconnecting power from heating layer 344 (1).

29 is a cross-sectional view of the pulsed power ice separator formed by the ice maker 300 (2). 29 may not be shown to scale. Part F of the ice maker 300 (2) is shown in more detail in FIG. Icemaker 300 (2) includes the same and necessary elements corresponding to and numbered icemaker 300 (1) (only a few tubes 320, fins 330 to clarify the illustration). ), Only the ice making pocket 335 and ice 6 (11) are shown in FIG. 27). Ice maker 300 (2) has a single heater 340 (2) that fully covers surface 315 (see FIG. 30) of evaporation plate 310 (2), heater 340 (2). Is installed between the plate 310 (2) and the refrigerant tube 320. The installation of the heater 340 (2) improves the acquisition efficiency of the ice by supplying heat to all points of the surface 315. The evaporation plate 310 (2), the refrigerant tube 310 (2), and / or the fin 330 may be made of, for example, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof.

30 shows the F portion of the ice maker 300 (2) in more detail. 30 may not be drawn to scale. The heater 340 (2) includes a resistive heating layer 344 (2) and a dielectric layer 342 (2). The dielectric layer 342 (2) is suitably formed of a material having high thermal conductivity but is an electrical insulator, and electrically transfers the heating layer 344 (2) from the plate 310 (2) while allowing heat to be easily transferred to the dielectric layer. Insulate For example, dielectric layer 342 (2) may comprise a polymer filled with polyimide, thermally conductive fibers or powder, alumina fibers or powder, glass fibers, or boron nitride powder. 30 also shows any dielectric layer 342 (3) provided between the heating layer 344 (2) and the tube 320. As shown in FIG. Dielectric layer 342 (3) may be used to electrically insulate heating layer 344 (2) from tube 320 to adjust the electrical resistance of layer 344 (2). In addition, dielectric layer 342 (3) may be removed, such that tube 320 is electrically connected to layer 344 (2).

 In operation, icemaker 300 (2) grows ice 6 (12) until needed, and then connects power to heating layer 344 (2). The heat generated by layer 344 (2) rapidly heats plate 310 (2) and fin 330 to separate ice 6 (12). Once ice 6 (12) is obtained, ice production can be resumed by disconnecting power from heating layer 344 (2).

31 schematically shows the components of a refrigeration unit 400 (1) comprising a heat storage device for ice separation. 31 may not be shown to scale. The refrigeration unit 400 (1) has a compressor 410 for compressing the refrigerant. The refrigerant leaves the compressor at a high temperature and passes through a tube 412 in a tank 440 that transfers heat to the heating liquid 445 (components of the refrigeration unit 400 (1) in which only the heating liquid moves) are shown in FIG. The heating liquid 445 is preferably a liquid having a freezing point lower than −20 ° C. and a boiling point higher than 60 ° C., such as alcohol, a mixture of water and glycol, or brine, if possible. More heat is transferred out of tank 440 in condenser 420. Tube 415 extends to expansion valve 420 where the refrigerant expands rapidly and cools to a temperature below freezing point. Afterwards, the refrigerant passes through the tube 430 and into the freezing compartment with dashed line 405 shown in Figure 31. The refrigerant tube 430 is in thermal contact with the evaporation plate 435, which is part of the ice maker, to evaporate the plate. To take heat away from it. Dotted lines F32-F32 The plane in the evaporation plate 435 shown in cross section is shown in Fig. 32. After passing through the refrigerant tube 430, the refrigerant compresses the refrigerant, cools the refrigerant, and repeats the circulation to cool the evaporation plate. Flow back to 410.

While the cooling unit 400 (1) makes ice, the heating liquid 445 collects and retains the remaining heat of the tank 440 from the refrigerant. The discharge valve 450 and the pump 455 regulate the delivery of the heating liquid 445 from the tank 440 to the heating tube 460 (1). Like the tube 430, the heating tube 460 (1) is in thermal contact with the evaporation plate 435. When ice acquisition is required, the cooling unit 400 (1) opens the discharge valve 450 and operates the pump to draw the heating liquid 445 through the heating tube 460 (1), thereby pulling the ice. Heat pulses are generated that separate ice from the evaporation plate 435 to obtain.

