WO2015160266A1 - Appareil de réfrigération - Google Patents

Appareil de réfrigération Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015160266A1
WO2015160266A1 PCT/NZ2015/000028 NZ2015000028W WO2015160266A1 WO 2015160266 A1 WO2015160266 A1 WO 2015160266A1 NZ 2015000028 W NZ2015000028 W NZ 2015000028W WO 2015160266 A1 WO2015160266 A1 WO 2015160266A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
freezing
receptacle
container
beverage container
freezing receptacle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2015/000028
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alexander Townshend GREER
Original Assignee
Sub Zero International Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sub Zero International Limited filed Critical Sub Zero International Limited
Priority to AU2015246707A priority Critical patent/AU2015246707A1/en
Priority to US15/304,333 priority patent/US20170038119A1/en
Publication of WO2015160266A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015160266A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F25D11/02—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
    • F25D11/022—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures with two or more evaporators
    • 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
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/006—Other cooling or freezing apparatus specially adapted for cooling receptacles, e.g. tanks
    • F25D31/007—Bottles or cans
    • 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
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/803—Bottles
    • 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
    • F25D2600/00—Control issues
    • F25D2600/04—Controlling heat transfer

Definitions

  • the present inventions relates to a refrigeration apparatus.
  • the present invention is used for refrigerating beverage containers.
  • the frozen product will need to melt first before it can be consumed, so a thirsty person may need to wait for a considerable time before they can start consuming the product within the container, which is not desirable.
  • US Patent No. 5284028 issued to Wilco R. Stuhmer describes a beverage container having a main beverage chamber and an ice chamber consisting of a polymeric film pouch located within the main chamber. By filling the ice chamber with ice, a beverage in the beverage chamber can be kept cold by virtue of the heat transfer from the beverage to the ice through the polymeric film. This configuration prevents dilution of the beverage just prior to consumption.
  • Wilco R. Stuhmer further developed a refrigerator which will allow the storage of such beverage bottles and this is described in US Patent No. 6311499.
  • This patent describes a dual- temperature refrigerating device for partially freezing beverage inside a sealed beverage container. One compartment within the device is held at a temperature below freezing and another compartment is kept at a temperature above freezing. An opening between the two compartments allows a beverage container to be placed so that it is simultaneously exposed to below-freezing temperatures and above-freezing temperatures.
  • the refrigerator needs to have two separate compartments, at different temperatures. This means that the structure of the refrigerator will need to meet certain standards in terms of thermal insulation, as well as a costly set up in terms of having two separate coolers (or coolers with dual control) in order to provide the different temperature compartments.
  • the two compartments means two separate cooling systems, as well as the actual structure of the refrigerator itself makes it hard to maintain. Lastly the two separate cooling systems in this refrigerator will require a large amount of energy in order for the freezer to work effectively.
  • a freezing receptacle for use within a cooling apparatus: wherein the freezing receptacle is configured to hold part of a beverage container to be contained within the receptacle, and the freezing receptacle includes a mechanism to assist cooling of the beverage container
  • a cooling apparatus including: a refrigeration compartment; and a freezing receptacle as described above.
  • a method of cooling using a cooling apparatus wherein the cooling apparatus includes a refrigeration compartment; and a freezing receptacle as described above; characterised by the steps of a) placing a beverage container within the freezing receptacle which is configured to hold a part of the beverage container; b) freezing the contents of the beverage container within the freezing receptacle; and c) refrigerating the contents of the beverage container within the refrigeration
  • cooling apparatus should be understood to be any apparatus, device or system which is used to artificially remove heat via any heat transfer mechanisms or systems.
  • the mechanism that assists the cooling of the beverage container is in the form of a thermal conduction plate.
  • Heat can be transferred between physical systems via three main mechanisms. Thermal conduction, thermal convection and thermal radiation.
  • Thermal conduction can be broadly described as the transfer of energy between objects that are in physical contact.
  • Thermal convection can be broadly described as the transfer of energy between an object and its environment, due to fluid motion.
  • Thermal radiation can be broadly described as the transfer of energy to or from a body by means of the emission or absorption of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Typical heat transfer of cooling systems can include non-cyclic, cyclic, vapour-compression cycle, vapour absorption cycle (use of refrigerants), gas cycle, thermoelectric and magnetic and the like.
  • refrigeration compartment should be understood to mean any compartment, space or receptacle which is artificially kept cool via any heat transfer mechanisms or systems.
  • the refrigeration compartment has an entry configured to allow a user to load and unload items into / from the refrigeration compartment.
  • the entry can be closed via a door or gate.
  • doors or gates include any standard refrigerator or vending machine doors and the like.
