US20070125108A1 - Ice rink chilling unit, ice rink with chilling unit, and a method of chilling an ice rink - Google Patents
Ice rink chilling unit, ice rink with chilling unit, and a method of chilling an ice rink Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070125108A1 US20070125108A1 US11/549,843 US54984306A US2007125108A1 US 20070125108 A1 US20070125108 A1 US 20070125108A1 US 54984306 A US54984306 A US 54984306A US 2007125108 A1 US2007125108 A1 US 2007125108A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- subassembly
- rink
- closed loop
- piping
- heat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 16
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 80
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000007791 dehumidification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyacetaldehyde Natural products OCC=O WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C19/00—Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
- A63C19/10—Ice-skating or roller-skating rinks; Slopes or trails for skiing, ski-jumping or tobogganing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C3/00—Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow
- F25C3/02—Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow for ice rinks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/10—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts enabling folding, collapsing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/02—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigeration system for creating and maintaining an ice rink surface and, in particular, to a complete standalone module refrigeration system for installation and use by residential consumers.
- Alternative ice rink chillers found in the prior art include those suitable for placement immediately adjacent to the edge of an ice rink, as shown in Canadian Patent No. 1,051,209 to Williams. Although such systems locate the refrigeration unit and the chiller tank alongside one another, they are bulky and also require the services of a skilled professional for installation, necessarily involving inordinate time and cost.
- an ice rink refrigeration unit or “chiller” (a) that is relatively simple to install, even for non-professionals; (b) that is quickly and easily connectable; (c) that encapsulates the expansion tank, coolant pump, heat exchanger, compressor, expansion valve, heat exchanging coils and cooling fans, in addition to any other components, all pre-wired and pre-plumbed within a single self-contained standalone module; (d) that is more compact and less unsightly in a residential environment than prior art equipment; (e) that is designed for use with standard single phase electrical connections and power supply, dispensing with the need to have an electrician to convert electrical capabilities in a residential home from a single phase to a three phase electrical power source; and (f) that dispenses with the need to have a plumber or steamfitter to complete, on-site, the interconnection of the system components to one another and to an ice rink
- the ice rink chilling unit for use with heat-conductive rink piping, a coolant fluid, and a single-phase AC electrical source.
- the ice rink chilling unit includes a heat extraction subassembly, a refrigeration subassembly, a stand-alone enclosure, and a single-phase AC electrical connector.
- the heat extraction subassembly includes quick-connect couplings to operatively and removably connect with the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop.
- the refrigeration subassembly includes a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages the extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation.
- the stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulates the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly.
- the quick-connect couplings extend outside of the enclosure.
- each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure.
- the single-phase AC electrical connector is accessible from outside of the enclosure and adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly to the electrical source.
- the coolant fluid is circulated through the secondary closed loop and the refrigerant fluid is operatively circulated through the primary closed loop.
- the coolant fluid within the extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primary closed loop, so as to enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to the rink piping.
- the enclosure may preferably, but need not necessarily, include one or more selectively openable panels.
- the panels permit ready access to the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly, pre-wired and pre-plumbed as aforesaid, within the enclosure.
- the quick-connect couplings may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a supply quick-connect coupling and a return quick-connect coupling.
- the extraction subassembly may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include a pump, coolant “T”-fitting, and/or coolant heat exchanging piping.
- the pump may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the return quick-connect coupling—preferably, but not necessarily, to circulate the coolant fluid through the secondary closed loop.
- the coolant “T”-fitting may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially interposed between the pump and the return quick-connect coupling. As such, excess quantities of the coolant fluid may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively diverted through the coolant “T”-fitting to an expansion tank.
- the coolant heat exchanging piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the pump and may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively engage the primary closed loop in the aforesaid heat exchanging relation.
- the supply quick-connect coupling may be positioned downstream of the heat exchanging piping.
- the pump may preferably, but need not necessarily, be connected, in single-phase electrical relation, to the electrical connector.
- the expansion tank may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned within the enclosure at a height that is substantially above the coolant “T”-fitting.
- the refrigerant system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a cooling condenser fan.
- the primary closed loop may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a first section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, a compressor, a suction line, a second section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, and/or a refrigerant expansion valve.
- the first section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively engage the extraction subassembly in the aforesaid heat exchanging relation.
- the compressor may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the first section.
- the suction line may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially interposed between the first section and the compressor.
- the second section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the compressor and may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially adjacent to the fan. As such, operative rotation of the fan may preferably, but need not necessarily, draw air across and extract heat from the refrigerant within the second section.
- the refrigerant expansion valve may preferably, but need not necessarily, reduce pressure on the refrigerant downstream of the second section.
- Each of the compressor and the fan may preferably, but need not necessarily, be connected, in single-phase electrical relation, to the electrical connector.
- the ice rink chilling apparatus for use with a single-phase AC electrical source.
- the ice rink chilling apparatus includes a heat extraction assembly, a refrigeration subassembly, a stand-alone enclosure, and a single-phase AC electrical connector.
- the heat extraction assembly includes a coolant fluid, an encapsulated extraction subassembly, heat-conductive rink piping, and quick-connect couplings.
- the quick-connect couplings are connected to the extraction subassembly and removably connected to the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop.
- the refrigeration subassembly includes a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages the extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation.
- the stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulates the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly.
- the quick-connect couplings extend outside of the enclosure.
- each of the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure.
- the single-phase AC electrical connector is accessible from outside of the enclosure and adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly to the electrical source.
- the coolant fluid is circulated through the secondary closed loop, and the refrigerant fluid is circulated through the primary closed loop.
- the coolant fluid within the extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primary closed loop, so as to enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to the rink piping.
- the rink piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a plurality of elongate and closely spaced pipe sections.
- the pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, be joined together at respective ends thereof by “U”-shaped bends.
- the joined together pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, form a single substantially continuous length of piping.
- Each of the pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, rest on chair supporting members.
- the plurality may preferably, but need not necessarily, be together selectively rollable from an operative configuration to a rolled and readily movable configuration.
- each of the pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, be pre-formed from a plastic material that is heat-conductive and/or UV stabilized.
- the method includes a first step of providing heat-conductive rink piping, a coolant fluid, and a single-phase AC electrical source.
- the method also includes a second step of providing an ice rink chilling unit.
- the ice rink chilling unit includes a heat extraction subassembly, a refrigeration subassembly, a stand-alone enclosure, and a single-phase AC electrical connector.
- the heat extraction subassembly includes quick-connect couplings.
- the refrigeration subassembly includes a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages the extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation.
- the stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulates the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly.
- the quick-connect couplings extend outside of the enclosure.
- Each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure.
- the single-phase AC electrical connector is accessible from outside of the enclosure.
- the method also includes a third step of operatively and removably connecting the quick-connect coupling to the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop.
- the method also includes a fourth step of operatively connecting, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly to the electrical source.
- the method also includes a fifth step of circulating the coolant fluid through the secondary closed loop and circulating the refrigerant fluid through the primary closed loop.
- the coolant fluid within the extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primary closed loop, so as to extract heat from substantially adjacent to the rink piping.
- the rink piping comprises chair supporting members and a plurality of elongate and closely spaced pipe sections.
- the method also includes an additional step, before the second step, of rolling the rink piping from a rolled and readily movable configuration to an operative configuration, whereat the pipe sections rest on the chair supporting members.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art ice rink chilling apparatus having disparate components located remotely of one another;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ice rink chilling unit according to the present invention, shown in use with a single-phase AC electrical source and rink piping;
- FIG. 3 is a rear top right perspective view of the ice rink chilling unit of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ice rink chilling apparatus according to the present invention, showing rink piping thereof in a partially unrolled configuration;
- FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of the rink piping of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 1 of the drawings there is shown a prior art ice rink chilling apparatus 20 ′ having disparate components located remotely from one another.