32 is a sectional view taken along the dashed line F32-F32 in FIG. 31. As shown in the figure, the evaporation plate 435 connects the refrigerant tube 430 and the heating tube 460 (1) which are alternately continuous. In FIG. 32, passages within the range of the heating tube 460 (1) through which the coolant 445 passes are hatched to match FIG. 31. On the opposite side of the evaporation plate 435 is a fin 330 that takes heat away from the ice 6 (13) during ice making.

FIG. 31 shows a cooling tube 430 installed as a manifold so that the refrigerant tube 430 and the heating tube 9460 (1) in the refrigeration section 405 cross each other across the cooling plate 435. . In one other embodiment, the coolant tube and the heating liquid tube traverse the evaporation plate 435 like a pair of snakes, but such an embodiment may use either or both of the refrigerant tube and heating liquid tube. It may have an inside curve forming a back-to-back configuration. These arrangements can form hot or cold regions, each of which is ice-making or ice-acquiring, which requires more time and / or energy. The heating tube 460 (1) may also form a single tube 430, 460 (1) that may pass over both ends of the manifold or evaporation plate to avoid the formation of a “continuous” arrangement.

The operation of the refrigeration unit 400 (1) shown in Figs. 31 and 32 is simulated. The evaporation plate had a size of 457 mm x 432 mm. The heating tube 460 (1) was assumed to have an inner diameter of 16 mm and a length of 7.7 meters. The heating liquid 445 was made to mix water and glycol in the same ratio. The heating liquid 445 in the tank 440 was assumed to reach 60 ° C. The simulation shows that ice can be obtained within 2 seconds by pulling 0.9 liter of the water / glycol mixture using 10 W of power in a pump 445 that brings the pressure of the water / glycol mixture to 0.223 bar. This is very advantageous compared to the energy required to obtain ice in a commercial ice maker that uses 1-2 kW of power for 60 to 300 seconds. The reduction in energy consumed in ice acquisition has resulted in higher ice production and lower energy costs over time.

33 schematically illustrates components of a refrigeration unit 400 (2) including a heat storage device for ice separation. 33 may not be shown to scale. Icemaker 400 (2) includes the same and necessary elements, corresponding to and numbered icemaker 400 (1). In the ice maker 400 (2), the tank 440 may be located at a height higher than the evaporation plate 435, so that when the discharge valve 450 is opened, gravity causes the heating liquid 445 to be heated. 460 (1) to separate ice from evaporation plate 435. Since the heating tube 460 (1) is moderately large in diameter, the flow of the heating liquid 445 through the heating tube 460 (1) is accelerated, and the rapid flow consequently warms the plate 435 quickly, so that the plate Quickly remove ice from (435). Ice maker 400 (2) includes a heated liquid reservoir 465, which is located at a lower level than the heated plate 435, so that the heated liquid 445 is heated. After passing 460 (1), it is discharged to reservoir 465. Pump 470 raises heating liquid 445 through tube 475 and optional inlet valve 452 and returns to tank 440 for reuse. The pump 470 does not need to be of high capacity since the transport of the heating liquid 445 to the tank does not need to be completed until another ice acquisition occurs.

Optional embodiments of the cooling unit 400 (eg, cooling unit 400 (1) or 400 (2)) disclosed herein will be apparent from a sufficient reading and understanding, and are within the scope of the present invention. The refrigeration unit 400 may in some embodiments turn off the compressor 410 to continue ice acquisition, but in some embodiments heat is used for ice acquisition only for a few seconds, and in some embodiments, between ice acquisitions. With the compressor 410 running, the wear caused during the cycle of operation / stop of the compressor 410 is reduced and the thermal recovery of the cooling plate 435 is accelerated so that ice production can be resumed quickly after ice is obtained. To cool the heating liquid 445 in the heating tube 460 (1) during ice making and to save the energy used to cool the same amount of fluid 445 back to the tank during ice acquisition. , Valves and pumps are provided for discharging the coolant 445 from the heating tube 460 (1) except while sound is being obtained. In one embodiment using the component shown in Figure 31, a tank ( 440 is installed lower than the evaporation plate 435, so gravity, except when the pump 455 is operating, discharges the heating liquid 445 into the tank 440. Using the components shown in FIG. In another embodiment, the tank 440 and the valves 450 and 452 are adapted to enter the heating liquid 445 and its gas when pressurized. The refrigerant in the tube 412 is heated in the tank 440. When heating 445 and its steam, a pressure builds up, and when the discharge valve 450 is opened, the steam pressure quickly pushes the heating liquid 445 through the tube 460 for ice separation and acquisition. After the heating liquid 445 is sufficiently pushed into the tube 460, the discharge valve 450 is closed, the inlet valve 452 is opened, and the pump 470 then begins returning the heating liquid from reservoir 465 to tank 440.

