US20210033327A1 - Ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system - Google Patents
Ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system Download PDFInfo
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- US20210033327A1 US20210033327A1 US16/943,085 US202016943085A US2021033327A1 US 20210033327 A1 US20210033327 A1 US 20210033327A1 US 202016943085 A US202016943085 A US 202016943085A US 2021033327 A1 US2021033327 A1 US 2021033327A1
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- Prior art keywords
- ice
- header
- refrigerant
- ice machine
- refrigeration system
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Classifications
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- 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
- F25C1/00—Producing ice
- F25C1/12—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
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- 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
- F25B39/02—Evaporators
- F25B39/022—Evaporators with plate-like or laminated elements
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- F25B41/04—
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- 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
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- 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
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/02—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice
- F25C5/04—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws
- F25C5/08—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws by heating bodies in contact with the ice
- F25C5/10—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws by heating bodies in contact with the ice using hot refrigerant; using fluid heated by refrigerant
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/12—Elements constructed in the shape of a hollow panel, e.g. with channels
- F28F3/14—Elements constructed in the shape of a hollow panel, e.g. with channels by separating portions of a pair of joined sheets to form channels, e.g. by inflation
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- 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
- F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
- F25C2400/14—Water supply
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- 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
- F25C2600/00—Control issues
- F25C2600/04—Control means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
- F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
- F28D2021/0068—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for refrigerant cycles
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F2009/0285—Other particular headers or end plates
- F28F2009/0297—Side headers, e.g. for radiators having conduits laterally connected to common header
Definitions
- Ice-based thermal energy storage has been used for many years as a means of providing cooling effect to an entity, process, building, district, or region, at a reduced overall utility cost to the consumer. Most commonly, ice-based thermal energy storage has been used for Turbine Inlet Air Cooling Thermal Energy Storage (TESTIAC) at power generation plants or for building and district cooling.
- TESTIAC Turbine Inlet Air Cooling Thermal Energy Storage
- a large quantity of ice is produced during period of low demand loads at a power generation plant.
- the ice is accumulated and stored in ice-water baths in large holding tanks.
- the ice-water bath is then recirculated in part of a chilled water loop that is directed through a coil at the air inlet of the turbines at the power generation plant.
- the temperature and humidity of the air is reduced significantly. This increases the density of the air to the turbine and increases the power output of the turbine. In some cases, the power increase can be as high as ten percent (10%).
- Power generation plants may use the additional power to handle peak loads or to increase profitability of the plant during certain periods.
- a locality operates an ice maker during off-peak utility rate hours to produce an ice-water bath, which is then circulated throughout the HVAC system during peak utility demand hours to reduce the utility bill paid by the locality.
- the TES system can be operated as an ice maker in off-peak hours and a water chiller during peak hours in order to level out the demand that the locality places on the power generation plant throughout the day.
- the present invention is an ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system.
- An ice machine made in accordance with this present invention is configured for use both as a refrigerant evaporator and as a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler) in the same unit.
- an exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention employs a plurality of pillow plates arranged into a plate bank. Ice is periodically produced on the pillow plates and is then discharged from the pillow plates into a tank of water placed beneath the plate bank. As ice is created and discharged from the pillow plates, an ice-water bath forms in the tank.
- the machine is an ice maker.
- the pillow plates accept hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) and transforms from a refrigerant evaporator to a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler).
- a hot gaseous refrigerant i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant
- the water loop gradually heats up and melts the ice.
- the machine is an ice melter.
- An exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of vertically oriented pillow plates, which are arranged in a set that is often referred to as a plate bank.
- Each of the pillow plates is comprised of two side walls (or panels) that are joined (i.e., welded) together and define an internal cavity therebetween, defining a pathway for the flow of a refrigerant.
- each pillow plate includes an inlet connection and an outlet connection.
- each of the inlet connection and the outlet connection defines a pathway into the internal cavity defined by the pillow plate.
- All of the inlet connections for the pillow plates are operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of feeding a liquid refrigerant (or a hot discharge gas) into the respective pillow plates, which may be referred to as the feed header.
- All of the outlet connections for the pillow plates are also operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of drawing a two-phase or gaseous refrigerant (or a condensed liquid or a cooled superheated gas) from the respective plates, which may be referred to as the suction header.
- the feed header and the suction header are in fluid communication with one another via the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates.
- each of the inlet connections for the pillow plates contains a small branch connection to feed warm gas into the internal cavity defined by each pillow plate. At predetermined time intervals, warm gas is introduced into the respective internal cavities of the pillow plates via the respective branch connection, causing accumulated ice to break away and fall from the plates. All of the branch connections for the pillow plates are also operably connected to a single (common) header, which may be referred to as the defrost gas header.
- a water distribution pan is positioned at the top of the plate bank.
- the water distribution pan include multiple openings, such that water received in the water distribution plan is distributed over both sides of each of the pillow plates. Any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down the pillow plates falls off the bottom of the pillow plates. Water that falls off the bottom of the pillow plates is received in a tank positioned beneath the plate bank. A pump is then used to recirculate water back to the water distribution pan.
- a refrigerant is supplied from a refrigeration system to the feed header of the ice machine, and then is introduced into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates of the plate bank.
- the water distribution pan distributes a film of water over both sides of each pillow plate, covering both sides of each pillow plate.