- the FIG. 1 system comprises a closed coolant loop 58 (“the Secondary Circuit”) which extracts heat from the ice pad of an ice rink.
- the FIG. 1 system also comprises a closed refrigerant loop 68 (“the Primary Circuit”) which accepts heat from the Secondary Circuit and transfers the heat out to the ambient atmosphere.
- the FIG. 1 system also includes a heat exchange unit 76 which facilitates the transfer of heat between the Secondary and Primary Circuits.
- the Secondary Circuit 58 comprises:
- the Primary Circuit 68 comprises:
- FIG. 1 ice rink systems utilize heavy duty compressors 62 , fan (not shown) and pumps 46 that require a three-phase electrical power source connection 12 .
- the pump 46 and expansion tank 50 in such systems are located outside of the heat-exchange/refrigeration module 76 , and in some cases, the heat exchange unit 76 may also be in its own separate housing.
- FIG. 1 there is shown a schematic diagram of an extended ice rink chilling apparatus 20 ′ which, according to the prior art, has widely disparate components located remotely of one another.
- the chilling apparatus 20 ′ is additionally shown, in use, connected by wiring 14 to a heavy duty three-phase electrical source 12 according to the prior art.
- the prior art ice rink chilling apparatus 20 ′ shown in FIG. 1 includes a coolant fluid (not shown) and heat-conductive rink piping 24 .
- the rink piping 24 includes, among other things, a supply rink header 26 and a return rink header 28 .
- the rink piping 24 together with substantially exposed heat exchanging piping 54 , a “T”-fitting 48 , a pedestal expansion tank 50 , and a pump 46 —forms a secondary closed loop 58 .
- the prior art ice rink chilling apparatus 20 ′ shown in FIG. 1 also includes a refrigerant fluid (not shown) and a primary closed loop 68 .
- the primary closed loop 68 includes a suction line 64 and a rudimentary heat exchanging subassembly 76 , whereto heat may heretofore have been transferred from the heat exchanging piping 54 .
- the primary closed loop 68 shown in FIG. 1 also includes a compressor 62 , two ambient sections 70 of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, and a refrigerant expansion valve 72 .
- coolant fluid from the return rink header 28 flows in a downstream direction (as indicated generally by arrow “A”) towards the “T”-fitting 48 . Later, coolant fluid is pumped further downstream (in a direction indicated generally by arrow “B”). Air passing over the ambient sections 70 is exhausted (in a direction indicated generally by arrow “E”) to remove heat from the refrigerant fluid. Thereafter, coolant fluid returns (in a direction indicated generally by arrow “G”) to the supply rink header 26 .
- an ice rink chilling apparatus 20 according to the present invention—which may be elsewhere herein defined in the alternately preferred form of an ice rink chilling unit 40 (with the two terms hereinafter being used, mutatis mutandis , interchangeably) according to the present invention—for use with a single-phase AC electrical source 10 .
- the ice rink chilling apparatus 20 includes a heat extraction assembly 22 , a refrigeration subassembly 60 , a stand-alone enclosure 80 , and a single-phase AC electrical connector 82 .
- FIGS. 2 through 5 and in the following description of the ice rink chilling apparatus 20 and the ice rink chilling unit 40 according to the present invention, the same reference numerals have been used, where possible, to indicate various components and directions which are similar, and/or which may be somewhat analogous to a lesser or greater extent, to those present in the prior art apparatus 20 ′ (which is described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 1 ).
- the heat extraction assembly 22 includes a coolant fluid (not shown), heat-conductive rink piping 24 , an encapsulated heat extraction subassembly 42 , and quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b .
- the heat extraction subassembly 42 and the quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b according to the invention may be provided without, but still for use in association with, the heat-conductive rink piping 24 and the coolant fluid (not shown)—which latter two components may instead be provided as part of a larger ice rink structure (which is best seen in FIG. 4 ), and/or apart from the invention.
- the rink piping 24 preferably includes a plurality of elongate and closely spaced pipe sections 34 .
- the pipe sections 34 are preferably pre-formed from a plastic material that is heat-conductive and/or UV stabilized. As best seen in FIG. 2 , the pipe sections 34 are preferably joined together at respective ends 36 thereof by “U”-shaped bends 37 , such that the joined together pipe sections 34 form one or more substantially continuous length(s) of piping.
- each of the pipe sections 34 preferably rests on chair supporting members 38 .
- the plurality of pipe sections 34 is selectively rollable from an operative configuration (best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 ) to a rolled and readily movable configuration (best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 ).
- the heat extraction subassembly 42 may include the quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b as a part thereof—a part which operatively and removably connects with the rink piping 24 through hose mains 30 , so as to form a secondary closed loop 58 .
- the quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b may be provided discretely of the heat extraction subassembly 42 , whilst being connected to the extraction subassembly 42 and removably connected to the rink piping 24 through the hose mains 30 , so as to form the secondary closed loop 58 .
- the quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b preferably include a supply quick-connect coupling 44 a and a return quick-connect coupling 44 b .
- a single quick-connect coupling (as best seen in FIG. 4 ) might carry both supply and return ports.
- the supply quick-connect coupling 44 a may be preferably connected to a rink piping supply quick-connection 32 a
- the return quick-connect coupling 44 b may be preferably connected to a rink piping return quick-connection 32 b .
- the extraction subassembly 42 preferably includes a pump 46 , a coolant “T”-fitting 48 , and coolant heat exchanging piping 56 .
- a pump 46 a pump 46 , a coolant “T”-fitting 48 , and coolant heat exchanging piping 56 .
- coolant heat exchanging piping 56 a coolant heat exchanging piping 56 .
- one or more of the aforesaid components of the extraction subassembly 42 may be provided independently of the others.
- the pump 46 is preferably positioned downstream of the return quick-connect coupling 44 b to circulate the coolant fluid (not shown) through the primary closed loop 58 .
- the coolant “T”-fitting 48 is preferably substantially interposed between the pump 46 and the return quick-connect coupling 44 b .
- the coolant “T”-fitting 48 operates to divert excess quantities of the coolant fluid (not shown) therethrough to an expansion tank 50 .
- the expansion tank 50 is preferably mounted, within the enclosure, at a height that is substantially above the coolant “T”-fitting 48 .
- the coolant heat exchanging piping 56 is preferably positioned downstream of the pump 46 .
- the supply quick-connect coupling 44 a is positioned downstream of the heat exchanging piping 56 .
- the refrigeration subassembly 60 includes a refrigerant fluid (not shown) and a primary closed loop 68 that operatively engages the extraction subassembly 42 in heat exchanging relation.
- the refrigeration subassembly 60 preferably also includes one or more cooling condenser fans 74 .
- the primary closed loop 68 preferably includes a first section 66 (alternately hereinafter referred to as a coolant section 66 ) of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, a compressor 62 , a suction line 64 , one or more—and preferably two, as shown in FIG. 2 —second sections 70 (alternately hereinafter referred to as ambient sections 70 ) of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, and a refrigerant expansion valve 72 .
- first section 66 (alternately hereinafter referred to as a coolant section 66 ) of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, a compressor 62 , a suction line 64 , one or more—and preferably two, as shown in FIG. 2 —second sections 70 (alternately hereinafter referred to as ambient sections 70 ) of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, and a refrigerant expansion valve 72 .
- the compressor 62 is preferably positioned downstream of the coolant section 66 .