  • the doors or gates may be lockable in situations when the entry is not desirable to be opened. For example, if the cooling apparatus is used in a vending machine application, then the entry to the cooling apparatus needs to be secured. However, for these embodiments there will be an access to obtain the beverage which is purchased, much like a conventional vending machine.
  • the entry is a permanent opening accessible by the user. This particular embodiment is especially useful for supermarkets or shops and the like.
  • the atmosphere within the refrigeration compartment is at a temperature which cools the contents stored within, but does not freeze the contents.
  • the atmosphere within the refrigeration compartment is above 0°C, so that the contents of the beverage container exposed in the refrigeration compartment does not freeze.
  • the atmosphere within the refrigeration compartment is -1 to + 5°C as this is a standard commercial range - particularly for water based products.
  • the ideal temperature will depend on the composition of the fluid. However, it should be appreciated that some fluids such as alcohol freeze at lower temperatures may be held at a colder temperature range than other fluids such as water.
  • freezing receptacle should be understood to be any, structure, apparatus or device which is configured to contain at least a part of a beverage container, while artificially cooling the contents of the beverage container via thermal conduction
  • the freezing receptacle incorporates at least one thermal conduction plate.
  • the freezing receptacle is preferably designed to sit substantially horizontally and level within the cabinet.
  • the freezing receptacle is configured to contain only a part of the structure of the beverage container so that the rest of the structure of the beverage container is exposed to the atmosphere of the refrigeration compartment so that different parts of the beverage container is cooled at different rates or to different temperatures.
  • the thermal conduction plate freezes the contents of the portion of the beverage container contained adjacent to it.
  • the freezing receptacle incorporating at least one thermal conduction plate operates at a temperature (at contact point with the beverage containers) of between -40 to -10°C.
  • This temperature range is relevant as for instance using a lower temperature to aid more rapid freezing may be more suitable with some fluids to freeze the fluid in the bottom section of the beverage container in the optimum time.
  • These temperatures can be varied to meet different performance criteria. It should be noted that below -40°C may be uneconomical to achieve.
  • the freezing receptacle is in physical contact with the outer surfaces of the structure of the beverage container in order to provide cooling via thermal conduction.
  • the freezing receptacle is of a structure configured so that a number of beverage containers can be contained within the structure of the freezing receptacle in a row or multiple rows, much like a shelving system for a vending machine. This is to allow a large number of drinks to be stored within the freezing receptacle.
  • the freezing receptacle is configured to allow the beverage containers to slide forward to the front of the receptacle. This can be achieved by an angled construction where the beverage containers can slide forward under its own weight, as the beverage container in front is removed.
  • the freezing receptacle may be configured to be substantially complementary to a part of the dimensions of the beverage container so the beverage container can be fitted into the freezing receptacle while maintaining physical contact between at least a part of the container and the receptacle.
  • the freezing receptacle is a channel or channels that substantially matches the cross section of the part of the beverage containers to be stored. So that the beverage containers can be recessed into the structure of the freezing receptacle and maintain maximum contact with the freezing thermal conduction plate to ensure maximum thermal transfer.
  • the gap is approximately 1 mm. This is to allow fitment of variations of the beverage container and allow some movement.
  • the freezing receptacle is in the form of a shelf which can be fitted in to and removed from a cooling apparatus as this allows existing cooling apparatus such as fridge cabinets to have these freezing receptacles retro-fitted into them. Further, this allows freezing receptacles to be removed for the purposes of cleaning and or maintenance.
  • the receptacles are fixed in a predetermined location which would be defined by the size/height of beverage containers to be used. This could vary and therefore merchandisers could have different shelf configurations.
  • Some freezing receptacles may include a biasing means which allows the receptacle to be temporarily expanded to receive a beverage container under a force, but will bias back to its original position once the container is within the receptacle. This is to ensure that the fit between container and the receptacle is always snug, and to ensure there is always physical contact between the container and thermal conduction plate.
  • the surface area of the freezing receptacle that is in contact with the beverage container has a direct relationship to the rate of cooling / freezing and the like.
  • the contact surface area between the base of the beverage container and the freezing thermal conduction plate is maximised.
  • the freezing receptacle is of a structure that is robust enough to support the weight of the beverage containers and their contents within its structure without significant deflection to maintain the physical contact between the freezing thermal conduction plate and the beverage container.
  • the freezing receptacle will have insulation to the base and sides and incorporate thermal breaks where required to reduce condensation forming on the outside surfaces.
  • the freezing receptacle will contain a cooling mechanism in the form of a specially designed circuit or pipes to reticulate the refrigerant gas on the side of the freezing receptacle structure that is not in contact with the beverage containers. This cools the freezing receptacle to the desired temperate which in turn removes heat from the beverage containers via thermal conduction.