- heat is transferred from the water, through the side walls of each pillow plate, and into the refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil and transition from a liquid state to a two-phase or gaseous state, while the water freezes into a layer of ice on both sides of the pillow plate. Any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down the pillow plates falls off the bottom of the pillow plates and into the tank, and then is recirculated back to the water distribution pan.
- the refrigerant After passing through the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates of the plate bank, the refrigerant then exits via the suction header as a two-phase or gaseous fluid and is returned to the refrigeration system.
- a small quantity of warm gas is fed via the defrost gas header into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates, causing the internal temperature of the pillow plates to rise. This will melt a thin layer of the ice sheet at the contact surface between the ice sheet and a pillow plate, causing the ice sheet to release from the pillow plate and fall into the tank positioned beneath the plate bank. This completes one ice-making cycle.
- the ice-making cycles continue until the tank has built up a sufficient amount of ice to handle the desired cooling load determined by the location of installation. For example, an installation may require 200 tons of ice to be generated in a 8-hour time period.
- the ice machine is then able to function as a refrigerant condenser or gas cooler.
- Hot discharge gas i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant
- the water distribution pan again distributes a film of water over both sides of each pillow plate, covering both sides of each pillow plate.
- the refrigerant After passing through the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates of the plate bank, the refrigerant exits via the suction header as a condensed liquid or as a cooled superheated gas and is returned to the refrigeration system.
- the ice machine of the present invention can thus be operably connected directly to and between the refrigerant inlet and outlet of a power generation plant, such as a renewable energy source power generation plant.
- a power generation plant such as a renewable energy source power generation plant.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the exemplary ice machine of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary ice machine of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the pillow plates of the exemplary ice machine of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the pillow plate of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the pillow plate of FIG. 4 taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view that shows the incorporation of the exemplary ice machine of FIG. 1 into an ice-based thermal energy storage (TES) system, which can be used for both evaporating and condensing (or gas cooling);
- TES thermal energy storage
- FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view of the of the exemplary ice machine of FIG. 2 , illustrating certain details of the suction header.
- FIG. 9 is a block diagram that illustrates a control system for the exemplary ice machine of FIGS. 1-8 .
- the present invention is an ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system.
- Electricity demands on a power generation grid are naturally fluid. During hot seasons, power demand will be higher in the naturally warmer parts of the day and lower in the naturally cooler parts of the evening and night. For solar power, the energy can only be collected when the sun is shining on the solar panels, but the power demand will exist on cloudy days or at night, when the solar panels are unable to function. Demand fluctuations on the grid will not always match the available power source in this case.
- An ice-based TES system could be deployed to use the collected renewable energy to create an ice-water bath during peak power generation periods, and then, it could be used to offset the needed cooling loads for a building or district on days where solar power generation is less efficient.
- the load-levelling capability of an ice-based TES system could stabilize the load from a renewable energy grid that may be dependent on traditional batteries for charging and discharging of stored solar and wind energy.
- some renewable energy power generation concepts call for the use of ice as one element of a type of thermal battery, where the energy collected from the solar, wind, or other renewable source is stored during the day and converted back to usable electricity for homes as residents return after the end of the working day.
- the power generation plant collects renewable energy to power machinery that circulates carbon dioxide as a refrigerant (R744) to produce ice on the low side of the system (as an evaporator) to be used for district cooling and to produce hot water storage tanks (as a condenser) on the high side of the system to be used for district heating.
- R744 refrigerant
- Both the ice and the hot water hold the collected renewable energy to be distributed out to the grid as electricity on demand.
- the system operates in reverse, using the stored hot water to drive the refrigeration process to turn electric generators for power consumers. When operated this way, the hot water side becomes the evaporator, and the ice storage side becomes the condenser.
- An ice machine made in accordance with this present invention is thus configured for use both as a refrigerant evaporator and as a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler) in the same unit.
- an exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention employs a plurality of pillow plates arranged into a plate bank. Ice is periodically produced on the pillow plates and is then discharged from the pillow plates into a tank of water placed beneath the plate bank. As ice is created and discharged from the pillow plates, an ice-water bath forms in the tank.
- the machine is an ice maker.
- the pillow plates accept hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) and transforms from a refrigerant evaporator to a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler).
- a hot gaseous refrigerant i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant
- the water loop gradually heats up and melts the ice.
- the machine is an ice melter.
- an exemplary ice machine 10 made in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of vertically oriented pillow plates 20 , which are arranged in a set that is often referred to as a plate bank (which is generally indicated by reference number 12 ).
- each plate bank 12 includes fifteen (15) plates at a centerline spacing of approximately 2.50′′.
- each of the pillow plates 20 is comprised of two side walls (or panels) 20 a , 20 b that are joined (i.e., welded) together and define an internal cavity 21 therebetween, defining a pathway for the flow of a refrigerant.
- the side walls 20 a , 20 b may be joined (i.e., welded) to define specific pathway for the flow of the refrigerant, such as the serpentine pattern shown in FIGS. 4-5
- each pillow plate 20 includes an inlet connection 22 and an outlet connection 24 .
- each of the inlet connection 22 and the outlet connection 24 defines a pathway into the internal cavity 21 defined by the pillow plate 20 .
- the inlet connection 22 is at the top of the pillow plate 20
- the outlet connection 24 is at the bottom of the pillow plate 20 , making the machine a top-feed design.
- the inlet and outlet connections 22 , 24 are commonly made of a pipe or tube that extends outward from a vertical edge of the pillow plate 20 , running parallel to the length of the pillow plate 20 .
- the inlet and outlet connections 22 , 24 may extend upward from the vertical edge of the pillow plate 20 , running parallel to the height of the pillow plate 20 .
- all of the inlet connections 22 for the pillow plates 20 are operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of feeding a liquid refrigerant (or a hot discharge gas) into the respective pillow plates 20 , as further described below.
- This header may be referred to as the feed header 30 .
- all of the outlet connections 24 for the pillow plates 20 are also operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of drawing a two-phase or gaseous refrigerant (or a condensed liquid or a cooled superheated gas) from the respective pillow plates 20 , as further described below.
- This header may be referred to as the suction header 40 .
- the feed header 30 and the suction header 40 are in fluid communication with one another via the internal cavities 21 defined by the respective pillow plates 20 .
- each of the inlet connections 22 for the pillow plates 20 contains a small branch connection 52 to feed warm gas into the internal cavity 21 defined by each pillow plate 20 ( FIG. 6 ). At predetermined time intervals, warm gas is introduced into the respective internal cavities of the pillow plates 20 via the respective branch connection 52 , causing accumulated ice to break away and fall from the pillow plates 20 , as further described below. All of the branch connections 52 for the pillow plates 20 are also operably connected to a single (common) header. This header may be referred to as the defrost gas header 50 .
- a water distribution pan 60 is positioned at the top of the plate bank 12 , extending the length and the width of the plate bank 12 .
- the water distribution pan 60 include multiple openings 62 , such that water received in the water distribution plan 60 is distributed over both sides of each of the pillow plates 20 . Any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down the pillow plates 20 falls off the bottom of the pillow plates 20 .
- water that falls off the bottom of the pillow plates 20 is received in a tank 70 positioned beneath the plate bank 12 .
- a pump 72 is then used to recirculate water back to the water distribution pan 60 .
- the ice machine 10 is thus configured for use both as an evaporator and as a condenser (or gas cooler).
- a condenser or gas cooler
- the machine is an ice melter.
- a refrigerant is supplied from a registration system to the feed header 30 , and then is introduced into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates 20 of the plate bank 12 .
- a line 32 connects the refrigeration system 80 to the feed header 30 , delivering the refrigerant to the feed header 30 .
- the line 32 is sized for the liquid feed requirements of the refrigeration system 80 during the ice-making cycle. (Sizing is based on standard refrigeration piping charts that are well-known to those skilled in the art.)
- An isolation valve 36 is installed in the line 32 and interposed between the refrigeration system 80 and the feed header 30 , which is open during the ice-making cycle and closed during the ice-melting cycle (described below).
- the water distribution pan 60 distributes a film of water over both sides of each pillow plate 20 , covering both sides of each pillow plate 20 .
- heat is transferred from the water, through the side walls 20 a , 20 b of each pillow plate 20 , and into the refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil and transition from a liquid state to a two-phase or gaseous state, while the water freezes into a layer of ice on both sides of the pillow plate 20 .
- any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down the pillow plates 20 falls off the bottom of the pillow plates 20 and into the tank 70 , and then is recirculated back to the water distribution pan 60 .
- the water is moving between the plate bank 12 and the tank 70 in a closed-loop circuit. This causes the recirculating water coming back to the water distribution pan 60 to be at a temperature very near to the freezing point, the importance of which is further described below.
- the refrigerant After passing through the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates 20 of the plate bank 12 , the refrigerant then exits via the suction header 40 as a two-phase or gaseous fluid and is returned to the refrigeration system 80 .
- a line 45 connects the suction header 40 to the refrigeration system 80 , returning the refrigerant to the refrigeration system 80 .
- An isolation valve 46 is installed in the line 45 and interposed between the suction header 40 and the refrigeration system 80 , which is open during the ice-making cycle and closed during the ice-melting cycle (described below).
- a small quantity of warm gas is fed via the defrost gas header 50 into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates 20 , causing the internal temperature of the pillow plates 20 to rise. This will melt a thin layer of the ice sheet at the contact surface between the ice sheet and a pillow plate 20 , causing the ice sheet to release from the pillow plate 20 and fall into the tank 70 positioned beneath the plate bank 12 . This completes one ice-making cycle. With respect to the thickness of the ice, it can often range from about 0.125′′ thick to 1.00′′ thick, and, in most cases, is about 0.25′′ to 0.375′′ thick.
- the ice sheets also fall into and float in the tank 70 , thus further reducing the temperature of the closed-loop water circuit and improving the efficiency of the ice-making process.
- repeated ice-making cycles will cause freshly produced ice sheets to collide with previously produced ice sheets, breaking them into pieces of ice in the tank 70 .
- the ice-making cycles continue until the tank 70 has built up a sufficient amount of ice to handle the desired cooling load determined by the location of installation.
- the tank 70 thus begins the ice-making process as being full of only water. By the end of the ice-making process, the tank 70 is mostly full of ice, leaving some water to be recirculated.
- the ice machine 10 is then able to function as a refrigerant condenser or gas cooler.
- hot discharge gas i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant
- a line 33 connects the compressor of the refrigeration system 80 to the feed header 30 , delivering the hot gaseous refrigerant to the feed header 30 .
- An isolation valve 34 is installed in the line 33 and interposed between the refrigeration system 80 and the feed header 30 , which is open during the ice-melting cycle and closed during the ice-making cycle (described above).
- the water distribution pan 60 again distributes a film of water over both sides of each pillow plate 20 , covering both sides of each pillow plate 20 .
- heat is transferred from the refrigerant, through the side walls 20 a , 20 b of each pillow plate 20 and into the water, causing the gaseous refrigerant to condense into a liquid refrigerant.
- the hot gaseous refrigerant cools to a lower superheated condition.
- This action also causes the temperature of the water to rise, falling off of the pillow plates 20 as a warm liquid into the tank 70 beneath the plate bank 12 .
- This warm water comes into contact with the ice in the tank 70 , causing it to melt.
- the pump 72 then recirculates the water back to the water distribution pan 60 at the top of the plate bank 12 , creating a process that continuously warms the water in the tank 70 and melts the ice. After the ice is melted, the water temperature in the tank 70 will continue to rise until all thermal energy has been exhausted.
- the refrigerant After passing through the internal cavities 21 defined by the respective pillow plates 20 of the plate bank 12 , the refrigerant exits via the suction header 40 as a condensed liquid or as a cooled superheated gas and is returned to the refrigeration system 80 .
- a line 42 connects the suction header 40 to the refrigeration system 80 , returning hot discharge gas to the refrigeration system 80 .
- An isolation valve 44 is installed in the line 42 and interposed between the suction header 40 and the refrigeration system 80 , which is closed during the ice-making cycle and open during the ice-melting cycle (described above).
- the size of the feed header 30 is determined by the hot discharge gas requirements of the refrigeration system during the ice-melting cycle with reference to standard refrigeration piping charts that are well-known to those skilled in the art.
- the size of the suction header 40 is determined by the suction requirements of the refrigeration system during the ice-making cycle with reference to standard refrigeration piping charts that are well-known to those skilled in the art.
- the size of the defrost gas header 50 is determined by the warm gaseous refrigerant requirements of the plate bank 12 during the ice-making cycle. Specifically, the size is based on the size of the pillow plates 20 , the number of pillow plates 20 in the plate bank 12 , and the time limits for releasing the ice sheets from the pillow plates 20 .
- An isolation valve 54 periodically opens and closes during the ice-making cycle to feed warm gas via the defrost gas header 50 into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates 20 , which, as described above, releases the ice sheets from the pillow plates 20 in the plate bank 12 . The valve 54 is closed during the entire ice-melting cycle.
- the ice machine of the present invention can thus be operably connected directly to and between the refrigerant inlet and outlet of a power generation plant, such as a renewable energy source power generation plant.
- a power generation plant such as a renewable energy source power generation plant.
- FIG. 9 is a block diagram that illustrates a control system 100 for the exemplary ice machine of FIGS. 1-8 .
- a control system 100 includes a microprocessor 102 and a memory component 104 .
- Each of the valves 34 , 36 , 44 , 46 , 54 is operably connected to and receives control signals from the control system 100 to open or close each of the valves 34 , 36 , 44 , 46 , 54 at the appropriate time.
- Such control signals could be communicated in response to operator input or as part of the execution of a preprogrammed routine stored in the memory component 104 .
- the valve 36 between the refrigeration system 80 and the feed header 30 is open, thus allowing the refrigerant from the refrigeration system 80 to flow to the feed header 30 , while the valve 34 is closed.
- the valve 36 is closed, while the valve 34 between the refrigeration system 80 and the feed header 30 is open, thus allowing the hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) from the refrigeration system 80 to flow to the feed header 30 .
- the valve 46 between the suction header 40 and the refrigeration system 80 is open, while the valve 44 is closed.
- the valve 44 between the suction header 40 and the refrigeration system 80 is open, while the valve 46 is closed.
- valve 54 is periodically opened during the ice-making cycle to feed warm gas via the defrost gas header 50 into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates 20 , which, as described above, releases the ice sheets from the pillow plates 20 in the plate bank 12 .
- the valve 54 is closed during the entire ice-melting cycle.
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/881,699 filed on Aug. 1, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Ice-based thermal energy storage (TES) has been used for many years as a means of providing cooling effect to an entity, process, building, district, or region, at a reduced overall utility cost to the consumer. Most commonly, ice-based thermal energy storage has been used for Turbine Inlet Air Cooling Thermal Energy Storage (TESTIAC) at power generation plants or for building and district cooling.
- In a TESTIAC application, a large quantity of ice is produced during period of low demand loads at a power generation plant. The ice is accumulated and stored in ice-water baths in large holding tanks. The ice-water bath is then recirculated in part of a chilled water loop that is directed through a coil at the air inlet of the turbines at the power generation plant. As the turbine draws air across the coil, the temperature and humidity of the air is reduced significantly. This increases the density of the air to the turbine and increases the power output of the turbine. In some cases, the power increase can be as high as ten percent (10%). Power generation plants may use the additional power to handle peak loads or to increase profitability of the plant during certain periods.
- In a building or district cooling application, a locality operates an ice maker during off-peak utility rate hours to produce an ice-water bath, which is then circulated throughout the HVAC system during peak utility demand hours to reduce the utility bill paid by the locality. Such an arrangement has the additional benefit of reducing demand on the power grid during peak hours. Alternately, the TES system can be operated as an ice maker in off-peak hours and a water chiller during peak hours in order to level out the demand that the locality places on the power generation plant throughout the day.
- Historically, both applications are based on the consumption of traditional energy products such as coal, oil, or natural gas at the power generation facility. As technology for renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, progresses and becomes more efficient, there is a need for improved TES systems, including applications of TES concepts to the use of renewable energy sources.