- the suction line 64 is preferably substantially interposed between the coolant section 66 and the compressor 62 .
- the ambient sections 70 of refrigerant heat exchanging piping are preferably positioned—in series and/or in parallel (not shown) with respect to one another—downstream of the compressor 62 , each preferably substantially adjacent to one of the fans 74 .
- the refrigerant expansion valve 72 preferably reduces pressure on the refrigerant fluid (not shown) downstream of the ambient sections 70 .
- a heat exchanging subassembly 76 is preferably provided within the enclosure as the locus for the aforesaid operative engagement of the primary closed loop 68 with the extraction subassembly 42 .
- the coolant heat exchanging piping 56 operatively engages the coolant section 66 of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, in the aforesaid heat exchanging relation, within the heat exchanging subassembly 76 .
- the stand-alone enclosure 80 substantially encapsulates the refrigeration subassembly 60 and the extraction subassembly 42 .
- the quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b extend outside of the enclosure 80 .
- Each of the refrigeration subassembly 60 and the extraction subassembly 42 is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure 80 .
- the enclosure 80 preferably includes one or more selectively openable panels 84 , one or more vents 86 , and one or more gauges 88 .
- the panels 84 preferably permit ready access to the refrigeration subassembly 60 and the extraction subassembly 42 , pre-wired and pre-plumbed as aforesaid, within the enclosure 80 .
- the vents 86 are preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the fans 74 and the ambient sections 70 (as best seen in FIG. 2 ).
- the gauges 88 may preferably (i) be visible from outside of the housing 80 and (ii) operate to monitor certain pressure, flow, level and temperature characteristics of the coolant and/or refrigerant fluids, and/or other operating parameters of the ice rink chilling unit 40 (such as, by way of non-limiting examples, valve positions, power draw, and/or the occurrence of any ground fault errors).
- the single-phase AC electrical connector 82 is accessible from outside of the enclosure 80 and is adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of the refrigeration subassembly 60 and the extraction subassembly 42 by wiring 14 to the electrical source 10 . More specifically, the pump 46 , the compressor 62 , and the fans 74 are each connected, in the aforesaid single-phase AC electrical relation, to the electrical connector 82 .
- the heat-conductive rink piping 24 Preparatory to use, in a method of chilling an ice rink which is disclosed according to the invention, the heat-conductive rink piping 24 , the coolant fluid (not shown), and the single-phase AC electrical source 10 are provided.
- a rolled section 35 of the rink piping 24 is un-rolled in a substantially longitudinal direction (as indicated generally by arrow “H”) from the rolled and readily movable configuration to the operative configuration.
- the pipe sections 34 rest on the chair supporting members 38 .
- the ice rink chilling unit 40 (which may be in the general form described hereinabove) is provided.
- the quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b of the ice rink chilling unit 40 are next operatively and removably connected to the rink piping 24 so as to form the secondary closed loop 58 .
- the extraction subassembly 42 and the refrigeration subassembly 60 are each then operatively connected, in the aforesaid single-phase AC electrical relation, by wiring 14 to the electrical source 10 .
- the coolant fluid (not shown) is circulated through the secondary closed loop 58
- the refrigerant fluid (not shown) is circulated through the primary closed loop 68 .
- the refrigerant fluid flows from the compressor 62 (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “C”).
- the fans 74 rotate to draw air across, and extract heat from, the refrigerant fluid within the ambient sections 70 —before exhausting the air through the vents 86 (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “E”).
- the refrigerant fluid may flow (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “D”) between the ambient sections 70 .
- cooled refrigerant fluid may flow (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “F”) back towards the coolant section 66 .
- the coolant fluid within the extraction subassembly 42 operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primary closed loop 68 .
- the ice rink chilling unit 40 may enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to the rink piping 24 .
- the present invention involves a modified and improved refrigeration system for an ice rink.
- the pump 46 , heat exchange subassembly 76 and expansion tank 50 are all located inside the self-contained and stand-alone heat-exchange/refrigeration module/enclosure 80 .
- the components within the enclosure 80 are fully pre-plumbed and pre-wired at the factory by certified technicians.
- consumers purchasing the ice rink chilling apparatus 20 of the present invention acquire a stand-alone rink chilling unit 40 that is adapted for ready connection with the rink piping 24 , or other cooling infrastructure of the ice rink.
- the stand-alone rink chilling unit 40 is connected with the rink piping 24 by “quick-connect” pipe couplings 44 a , 44 b to complete the plumbing of the Secondary Circuit.
- a plumbing connection is readily accomplished without the need of a plumber or steamfitter, thereby greatly simplifying installation.
- the power supply 10 for the rink chilling unit 40 is also adapted for use within environments, such as for example residential environments, where only single-phase AC electrical power supplies are available. As such, there is no need for an end consumer (for example, a residential home owner) to hire an electrician or other similarly skilled professional to convert the electrical capabilities of the installation location between single-phase and three-phase electrical connections. Moreover, an experienced home handyman could readily adapt the power supply 10 for a 220V connection (comparable to other home improvements, such as a hot tub or pool heater), although some consumers may still wish to leave this connection to a licensed electrician.
- FIGS. 2 and 4 Schematics of ice rinks using the ice rink chilling apparatus 20 according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 .
- the ice rink is formed by laying section of coolant pipe 24 inside of a frame defining the ice rink.
- the coolant pipe 24 is provided in a roll-out form 35 as shown in FIG. 5 , which permits the ice rink to be laid out rapidly and with minimal labor.
- the ice rink chiller is then connected to the coolant pipes 24 via the quick-connect couplings 44 a , 44 b and the ice rink is flooded and frozen as is known in the art.
Abstract
An ice rink chilling unit includes a heat extraction subassembly, a refrigeration subassembly, a stand-alone enclosure, and a single-phase AC electrical connector. The extraction subassembly includes quick-connect couplings removably connecting with rink piping to form a secondary closed loop. The refrigeration subassembly defines a primary closed loop engaging the extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation. The enclosure encapsulates the refrigeration and extraction subassemblies. The quick-connect couplings extend outside of the enclosure. The extraction and refrigeration subassemblies are pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure. The electrical connector is accessible from outside the enclosure and connects the extraction and refrigeration subassemblies to the electrical source in single-phase AC relation. Coolant fluid circulates through the secondary closed loop, and refrigerant fluid circulates through the primary closed loop. The extraction subassembly extracts heat from the rink piping, and transfers heat to the primary closed loop.
Description
- The present invention relates to a refrigeration system for creating and maintaining an ice rink surface and, in particular, to a complete standalone module refrigeration system for installation and use by residential consumers.
- To meet demand and allow for year-round use and use in unsuitable climates, refrigeration systems for creating and maintaining (“chilling”) ice rink surfaces have been developed. The development of these refrigeration systems has involved improvements in ice rink construction, as well as improvements in heat exchange fluid flow systems. An initial form of the refrigeration system, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,057 to Etter et al., circulates chilled liquid refrigerant through heat exchange pipes located directly in the area being refrigerated.
- The prior art also includes portable systems for creating and maintaining ice surfaces. However, such prior art systems have been inherently complex such as that in U.S. Pat. No. Re 29,438 to MacCracken et al. which requires the use of multiple interconnected mats of small diameter flexible plastic tubes that must be placed close to one another, with this close arrangement required to provide quality ice surfaces and cooling results.
- Alternative ice rink chillers found in the prior art include those suitable for placement immediately adjacent to the edge of an ice rink, as shown in Canadian Patent No. 1,051,209 to Williams. Although such systems locate the refrigeration unit and the chiller tank alongside one another, they are bulky and also require the services of a skilled professional for installation, necessarily involving inordinate time and cost.