  • a cooling mechanism in the form of a specially designed circuit or pipes to reticulate the refrigerant gas on the side of the freezing receptacle structure that is not in contact with the beverage containers. This cools the freezing receptacle to the desired temperate which in turn removes heat from the beverage containers via thermal conduction.
  • the freezing receptacles can be configured as an assembly to be installed into the refrigerating apparatus.
  • the freezing receptacles are separate modules that can be retrofitted into existing refrigerating apparatuses.
  • each freezing receptacle may have a nominal refrigerating capacity of 50 watts/hr at -15°C saturated suction temperature and +35°C saturated condensing temperature.
  • the first figure -15°C relates to the evaporating temperature of the refrigerant in the receptacle
  • the second +35°C relates to the condensing temperature of the refrigerant which is affected by the ambient temperature the system is operating in.
  • the cooling system design may need to be adjusted to accommodate different ambient temperatures and operating conditions with components selected accordingly to perform under these conditions.
  • the total refrigerating capacity of the refrigeration system will vary with the size and internal volume of the refrigerating compartment and the volume of product to be refrigerated within it.
  • the design rating of the refrigeration system for the cabinet will remain reasonably linear with the freezing receptacle design if the refrigerating compartment is up or down scaled.
  • the option to vary system capacity is available to reduce freezing times and or accommodate more beverage containers if required.
  • a feeding channel into which the beverage containers can be loaded.
  • the feeding channel will then be connected to a number of substantially parallel rows which act to align the beverage containers so that they can be readily accessible from the cooling apparatus.
  • the cooling apparatus may have one way barriers (say gates) at the end of each channel. This feature allows the beverage containers to be removed from the cooling apparatus and not readily placed back therein - except via the feeding channel.
  • This feature also ensures that the coldest beverage containers (that is the ones that have been in the cooling apparatus for the longest) are the ones which are the most accessible.
  • An option is to provide contact cooling at the base of the beverage container with the bottle inverted, so as to set up convection in the beverage container. Tests have shown this method can reduce the time taken to lower the beverage temperature from ambient temperature to 0 deg C once it is placed in the refrigeration apparatus.
  • Bottles are loaded into the fridge shelving system with the base of the bottle facing upwards. Shelving may be arranged so that each shelf supports the top of the bottle (inserted into it upside down) and holds it firmly into the shelf above it where the contact freezing occurs.
  • This method invokes "convection" within the bottle which compared to “heat transfer” with the conduction method results in a faster freezing time.
  • Heater plates are located between each shelf or alternatively heat can be introduced into the fridge compartment via other methods to maintain the desired temperature in the ambient space to control the ice growth within the bottle to the desired level.
  • Freezing the bottle when it is positioned within the specially designed refrigerated shelf in the horizontal plane can further reduce the freezing time due to a higher convection heat transfer coefficient.
  • the beverage containers are in the form of a waisted bottle with a passage that is closed by application of force such as that described in the Applicant's PCT application number PCT/NZ2013/000190.
  • This beverage container is designed to separate beverage in a compartment on one side of the closed passage that can be frozen while beverage on the other side of the closed passage can be maintained in its liquid form.
  • the beverage container does not have a closed passageway but incorporates structures that influence the thermal convection liquid flow within a single complex compartment of the container.
  • the mass volume of the contents in closest contact with the thermal conduction plate should be minimized to encourage freezing.
  • the user places a beverage container in the cooling apparatus via the feeding channel of the cooling apparatus.
  • the beverage container is placed within the freezing receptacle in the refrigeration
  • the refrigerant contained in the refrigeration system contacts the side and base of the freezing thermal conduction plate that is mi in contact with the beverage container, cooling the thermal conduction plate to its desired temperature range of -40 to -10°C (as desired).
  • the thermal conduction plate thus removes heat from the contents of the beverage container and freezing the contents that are contained within the receptacle, while the contents that are not contained within the receptacle will be cooled and maintained at the desired temperature usually between 3 to 5°C in the atmosphere compartment of the cooling apparatus, and stay in its liquid state.
  • the beverage container sits on top of the freezing receptacle which supports and can also cool the beverage container from below (and/or the side).
  • the beverage container may be held from its top by the freezing receptacle or by its side.
  • the user would push the beverage container into a feeding channel which forms a part of the freezing receptacle. This causes other beverage containers already within the receptacle to move to the ends of a channel or channels depending from the feeding channel.
  • the present invention may be used with beverage containers containing carbonated fluids. It should be appreciated that bottles made from plastics material often need strengthening in various parts of the bottle including the base if they are to hold carbonated fluids. Often the strengthening is in the form of corrugations, spokes or channels.