34 shows a heat storage ice separator 500. The apparatus 500 includes a coolant tube 4 (4) and a cooling fin 2 (4) flowing through a coolant 8 (see FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b)), as described below. It includes a heating tube 460 (2) flowing through the heating liquid 445 (see FIGS. 31 and 33) for ice separation. Only a few pins 2 (4) are shown in FIG. 34 for clarity of illustration. The coolant tube 4 (4) and the cooling fins 2 (4) and / or the heating tube 460 (2) are, for example, copper, aluminum or their alloys or other materials having low thermal resistance. Can be made. The position of the marked A indicates the portion A shown in Figs. 2 (a) and 2 (b). Like pulsed electrothermal ice separator 20 (1) (see FIG. 3), device 500 transfers heat to the refrigerant during normal operation, thus tube 4 (4), fin 2 (4). And / or ice 6 is formed on the heating tube 460 (2) (see FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b)). When ice separation is required, the heating liquid 445 (see FIGS. 31 and 33) flows through the heating tube 460 (2) and the heating device 500 to separate the ice. The three tubes 4 (4) and two heating tubes 460 (2) shown in FIG. 34 are merely representative, and any number of tubes 4 (4) and heating tubes 460 (2). It can also be seen that it is included in the ice separator. Such techniques in the art The similarity between the heat storage ice separator 500 of FIG. 34 and the evaporation plate 435 with the tubes 430, 460 of the freezing units 400 (1, 400 (2) of FIGS. 31 and 33). will be.

35 is a flowchart of process 550 for operating a refrigeration unit using heat storage ice acquisition. Process 550 is executed, for example, by refrigeration unit 400 (1) or 400 (2). In step 560, the refrigeration unit is operated in the ice making mode. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, which transfers heat to the heating liquid, transfers the heat to the condenser, passes through the expansion valve, and circulates through the refrigerant tube of the ice maker to freeze the ice to form ice. An example of step 560 is that compressor 410 (1) compresses the refrigerant passing through tube 412, and the refrigerant transfers heat to the heating liquid 445 in the range of tank 440 (2), and (2) Heat is transferred to condenser 420 (3), (3) passes through expansion valve 420, (4) circulates within the tube range, and freezes water to form ice. In step 565, the refrigeration unit determines when to obtain ice. When it is time to acquire ice, process 550 follows step 570, otherwise continue ice making at step 560. In step 570, the compressor is stopped during the ice acquisition process. In the example of step 570, the compressor 410 is stopped. Step 570 is optional and may not occur in some refrigeration units. For example, step 570 may not occur in a unit that may cause excessive wear and damage on the compressor resulting from repeating start and stop. Step 575 flows the heating liquid through the heating tube to separate the ice (eg, to dissolve, melt or evaporate or evaporate the ice). The example of step 575 operates the discharge valve 450 or the pump 455 to flow the heating liquid 445 into the tube 460. The heating solution is separated by melting at least the interfacial layer of ice. In the example of step 580, (1) the pump 455 is stopped so that the heating liquid 445 is returned to the tank 440 by the force of gravity (see FIG. 31), and (2) the discharge valve 450 is closed. The heating liquid 445 is discharged to the tank 465 by the force of gravity (see FIG. 33). Once separation is complete, process 550 resumes the normal ice making mode in step 560.

The changes described above and others can be implemented with the pulse heat transfer and heat storage ice separators described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be understood as illustrative and not restrictive. The following claims are intended to include all general and specific features described herein, and in the literature, all comments on the scope of the present methods and systems can also be considered to be included therebetween.