- As a result, all of these systems have been suitable only for large scale commercial installations, especially when adding in the additional requirements for indoor ice rink facilities such as cooling systems, thermal storage reservoirs and dehumidification systems.
- These commercial grade ice rink systems of the types aforesaid utilize heavy duty compressors, fans and pumps, requiring three phase electrical power supply connections. This requirement creates a problem in that these systems are therefore not suitable for use in areas where three phase electrical power is not available, such as in private residences, where typically only single phase power supplies are available. Accordingly, end consumers desiring to install quality, commercial grade ice rink systems in their backyards have, therefore, first had to expend significant time and cost to convert their homes' single phase electrical power supply to a three phase electrical power supply. This conversion can create problems with existing electrical equipment and wiring in the home, as well as significantly increasing the time and costs associated with installing the ice rink by requiring the components of such prior art large scale commercial systems brought to their homes.
- Another problem with prior art commercial grade systems is that, because the various components of the refrigeration system have been located outside of the heat-exchange/refrigeration module (possibly even with the heat exchange unit located in its own separate housing), home consumers have heretofore been required to retain, at their own cost, highly skilled professional specialists familiar with the relevant technology, such as electricians, plumbers or steamfitters, to install and connect the various components of these systems to one another, so as to ensure safe installation, operation and maintenance. Typically, end consumers have been further burdened by legal requirements of their respective jurisdictions to have safety inspections performed by the relevant government body before such prior art systems could be put into regular use.
- Thus, various methods and systems exist for creating and maintaining frozen ice skating rink surfaces. It is evident, however, that many such systems are directed to heavy-duty, large scale commercial installations, such that they relate, generally, to improvements for cooling systems for indoor ice rink facilities, thermal storage reservoirs for ice rinks, and improved cooling and dehumidification systems for indoor ice rink facilities. Very few systems are directed to smaller scale, ice-making facilities suitable for installation and use by residential consumers in backyards rinks. Thus, there remains a need for a residential ice skating rink system that an average “handyman” consumer could install and maintain in his backyard without the need for professional installers.
- There is a need for a self-contained refrigeration system for ice rinks that can be used by smaller scale, ice-making facilities, and that is suitable for installation and use by non-industrial consumers. There is a particular need for a system adapted for use in residential environments where only single phase electrical connections are available and that dispenses with the need to have a professional electrician, plumber or steamfitter install the system.
- The present invention addresses these and other problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art by providing an ice rink refrigeration unit or “chiller”: (a) that is relatively simple to install, even for non-professionals; (b) that is quickly and easily connectable; (c) that encapsulates the expansion tank, coolant pump, heat exchanger, compressor, expansion valve, heat exchanging coils and cooling fans, in addition to any other components, all pre-wired and pre-plumbed within a single self-contained standalone module; (d) that is more compact and less unsightly in a residential environment than prior art equipment; (e) that is designed for use with standard single phase electrical connections and power supply, dispensing with the need to have an electrician to convert electrical capabilities in a residential home from a single phase to a three phase electrical power source; and (f) that dispenses with the need to have a plumber or steamfitter to complete, on-site, the interconnection of the system components to one another and to an ice rink
- In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed an ice rink chilling unit for use with heat-conductive rink piping, a coolant fluid, and a single-phase AC electrical source. According to the invention, the ice rink chilling unit includes a heat extraction subassembly, a refrigeration subassembly, a stand-alone enclosure, and a single-phase AC electrical connector. According to the invention, the heat extraction subassembly includes quick-connect couplings to operatively and removably connect with the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop. The refrigeration subassembly includes a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages the extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation. According to the invention, the stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulates the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly. According to the invention, the quick-connect couplings extend outside of the enclosure. According to the invention, each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure. According to the invention, the single-phase AC electrical connector is accessible from outside of the enclosure and adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly to the electrical source. The coolant fluid is circulated through the secondary closed loop and the refrigerant fluid is operatively circulated through the primary closed loop. The coolant fluid within the extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primary closed loop, so as to enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to the rink piping.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the enclosure may preferably, but need not necessarily, include one or more selectively openable panels. Preferably, but not necessarily, the panels permit ready access to the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly, pre-wired and pre-plumbed as aforesaid, within the enclosure.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the quick-connect couplings may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a supply quick-connect coupling and a return quick-connect coupling.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the extraction subassembly may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include a pump, coolant “T”-fitting, and/or coolant heat exchanging piping. The pump may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the return quick-connect coupling—preferably, but not necessarily, to circulate the coolant fluid through the secondary closed loop. The coolant “T”-fitting may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially interposed between the pump and the return quick-connect coupling. As such, excess quantities of the coolant fluid may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively diverted through the coolant “T”-fitting to an expansion tank. The coolant heat exchanging piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the pump and may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively engage the primary closed loop in the aforesaid heat exchanging relation. Preferably, but not necessarily, the supply quick-connect coupling may be positioned downstream of the heat exchanging piping. The pump may preferably, but need not necessarily, be connected, in single-phase electrical relation, to the electrical connector.
- According to a further aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the expansion tank may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned within the enclosure at a height that is substantially above the coolant “T”-fitting.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the refrigerant system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a cooling condenser fan.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary closed loop may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a first section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, a compressor, a suction line, a second section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, and/or a refrigerant expansion valve. The first section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively engage the extraction subassembly in the aforesaid heat exchanging relation. The compressor may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the first section. The suction line may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially interposed between the first section and the compressor. The second section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned downstream of the compressor and may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially adjacent to the fan. As such, operative rotation of the fan may preferably, but need not necessarily, draw air across and extract heat from the refrigerant within the second section. The refrigerant expansion valve may preferably, but need not necessarily, reduce pressure on the refrigerant downstream of the second section. Each of the compressor and the fan may preferably, but need not necessarily, be connected, in single-phase electrical relation, to the electrical connector.
- In accordance with the present invention there is additionally disclosed an ice rink chilling apparatus for use with a single-phase AC electrical source. According to the invention, the ice rink chilling apparatus includes a heat extraction assembly, a refrigeration subassembly, a stand-alone enclosure, and a single-phase AC electrical connector. The heat extraction assembly includes a coolant fluid, an encapsulated extraction subassembly, heat-conductive rink piping, and quick-connect couplings. According to the invention, the quick-connect couplings are connected to the extraction subassembly and removably connected to the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop. The refrigeration subassembly includes a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages the extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation. According to the invention, the stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulates the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly. According to the invention, the quick-connect couplings extend outside of the enclosure. According to the invention, each of the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure. According to the invention, the single-phase AC electrical connector is accessible from outside of the enclosure and adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly to the electrical source. The coolant fluid is circulated through the secondary closed loop, and the refrigerant fluid is circulated through the primary closed loop. The coolant fluid within the extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primary closed loop, so as to enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to the rink piping.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the rink piping may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a plurality of elongate and closely spaced pipe sections. The pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, be joined together at respective ends thereof by “U”-shaped bends. The joined together pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, form a single substantially continuous length of piping. Each of the pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, rest on chair supporting members. The plurality may preferably, but need not necessarily, be together selectively rollable from an operative configuration to a rolled and readily movable configuration.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pipe sections may preferably, but need not necessarily, be pre-formed from a plastic material that is heat-conductive and/or UV stabilized.
