US20130098091A1 - Refrigeration device with evaporative condensate dissipation system - Google Patents

Refrigeration device with evaporative condensate dissipation system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130098091A1
US20130098091A1 US13/280,202 US201113280202A US2013098091A1 US 20130098091 A1 US20130098091 A1 US 20130098091A1 US 201113280202 A US201113280202 A US 201113280202A US 2013098091 A1 US2013098091 A1 US 2013098091A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
receptacle
pan
condensate
temperature
display device
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Abandoned
Application number
US13/280,202
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English (en)
Inventor
Arnold M. Stephens
Jamie A. Gerald
Zhiming Chen
Nancy Pépin
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Hill Phoenix Inc
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Hill Phoenix Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hill Phoenix Inc filed Critical Hill Phoenix Inc
Priority to US13/280,202 priority Critical patent/US20130098091A1/en
Assigned to HILL PHOENIX, INC. reassignment HILL PHOENIX, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHEN, ZHIMING, GERALD, JAMIE A., PEPIN, NANCY, STEPHENS, ARNOLD M.
Priority to CA2792757A priority patent/CA2792757A1/fr
Publication of US20130098091A1 publication Critical patent/US20130098091A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
    • A47F3/0482—Details common to both closed and open types
    • 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
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/06—Removing frost
    • F25D21/08—Removing frost by electric heating
    • 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
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/14—Collecting or removing condensed and defrost water; Drip trays
    • 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
    • F25D2321/00—Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2321/14—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
    • F25D2321/141—Removal by evaporation
    • F25D2321/1412—Removal by evaporation using condenser heat or heat of desuperheaters
    • 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
    • F25D2321/00—Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2321/14—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
    • F25D2321/141—Removal by evaporation
    • F25D2321/1413—Removal by evaporation using heat from electric elements or using an electric field for enhancing removal
    • 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
    • F25D2321/00—Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2321/14—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
    • F25D2321/144—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by the construction of drip water collection pans
    • F25D2321/1442—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by the construction of drip water collection pans outside a refrigerator
    • 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
    • F25D2321/00—Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2321/14—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
    • F25D2321/145—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by multiple collecting pans

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of temperature-controlled display devices (e.g. refrigerated display devices or cases, etc.) having a temperature-controlled space for storing and displaying products such as refrigerated foods or other perishable objects. More specifically, the present invention relates to a refrigerated display case having an active evaporative condensate dissipation system for removing liquid condensate (i.e. melted frost or ice) from a cooling coil during or following a defrost mode of operation for the case.
  • liquid condensate i.e. melted frost or ice
  • the present invention relates to an active evaporative condensate dissipation system having multiple evaporative dissipation zones that operate on an as-needed basis and at successively higher temperatures for increasing an overall evaporative dissipation capability of the system.
  • a temperature-controlled display device such as a refrigerator, freezer, refrigerated merchandiser, refrigerated display case, etc.
  • a temperature-controlled display device such as a refrigerator, freezer, refrigerated merchandiser, refrigerated display case, etc.
  • service type refrigerated display cases for displaying fresh food products such as beef, pork, poultry, fish, etc.
  • Such display cases typically have a closed front (e.g. with doors for accessing food products stored within the temperature-controlled space), or may have an open-front that uses a flow of chilled air that is discharged across the open front of the case to help maintain a desired temperature within the temperature-controlled space.
  • Such refrigerated cases typically include cooling elements (e.g. cooling coils, heat exchangers, evaporators, etc.) that receive a coolant (e.g. a liquid such as a glycol-water mixture, or a refrigerant, etc.) from a cooling system (such as a refrigeration system) during a cooling mode or operation to provide cooling to the temperature-controlled space.
  • a coolant e.g. a liquid such as a glycol-water mixture, or a refrigerant, etc.
  • the cooling system operates to provide coolant to the cooling element at a temperature below 32° F., causing moisture from the air in the ambient environment to condense on the cooling element, and resulting in an accumulation of frost and/or ice on an exterior surface of the cooling element that is removed (e.g. melted) during a defrost mode or operation of the case.