  • the freezing receptacle may have a complimentary shape to the beverage containers to optimise the surface contact. For example, if the base of the beverage container has an indent, there may be a correspondingly shaped protrusion on the base of the freezing receptacle. The protrusion could also act as a guide further stabilising the bottles within the freezing receptacle.
  • the invention can be used to merchandise and retail the drink products in a refrigerated cabinet (merchandiser) that may have a glass door and be accessed by the public and staff for both purchasing and loading requirements.
  • This invention can be used by a self-service or vending style of merchandiser of the type that is used widely by the beverage industry to retail its products.
  • Additional features of the present invention may include:
  • Drink ready indicators - incorporated as part of the label on each bottle a coloured dot or button that changes colour when the drink has attained the correct temperature and is ready to drink.
  • Use of infrared sensors to determine when ice is at correct height that could release a gate system of locked doors to allow ready to drink bottles to be accessed.
  • Bottles loaded from the front via a locked loading door - bottles are frozen to drink ready stage as new product is loaded those that have been in the cabinet the longest move towards the rear of the cabinet where they drop down a chute system at the rear of the cabinet and are dispensed via a slide out draw at the base of the cabinet.
  • Apparatus can be designed to accommodate a suitable volume of containers that could be less or more to meet demand in different markets.
  • Figure 1 Shows the general arrangement of the cooling apparatus.
  • Figure 2 Is an end on view of a freezing receptacle incorporating at least one thermal conduction plate showing beverage containers in position at the end of the display channels.
  • Figure 3 Provides typical dimensions in millimetres that channels within a freezing receptacle.
  • Figure 4a Is a top view of a configuration of a freezing receptacle.
  • Figure 4b Is a top view of an alternative configuration of a freezing receptacle.
  • Figure 5, 6 and 7 Show different variations of operation cooling apparatus in accordance with the present invention, and
  • Figure 8 Illustrates an alternative embodiment to the present invention particularly suitable for use with carbonated beverages.
  • Figure 9 Shows a configuration of the invention that influences the thermal
  • Figure 10 Shows a modified configuration of the invention that more drastically influences the convection of thejiquid within the container.
  • Figure 11 Shows an alternative version of geometry designed to influence the thermal convection of the liquid within the container.
  • Figure 12 Shows a more_alternative version of geometry designed to influence the thermal convection of the liquid within the container
  • Figure 13 shows an alternative bottle configuration
  • Figures 13A & 13B represent section views through the bottle of Figure 13, and
  • Figure 14 shows an alternative bottle configuration
  • Figure 15 shows an alternative bottle configuration
  • Figures 5A & 15B represent section views through the bottle of Figure 15, and
  • Figure 16 shows an alternative bottle configuration
  • Figure 17 shows a cooling apparatus designed to encourage convection of liquid
  • Figure 18 shows a horizontal stacking of bottles to encourage convection cooling
  • Figure 19 shows a possible operation of a drop down fridge in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the cooling apparatus (1).
  • the cooling apparatus (1) has the outside structure of a conventional refrigerator, including a door (6) which allows access to the interior of the cooling apparatus (1).
  • the interior of the cooling apparatus is defined as the refrigerator compartment (2).
  • this refrigeration compartment (2) a number of freezing receptacles incorporating thermal conduction plates (3) are adapted to be installed, and act as shelving to contain the beverage containers (4).
  • the freezing receptacles (3) contain the bottom portion of the beverage container (4) within their structures, freezing the contents of the portion of the beverage container (4), while leaving the rest of the beverage container (4) and its content exposed to the atmosphere of the refrigerator compartment (2).
  • the freezing receptacles (3) are cooled by a refrigeration system (5) providing refrigerants to the thermal conduction plates (3), bringing them to between -40 to -10 degrees Celsius and preferably to about -15°C to -18°C in temperature.
  • a refrigeration system (5) providing refrigerants to the thermal conduction plates (3), bringing them to between -40 to -10 degrees Celsius and preferably to about -15°C to -18°C in temperature.
  • the thermal conduction plates (3) are in physical contact with the beverage container (4) via thermal conduction, this in turn freezes the beverage.
  • the contents of the portion of this beverage containers (4) that is not in physical contact with the freezing receptacles (3) are left in its liquid form and are prevented from freezing via the refrigeration compartment atmosphere.
  • Figure 2 is an end on view of a freezing receptacle (3) showing beverage containers (4) in position at the end of the display channels (7).
  • refrigerant pipes (9) which carry refrigerant through the receptacle.
  • a range of refrigerants could be used and prove suitable for this application from HFC, HFO or natural refrigerants.
  • New refrigerants are being developed to meet international requirements to reduce global warming potential therefore actual refrigerant chosen could be determined by commercial or environmental considerations.
  • Figure 3 provides typical dimensions in millimetres of the channels (7) within a freezing receptacle (3).
  • Figure 4a is a top view of a configuration of a freezing receptacle (3).
  • a feeding channel (11) into which the beverage containers (4) are inserted.
  • the beverage containers (4) are pushed along into the display channels (7) until they meet the ends thereof.
  • At the ends of the display channels (7) are gates (12) which prevent the beverage containers (4) from falling off the receptacle (3) until being removed by a user. It can be seen that the configuration of the freezing receptacle (3) is such that the beverage containers (4) are oriented and presented well with and being kept upright and stable.
  • Figure 4b is a top view of an alternative configuration of a freezing receptacle (3b).
  • the feeding channel (1 1 b) is on the left hand side of the receptacle (3).
  • Beverage containers (4b) are inserted into the feeding channels (11 b). Beverage containers (4b) are then pushed along into the display channels (7b) until they meet the ends thereof.
  • Rail guides (100) guide and locate the containers (4b) into the channels (7b).
  • shelf bumps (101) which act to prevent the beverage containers (4b) from jamming in the display channels (7b).
  • the display channels (7b) are also freezing channels and it is possible for the beverage containers (4b) to be loaded or returned to any freezing channel.
  • FIGS 5, 6 and 7 show different variations of operation of a cooling apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a base system which operates as follows.
  • High pressure hot discharge vapour is pumped from the compressor (20) to an external condenser (21). Heat is removed from the vapour by the condenser fan (21) and the refrigerant changes state from vapour to liquid when cooled below the saturated condensing temperature of the refrigerant. Liquid then flows from the condenser (21) to a liquid receiver (22). Liquid then passes from the liquid receiver (22) to the expansion device (23).
  • a separate line (27) is also taken from the discharge line (25).
  • This line (27) passes through a solenoid valve (28) which is controlled by the ambient temperature within the refrigerated space (50). When the valve opens hot discharge vapour is allowed to pass to the internal condenser plates (26). As the discharge vapour passes through the condenser plates (26), heat energy is removed from the refrigerant and it changes state to a liquid.
  • Liquid then flows back from the internal condenser plates (26) and rejoins the liquid line after the external condenser (21). This allows a portion of the heat energy absorbed by the evaporator (24) to be reintroduced into the ambient air of the refrigerated space (50). This allows for the ambient temperature to be maintained above the freezing point of the product while having no effect on the evaporator temperature. So the portion of the product in contact with the evaporator (24) is allowed to freeze while the portion of the product not in contact will remain in the liquid state.
  • Figure 6 works very similarly to the device illustrated in Figure 5 with the addition of a hot gas defrost sequence.
  • Hot discharge vapour will now flow directly into the evaporators (24) and they will defrost.
  • heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the refrigerated space (50).
  • the refrigerant changes state to a liquid when it reaches its saturated condensing temperature.
  • the liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion device (33) and into a fan assisted evaporator (34) inside the refrigerated space (50).
  • the pressure drop through the expansion device (33) allows the liquid refrigerant to begin boiling as described in Figure 5.
  • At the exit of the evaporator all of the liquid refrigerant has boiled and it is now in a superheated vapour state. Superheated suction vapour is then drawn back to the compressor (20).
  • FIG. 7 shows a liquid line filter drier (40) in the liquid line after the liquid receiver (22).
  • the filter drier (40) will filter contaminants from the refrigerant as it passes through. It will also absorb moisture from the refrigerant to ensure the system is dry.
  • liquid line sightglass (41) which is a visual check to ensure there is enough refrigerant in the system for operation. Liquid flow and level can be seen through the sightglass (41).
  • the drawing also shows a solenoid valve (55) in the liquid line after the liquid sightglass (41). At times it may be desirable to shut off liquid flow to the evaporators (24) by closing this solenoid valve (55).
  • Figure 7 also shows a liquid to suction heat exchanger (43).
  • Warm liquid refrigerant passes through one side of the heat exchanger (43), and cool vapour passes through the other side. Heat energy is transferred from the liquid to the vapour through the heat exchanger walls. The purpose of this is to give additional subcooling to the liquid refrigerant. By doing so it is ensured that a solid liquid column will be present at the inlet to the expansion device (23). Otherwise it is possible a portion of the refrigerant will boil before reaching the expansion device (23) resulting in energy efficiency penalties.
  • the other function of the liquid to suction heat exchanger (43) is to ensure no liquid refrigerant is present in the suction line before the vapour enters the compressor (20) which can be detrimental to the compressor's operation.