- In accordance with the present invention there is also disclosed a method of chilling an ice rink. The method includes a first step of providing heat-conductive rink piping, a coolant fluid, and a single-phase AC electrical source. According to the invention, the method also includes a second step of providing an ice rink chilling unit. According to the invention, the ice rink chilling unit includes a heat extraction subassembly, a refrigeration subassembly, a stand-alone enclosure, and a single-phase AC electrical connector. The heat extraction subassembly includes quick-connect couplings. The refrigeration subassembly includes a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages the extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation. The stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulates the refrigeration subassembly and the extraction subassembly. The quick-connect couplings extend outside of the enclosure. Each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of the enclosure. The single-phase AC electrical connector is accessible from outside of the enclosure. According to the invention, the method also includes a third step of operatively and removably connecting the quick-connect coupling to the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop. According to the invention, the method also includes a fourth step of operatively connecting, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of the extraction subassembly and the refrigeration subassembly to the electrical source. The method also includes a fifth step of circulating the coolant fluid through the secondary closed loop and circulating the refrigerant fluid through the primary closed loop. As such, according to the method, the coolant fluid within the extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primary closed loop, so as to extract heat from substantially adjacent to the rink piping.
- According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the rink piping comprises chair supporting members and a plurality of elongate and closely spaced pipe sections. According to the invention, the method also includes an additional step, before the second step, of rolling the rink piping from a rolled and readily movable configuration to an operative configuration, whereat the pipe sections rest on the chair supporting members.
- It is thus an object of this invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
- Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described hereinbelow.
- The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art ice rink chilling apparatus having disparate components located remotely of one another; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ice rink chilling unit according to the present invention, shown in use with a single-phase AC electrical source and rink piping; -
FIG. 3 is a rear top right perspective view of the ice rink chilling unit ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ice rink chilling apparatus according to the present invention, showing rink piping thereof in a partially unrolled configuration; and -
FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of the rink piping ofFIG. 4 . - Referring now to
FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a prior art icerink chilling apparatus 20′ having disparate components located remotely from one another. TheFIG. 1 system comprises a closed coolant loop 58 (“the Secondary Circuit”) which extracts heat from the ice pad of an ice rink. TheFIG. 1 system also comprises a closed refrigerant loop 68 (“the Primary Circuit”) which accepts heat from the Secondary Circuit and transfers the heat out to the ambient atmosphere. TheFIG. 1 system also includes aheat exchange unit 76 which facilitates the transfer of heat between the Secondary and Primary Circuits. - In the
FIG. 1 system, theSecondary Circuit 58 comprises: - i. a coolant liquid, such as glycol;
- ii. a
pump 46 to circulate the coolant liquid throughoutSecondary Circuit 58; - iii. rink piping 24 under the surface of the ice pad, through which the coolant liquid passes to draw heat from the pad;
- iv. a T-
valve 48 that diverts excess coolant liquid to anexpansion tank 50; and - v. heat exchange piping 54 which physically contacts the
Primary Circuit 68 in the heat exchange unit 76 (which has a counter flow in separate piping), to pass heat from the Secondary Circuit to the Primary Circuit. - In the
FIG. 1 system, thePrimary Circuit 68 comprises: - i. a
compressor 62 that compresses a conventional refrigerant gas under extreme pressure, thereby significantly raising its temperature; - ii. heat-exchanging
coils 70 that allow the refrigerant to significantly dissipate heat with the assistance of fan (not shown), which fan directs an upward cooling air flow (see arrow “E”inFIG. 1 ) across thecoils 70; - iii. an
expansion valve 72 that reduces pressure on the cooled refrigerant liquid, causing it to reach or nearly reach its boiling point and create a refrigerating effect; - iv. a
suction line 64 which pulls the refrigerant from theexpansion valve 72 through theheat exchanger 76 and back to thecompressor 62 in close contacting relation with the counter-flowing heat exchange piping 54 of the Secondary Circuit. This action draws heat from the Secondary Circuit, causing the refrigerant gas in the Primary Circuit to fully vaporize as it absorbs the heat from the coolant in the Secondary Circuit. The cycle of the Primary Circuit repeats itself at thecompressor 62. -
FIG. 1 ice rink systems utilizeheavy duty compressors 62, fan (not shown) and pumps 46 that require a three-phase electricalpower source connection 12. As can be seen inFIG. 1 , thepump 46 andexpansion tank 50 in such systems are located outside of the heat-exchange/refrigeration module 76, and in some cases, theheat exchange unit 76 may also be in its own separate housing. - To recapitulate, in
FIG. 1 , there is shown a schematic diagram of an extended icerink chilling apparatus 20′ which, according to the prior art, has widely disparate components located remotely of one another. InFIG. 1 , thechilling apparatus 20′ is additionally shown, in use, connected by wiring 14 to a heavy duty three-phaseelectrical source 12 according to the prior art. - The prior art ice
rink chilling apparatus 20′ shown inFIG. 1 includes a coolant fluid (not shown) and heat-conductive rink piping 24. Therink piping 24 includes, among other things, asupply rink header 26 and areturn rink header 28. The rink piping 24—together with substantially exposedheat exchanging piping 54, a “T”-fitting 48, apedestal expansion tank 50, and apump 46—forms a secondaryclosed loop 58. - The prior art ice
rink chilling apparatus 20′ shown inFIG. 1 also includes a refrigerant fluid (not shown) and a primaryclosed loop 68. The primaryclosed loop 68 includes asuction line 64 and a rudimentaryheat exchanging subassembly 76, whereto heat may heretofore have been transferred from theheat exchanging piping 54. The primaryclosed loop 68 shown inFIG. 1 also includes acompressor 62, twoambient sections 70 of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, and arefrigerant expansion valve 72. - In the prior art, generally speaking, coolant fluid from the
return rink header 28 flows in a downstream direction (as indicated generally by arrow “A”) towards the “T”-fitting 48. Later, coolant fluid is pumped further downstream (in a direction indicated generally by arrow “B”). Air passing over theambient sections 70 is exhausted (in a direction indicated generally by arrow “E”) to remove heat from the refrigerant fluid. Thereafter, coolant fluid returns (in a direction indicated generally by arrow “G”) to thesupply rink header 26. - Notably, notwithstanding the other problems with the prior art which are discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, most of the components of the secondary
closed loop 58 are substantially exposed to the ambient temperature, and all are located substantially remotely of one another. In addition, the aforesaid components of the secondaryclosed loop 58 have heretofore typically required the services of a pipe or steam fitter to properly assemble them together. - Now, with reference to
FIGS. 2 through 5 , there is shown an icerink chilling apparatus 20 according to the present invention—which may be elsewhere herein defined in the alternately preferred form of an ice rink chilling unit 40 (with the two terms hereinafter being used, mutatis mutandis, interchangeably) according to the present invention—for use with a single-phase ACelectrical source 10. The icerink chilling apparatus 20, includes aheat extraction assembly 22, arefrigeration subassembly 60, a stand-alone enclosure 80, and a single-phase ACelectrical connector 82. - In
FIGS. 2 through 5 , and in the following description of the icerink chilling apparatus 20 and the icerink chilling unit 40 according to the present invention, the same reference numerals have been used, where possible, to indicate various components and directions which are similar, and/or which may be somewhat analogous to a lesser or greater extent, to those present in theprior art apparatus 20′ (which is described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 1 ). - Now, therefore, the
heat extraction assembly 22 according to the present invention includes a coolant fluid (not shown), heat-conductive rink piping 24, an encapsulatedheat extraction subassembly 42, and quick-connect couplings FIGS. 2 and 3 , theheat extraction subassembly 42 and the quick-connect couplings FIG. 4 ), and/or apart from the invention. - The rink piping 24 preferably includes a plurality of elongate and closely spaced
pipe sections 34. Thepipe sections 34 are preferably pre-formed from a plastic material that is heat-conductive and/or UV stabilized. As best seen inFIG. 2 , thepipe sections 34 are preferably joined together at respective ends 36 thereof by “U”-shapedbends 37, such that the joined togetherpipe sections 34 form one or more substantially continuous length(s) of piping. - As best seen in
FIG. 5 , each of thepipe sections 34 preferably rests onchair supporting members 38. Together, the plurality ofpipe sections 34 is selectively rollable from an operative configuration (best seen inFIGS. 2 and 4 ) to a rolled and readily movable configuration (best seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 ). - It should be additionally noted that the