Claims (49)

One or more refrigerant tubes of the refrigeration unit; Cooling fins in which one or both of the tubes or fins forming the resistance heater are in thermal contact with the refrigerant tube; And one or more switches for powering at least one of said tube and said resistive heater that generates heat to separate ice from said fins. The method of claim 1, The resistance heater has a plurality of heater sections, Said one or more switches having a plurality of switches, said switches being configured to supply power to each said heater section. The method of claim 2, The electric power formed as described above is supplied to at least one heater section while the refrigerant continues to flow through the refrigerant tube of the other heater section pulse electrothermal ice separator. The method of claim 1, And the tube and the pin are electrically insulated from each other. The method of claim 4, wherein And an insulator formed by at least one polymer coating, a thermally conductive adhesive, a metal oxide and a composite film, wherein the insulator insulates the tube and the fins from each other. The method of claim 1, The pin is a pulse heat transfer ice separator for forming a conductive sinuous structure. The method of claim 1, Pulse electrothermal ice separator comprising a power supply for supplying power. The method of claim 7, wherein The power supply device is a pulse heat transfer ice separator for supplying a voltage in the range of 0.1V to 1000V. The method of claim 8, The power supply device is a pulse heat transfer ice separator for supplying a voltage in the range from 6V to 70V. The method of claim 7, wherein The power supply device is a pulse heat transfer ice separator for supplying an AC voltage having a frequency in the range from 15Hz to 15MHz. A refrigerant tube of one or more refrigeration units forming a resistive heater, And one or more switches for supplying power to the heater that generates heat to separate ice from the tube. In the ice separation method for separating the ice from the refrigerant tube and / or cooling fin of the refrigeration unit, Accumulate ice on one or both of the refrigerant tube and cooling fins during the normal refrigeration mode, And supplying a power pulse to one or both of the tube and the pin to separate the ice. The method of claim 12, Stopping the normal refrigeration mode before the feeding step. The method of claim 12, And discharging the refrigerant from the one or more refrigerant tubes before the feeding step. The method of claim 12, At least one of said one or more refrigerant tubes and said cooling fins comprises sections, wherein said feeding step is repeated for each section. The method of claim 15, The section corresponds to the continuous portion of the refrigerant tube flowing through the refrigerant, The supply step is the ice separation method comprising supplying a power pulse to the section corresponding to the flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant tube. An ice making tube having one or more ice growing zones, One or more coolers and refrigerant tubes to withdraw heat from each ice growth zone, Means for introducing water into the ice making tube so that at least a portion of the water in the ice growth zone is frozen into ice; And a power supply periodically supplying the tube with a power pulse that melts at least an interfacial layer of the ice to separate the ice from the tube. The method of claim 17, The ice making tube is one or more metal, glass, plastic, polymer, Teflon (Teflon), a pulse electrothermal ice separator consisting of ceramic and carbon fiber. The method of claim 17, Pulse heat transfer ice separator comprising one or more heat conduction fins for facilitating heat transfer from the one or more ice growth regions. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a water supply controlled by a supply valve and a drain controlled by a discharge valve. The method of claim 20, A storage tank for storing water from the water supply device; Pulse electrothermal ice separator comprising a pump for pulling the water through the introduction means. The method of claim 21, Pulse heat transfer ice separator comprising a screen for separating the ice and the remaining water discharged from the ice making tube. The method of claim 21, Pulse heat transfer ice separator comprising a heater for preventing water from freezing in the storage tank. The method of claim 17, Acquire the ice anytime by capacitively detecting the ice, optically detecting the ice, determining the weight of the ice, determining the elapsed ice making time, or determining the flow of water obstructed by the ice. Pulse electrothermal ice separator comprising a device for determining whether. An ice making tube having one or more ice growing zones, One or more coolers and refrigerant tubes to withdraw heat from each ice growth zone, Means for introducing water into the ice making tube so that at least a portion of the water in the ice growth zone is frozen into ice; And a power supply device for periodically supplying a power pulse for melting at least an interface layer of the ice to the heater in thermal contact with the tube to separate the ice from the tube. A plurality of ice making tubes, One or more cooler and refrigerant tubes to withdraw heat from the ice growth zone of each ice making tube, Means for introducing water into the ice making tube so that at least a portion of the water in the ice growth