- The present invention is an ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system.
- An ice machine made in accordance with this present invention is configured for use both as a refrigerant evaporator and as a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler) in the same unit. Specifically, an exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention employs a plurality of pillow plates arranged into a plate bank. Ice is periodically produced on the pillow plates and is then discharged from the pillow plates into a tank of water placed beneath the plate bank. As ice is created and discharged from the pillow plates, an ice-water bath forms in the tank. Thus, as a refrigerant evaporator, the machine is an ice maker.
- After the ice-water bath in the tank has been formed to the satisfaction of the requirements of the application, the pillow plates accept hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) and transforms from a refrigerant evaporator to a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler). As water is recirculated from the ice-water bath in the tank, the water loop gradually heats up and melts the ice. Thus, as a condenser, the machine is an ice melter.
- An exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of vertically oriented pillow plates, which are arranged in a set that is often referred to as a plate bank. Each of the pillow plates is comprised of two side walls (or panels) that are joined (i.e., welded) together and define an internal cavity therebetween, defining a pathway for the flow of a refrigerant. Furthermore, each pillow plate includes an inlet connection and an outlet connection. Of course, each of the inlet connection and the outlet connection defines a pathway into the internal cavity defined by the pillow plate. All of the inlet connections for the pillow plates are operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of feeding a liquid refrigerant (or a hot discharge gas) into the respective pillow plates, which may be referred to as the feed header. All of the outlet connections for the pillow plates are also operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of drawing a two-phase or gaseous refrigerant (or a condensed liquid or a cooled superheated gas) from the respective plates, which may be referred to as the suction header. Thus, the feed header and the suction header are in fluid communication with one another via the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates.
- In the exemplary ice machine, each of the inlet connections for the pillow plates contains a small branch connection to feed warm gas into the internal cavity defined by each pillow plate. At predetermined time intervals, warm gas is introduced into the respective internal cavities of the pillow plates via the respective branch connection, causing accumulated ice to break away and fall from the plates. All of the branch connections for the pillow plates are also operably connected to a single (common) header, which may be referred to as the defrost gas header.
- In the exemplary ice machine, a water distribution pan is positioned at the top of the plate bank. The water distribution pan include multiple openings, such that water received in the water distribution plan is distributed over both sides of each of the pillow plates. Any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down the pillow plates falls off the bottom of the pillow plates. Water that falls off the bottom of the pillow plates is received in a tank positioned beneath the plate bank. A pump is then used to recirculate water back to the water distribution pan.
- In use, as an evaporator, a refrigerant is supplied from a refrigeration system to the feed header of the ice machine, and then is introduced into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates of the plate bank. As the refrigerant passes through each pillow plate, the water distribution pan distributes a film of water over both sides of each pillow plate, covering both sides of each pillow plate. As the relatively warm water comes into thermal contact with the relatively cold refrigerant, heat is transferred from the water, through the side walls of each pillow plate, and into the refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil and transition from a liquid state to a two-phase or gaseous state, while the water freezes into a layer of ice on both sides of the pillow plate. Any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down the pillow plates falls off the bottom of the pillow plates and into the tank, and then is recirculated back to the water distribution pan.
- After passing through the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates of the plate bank, the refrigerant then exits via the suction header as a two-phase or gaseous fluid and is returned to the refrigeration system.
- At predetermined time intervals (which can be established and adjusted by the operator), a small quantity of warm gas is fed via the defrost gas header into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates, causing the internal temperature of the pillow plates to rise. This will melt a thin layer of the ice sheet at the contact surface between the ice sheet and a pillow plate, causing the ice sheet to release from the pillow plate and fall into the tank positioned beneath the plate bank. This completes one ice-making cycle. The ice-making cycles continue until the tank has built up a sufficient amount of ice to handle the desired cooling load determined by the location of installation. For example, an installation may require 200 tons of ice to be generated in a 8-hour time period.
- After a determined quantity of ice has been produced, the ice machine is then able to function as a refrigerant condenser or gas cooler. Hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) from the compressor of the refrigeration system is supplied to the feed header, and then is introduced into the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates of the plate bank. As the hot gaseous refrigerant passes through each pillow plate, the water distribution pan again distributes a film of water over both sides of each pillow plate, covering both sides of each pillow plate. As the now cold water comes into thermal contact with the hot gaseous refrigerant, heat is transferred from the refrigerant, through the side walls of each pillow plate and into the water, causing the gaseous refrigerant to condense into a liquid refrigerant. As a gas cooler, the gaseous refrigerant cools to a lower superheated condition. This action also causes the temperature of the water to rise, falling off of the pillow plates as a warm liquid into the tank beneath the plate bank. This warm water comes into contact with the ice in the tank, causing it to melt. The water is then recirculated back to the water distribution pan at the top of the plate bank, creating a process that continuously warms the water in the tank and melts the ice. After the ice is melted, the water temperature in the tank will continue to rise until all thermal energy has been exhausted.
- After passing through the internal cavities defined by the respective pillow plates of the plate bank, the refrigerant exits via the suction header as a condensed liquid or as a cooled superheated gas and is returned to the refrigeration system.
- The ice machine of the present invention can thus be operably connected directly to and between the refrigerant inlet and outlet of a power generation plant, such as a renewable energy source power generation plant. There is no need for an additional (intermediate) heat exchanger to transfer the heat from the gaseous refrigerant from the power generation plant to the water tank in order to melt the ice, as the ice machine of the present invention is configured for use both as a refrigerant evaporator and as a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler).