  • the melted frost and/or ice (e.g. liquid condensate, water, etc.) from the cooling coil is usually routed to a suitable drain at (or near) the case's location within a facility for disposal.
  • a suitable drain at (or near) the case's location within a facility for disposal.
  • the repository may be configured for removal to permit manually disposing the liquid condensate (e.g. by pouring down a remote drain, etc.), or the repository may be configured to simply contain the liquid condensate until it dissipates by evaporation.
  • One embodiment of the invention relates to a refrigerated case with an active evaporative condensate dissipation pan system with electric heat backup that is intended to efficiently remove melted condensate from the cooling element.
  • the active evaporative condensate dissipation pan system with electric heat backup is intended to evaporate defrost water from refrigerated cases when no drain line is available.
  • An active evaporative condensate dissipation pan system with electric heat backup includes three stages of evaporative dissipation, each having a receptacle (e.g. pan): a first water accumulation pan, a second water dissipation pan with hot gas heating, and a third backup assist pan with electric heating.
  • the refrigeration system has a compressor and a cooling element and circulates a refrigerant through the cooling element during the cooling mode to provide cooling to the temperature-controlled space.
  • An evaporative condensate dissipation system receives condensate liquid from an external surface of the cooling coil during the defrost mode and dissipates the condensate liquid by evaporation.
  • the condensate dissipation system includes a first receptacle having a first overflow device, which receives the liquid condensate from the cooling coil.
  • a second receptacle has a second overflow device disposed lower than the first receptacle and which receives the liquid condensate from the first receptacle when the liquid condensate in the first receptacle reaches the first overflow device.
  • the second receptacle includes a heat exchanger that receives hot gas refrigerant from the compressor for heating the liquid condensate.
  • a third receptacle is disposed lower than the second receptacle and receive the liquid condensate from the second receptacle when the liquid condensate in the second receptacle reaches the second overflow device.
  • the third receptacle has an electric heating element controlled by a switch.
  • the first receptacle and the second receptacle and the third receptacle each comprise pans disposed in a substantially vertically-aligned relationship with one another.
  • the first and second overflow devices may be standpipes and the switch may be a float switch.
  • the first receptacle raises the temperature of its liquid condensate to a first temperature for a first evaporative dissipation
  • the second receptacle raises the temperature of its liquid condensate to a second temperature, greater than the first temperature, for a second evaporative dissipation
  • the third receptacle raises the temperature of its liquid condensate to a third temperature, greater than the second temperature, for a third evaporative dissipation.
  • the evaporative condensate dissipation system is configured to be installed in the refrigerated display device as a unitary module.
  • a fan may be included to increase at least one of the first evaporative dissipation, the second evaporative dissipation, and the third evaporative dissipation.
  • the first receptacle may include fins disposed thereon.
  • a refrigerated display device includes a temperature-controlled space storing and displaying products.
  • a cooling system has a cooling coil operable in a cooling mode and a defrost mode, and circulates a coolant through the cooling coil during the cooling mode to provide cooling to the temperature-controlled space.
  • An evaporative condensate dissipation system receives a condensate liquid from the cooling coil during the defrost mode and dissipates the condensate liquid by evaporation.
  • the condensate dissipation system includes a first pan having a first overflow device, and that receives the liquid condensate from the cooling coil.
  • a second pan has a second overflow device and a heat exchanger, and receives the liquid condensate from the first pan when the liquid condensate in the first pan reaches the first overflow device.
  • a third pan receives the liquid condensate from the second pan when the liquid condensate in the second pan reaches the second overflow device.
  • the third pan has a heating element controlled by a switch in response to a level of the liquid condensate in the third pan.
  • the first pan and the second pan and the third pan are disposed in a substantially vertically-aligned relationship with one another, and the overflow devices comprise standpipes.
  • the cooling system includes a compressor and the coolant comprises a refrigerant and the heat exchanger receives the refrigerant after being discharged from the compressor.
  • the liquid condensate in the first pan is warmed to a first temperature by exposure to ambient conditions for a first evaporative dissipation.