heat extraction subassembly 42 may include the quick-connect couplings hose mains 30, so as to form a secondaryclosed loop 58. Alternately, and as mentioned hereinabove, the quick-connect couplings heat extraction subassembly 42, whilst being connected to theextraction subassembly 42 and removably connected to the rink piping 24 through thehose mains 30, so as to form the secondaryclosed loop 58. - In either event, the quick-
connect couplings connect coupling 44 a and a return quick-connect coupling 44 b. Alternately, however, it is contemplated that a single quick-connect coupling (as best seen inFIG. 4 ) might carry both supply and return ports. As best seen inFIG. 3 , it is contemplated that the supply quick-connect coupling 44 a may be preferably connected to a rink piping supply quick-connection 32 a, and that the return quick-connect coupling 44 b may be preferably connected to a rink piping return quick-connection 32 b. It is noted that it is not essential, according to the invention, to provide both the icerink chilling unit 40 and thehose mains 30 with quick-connect couplings. That is, according to the invention, it would be equivalent (as may be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art) to provide either the rink piping supply and return quick-connections connect couplings connection 32 a, and the icerink chilling unit 40 might be provided the return quick-connect coupling 44 b, and/or vice-versa. In fact any number of permutations will be found to fall within the scope of the claims as may be reasonably construed. - As best seen in
FIG. 2 , theextraction subassembly 42 preferably includes apump 46, a coolant “T”-fitting 48, and coolantheat exchanging piping 56. Notably, and as may be generally well-known and/or appreciated by those of reasonable in the art, one or more of the aforesaid components of theextraction subassembly 42 may be provided independently of the others. - The
pump 46 is preferably positioned downstream of the return quick-connect coupling 44 b to circulate the coolant fluid (not shown) through the primaryclosed loop 58. - The coolant “T”-fitting 48 is preferably substantially interposed between the
pump 46 and the return quick-connect coupling 44 b. The coolant “T”-fitting 48 operates to divert excess quantities of the coolant fluid (not shown) therethrough to anexpansion tank 50. As best seen inFIG. 2 , theexpansion tank 50 is preferably mounted, within the enclosure, at a height that is substantially above the coolant “T”-fitting 48. - The coolant
heat exchanging piping 56 is preferably positioned downstream of thepump 46. Preferably, the supply quick-connect coupling 44 a is positioned downstream of theheat exchanging piping 56. - The
refrigeration subassembly 60 includes a refrigerant fluid (not shown) and a primaryclosed loop 68 that operatively engages theextraction subassembly 42 in heat exchanging relation. Therefrigeration subassembly 60 preferably also includes one or morecooling condenser fans 74. - As best seen in
FIG. 2 , the primaryclosed loop 68 preferably includes a first section 66 (alternately hereinafter referred to as a coolant section 66) of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, acompressor 62, asuction line 64, one or more—and preferably two, as shown inFIG. 2 —second sections 70 (alternately hereinafter referred to as ambient sections 70) of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, and arefrigerant expansion valve 72. Notably, and as may be generally well-known and/or appreciated by those of reasonable in the art, one or more of the aforesaid components of the primaryclosed loop 68 may be provided independently of the others. - The
compressor 62 is preferably positioned downstream of thecoolant section 66. Thesuction line 64 is preferably substantially interposed between thecoolant section 66 and thecompressor 62. Theambient sections 70 of refrigerant heat exchanging piping are preferably positioned—in series and/or in parallel (not shown) with respect to one another—downstream of thecompressor 62, each preferably substantially adjacent to one of thefans 74. Therefrigerant expansion valve 72 preferably reduces pressure on the refrigerant fluid (not shown) downstream of theambient sections 70. - A
heat exchanging subassembly 76 is preferably provided within the enclosure as the locus for the aforesaid operative engagement of the primaryclosed loop 68 with theextraction subassembly 42. Preferably, the coolantheat exchanging piping 56 operatively engages thecoolant section 66 of refrigerant heat exchanging piping, in the aforesaid heat exchanging relation, within theheat exchanging subassembly 76. - The stand-
alone enclosure 80 substantially encapsulates therefrigeration subassembly 60 and theextraction subassembly 42. The quick-connect couplings enclosure 80. Each of therefrigeration subassembly 60 and theextraction subassembly 42 is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of theenclosure 80. - As best seen in
FIG. 3 , theenclosure 80 preferably includes one or more selectivelyopenable panels 84, one ormore vents 86, and one or more gauges 88. Thepanels 84 preferably permit ready access to therefrigeration subassembly 60 and theextraction subassembly 42, pre-wired and pre-plumbed as aforesaid, within theenclosure 80. As best seen inFIG. 3 , thevents 86 are preferably positioned substantially adjacent to thefans 74 and the ambient sections 70 (as best seen inFIG. 2 ). Thegauges 88 may preferably (i) be visible from outside of thehousing 80 and (ii) operate to monitor certain pressure, flow, level and temperature characteristics of the coolant and/or refrigerant fluids, and/or other operating parameters of the ice rink chilling unit 40 (such as, by way of non-limiting examples, valve positions, power draw, and/or the occurrence of any ground fault errors). - The single-phase AC
electrical connector 82 is accessible from outside of theenclosure 80 and is adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of therefrigeration subassembly 60 and theextraction subassembly 42 by wiring 14 to theelectrical source 10. More specifically, thepump 46, thecompressor 62, and thefans 74 are each connected, in the aforesaid single-phase AC electrical relation, to theelectrical connector 82. - Preparatory to use, in a method of chilling an ice rink which is disclosed according to the invention, the heat-conductive rink piping 24, the coolant fluid (not shown), and the single-phase AC
electrical source 10 are provided. - As best seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , a rolledsection 35 of the rink piping 24 is un-rolled in a substantially longitudinal direction (as indicated generally by arrow “H”) from the rolled and readily movable configuration to the operative configuration. In the operative configuration, thepipe sections 34 rest on thechair supporting members 38. - Next, the ice rink chilling unit 40 (which may be in the general form described hereinabove) is provided. The quick-
connect couplings rink chilling unit 40 are next operatively and removably connected to the rink piping 24 so as to form the secondaryclosed loop 58. Theextraction subassembly 42 and therefrigeration subassembly 60 are each then operatively connected, in the aforesaid single-phase AC electrical relation, by wiring 14 to theelectrical source 10. - In use, the coolant fluid (not shown) is circulated through the secondary
closed loop 58, and the refrigerant fluid (not shown) is circulated through the primaryclosed loop 68. The refrigerant fluid flows from the compressor 62 (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “C”). Thefans 74 rotate to draw air across, and extract heat from, the refrigerant fluid within theambient sections 70—before exhausting the air through the vents 86 (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “E”). The refrigerant fluid may flow (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “D”) between theambient sections 70. After passing through therefrigerant expansion valve 72, cooled refrigerant fluid may flow (in a direction generally indicated by arrow “F”) back towards thecoolant section 66. The coolant fluid within theextraction subassembly 42 operatively transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid within the primaryclosed loop 68. In the aforesaid manner, the icerink chilling unit 40 may enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to therink piping 24. - To put it another way, the present invention involves a modified and improved refrigeration system for an ice rink. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIGS. 2 through 5 , and unlike prior art ice rink systems, thepump 46,heat exchange subassembly 76 andexpansion tank 50 are all located inside the self-contained and stand-alone heat-exchange/refrigeration module/enclosure 80. The components within theenclosure 80 are fully pre-plumbed and pre-wired at the factory by certified technicians. Thus, consumers purchasing the icerink chilling apparatus 20 of the present invention acquire a stand-alonerink chilling unit 40 that is adapted for ready connection with the rink piping 24, or other cooling infrastructure of the ice rink. - According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stand-alone
rink chilling unit 40 is connected with the rink piping 24 by “quick-connect”pipe couplings - The
power supply 10 for therink chilling unit 40 is also adapted for use within environments, such as for example residential environments, where only single-phase AC electrical power supplies are available. As such, there is no need for an end consumer (for example, a residential home owner) to hire an electrician or other similarly skilled professional to convert the electrical capabilities of the installation location between single-phase and three-phase electrical connections. Moreover, an experienced home handyman could readily adapt thepower supply 10 for a 220V connection (comparable to other home improvements, such as a hot tub or pool heater), although some consumers may still wish to leave this connection to a licensed electrician. - Schematics of ice rinks using the ice
rink chilling apparatus 20 according to the present invention are shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 . The ice rink is formed by laying section ofcoolant pipe 24 inside of a frame defining the ice rink. Ideally, thecoolant pipe 24 is provided in a roll-out form 35 as shown inFIG. 5 , which permits the ice rink to be laid out rapidly and with minimal labor. The ice rink chiller is then connected to thecoolant pipes 24 via the quick-connect couplings - Other modifications and alterations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be used in the design and manufacture of other embodiments according to the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the accompanying claims.