  • FIG. 7 also shows a suction accumulator (44) in the suction line before the compressor (20).
  • a suction accumulator (44) in the suction line before the compressor (20).
  • liquid refrigerant does pass through the liquid to suction heat exchanger (43) it will be trapped in the bottom of the suction accumulator (44). Vapour will be drawn from the top of the suction accumulator (44) back to the compressor (20). Any liquid refrigerant trapped in the suction accumulator (44) will boil to a vapour as it absorbs heat energy through the suction accumulator walls.
  • FIG. 7 also shows a flow modulating valve (45) in the line returning liquid refrigerant from the internal condenser plates to the liquid line.
  • the purpose of this valve (45) is to limit the flow through the heater plates (26) to give better control over the ambient temperature in the refrigerated space (50). It will also aid with maintaining a suitable condensing pressure on the high pressure side of the system.
  • the high pressure side encompasses the piping and parts between the compressor discharge connection and the expansion device (23) feeding the evaporators (24).
  • the low pressure side of the system encompasses all the piping and parts from the expansion valve outlet (33) to the compressor (20) suction connection.
  • the lines and parts feeding the internal condensers (26) would be considered as part of the high pressure side of the system.
  • Hot gas defrost the evaporators (24) would also be considered part of the high pressure side of the system up to the inlet of the expansion device (33) feeding the defrost evaporator.
  • the defrost evaporator (34) would be considered part of the low pressure side of the system.
  • Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the embodiment in Figure 8 is particularly suitable for use with a bottle ( 20) that is designed to withhold the pressures of carbonation.
  • the bottle (120) has an indent (121) at the base thereof, in this particular embodiment off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis, and projects inwardly toward the center of the bottle, which gives additional strength to the bottle ( 20).
  • the freezer receptacle (122) has a complimentary protrusion (123) which optimises surface contact between the freezer thermal conduction plate (122), and the indent (121) of the bottle (120).
  • the sides (124) of the receptacle (122) are also complimentary in shape to the lower part of the bottle (120).
  • Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
  • a larger central indentation (131) in the base of the container which may optionally engage accordingly with a protruding thermal conduction plate.
  • the freezer receptacle preferably operates at a temperature between -25°C and -35°C but more preferably between -28°C and -31 °C, with a substantial area of contact between the base of the container
  • Figure 9A illustrates a section view through line A of Figure 9 about 1cm above the base of the container. This illustrates that the larger central indentation (131) reduces the sectional area
  • the sectional area (134) is preferably reduced to between 85% and 15% of the container maximum diameter sectional area (135, Figure 9C). Shown is a sectional area reduction to 80% of the container maximum diameter sectional area (136, Figure 9C).
  • Figure 9B illustrates a section view through line B of Figure 9. This illustrates the reduced sectional area (135) of the container through the narrow open passage (137) between the top and bottom of the container. This reduced sectional area (135) of the narrow passage is less than the containers maximum diameter sectional area (136, Figure 9C).
  • Figure 9C illustrates a section view through line C of Figure 9. This illustrates the maximum sectional area (136) at the containers widest point.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a vertical cross-section cut away of the embodiment from Figure 9.
  • a container waist (137) provides a narrow passage that influences the thermal convection of the liquid within the container. This keeps the warmer liquid (138) in the upper portion of the container and the cooler liquid (139) in the lower portion of the container, decreasing the time to freeze the containers lower contents,
  • the thermal convective flows (138,139) in the container contents are guided by the angles (Angle A, Angle B) of the sidewall from the longitudinal axis, which are both preferably within the range of 20° to 65° but more preferably within the range of 30° to 60°. Shown are two angles of 40° (Angle A, Angle B). These angles redirect the warmer container contents (138) back toward the warmer top part of the container and redirect the cooler container contents (139) back toward the cooler bottom part of the container. This reduces the mixing of the warm and cold internal convective flows and decreases the time to freeze the lower contents of the container.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a variation of the present invention detailed in Figure 9.
  • FIG. 14 This illustrates an even narrower open passage (147) between the top and bottom of the bottle than the narrow passage in Figure 10 (137).
  • there is an even larger central indentation (141) in the base of the container that may optionally engage accordingly with a protruding thermal conduction plate.
  • the freezing receptacle preferably operates at a temperature between -25°C and -35°C but more preferably between -28°C and -31 °C. Due to the very large central indentation (141) a very thin volume of the container contents (143) remains adjacent to the thermal conduction plate (132), This greatly diminished volume decreases the time to freeze the containers contents near the thermal conduction plate. There is an accelerated growth of ice in the rest of the lower portion once initial ice formation is activated.