  • the liquid condensate in the second pan is warmed to a second temperature, greater than the first temperature, by exposure to the heat exchanger for a second evaporative dissipation.
  • the liquid condensate in the third pan is warmed to a third temperature, greater than the second temperature, by exposure to the heating element for a third evaporative dissipation.
  • FIG. 1 is an schematic image of a side elevation view of a refrigerated display case having an evaporative condensate dissipation system according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic image of a perspective view of an evaporative condensate dissipation system for use in a refrigerated display case according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic image of a perspective view of a first portion of the evaporative condensate dissipation system of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic image of a perspective view of a second portion of the evaporative condensate dissipation system of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic image of a perspective view of a third portion of the evaporative condensate dissipation system of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic image of a perspective view of an evaporative condensate dissipation system for use in a refrigerated display case according to another exemplary embodiment.
  • a refrigerated display device having an evaporative condensate dissipation system for disposing of the liquid condensate (e.g. water) from the cooling element during the defrost mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the evaporative condensate dissipation system includes a series of progressive stages that operate at successively higher temperatures to provide a cascading arrangement of evaporative dissipation of the liquid condensate.
  • the first stage includes a first pan that receives the liquid condensate from the cooling coil and operates at an ambient first temperature to provide a first evaporative dissipation. Any overflow from the first pan is directed through a first standpipe to a second stage.
  • the second stage includes a second pan that receives the liquid condensate from the first pan via the first standpipe, and is heated by hot gas refrigerant from the compressor discharge for second stage operation at a higher second temperature to provide a second evaporative dissipation. Any overflow from the second pan is directed through a second standpipe to a third stage.
  • the third stage includes a third pan that receives the liquid condensate from the second pan via the second standpipe, and is heated by an electric heating element for third stage operation at a higher third temperature to provide a third evaporative dissipation.
  • the pans are vertically configured for gravity feed through the successive stages, and use of the hot gas refrigerant as a second stage heat source improves the efficiency of the condenser in the refrigeration system.
  • the use of a multi-stage, gravity-feed system that uses ambient heating and hot-gas waste heat (in the first two stages) is intended to provide a reliable and energy-efficient system that can be readily installed and easily deployed in almost any refrigerated case location.
  • the first stage including the first pan may be heated by condensed liquid refrigerant that is discharged from the condenser and routed through a heat exchanger associated with the first pan, so that water in the first pan receives an additional source of warming, and the liquid refrigerant from the condenser receives some subcooling to help improve the capacity of the refrigerant.
  • Case 10 includes a cooling system, such as a refrigeration system 20 having a cooling element 22 (e.g. evaporator, cooling coil, fan-coil, heat exchanger, etc.) that receives a coolant (e.g. a refrigerant, etc.) from the cooling system 20 during a cooling mode of operation to provide cooling to the temperature-controlled space 12 .
  • a cooling system such as a refrigeration system 20 having a cooling element 22 (e.g. evaporator, cooling coil, fan-coil, heat exchanger, etc.) that receives a coolant (e.g. a refrigerant, etc.) from the cooling system 20 during a cooling mode of operation to provide cooling to the temperature-controlled space 12 .
  • a cooling element 22 e.g. evaporator, cooling coil, fan-coil, heat exchanger, etc.
  • a coolant e.g. a refrigerant, etc.
  • Refrigeration system 20 also includes a compressor 24 configured to draw returning refrigerant from the cooling element 22 through a suction line 26 and to discharge the refrigerant in a superheated hot gas state through a discharge line 28 .
  • Refrigeration system 20 also includes certain conventional components such as a condenser (to condense the hot gas refrigerant), and an expansion device (to expand the refrigerant for use in the cooling element) (both not shown for clarity).
  • the case 10 also includes a compartment 16 shown by way of example as being disposed beneath the cooling element 22 and the temperature-controlled space 12 . Compartment 16 is shown to include an evaporative condensate dissipation system 40 , and may also include components of the refrigeration system 20 , such as the compressor 24 .
  • the cooling element 22 operates at a temperature lower than 32° F., resulting in an accumulation of frost and/or ice on an external surface of the cooling element 22 during operation in the cooling mode.
  • the cooling element 22 operates in a defrost mode of operation, which provides sufficient heat to melt the accumulated frost and/or ice into a liquid condensate (e.g. water, etc.).
  • the heat of defrosting may be provided by any suitable method, such as interrupting the cooling mode and allowing ambient temperature to melt the frost/ice, or use of electric heating elements, or use of hot gas refrigerant routed through the cooling element, etc.
  • a drain line is not available at the location of the case for convenient disposal of the liquid condensate that melted from the cooling element, and the evaporative condensate dissipation system 40 is used as an alternative way to dispose of the condensate.
  • the evaporative condensate dissipation system 40 is packaged as a single unit that is readily installed (e.g. in a plug-and-play type manner) into the compartment 16 in a refrigerated case 10 that may be intended for use in an application without access to a suitable drain.
  • the ability to readily install and remove the evaporative condensate dissipation system 40 from any case permits the case to be quickly adapted for an intended application, or re-adapted to a changed application, without having to custom-design the case around the presence or absence of drainage capability.
  • System 40 is configured to receive a condensate liquid (e.g. melted frost, melted ice, etc.) from an external surface of the cooling element 22 during the defrost mode, and to dissipate the condensate liquid by evaporation.
  • the system 40 is shown to include a series of catch-containment stages that provide a cascading back-up arrangement, where each stage operates at a progressively increasing temperature to provide a progressively overall increased evaporative dissipation at each successive stage.
  • the series of catch-containments comprise a series of stages, each having a receptacle (e.g. container, pan, etc.).
  • the first stage of the system includes a first receptacle 42 (e.g. water accumulation pan) with a first overflow device 44 (e.g. shown for example as a standpipe, but could be a weir, etc. according to alternative embodiments) and is configured to receive the liquid condensate from the cooling coil 22 , either directly (by being disposed beneath the cooling element 22 ), or indirectly (e.g. from a drain pan 30 and drain line 32 , see FIG. 1 ).
  • the liquid condensate entering the first receptacle 42 usually has a temperature slightly above approximately 32° F., and is allowed to warm-up in the first receptacle 42 to a first stage temperature that is approximately equal to the ambient temperature of the case location (e.g. 75° F.
  • the outside surface of the first receptacle 42 may include fins 43 or other heat transfer enhancing structure to improve heat transfer from the ambient environment to the liquid condensate.
  • the first temperature e.g. ambient temperature
  • a first evaporative dissipation occurs to dissipate the contained liquid condensate to the ambient atmosphere.
  • the second stage of the system is available.
  • the second stage of the system 40 includes a second receptacle 48 (e.g. water dissipation pan) with a second overflow device 50 , and is disposed at a lower elevation than the first receptacle 42 and receives the liquid condensate from the first receptacle 42 (e.g. by gravity) when a first level of the liquid condensate in the first receptacle 42 reaches the first overflow device 44 , so that any overflow from the first receptacle 42 is captured by the second receptacle 48 .
  • a second receptacle 48 e.g. water dissipation pan
  • the second receptacle 48 is substantially vertically-aligned beneath the first receptacle 42 to permit a compact packaging of the system's components and to permit gravity-feed of the liquid condensate from the first receptacle 42 to the second receptacle 48 .
  • the second stage receptacle 48 may not be directly beneath the first stage receptacle 42 .
  • the second receptacle 48 also includes a heat exchanger 52 (e.g.
  • Heat exchanger 52 may include tubing (e.g. flex hoses, etc.) with quick-connect couplings 53 to engage corresponding portions of the compressor discharge line 28 .
  • the hot gas refrigerant raises the temperature of the liquid condensate in the second receptacle 48 to a second stage temperature, and the hot gas refrigerant is then routed to the condenser (not shown) in a pre-cooled (or at least partially de-superheated) state which enhances overall efficiency of the refrigeration system.
  • the condenser (not shown) in a pre-cooled (or at least partially de-superheated) state which enhances overall efficiency of the refrigeration system.
  • the liquid condensate at the second stage approaches the second stage temperature (e.g. higher than the first stage temperature)
  • a second evaporative dissipation occurs to dissipate the contained liquid condensate to the ambient atmosphere.
  • the third stage of the system is available.
  • the third stage of the system includes a third receptacle 56 (e.g. electric back-up assist pan, etc.) disposed at a lower elevation than the second receptacle 48 and receives the liquid condensate from the second receptacle 48 when a second level of the liquid condensate in the second receptacle reaches the second overflow device 50 , so that any overflow from the second receptacle 48 is captured by the third receptacle 56 .
  • a third receptacle 56 e.g. electric back-up assist pan, etc.
  • the third receptacle 56 is substantially vertically-aligned beneath the first and second receptacles 42 , 48 to permit a compact packaging of the system's components and to permit gravity-feed of the liquid condensate from the second receptacle 48 to the third receptacle 56 .
  • the third stage receptacle 56 may be not be directly beneath the first or second stage receptacles 42 , 48 .
  • the third stage receptacle includes a heating element 58 (e.g. electric heating element, etc.) as a source of heating for the third stage of system.
  • the heating element 58 can be controlled (i.e.
  • a switch 60 e.g. a float switch, level switch, sensor or the like
  • a certain level of liquid condensate in the third receptacle 56 e.g. a level slightly above the heating element so that the heating element is energized only when it is submerged, etc.
  • the third stage temperature e.g. higher than the second stage temperature
  • a third evaporative dissipation occurs to dissipate the contained liquid condensate to the ambient atmosphere.
  • the evaporative condensate dissipation system 40 is shown with an additional source of heating for the first stage of the system according to an alternative embodiment.
  • the first stage of the system includes a first receptacle 42 (e.g. water accumulation pan) with a first overflow device 44 (e.g. shown for example as a standpipe, but could be a weir, etc. according to alternative embodiments) and is configured to receive the liquid condensate from the cooling coil 22 , either directly (by being disposed beneath the cooling element 22 ), or indirectly (e.g. from a drain pan 30 and drain line 32 , see FIG. 1 ).
  • a first receptacle 42 e.g. water accumulation pan
  • a first overflow device 44 e.g. shown for example as a standpipe, but could be a weir, etc. according to alternative embodiments
  • the liquid condensate entering the first receptacle 42 usually has a temperature slightly above approximately 32° F.
  • the first receptacle 42 also includes a heat exchanger 72 (e.g. a coil, fin-coil, tubing arrangement, or passages formed within the wall of a base of the pan, etc.) that receives a supply of condensed refrigerant from the discharge line of the condenser as a supplemental source of heating for the first stage of system, and for subcooling the condensed refrigerant.
  • Heat exchanger 72 may include tubing (e.g. flex hoses, etc.) with quick-connect couplings 73 to engage corresponding portions of the condenser discharge line.
  • the condensed refrigerant (typically at a saturated liquid state) raises the temperature of the liquid condensate in the first receptacle 42 to a first stage temperature, and the subcooled refrigerant is then routed to cooling element in a subcooled state which enhances overall efficiency of the refrigeration system.
  • the system may include one or more fans disposed adjacent to the pans.
  • a fan 64 may be configured to draw air from a front region of the case (where cooled and dehumidified air from the air curtain may spill over the front of the case), across the pans and discharge the air rearwardly of the case (e.g. away from a store environment).
  • the fan may be controlled by a suitable switch and control scheme turn on and off on an as-needed basis.
  • the fan may be controlled by switch 60 so that the fan turns on and off when the electric heating element turns on and off, e.g. as one control scheme indicative of the need for enhanced evaporative capability.
  • a refrigerated display device has an evaporative condensate dissipation system for disposing the liquid condensate (e.g. water) generated by the cooling element during the defrost mode.
  • the evaporative condensate dissipation system includes a series of progressive stages that operate at successively higher temperatures to provide a cascading arrangement of evaporative dissipation of the liquid condensate.
  • the first stage includes a first pan that receives the liquid condensate from the cooling coil and operates at an ambient first temperature to provide a first evaporative dissipation.
  • the first pan may also receive heating from condensed liquid refrigerant routed to/through the pan from the condenser.
  • Any overflow from the first pan is directed through a first standpipe to a second stage.
  • the second stage includes a second pan that receives the liquid condensate from the first pan via the first standpipe, and is heated by hot gas refrigerant from the compressor discharge for second stage operation at a higher second temperature to provide a second evaporative dissipation.
  • Any overflow from the second pan is directed through a second standpipe to a third stage.
  • the third stage includes a third pan that receives the liquid condensate from the second pan via the second standpipe, and is heated by an electric heating element for third stage operation at a higher third temperature to provide a third evaporative dissipation.
  • the pans are vertically configured for gravity feed through the successive stages, and use of the hot gas refrigerant as a second stage heat source improves the efficiency of the condenser in the refrigeration system.
  • Coupled means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Removal Of Water From Condensation And Defrosting (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
US13/280,202 2011-10-24 2011-10-24 Refrigeration device with evaporative condensate dissipation system Abandoned US20130098091A1 (en)

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US13/280,202 US20130098091A1 (en) 2011-10-24 2011-10-24 Refrigeration device with evaporative condensate dissipation system
CA2792757A CA2792757A1 (fr) 2011-10-24 2012-10-16 Dispositif de refrigeration equipe d'un systeme de dissipation du condensat d'evaporation

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Cited By (9)

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US20090120121A1 (en) * 2007-11-14 2009-05-14 Hui Jen Szutu Water cool refrigeration
US20140336826A1 (en) * 2013-05-10 2014-11-13 Goppion S.P.A. Showcase having zones with different climatic conditions
CN104344646A (zh) * 2013-08-27 2015-02-11 海尔集团公司 一种蒸发皿以及使用该蒸发皿的冰箱
US20170020305A1 (en) * 2015-03-03 2017-01-26 Killion lndustries, lnc. Energy efficient refrigeration system
CN107458180A (zh) * 2016-06-06 2017-12-12 马勒国际公司 用于收集和排出溢出冷却液的装置
US9982923B2 (en) 2014-11-19 2018-05-29 Hill Phoenix, Inc. Condensate removal tower
JP2021096061A (ja) * 2019-12-12 2021-06-24 松下冷鏈（大連）有限公司Ｐａｎａｓｏｎｉｃ Ａｐｐｌｉａｎｃｅｓ Ｃｏｌｄ Ｃｈａｉｎ （Ｄａｌｉａｎ） Ｃｏ．， Ｌｔｄ． 凝縮水蒸発装置及び凝縮水蒸発装置を備える冷凍機器
US20220154999A1 (en) * 2020-11-18 2022-05-19 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Refrigerator appliance auxiliary evaporation tray
WO2022191809A1 (fr) * 2021-03-09 2022-09-15 Совместное Предприятие В Форме Общества С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Модерн-Экспо" Vitrine réfrigérée ouverte avec système en cascade d'évaporation de l'humidité de condensation

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CN107458180A (zh) * 2016-06-06 2017-12-12 马勒国际公司 用于收集和排出溢出冷却液的装置
JP2021096061A (ja) * 2019-12-12 2021-06-24 松下冷鏈（大連）有限公司Ｐａｎａｓｏｎｉｃ Ａｐｐｌｉａｎｃｅｓ Ｃｏｌｄ Ｃｈａｉｎ （Ｄａｌｉａｎ） Ｃｏ．， Ｌｔｄ． 凝縮水蒸発装置及び凝縮水蒸発装置を備える冷凍機器
JP7066808B2 (ja) 2019-12-12 2022-05-13 松下冷鏈（大連）有限公司 凝縮水蒸発装置及び凝縮水蒸発装置を備える冷凍機器
US20220154999A1 (en) * 2020-11-18 2022-05-19 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Refrigerator appliance auxiliary evaporation tray
WO2022191809A1 (fr) * 2021-03-09 2022-09-15 Совместное Предприятие В Форме Общества С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Модерн-Экспо" Vitrine réfrigérée ouverte avec système en cascade d'évaporation de l'humidité de condensation

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