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the exemplary ice machine ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary ice machine ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the pillow plates of the exemplary ice machine ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the pillow plate ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the pillow plate ofFIG. 4 taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic view that shows the incorporation of the exemplary ice machine ofFIG. 1 into an ice-based thermal energy storage (TES) system, which can be used for both evaporating and condensing (or gas cooling); -
FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view of the of the exemplary ice machine ofFIG. 2 , illustrating certain details of the suction header; and -
FIG. 9 is a block diagram that illustrates a control system for the exemplary ice machine ofFIGS. 1-8 . - The present invention is an ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system.
- Electricity demands on a power generation grid are naturally fluid. During hot seasons, power demand will be higher in the naturally warmer parts of the day and lower in the naturally cooler parts of the evening and night. For solar power, the energy can only be collected when the sun is shining on the solar panels, but the power demand will exist on cloudy days or at night, when the solar panels are unable to function. Demand fluctuations on the grid will not always match the available power source in this case.
- An ice-based TES system could be deployed to use the collected renewable energy to create an ice-water bath during peak power generation periods, and then, it could be used to offset the needed cooling loads for a building or district on days where solar power generation is less efficient. The load-levelling capability of an ice-based TES system could stabilize the load from a renewable energy grid that may be dependent on traditional batteries for charging and discharging of stored solar and wind energy.
- Furthermore, some renewable energy power generation concepts call for the use of ice as one element of a type of thermal battery, where the energy collected from the solar, wind, or other renewable source is stored during the day and converted back to usable electricity for homes as residents return after the end of the working day. In this configuration, the power generation plant collects renewable energy to power machinery that circulates carbon dioxide as a refrigerant (R744) to produce ice on the low side of the system (as an evaporator) to be used for district cooling and to produce hot water storage tanks (as a condenser) on the high side of the system to be used for district heating. Both the ice and the hot water hold the collected renewable energy to be distributed out to the grid as electricity on demand. When the energy needs to be distributed, the system operates in reverse, using the stored hot water to drive the refrigeration process to turn electric generators for power consumers. When operated this way, the hot water side becomes the evaporator, and the ice storage side becomes the condenser.
- An ice machine made in accordance with this present invention is thus configured for use both as a refrigerant evaporator and as a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler) in the same unit. Specifically, an exemplary ice machine made in accordance with the present invention employs a plurality of pillow plates arranged into a plate bank. Ice is periodically produced on the pillow plates and is then discharged from the pillow plates into a tank of water placed beneath the plate bank. As ice is created and discharged from the pillow plates, an ice-water bath forms in the tank. Thus, as a refrigerant evaporator, the machine is an ice maker.
- After the ice-water bath in the tank has been formed to the satisfaction of the requirements of the application, the pillow plates accept hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) and transforms from a refrigerant evaporator to a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler). As water is recirculated from the ice-water bath in the tank, the water loop gradually heats up and melts the ice. Thus, as a condenser, the machine is an ice melter.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1-3 , anexemplary ice machine 10 made in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of vertically orientedpillow plates 20, which are arranged in a set that is often referred to as a plate bank (which is generally indicated by reference number 12). In this exemplary embodiment, eachplate bank 12 includes fifteen (15) plates at a centerline spacing of approximately 2.50″. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4-6 , as is common in the construction of plate-based ice machines, each of thepillow plates 20 is comprised of two side walls (or panels) 20 a, 20 b that are joined (i.e., welded) together and define aninternal cavity 21 therebetween, defining a pathway for the flow of a refrigerant. In some embodiments, theside walls FIGS. 4-5 Furthermore, eachpillow plate 20 includes aninlet connection 22 and anoutlet connection 24. Of course, each of theinlet connection 22 and theoutlet connection 24 defines a pathway into theinternal cavity 21 defined by thepillow plate 20. In this exemplary embodiment, theinlet connection 22 is at the top of thepillow plate 20, and theoutlet connection 24 is at the bottom of thepillow plate 20, making the machine a top-feed design. However, it is possible to switch the position of theinlet connection 22 and theoutlet connection 24, thus creating a bottom-feed design, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The inlet andoutlet connections pillow plate 20, running parallel to the length of thepillow plate 20. Alternatively, the inlet andoutlet connections pillow plate 20, running parallel to the height of thepillow plate 20. - Referring again to
FIGS. 1-3 , in this exemplary embodiment, all of theinlet connections 22 for thepillow plates 20 are operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of feeding a liquid refrigerant (or a hot discharge gas) into therespective pillow plates 20, as further described below. This header may be referred to as thefeed header 30. - Referring still to
FIGS. 1-3 , in this exemplary embodiment, all of theoutlet connections 24 for thepillow plates 20 are also operably connected to a single (or common) header for the purpose of drawing a two-phase or gaseous refrigerant (or a condensed liquid or a cooled superheated gas) from therespective pillow plates 20, as further described below. This header may be referred to as thesuction header 40. Of course, thefeed header 30 and thesuction header 40 are in fluid communication with one another via theinternal cavities 21 defined by therespective pillow plates 20. - Referring still to
FIGS. 1-3 , each of theinlet connections 22 for thepillow plates 20 contains asmall branch connection 52 to feed warm gas into theinternal cavity 21 defined by each pillow plate 20 (FIG. 6 ). At predetermined time intervals, warm gas is introduced into the respective internal cavities of thepillow plates 20 via therespective branch connection 52, causing accumulated ice to break away and fall from thepillow plates 20, as further described below. All of thebranch connections 52 for thepillow plates 20 are also operably connected to a single (common) header. This header may be referred to as thedefrost gas header 50. - Referring still to
FIGS. 1-3 , awater distribution pan 60 is positioned at the top of theplate bank 12, extending the length and the width of theplate bank 12. Thewater distribution pan 60 includemultiple openings 62, such that water received in thewater distribution plan 60 is distributed over both sides of each of thepillow plates 20. Any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down thepillow plates 20 falls off the bottom of thepillow plates 20. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , in this exemplary embodiment, water that falls off the bottom of thepillow plates 20 is received in atank 70 positioned beneath theplate bank 12. Apump 72 is then used to recirculate water back to thewater distribution pan 60. - The
ice machine 10 is thus configured for use both as an evaporator and as a condenser (or gas cooler). As an evaporator, the machine is an ice maker. As a condenser (or gas cooler), the machine is an ice melter. - In use, as an evaporator, a refrigerant is supplied from a registration system to the
feed header 30, and then is introduced into the internal cavities defined by therespective pillow plates 20 of theplate bank 12. In this exemplary embodiment, aline 32 connects therefrigeration system 80 to thefeed header 30, delivering the refrigerant to thefeed header 30. Thus, theline 32 is sized for the liquid feed requirements of therefrigeration system 80 during the ice-making cycle. (Sizing is based on standard refrigeration piping charts that are well-known to those skilled in the art.) Anisolation valve 36 is installed in theline 32 and interposed between therefrigeration system 80 and thefeed header 30, which is open during the ice-making cycle and closed during the ice-melting cycle (described below). In any event, as the refrigerant passes through eachpillow plate 20, thewater distribution pan 60 distributes a film of water over both sides of eachpillow plate 20, covering both sides of eachpillow plate 20. As the relatively warm water comes into thermal contact with the relatively cold refrigerant, heat is transferred from the water, through theside walls pillow plate 20, and into the refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant to boil and transition from a liquid state to a two-phase or gaseous state, while the water freezes into a layer of ice on both sides of thepillow plate 20. Any residual water that does not freeze as it moves down thepillow plates 20 falls off the bottom of thepillow plates 20 and into thetank 70, and then is recirculated back to thewater distribution pan 60. In this regard, the water is moving between theplate bank 12 and thetank 70 in a closed-loop circuit. This causes the recirculating water coming back to thewater distribution pan 60 to be at a temperature very near to the freezing point, the importance of which is further described below. - After passing through the internal cavities defined by the
respective pillow plates 20 of theplate bank 12, the refrigerant then exits via thesuction header 40 as a two-phase or gaseous fluid and is returned to therefrigeration system 80. In this exemplary embodiment, aline 45 connects thesuction header 40 to therefrigeration system 80, returning the refrigerant to therefrigeration system 80. Anisolation valve 46 is installed in theline 45 and interposed between thesuction header 40 and therefrigeration system 80, which is open during the ice-making cycle and closed during the ice-melting cycle (described below). - At predetermined time intervals, a small quantity of warm gas is fed via the
defrost gas header 50 into the internal cavities defined by therespective pillow plates 20, causing the internal temperature of thepillow plates 20 to rise. This will melt a thin layer of the ice sheet at the contact surface between the ice sheet and apillow plate 20, causing the ice sheet to release from thepillow plate 20 and fall into thetank 70 positioned beneath theplate bank 12. This completes one ice-making cycle. With respect to the thickness of the ice, it can often range from about 0.125″ thick to 1.00″ thick, and, in most cases, is about 0.25″ to 0.375″ thick. - Referring again to
FIG. 7 , in this exemplary embodiment, the ice sheets also fall into and float in thetank 70, thus further reducing the temperature of the closed-loop water circuit and improving the efficiency of the ice-making process. In this regard, repeated ice-making cycles will cause freshly produced ice sheets to collide with previously produced ice sheets, breaking them into pieces of ice in thetank 70. The ice-making cycles continue until thetank 70 has built up a sufficient amount of ice to handle the desired cooling load determined by the location of installation. Thetank 70 thus begins the ice-making process as being full of only water. By the end of the ice-making process, thetank 70 is mostly full of ice, leaving some water to be recirculated. - After a predetermined quantity of ice has been produced, the
ice machine 10 is then able to function as a refrigerant condenser or gas cooler. In this exemplary embodiment, hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) from the compressor of therefrigeration system 80 is supplied to thefeed header 30, and then is introduced into the internal cavities defined by therespective pillow plates 20 of theplate bank 12. In this exemplary embodiment, aline 33 connects the compressor of therefrigeration system 80 to thefeed header 30, delivering the hot gaseous refrigerant to thefeed header 30. Anisolation valve 34 is installed in theline 33 and interposed between therefrigeration system 80 and thefeed header 30, which is open during the ice-melting cycle and closed during the ice-making cycle (described above). In any event, as the hot gaseous refrigerant passes through eachpillow plate 20, thewater distribution pan 60 again distributes a film of water over both sides of eachpillow plate 20, covering both sides of eachpillow plate 20. As the now cold water comes into thermal contact with the hot gaseous refrigerant, heat is transferred from the refrigerant, through theside walls pillow plate 20 and into the water, causing the gaseous refrigerant to condense into a liquid refrigerant. As a gas cooler, the hot gaseous refrigerant cools to a lower superheated condition. This action also causes the temperature of the water to rise, falling off of thepillow plates 20 as a warm liquid into thetank 70 beneath theplate bank 12. This warm water comes into contact with the ice in thetank 70, causing it to melt. Thepump 72 then recirculates the water back to thewater distribution pan 60 at the top of theplate bank 12, creating a process that continuously warms the water in thetank 70 and melts the ice. After the ice is melted, the water temperature in thetank 70 will continue to rise until all thermal energy has been exhausted. - After passing through the
internal cavities 21 defined by therespective pillow plates 20 of theplate bank 12, the refrigerant exits via thesuction header 40 as a condensed liquid or as a cooled superheated gas and is returned to therefrigeration system 80. In this exemplary embodiment, aline 42 connects thesuction header 40 to therefrigeration system 80, returning hot discharge gas to therefrigeration system 80. Anisolation valve 44 is installed in theline 42 and interposed between thesuction header 40 and therefrigeration system 80, which is closed during the ice-making cycle and open during the ice-melting cycle (described above). - Referring still to
FIG. 7 , the size of thefeed header 30 is determined by the hot discharge gas requirements of the refrigeration system during the ice-melting cycle with reference to standard refrigeration piping charts that are well-known to those skilled in the art. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , the size of thesuction header 40 is determined by the suction requirements of the refrigeration system during the ice-making cycle with reference to standard refrigeration piping charts that are well-known to those skilled in the art. - Referring again to
FIG. 7 , the size of thedefrost gas header 50 is determined by the warm gaseous refrigerant requirements of theplate bank 12 during the ice-making cycle. Specifically, the size is based on the size of thepillow plates 20, the number ofpillow plates 20 in theplate bank 12, and the time limits for releasing the ice sheets from thepillow plates 20. Anisolation valve 54 periodically opens and closes during the ice-making cycle to feed warm gas via thedefrost gas header 50 into the internal cavities defined by therespective pillow plates 20, which, as described above, releases the ice sheets from thepillow plates 20 in theplate bank 12. Thevalve 54 is closed during the entire ice-melting cycle. - The ice machine of the present invention can thus be operably connected directly to and between the refrigerant inlet and outlet of a power generation plant, such as a renewable energy source power generation plant. There is no need for an additional (intermediate) heat exchanger to transfer the heat from the gaseous refrigerant from the power generation plant to the water tank in order to melt the ice, as the ice machine of the present invention is configured for use both as a refrigerant evaporator and as a refrigerant condenser (or gas cooler).
-
FIG. 9 is a block diagram that illustrates acontrol system 100 for the exemplary ice machine ofFIGS. 1-8 . As shown, such acontrol system 100 includes amicroprocessor 102 and amemory component 104. Each of thevalves control system 100 to open or close each of thevalves memory component 104. - Referring still to
FIG. 9 , as described above, during the ice-making cycle, thevalve 36 between therefrigeration system 80 and thefeed header 30 is open, thus allowing the refrigerant from therefrigeration system 80 to flow to thefeed header 30, while thevalve 34 is closed. During the ice-melting cycle, thevalve 36 is closed, while thevalve 34 between therefrigeration system 80 and thefeed header 30 is open, thus allowing the hot discharge gas (i.e., a hot gaseous refrigerant) from therefrigeration system 80 to flow to thefeed header 30. Similarly, as also described above, during the ice-making cycle, thevalve 46 between thesuction header 40 and therefrigeration system 80 is open, while thevalve 44 is closed. During the ice-melting cycle, thevalve 44 between thesuction header 40 and therefrigeration system 80 is open, while thevalve 46 is closed. - Referring still to
FIG. 9 , as also described above, thevalve 54 is periodically opened during the ice-making cycle to feed warm gas via thedefrost gas header 50 into the internal cavities defined by therespective pillow plates 20, which, as described above, releases the ice sheets from thepillow plates 20 in theplate bank 12. Thevalve 54 is closed during the entire ice-melting cycle. - One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that additional embodiments and implementations are also possible without departing from the teachings of the present invention. This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiment disclosed therein, is given primarily for clarity of understanding, and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/943,085 US20210033327A1 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2020-07-30 | Ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system |
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US201962881699P | 2019-08-01 | 2019-08-01 | |
US16/943,085 US20210033327A1 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2020-07-30 | Ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system |
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US20210033327A1 true US20210033327A1 (en) | 2021-02-04 |
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US16/943,085 Abandoned US20210033327A1 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2020-07-30 | Ice machine for an ice-based thermal storage system |
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WO (1) | WO2021021993A1 (en) |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4829782A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1989-05-16 | Paul Mueller Company | Ice harvesting/water chiller machine |
JPH08338674A (en) * | 1995-06-12 | 1996-12-24 | Toshiba Corp | Ice thermal storage device and its operational method |
JP3909911B2 (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 2007-04-25 | 株式会社ササクラ | Static ice making equipment in ice heat storage system |
JP2000088297A (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 2000-03-31 | Hitachi Ltd | Ice heat storage type air-conditioning device and ice heat storage tank |
US6237359B1 (en) * | 1998-10-08 | 2001-05-29 | Thomas H. Hebert | Utilization of harvest and/or melt water from an ice machine for a refrigerant subcool/precool system and method therefor |
-
2020
- 2020-07-30 US US16/943,085 patent/US20210033327A1/en not_active Abandoned
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