zone is frozen into ice; And a power supply periodically supplying each tube with a power pulse that melts at least the interfacial layer of the ice to separate the ice from each tube. The method of claim 26, Ice manufacturing tube is formed of a plurality of groups, the power supply device is a pulse electrothermal ice separation device for periodically supplying a power pulse once per group. The method of claim 27, Capacitively detect the ice of each group, optically detect the ice of each group, determine the weight of the ice of each group, determine the elapsed ice making time of each group or the ice of each group And a device for determining when to obtain the ice in each group by judging the flow of water obstructed by the pulse heat transfer ice separator. One or more refrigerant tubes in thermal contact with the evaporation plate, And one or more heaters disposed near the evaporation plate and between the refrigerant tubes, the one or more heaters being configured to convert power into heat to separate ice from the evaporation plate. The method of claim 29, And each of the one or more heaters has a metal layer. The method of claim 30, Wherein each of said one or more heaters further has a dielectric layer between said metal layer and said evaporation plate. One or more refrigerant tubes in thermal contact with the evaporation plate, And a heater installed between the refrigerant tube and the evaporation plate and configured to convert power into heat so that ice is separated from the evaporation plate. 33. The method of claim 32, And each of the one or more heaters has a metal layer. The method of claim 33, wherein Wherein each of said one or more heaters further has a dielectric layer between said metal layer and said evaporation plate. The method of claim 33, wherein And a dielectric layer between the metal layer and each of the one or more refrigerant tubes. A cooling unit formed as a heat storage ice making system, Has a compressor and a condenser to dissipate the remaining heat, A refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant tube in thermal contact with the compressor, the condenser and the evaporation plate;  A tank behind the compressor, in front of the condenser, for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the heating liquid, And a heating liquid periodically flowing through a heating tube in thermal contact with the evaporation plate to separate ice from the evaporation plate. The method of claim 36, And a cooling unit in which the cooling tube and the heating tube are alternately connected to the evaporation plate. The method of claim 36, And a pump for drawing up said heating liquid. The method of claim 38, The evaporation plate is installed at a higher height than the tank, so that when the pump does not operate, the cooling unit discharges the heating liquid to the tank. The method of claim 36, A pump for pumping the heating liquid from the heating liquid reservoir to the tank. The method of claim 40, The tank is installed at a higher height than the evaporation plate, The heating liquid flows through the heating tube by opening the valve between the tank and the heating tube, The evaporation plate is installed at a higher height than the reservoir, so that after the ice is separated, the heating liquid is discharged to the reservoir. The method of claim 40, The tank is separated into an inlet valve between the pump and the tank, and a discharge valve between the tank and the heating tube, When the inlet and outlet valves are closed, the heat increases the pressure in the tank, When the discharge valve is opened, the pressure pushes the heating liquid into the heating tube to separate the ice, After the ice is separated, the discharge valve is closed, the inlet valve is opened, and the pump returns the heating liquid to the tank. In the ice separation method for separating the ice from the evaporation plate of the at least one cooling tube, cooling fins and the refrigeration unit, Transfers heat from the refrigerant to the heating liquid during ice making or refrigeration mode, Accumulate ice on at least one of the refrigerant tubes, the cooling fins, and the heating plate during the ice making or refrigeration mode; Ice separation method for flowing the heating liquid through the heating tube in thermal contact with at least one of the cooling tube, the cooling fins and the evaporation plate to separate the ice. The method of claim 43, Stopping the ice making or refrigeration unit during the step of flowing the heating liquid. The method of claim 43, And when the step of flowing the heating liquid is completed, emptying the heating liquid from the heating tube. A heat exchanger having a refrigerant tube in thermal contact with the heat exchange surface, Pulse heat transfer ice separator comprising a power supply electrically switched to the heat exchanger for pulse heating. 47. The method of claim 46 wherein At least one heat exchange surface An insulator formed of anodized aluminum or anodized aluminum alloy, And an electric power supply device electrically switched to a conductive film provided on the insulator. 47. The method of claim 46 wherein Wherein the conductive film is a metal layer to which one of CVD, PVD, electroless coating and painting is applied. 47. The method of claim 46 wherein The heat exchanger is an accordion type heat exchanger pulse heat transfer ice separator.

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