Claims (14)
1. An ice rink chilling unit for use with heat-conductive rink piping, a coolant fluid, and a single-phase AC electrical source, said ice rink chilling unit comprising:
a) a heat extraction subassembly comprising quick-connect couplings to operatively and removably connect with the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop;
b) a refrigeration subassembly comprising a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages said extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation;
c) a stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulating said refrigeration subassembly and said extraction subassembly, with said quick-connect couplings extending outside of said enclosure, wherein each of said extraction subassembly and said refrigeration subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of said enclosure; and
d) a single-phase AC electrical connector accessible from outside of said enclosure and adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of said extraction subassembly and said refrigeration subassembly to the electrical source;
wherein the coolant fluid is circulated through said secondary closed loop and said refrigerant fluid is operatively circulated through said primary closed loop; and wherein the coolant fluid within said extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to said refrigerant fluid within said primary closed loop, so as to enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to said rink piping.
2. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 1 , wherein said enclosure comprises one or more selectively openable panels to permit ready access to said refrigeration subassembly and said extraction subassembly, pre-wired and pre-plumbed as aforesaid, within said enclosure.
3. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 1 , wherein said quick-connect couplings comprise a supply quick-connect coupling and a return quick-connect coupling.
4. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 3 , wherein said extraction subassembly further comprises:
a pump positioned downstream of said return quick-connect coupling to circulate the coolant fluid through said secondary closed loop,
a coolant “T”-fitting substantially interposed between said pump and said return quick-connect coupling, such that excess quantities of the coolant fluid are operatively diverted through said coolant “T”-fitting to an expansion tank, and
coolant heat exchanging piping positioned downstream of said pump and operatively engaging said primary closed loop in said heat exchanging relation, with said supply quick-connect coupling positioned downstream of said heat exchanging piping;
wherein said pump is connected, in said single-phase AC electrical relation, to said electrical connector.
5. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 4 , wherein said expansion tank is positioned within said enclosure at a height that is substantially above said coolant “T”-fitting.
6. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 1 , wherein said extraction subassembly further comprises at least one heat extracting subcomponent selected from the group consisting of: a pump to circulate the coolant fluid through said secondary closed loop; a coolant “T”-fitting to operatively divert excess quantities of the coolant fluid away from said secondary closed loop; an expansion tank; and coolant heat exchanging piping operatively engaging said primary closed loop in said heat exchanging relation.
7. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 1 , wherein said refrigeration subassembly further comprises a cooling condenser fan.
8. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 7 , wherein said primary closed loop comprises:
a first section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping operatively engaging said extraction subassembly in said heat exchanging relation,
a compressor positioned downstream of said first section,
a suction line substantially interposed between said first section and said compressor,
a second section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping positioned downstream of said compressor and substantially adjacent to said fan, such that operative rotation of said fan draws air across and extracts heat from said refrigerant within said second section, and
a refrigerant expansion valve to reduce pressure on said refrigerant downstream of said second section;
wherein each of said compressor and said fan is connected, in said single-phase AC electrical relation, to said electrical connector.
9. An ice rink chilling unit according to claim 1 , wherein said primary closed loop comprises at least one refrigerating subcomponent selected from the group consisting of: a first section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping operatively engaging said extraction subassembly in said heat exchanging relation; a compressor; a second section of refrigerant heat exchanging piping to extract heat from said refrigerant; and a refrigerant expansion valve to reduce pressure on said refrigerant.
10. An ice rink chilling apparatus for use with a single-phase AC electrical source, said ice rink chilling apparatus comprising:
a) a heat extraction assembly comprising a coolant fluid, an encapsulated extraction subassembly, heat-conductive rink piping, and quick-connect couplings connected to said extraction subassembly and removably connected to said rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop;
b) a refrigeration subassembly comprising a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages said extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation;
c) a stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulating said refrigeration subassembly and said extraction subassembly, with said quick-connect couplings extending outside of said enclosure, wherein each of said refrigeration subassembly and said extraction subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of said enclosure; and
d) a single-phase AC electrical connector accessible from outside of said enclosure and adapted to operatively connect, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of said refrigeration subassembly and said extraction subassembly to the electrical source;
wherein the coolant fluid is circulated through said secondary closed loop and said refrigerant fluid is circulated through said primary closed loop; and wherein the coolant fluid within said extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to said refrigerant fluid within said primary closed loop, so as to enable operative extraction of heat from substantially adjacent to said rink piping.
11. An ice rink chilling apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said rink piping comprises a plurality of elongate and closely spaced pipe sections joined together at respective ends thereof by “U”-shaped bends to form a single substantially continuous length of piping, with each of said pipe sections resting on chair supporting members, and wherein said plurality is together selectively rollable from an operative configuration to a rolled and readily movable configuration.
12. An ice rink chilling apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein each of said pipe sections is pre-formed from a plastic material that is heat-conductive and UV stabilized.
13. A method of chilling an ice rink comprising the steps of:
a) providing heat-conductive rink piping, a coolant fluid, and a single-phase AC electrical source,
b) providing an ice rink chilling unit, said ice rink chilling unit including:
i) a heat extraction subassembly comprising quick-connect couplings;
ii) a refrigeration subassembly comprising a refrigerant fluid and a primary closed loop that operatively engages said extraction subassembly in heat exchanging relation;
iii) a stand-alone enclosure substantially encapsulating said refrigeration subassembly and said extraction subassembly, with said quick-connect couplings extending outside of said enclosure, wherein each of said extraction subassembly and said refrigeration subassembly is substantially pre-wired and pre-plumbed inside of said enclosure; and
iv) a single-phase AC electrical connector accessible from outside of said enclosure;
c) operatively and removably connecting said quick-connect coupling to the rink piping so as to form a secondary closed loop;
d) operatively connecting, in single-phase AC electrical relation, each of said extraction subassembly and said refrigeration subassembly to said electrical source; and
e) circulating said coolant fluid through said secondary closed loop and circulating said refrigerant fluid through said primary closed loop; such that said coolant fluid within said extraction subassembly operatively transfers heat to said refrigerant fluid within said primary closed loop, so as to extract heat from substantially adjacent to said rink piping.