  • Figure 11A illustrates a section view through line A of Figure 1 1 about 1 cm above the base of the container. This illustrates an even larger central indentation (141) reducing the sectional area (144) of container near the base of the container resulting in decreased time taken to cool and freeze said contents.
  • the sectional area (144) is preferably reduced to between 85% and 15% of the containers maximum diameter sectional area (145, Figure 11C). Shown is a sectional area reduction to 20% of the containers maximum diameter sectional area (145, Figure 11C).
  • Figure 11 B illustrates a section view through line B of Figure 1 1.
  • This reduced sectional area (145) of the narrower passage is less than the containers maximum diameter sectional area (145, Figure 1 1 C).
  • the sectional area of (145) being preferably between 80% and 50% of the maximum diameter sectional area (146, Figure 11 C), and more preferably between 70% and 60% of the maximum diameter sectional area.
  • This increased narrowing will reduce the heat transfer between the warmer top part of the container and the cooler bottom part of the container even more than is achieved in Figure 9B (135), decreasing the time to freeze the containers lower contents.
  • Figure 1 1 C illustrates a section view through line C of Figure 11. This illustrates the maximum sectional area (146) at the containers widest point.
  • Figure 12 illustrates a cut away of the embodiment from figure 11.
  • a container waist (147) provides a very narrow passage that drastically influences the thermal convection of the liquid within the container. This keeps the warmer liquid (148) in the upper portion of the container and the cooler liquid (159) in the lower portion of the container, further decreasing the time to freeze the containers lower contents over the container waste shown in Figure 10 (137).
  • Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
  • This embodiment shows the narrow passage (157) between the warmer top part of the container (151) and the cooler bottom part of the container (153) in a circular format instead of the previous oval format in Figure 9B (135) and Figure 1 1C (145).
  • the height of the narrow passage is variable, but preferably in the range of 10% to 60% of the total height of the container (Total Height). And more preferably between the range of 20% to 40% of the total height of the container (Total Height).
  • Figure 13A illustrates a section view through line A of Figure 13. This shows a circular variation of the narrow open passage (157). This illustrates the reduced sectional area (155) of the container through the narrow open passage (157) between the top and bottom of the container.
  • the sectional area of (155) being preferably between 80% and 40% of the maximum diameter sectional area (156, Figure 3B), and more preferably between 70% and 50% of the maximum diameter sectional area.
  • This narrowing will reduce the heat transfer between the warmer top part of the container and the cooler bottom part of the container, decreasing the time to freeze the containers lower contents.
  • Shown is a reduction in sectional area (155) to 60% of the maximum diameter sectional area (156).
  • Figure 13B illustrates a section view through line B of Figure 13. This illustrates the maximum sectional area (156) at the containers widest point.
  • Figure 14 illustrates a vertical cross-section cut away of the embodiment from figure 13.
  • a circular container waist ( 57) provides a narrow passage that influences the thermal convection of the liquid within the container. This keeps the warmer liquid (158) in the upper portion of the container and the cooler liquid (159) in the lower portion of the container, decreasing the time to freeze the containers lower contents.
  • the thermal convective flows (158,159) in the container contents are guided by the angle (Angle C) of the sidewall from the longitudinal axis, which is preferably within the range of 20° to 75° but more preferably within the range of 30° to 60°. Shown is an angle of 70° (Angle C). These angles redirect the warmer container contents (158) back toward the warmer top part of the container and redirect the cooler container contents (159) back toward the cooler bottom part of the container. This reduces the mixing of the warm and cold internal convective flows and decreases the time to freeze the containers lower contents.
  • Figure 15 illustrates a variation of the present invention detailed in Figure 13. This embodiment shows an even narrower open passage in a circular format (167) between the warmer top part of the container (161) and the cooler bottom part of the container (163).
  • the height of the narrow passage (Height B) is variable, but preferably in the range of 10% to 60% of the total height of the container (Total Height). And more preferably between the range of 20% to 40% of the total height of the container (Total Height).
  • Figure 15A illustrates a section view through line A of Figure 15. This shows a circular variation of the narrower open passage (167). The sectional area shown (165) is at 50% of the maximum diameter sectional area (166, Figure 15B)
  • Figure 15B illustrates a section view through line B of Figure 15. This illustrates the maximum sectional area (166) at the containers widest point.
  • Figure 16 illustrates a cut away of the embodiment from figure 15.
  • a circular container waist (177) provides a narrower passage that influences the thermal convection of the liquid within the container than described in Figure 14 (157). This keeps the warmer liquid (178) in the upper portion of the container and the cooler liquid (179) in the lower portion of the container, decreasing the time to freeze the containers lower contents.
  • This narrower version of the invention further decreases cooling and freezing times in the lower portion of the container.
  • Figure 17 illustrates inverted positioning of bottles within the fridge to encourage convection cooling.
  • Figure 18 illustrates horizontally stacked positioning of bottles within the fridge to encourage convection cooling.
  • Figure 19 illustrates a drop dispensing fridge in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne, selon un premier aspect, un réceptacle de congélation destiné à être utilisé à l'intérieur d'un appareil de refroidissement : le réceptacle de congélation étant conçu pour contenir une partie d'un récipient à boisson destiné à être contenu à l'intérieur du réceptacle, et le réceptacle de congélation comprenant un mécanisme destiné à favoriser le refroidissement du récipient à boisson. Selon un autre aspect, la présente invention concerne un procédé de refroidissement à l'aide d'un appareil de refroidissement, l'appareil de refroidissement comprenant un compartiment de réfrigération ; et un réceptacle de congélation tel que décrit précédemment ; caractérisé par les étapes consistant à a) placer un récipient à boisson à l'intérieur du réceptacle de congélation qui est conçu pour contenir une partie du récipient à boisson ; b) congeler le contenu du récipient à boisson à l'intérieur du réceptacle de congélation ; et c) réfrigérer le contenu du récipient à boisson à l'intérieur du compartiment de réfrigération.
PCT/NZ2015/000028 2014-04-15 2015-04-15 Appareil de réfrigération WO2015160266A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2015246707A AU2015246707A1 (en) 2014-04-15 2015-04-15 Refrigeration apparatus
US15/304,333 US20170038119A1 (en) 2014-04-15 2015-04-15 Refrigeration Apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ62386214 2014-04-15
NZ623862 2014-04-15
NZ62642114 2014-06-19
NZ626421 2014-06-19

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WO2015160266A1 true WO2015160266A1 (fr) 2015-10-22

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US (1) US20170038119A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2015246707A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2015160266A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019156574A1 (fr) 2018-02-06 2019-08-15 Sub Zero International Limited Structure de récipient
WO2020106684A1 (fr) * 2018-11-19 2020-05-28 Kmn Home Llc Dispositif de congélation sélective de parties de boissons en bouteille

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US5584187A (en) * 1995-01-13 1996-12-17 Whaley; Glenn E. Quick-chill beverage chiller
EP1006496A1 (fr) * 1998-11-30 2000-06-07 SANYO ELECTRIC Co., Ltd. Conteneur d'articles pour distributeur automatique
US7228989B2 (en) * 2005-04-13 2007-06-12 Delphi Technologies, Inc. High efficiency beverage vending machine
GB2434432A (en) * 2005-12-22 2007-07-25 Clive Edmonds Refrigeration unit for packaged beverages
DE102011087097A1 (de) * 2011-11-25 2013-05-29 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Kältegerät mit Flaschenkühlfunktion

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2538885B1 (fr) * 1982-12-31 1985-07-05 Air Liquide Procede et installation pour refroidir au moins partiellement un recipient, notamment pour congeler le col d'une bouteille de champagne renversee
FR2660738B1 (fr) * 1990-04-05 1994-10-28 Cma Installation permettant de realiser la refrigeration (ou rechauffement) rapide de produits emballes, notamment de bouteilles.

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5584187A (en) * 1995-01-13 1996-12-17 Whaley; Glenn E. Quick-chill beverage chiller
EP1006496A1 (fr) * 1998-11-30 2000-06-07 SANYO ELECTRIC Co., Ltd. Conteneur d'articles pour distributeur automatique
US7228989B2 (en) * 2005-04-13 2007-06-12 Delphi Technologies, Inc. High efficiency beverage vending machine
GB2434432A (en) * 2005-12-22 2007-07-25 Clive Edmonds Refrigeration unit for packaged beverages
DE102011087097A1 (de) * 2011-11-25 2013-05-29 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Kältegerät mit Flaschenkühlfunktion

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019156574A1 (fr) 2018-02-06 2019-08-15 Sub Zero International Limited Structure de récipient
US11059620B2 (en) 2018-02-06 2021-07-13 Sub Zero International Limited Container construction
EP3749138A4 (fr) * 2018-02-06 2021-11-24 Sub Zero International Limited Structure de récipient
WO2020106684A1 (fr) * 2018-11-19 2020-05-28 Kmn Home Llc Dispositif de congélation sélective de parties de boissons en bouteille
US20220074651A1 (en) * 2018-11-19 2022-03-10 Keith NIELSON Device for selectively freezing portions of bottled beverages

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US20170038119A1 (en) 2017-02-09
AU2015246707A1 (en) 2016-12-01

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