14. A method of chilling an ice rink according to claim 13 , wherein said rink piping comprises chair supporting members and a plurality of elongate and closely spaced pipe sections, and wherein said method further comprises an additional step, before step (b), of:
a.1) rolling said rink piping from a rolled and readily movable configuration to an operative configuration, whereat said pipe sections rest on said chair supporting members.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/549,843 US20070125108A1 (en) | 2005-10-14 | 2006-10-16 | Ice rink chilling unit, ice rink with chilling unit, and a method of chilling an ice rink |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US72624405P | 2005-10-14 | 2005-10-14 | |
US11/549,843 US20070125108A1 (en) | 2005-10-14 | 2006-10-16 | Ice rink chilling unit, ice rink with chilling unit, and a method of chilling an ice rink |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070125108A1 true US20070125108A1 (en) | 2007-06-07 |
Family
ID=38117367
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/549,843 Abandoned US20070125108A1 (en) | 2005-10-14 | 2006-10-16 | Ice rink chilling unit, ice rink with chilling unit, and a method of chilling an ice rink |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070125108A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150107694A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-04-23 | Custom Ice Inc. | Drain box assembly for a convertible splash pad/ice rink structure |
Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3485057A (en) * | 1967-12-18 | 1969-12-23 | Frick Co | Ice rink |
US3831394A (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1974-08-27 | R Holmsten | Header distribution system for ice rinks |
USRE28438E (en) * | 1970-07-07 | 1975-06-03 | Ray film package | |
US3893507A (en) * | 1971-12-02 | 1975-07-08 | Calmac Mfg Corp | Apparatus for creating and maintaining an ice slab |
US4514992A (en) * | 1984-03-19 | 1985-05-07 | Holmsten Richard B | Refrigeration system for ice rinks utilizing pressure control/metering valve |
US4700548A (en) * | 1986-03-05 | 1987-10-20 | Ontario, Inc. | Control apparatus for ice rink refrigeration equipment |
US5027613A (en) * | 1990-05-04 | 1991-07-02 | Pare Robert L | Floating ice rink |
US5536047A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1996-07-16 | Etablissments Caillau | Quick connection for fitting a rigid tube in a connector |
US5536411A (en) * | 1994-11-10 | 1996-07-16 | Bassai Limited | Water and energy recovery process for an ice rink |
US5644928A (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1997-07-08 | Kajima Corporation | Air refrigerant ice forming equipment |
US5709099A (en) * | 1995-06-09 | 1998-01-20 | Bassai Limited | Multi-purpose recreational facility |
US5839295A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1998-11-24 | Frontier Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Ltd. | Refrigeration/heat pump module |
US5953929A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 1999-09-21 | Bauman; Jeffrey E. | Modular refrigeration unit |
US5970734A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1999-10-26 | Stillwell; Robert | Method and system for creating and maintaining a frozen surface |
US20040016245A1 (en) * | 2002-07-26 | 2004-01-29 | Pierson Tom L. | Packaged chilling systems for building air conditioning and process cooling |
-
2006
- 2006-10-16 US US11/549,843 patent/US20070125108A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3485057A (en) * | 1967-12-18 | 1969-12-23 | Frick Co | Ice rink |
USRE28438E (en) * | 1970-07-07 | 1975-06-03 | Ray film package | |
US3893507A (en) * | 1971-12-02 | 1975-07-08 | Calmac Mfg Corp | Apparatus for creating and maintaining an ice slab |
US3831394A (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1974-08-27 | R Holmsten | Header distribution system for ice rinks |
US4514992A (en) * | 1984-03-19 | 1985-05-07 | Holmsten Richard B | Refrigeration system for ice rinks utilizing pressure control/metering valve |
US4700548A (en) * | 1986-03-05 | 1987-10-20 | Ontario, Inc. | Control apparatus for ice rink refrigeration equipment |
US5027613A (en) * | 1990-05-04 | 1991-07-02 | Pare Robert L | Floating ice rink |
US5644928A (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1997-07-08 | Kajima Corporation | Air refrigerant ice forming equipment |
US5536047A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1996-07-16 | Etablissments Caillau | Quick connection for fitting a rigid tube in a connector |
US5536411A (en) * | 1994-11-10 | 1996-07-16 | Bassai Limited | Water and energy recovery process for an ice rink |
US5709099A (en) * | 1995-06-09 | 1998-01-20 | Bassai Limited | Multi-purpose recreational facility |
US5970734A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1999-10-26 | Stillwell; Robert | Method and system for creating and maintaining a frozen surface |
US5839295A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1998-11-24 | Frontier Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Ltd. | Refrigeration/heat pump module |
US5953929A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 1999-09-21 | Bauman; Jeffrey E. | Modular refrigeration unit |
US20040016245A1 (en) * | 2002-07-26 | 2004-01-29 | Pierson Tom L. | Packaged chilling systems for building air conditioning and process cooling |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150107694A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-04-23 | Custom Ice Inc. | Drain box assembly for a convertible splash pad/ice rink structure |
US9334639B2 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2016-05-10 | Custom Ice Inc. | Drain box assembly for a convertible splash pad/ice rink structure |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20040108096A1 (en) | Geothermal loopless exchanger | |
US9441859B2 (en) | Portable open-loop wellwater source heat pump for standalone and duct-connected installation | |
TWI591301B (en) | Outside air handling unit and method ofdelivering conditioned air to individual heating/cooling zones of a building | |
JPWO2005106346A1 (en) | Heat pump type water heater | |
JP7016812B2 (en) | Air conditioner | |
JP2006125769A (en) | Heat pump cycle device | |
JP2011047607A (en) | Heat pump type hot water heating device | |
SE541964C2 (en) | Heat pump apparatus module | |
CN113874659A (en) | Valve system and method | |
US20150300699A1 (en) | Heating system | |
US9212835B1 (en) | Heating and cooling system utilizing a water source heat pump and a swimming pool | |
JP2006284083A (en) | Air conditioning system | |
KR200400682Y1 (en) | Cooling device using water of boiler | |
EP2041496B1 (en) | An arrangement and a method for changing the temperature of a first and a second fluid located in two separate receptacles | |
US20210270501A1 (en) | Geothermal-ready heat pump system | |
CN203824158U (en) | Multifunctional ground source heat pump unit | |
CA2523423C (en) | Ice rink chiller | |
US20070125108A1 (en) | Ice rink chilling unit, ice rink with chilling unit, and a method of chilling an ice rink | |
CN210220281U (en) | Variable-frequency refrigerating and heating device with fresh air constant-temperature dehumidifying function | |
US10612792B2 (en) | Air conditioning system, peripheral air-conditioning unit thereof and water pipeline upgrading method for heating purposes | |
JPH06193997A (en) | Heat pump device | |
JP2004156791A (en) | Facility system and its construction method | |
US11041661B2 (en) | Wall mounted, concealed, water-to-water, water source heat pump with domestic hot water heat exchanger and storage tank | |
KR101610383B1 (en) | Indoor unit of Water circulation system associated with refrigerant cycle | |
KR20100072926A (en) | The ice-cycle system of waste heat recovery system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CUSTOM ICE INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LENKO, BRENDAN J., MR.;REEL/FRAME:018395/0974 Effective date: 20051013 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |