WO2018144436A1

WO2018144436A1 - Cooling system for a beverage dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2018144436A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/015903
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stan C. KAPLITA; Michael Riley; Mingfei Gan; Joshua Allen Maust
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 2017-01-31
Filing date: 2018-01-30
Publication date: 2018-08-09

Abstract

The present application and the resultant patent provide a cooling system for cooling a beverage ingredient within a beverage dispenser. The cooling system may include a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a coolant pump. The first heat exchanger may be configured to cool a coolant flowing therethrough. The second heat exchanger may be configured to receive the cooled coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger and to cool the beverage ingredient flowing therethrough. The coolant pump may be configured to selectively operate to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

Description

COOLING SYSTEM FOR A BEVERAGE DISPENSER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/452,650, filed on January 31, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application and the resultant patent relate generally to beverage dispensers and more particularly relate to a cooling system for controlled cooling of beverage ingredients within a beverage dispenser.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various types of beverage dispensers are commonly used to dispense cold beverages, such as carbonated beverages, water, and other beverages, for consumers. Certain beverage dispensers may include a cold plate for cooling a beverage or beverage ingredients, such as carbonated water, plain water, and syrup, within the dispenser prior to dispensing the desired beverage therefrom. Generally described, the cold plate may be formed as an aluminum casting having a number of tubes or sleeves positioned therein and configured to allow the beverage ingredients to flow therethrough. The cold plate generally may be positioned within the beverage dispenser and in direct physical contact with an ice bin of the dispenser. For example, the cold plate may be positioned along the bottom of the ice bin. As the beverage ingredients pass through the tubes or sleeves of the cold plate, heat may be exchanged between the ingredients, the cold plate, and ice contained within the ice bin. In this manner, the beverage ingredients may be appropriately cooled within the cold plate, prior to dispensing via a nozzle, such that the beverage dispenser provides the consumer with a cold beverage.

[0004] Although existing cold plates may be suitable for cooling many types of beverage ingredients, the extent of cooling provided may vary depending on the volume of ice contained within the ice bin, the length of time during which the ingredients are present within the cold plate (which depends on the frequency of beverage dispensing), and other factors. Accordingly, in some instances, the beverage ingredients may be under- cooled (i.e., the temperature of the ingredient is less than a desired temperature range) or over-cooled (i.e., the temperature of the ingredient is greater than a desired temperature range) by the cold plate, which may raise certain issues. For example, under-cooling of the beverage ingredients, which may occur when the ingredients flow relatively quickly through the cold plate during a period of numerous successive dispenses, may result in a dispensed beverage having an undesirably low temperature. In contrast, over-cooling of the beverage ingredients, which may occur when the ingredients remain within the cold plate for a longer period of time with relatively low or no flow therethrough, may result in crystallization of the ingredients at nucleation sites (e.g., sugar crystals, protrusions, or bends in the tubes of the cold plate). Such crystallization may adversely impact the flow of the beverage ingredients through the cold plate and the quality of the dispensed beverage and may necessitate periodic cleaning of the cold plate tubes to remove crystals therefrom.

[0005] There is thus a desire for an improved cooling system for controlled cooling of beverage ingredients within a beverage dispenser. Such a cooling system should inhibit under-cooling and over-cooling of the beverage ingredients. In this manner, such a cooling system should minimize crystallization of crystallizing-prone beverage ingredients, thereby allowing the ingredients to flow freely through the cooling system and reducing the need to clean the tubes through which the ingredients flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present application and the resultant patent thus provide a cooling system for cooling a beverage ingredient within a beverage dispenser. The cooling system may include a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a coolant pump. The first heat exchanger may be configured to cool a coolant flowing therethrough. The second heat exchanger may be configured to receive the cooled coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger and to cool the beverage ingredient flowing therethrough. The coolant pump may be configured to selectively operate to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0007] The present applicant and the resultant patent further provide a method of cooling a beverage ingredient within a cooling system of a beverage dispenser. The method may include the steps of passing a coolant through a first heat exchanger of the cooling system to cool the coolant, passing the cooled coolant through a second heat exchanger of the cooling system, passing a beverage ingredient through the second heat exchanger to cool the beverage ingredient, and selectively operating a coolant pump of the cooling system to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0008] The present application and the resultant patent further provide a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a beverage ingredient source, a cooling system, and a dispensing nozzle. The beverage ingredient source may contain a beverage ingredient therein. The cooling system may include a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a coolant pump. The first heat exchanger may be configured to cool a coolant flowing therethrough. The second heat exchanger may be configured to receive the cooled coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger and to cool the beverage ingredient flowing therethrough. The coolant pump may be configured to selectively operate to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The dispensing nozzle may be configured to receive the cooled beverage ingredient and to dispense a beverage.

[0009] These and other features and improvements of the present application and resultant patent will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in connection with the several drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a beverage dispenser as may be described herein.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a beverage dispenser as may be described herein.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a beverage dispenser as may be described herein.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of cooling a beverage ingredient within a beverage dispenser as may be described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a beverage dispenser 100 as may be described herein. The beverage dispenser 100 may use any number of different beverage ingredients to create and dispense one or more beverages for a consumer. In certain embodiments, the beverage ingredients may include, carbonated water, plain water, one or more syrups, one or more concentrates, or other similar fluids. Still other types of beverage ingredients may be used. In certain embodiments, one or more of the beverage ingredients may have a crystallization point that is close to freezing. For example, one or more of the beverage ingredients may have a crystallization point that is between about 0°C and 2°C, although beverage ingredients having other crystallization points may be used. Any number or combination of the beverage ingredients may be used with the beverage dispenser 100 to create and dispense any number of different beverages. As described below, the beverage dispenser 100 may provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients within the dispenser 100, thereby inhibiting under-cooling and over- cooling of the ingredients.

[0015] As shown, the beverage dispenser 100 may be in fluid communication with one or more beverage ingredient sources 104. Although only two beverage ingredient sources 104 are shown in FIG. 1, the beverage dispenser 100 may be in fluid communication with any number of beverage ingredient sources 104. Each beverage ingredient source 104 may provide a respective beverage ingredient BI to the dispenser 100 for creating one or more beverages therewith. In certain embodiments, one or more of the beverage ingredient sources 104 may be positioned at a location remote from the beverage dispenser 100, such as a back room or storage closet. In this manner, one or more of the beverage ingredient sources 104 may be spaced apart from the beverage dispenser 100 but in fluid communication with the dispenser 100 via one or more lines or tubes extending therebetween. In certain embodiments, one or more of the beverage ingredient sources 104 may be positioned within the beverage dispenser 100, such as within a housing of the dispenser 100. The beverage ingredient sources 104 may have various configurations for containing the respective beverage ingredients BI therein. For example, the beverage ingredient sources 104 may be formed as a bag-in-box container, a packet, or a cartridge, although other storage vessel configurations may be used. The beverage dispenser 100 and the beverage ingredient sources 104 may collectively form a beverage dispensing system for creating and dispensing one or more beverages for a consumer.

[0016] The beverage dispenser 100 may include a cooling system 1 10 configured for controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients BI within the dispenser 100 prior to creating and dispensing a desired beverage. The beverage ingredient sources 104 generally may store and provide the respective beverage ingredients BI at ambient temperature (i.e., from about 20°C to about 25°C), and the cooling system 110 may be used to cool the beverage ingredients BI from the ambient temperature to within a desired temperature range within the dispenser 100. In certain embodiments, the desired temperature range may be from about -10°C to about 10°C, from about 0°C to about 10°C, from about 0°C to about 5°C, or from about 2°C to about 5°C, although other desired temperature ranges may be used. As shown, the beverage ingredients BI may be delivered from the respective beverage ingredient sources 104 to the cooling system 110 via one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the beverage ingredient sources 104 and the cooling system 110. The cooling system 110 may cool the beverage ingredients BI therein to within the desired temperature range, as described below.

[0017] As shown, the cooling system 110 may direct one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to one or more flow control modules 116 which, in turn, may direct each of the one or more cooled beverage ingredients BI to one or more dispensing nozzles 118 via one or more lines or tubes extending between the flow control modules 116 and the dispensing nozzles 118. For example, the cooling system 110 may direct the cooled beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a to the one or more flow control modules 116, as shown. The one or more flow control modules 116 may be configured to regulate the flow rates of the respective cooled beverage ingredients BI. In certain embodiments, the one or more flow control modules 116 may be active flow control modules that may be programmatically adjusted and/or adaptive based on feedback loops, such as from readings from a flow meter. In other embodiments, the one or more flow control modules 116 may be passive flow control modules that may include a set screw or other mechanism for restricting an orifice to regulate the flow rates. As shown, a shut off valve 117 may be positioned between the one or more flow control modules 116 and the one or more dispensing nozzles 118 (i.e., downstream of the flow control modules 116 and upstream of the dispensing nozzles 118) and configured to control the flows of the respective cooled beverage ingredients BI flowing from the flow control modules 116. In certain embodiments, the shut off valve 117 may be a two-way valve configured to move between a closed position, preventing the cooled beverage ingredient BI from flowing from the flow control modules 116 to the dispensing nozzles 118, and an open position, allowing the cooled beverage ingredient BI to flow from the flow control modules 116 to the dispensing nozzles 118. The one or more dispensing nozzles 118 may be configured for mixing respective beverage ingredients BI therein and dispensing a desired beverage for a consumer.

[0018] The cooling system 110 also may direct one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118, without passing the one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more flow control modules 116. For example, the cooling system 110 may direct the cooled beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118 without passing through the one or more flow control modules 116. As shown, a shut off valve 119 may be positioned between the cooling system 110 and the one or more dispensing nozzles 118 (i.e., downstream of the cooling system 110 and upstream of the dispensing nozzles 118) and configured to control the flows of the respective cooled beverage ingredients BI flowing from the cooling system 110 to the dispensing nozzles 118 without passing through the flow control modules 116. In certain embodiments, the shut off valve 119 may be a two-way valve configured to move between a closed position, preventing the cooled beverage ingredient BI from flowing from the cooling system 110 to the dispensing nozzles 118, and an open position, allowing the cooled beverage ingredient BI to flow from the cooling system 110 to the dispensing nozzles 118.

[0019] As shown, the cooling system 110 may include an ice bin 122, a cold plate

124 (which also may be referred to as a "first heat exchanger"), and a heat exchanger 126 (which also may be referred to as a "second heat exchanger"). The ice bin 122 may be configured to contain a volume of ice / therein. In certain embodiments, the ice bin 122 may include one or more walls formed of materials, such as one or more metals, having a high thermal conductivity. In certain embodiments, the ice bin 122 may include one or more walls formed of one or more plastics and being insulated with foam or the like. The cold plate 124 may be positioned in direct physical contact with the ice bin 122 and may be formed of materials, such as one or more metals, having a high thermal conductivity. In this manner, the cold plate 124 may be in thermal communication with the ice bin 122, such that the cold plate 124 may be cooled by the ice / contained within the ice bin 122. In certain embodiments, the cold plate 124 may be positioned along the bottom of the ice bin 122, although other positions of the cold plate 124 relative to the ice bin 122 may be used. In certain embodiments, the cold plate 124 may define one or more walls of the ice bin 122, such that the cold plate 124 may be in direct physical contact with the ice / contained within the ice bin 122.

[0020] The cold plate 124 generally may be formed in a conventional manner, including a cast body and a number of tubes or sleeves positioned within the cast body. In certain embodiments, the cast body may be formed of aluminum, and the tubes may be formed of stainless steel, although other suitable materials may be used. One or more of the tubes of the cold plate 124 may be configured to allow one or more coolants C to flow therethrough. As the coolant C flows through the tubes of the cold plate 124, heat may be exchanged between the coolant C, the cold plate 124, and the ice / contained within the ice bin 122. In this manner, the coolant C may be cooled within the cold plate 124, and the cooled coolant C may be directed to the heat exchanger 126 for cooling the beverage ingredients BI, as described below. The cold plate 124 may include any number of tubes configured to allow the coolant C to flow therethrough. In certain embodiments, each of the tubes may have a separate inlet and a separate outlet for guiding separate flows of the one or more coolants C through the cold plate 124. In other embodiments, one or more of the tubes may diverge from a common inlet in the cold plate 124 and/or may converge to a common outlet in the cold plate 124. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may use a single coolant C that flows through the cold plate 124 and the heat exchanger 126. In other embodiments, the cooling system 110 may use a number of different coolants C that each flow, separate from one another, through the cold plate 124 and the heat exchanger 126. In certain embodiments, the coolant C may be plain water, although other types of cooling fluids may be used. In other embodiments, the coolant C may be carbonated water, which may flow from a carbonator of the beverage dispenser 100, through the cold plate 124, and then through the heat exchanger 126. In such embodiments, the flow rate of the carbonated water from the carbonator may be controlled by a valve. Still other types of cooling fluids may be used as the coolant C within the cooling system 100 and delivered to the cold plate 124 and the heat exchanger 126 according to other embodiments.

[0021] One or more of the tubes of the cold plate 124 may be configured to allow one or more of the beverage ingredients BI to flow therethrough. For example, the beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b may flow through one or more of the tubes of the cold plate 124, as shown. The one or more beverage ingredients BI may be delivered to the cold plate 124 via the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and the cold plate 124. As the beverage ingredient BI flows through the tubes of the cold plate 124, heat may be exchanged between the beverage ingredient BI, the cold plate 124, and the ice / contained within the ice bin 122. In this manner, the beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b may be cooled within the cold plate 124, and the cooled beverage ingredient BI may be directed to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118, as described above. The cold plate 124 may include any number of tubes configured to allow any number of beverage ingredients BI to flow therethrough.

[0022] As shown, the heat exchanger 126 may be spaced apart from (i.e., not in direct physical contact with) the cold plate 124, such that the temperature of the cold plate 124 does not directly affect the temperature of the heat exchanger 126. The heat exchanger 126 may be configured to allow one or more of the beverage ingredients BI and the one or more coolants C to flow therethrough. For example, the beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a and the one or more coolants C may flow through the heat exchanger 126, as shown. The one or more beverage ingredients BI may be delivered to the heat exchanger 126 via the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and the heat exchanger 126. The one or more coolants C may be delivered to the heat exchanger 126 via one or more lines or tubes extending between the cold plate 124 and the heat exchanger 126. The heat exchanger 126 may include a number of tubes extending through a body of the heat exchanger 126 or a number of passages defined in the body of the heat exchanger 126. In particular, the heat exchanger 126 may include one or more beverage ingredient tubes or passages configured to allow the one or more beverage ingredients BI to flow therethrough, and one or more coolant tubes or passages configured to allow the one or more coolants C to flow therethrough.

[0023] Various configurations of the heat exchanger 126 may be used. In particular, various configurations of the beverage ingredient tubes or passages, the coolant tubes or passages, and the respective inlets and outlets of such passages may be used to achieve desired heat transfer between the one or more beverage ingredients BI and the one or more coolants C. In certain embodiments, the heat exchanger 126 may include a large coolant tube and a number of smaller beverage ingredient tubes positioned within the coolant tube. In this manner, the beverage ingredients BI may flow through the smaller tubes, while the coolant C flows through the large tube and around each of the smaller tubes for cooling the beverage ingredients BI. In other embodiments, the heat exchanger 126 may include one or more coolant tubes and one or more beverage ingredient tubes extending alongside one another, overlapping one another, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the coolant tubes and the beverage ingredient tubes may extend alongside one another such that the coolant C and the beverage ingredient BI pass through the heat exchanger 126 in a co-flow arrangement (i.e., flowing in the same direction) or in a counter-flow arrangement (i.e., flowing in opposite directions), the coolant tubes and the beverage ingredient tubes may at least partially overlap one another such that the coolant C and the beverage ingredient BI pass through the heat exchanger 126 in a cross-flow arrangement (i.e., flowing in directions transverse to one another), or the coolant tubes and the beverage ingredient tubes may provide a combination of co-flow, counter-flow, and/or cross-flow arrangements. The beverage ingredient tubes may have a straight (i.e., linear) shape, a serpentine shape, or another contoured (i.e., non-linear) shape, and the coolant tubes likewise may have a straight shape, a serpentine shape, or another contoured shape. Various combinations of the shapes of the beverage ingredient tubes and the coolant tubes may be used. In certain embodiments, the beverage ingredient tubes may have a relatively short length and a straight shape or another shape with minimal contouring in order to limit the number of nucleation sites where crystallization of beverage ingredients BI flowing therethrough may occur. In certain embodiments, the heat exchanger 126 may include an inlet manifold positioned along the inlet side of the heat exchanger 126 and in fluid communication with a number of the beverage ingredient tubes, which may provide pressure reduction of the flows of the beverage ingredients passing through the tubes. In certain embodiments, the heat exchanger 126 may include one or more service ports in fluid communication with the tubes of the heat exchanger 126 to allow for draining and cleaning of the tubes therein.

[0024] As the one or more beverage ingredients BI flow through the beverage ingredient tubes or passages of the heat exchanger 126 and the one or more coolants C flow through the coolant tubes or passages of the heat exchanger 126, heat may be exchanged between the one or more beverage ingredients BI and the one or more coolants C. In this manner, the one or more beverage ingredients BI may be cooled from the ambient temperature to within the desired temperature range within the heat exchanger 126. The warmed coolant C flowing from the heat exchanger 126 may be recirculated for further use. In particular, the warmed coolant C may be directed back to the cold plate 124 via one or more coolant pumps 128 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the heat exchanger 126 and the cold plate 124. The warmed coolant C may be cooled again, as described above, as the coolant C flows through the tubes of the cold plate 124.

[0025] As shown, the cooling system 110 may include a coolant circuit 132 which includes the respective portions of the cold plate 124, the heat exchanger 126, the coolant pump 128, and the lines or tubes through which the coolant C flows. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may include only a single coolant circuit 132, for example, when only a single coolant C is used in the cooling system 110. In other embodiments, the cooling system 110 may include a number of separate coolant circuits 132, for example, when a number of different coolants C are used in the cooling system 110. A flow rate of the coolant C flowing through each cooling circuit 132 may be regulated by the speed at which the coolant pump 128 is operated. As described below, the flow rate of the coolant C flowing through the cooling circuit 132 may be adjusted to increase or decrease heat transfer between the beverage ingredients BI and the coolant C within the heat exchanger 126.

[0026] The cooled beverage ingredient BI flowing from the heat exchanger 126 may be directed toward the flow control module 116 via one or more lines or tubes extending between the heat exchanger 126 and the flow control module 116. As shown, the cooling system 110 may include a temperature sensor 136 and a valve 138 positioned between the heat exchanger 126 and the flow control module 116 (i.e., downstream of the heat exchanger 126 and upstream of the flow control module 116), along the one or more lines or tubes extending therebetween. In certain embodiments, as shown, the temperature sensor 136 may be positioned upstream of the valve 138. In other embodiments, the temperature sensor 136 may be positioned downstream of the valve 138 or may be incorporated into the valve 138. The temperature sensor 136 may be configured to detect a temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient BI flowing from the heat exchanger 126 toward the flow control module 116, and to generate a temperature signal corresponding to the detected temperature. The valve 138 may be configured to control the flow of the cooled beverage ingredient BI flowing from the heat exchanger 126. In certain embodiments, the valve 138 may be a three-way valve configured to selectively allow the cooled beverage ingredient BI to flow from the heat exchanger 126 to the dispensing nozzle 118 or to redirect the cooled beverage ingredient BI to a beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142. In other words, the valve 138 may be configured to move between a first position, allowing the cooled beverage ingredient BI to flow from the heat exchanger 126 to the dispensing nozzle 118, and a second position, allowing the cooled beverage ingredient BI to flow from the heat exchanger 126 to the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142. As shown, the valve 138 may be in fluid communication with the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 via one or more lines or tubes, and the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 may be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 126 via one or more lines or tubes. In this manner, the cooled beverage ingredient BI flowing from the heat exchanger 126 may be recirculated through the heat exchanger 126 for further cooling, when desired.

[0027] As shown, the cooling system 110 may include a beverage ingredient circuit 144 which includes the respective portions of the beverage ingredient pump 114, the heat exchanger 126, the valve 138, the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142, and the lines or tubes through which the beverage ingredient BI flows. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may include only a single beverage ingredient circuit 144, for example, when only a single beverage ingredient BI is cooled by the heat exchanger 126 of the cooling system 110. In other embodiments, the cooling system 110 may include a number of separate beverage ingredient circuits 144, for example, when a number of different beverage ingredients BI are cooled by the heat exchanger 126 of the cooling system 110.

[0028] The cooling system 110 also may include a controller 146 in operable communication with the temperature sensor 136 and the valve 138 (as indicated by dash- dot lines in FIG. 1) of each beverage ingredient circuit 144. The controller 146 may be an electronic controller operable to receive electronic signals from and to generate and send electronic signals to components of the cooling system 110 to provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients BI therein. In particular, for each beverage ingredient circuit 144, the controller 146 may be operable to receive the temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor 136 and to control a position of the valve 138 based at least in part on the temperature signal. As described above, the valve 138 may be a three-way valve, having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. In this manner, the valve 138 may be moved between a first position in which the valve 138 directs the respective beverage ingredient BI to flow through the first outlet to the dispensing nozzle 118 (via the flow control module 116), a second position in which the valve 138 directs the beverage ingredient BI to flow through the second outlet to the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142, and a third position in which the valve 138 prevents the beverage ingredient BI from flowing through the first outlet and the second outlet (i.e., the beverage ingredient BI does not flow to the dispensing nozzle 118 or the recirculation pump 142). The controller 146 may be operable to generate a position signal corresponding to a desired position (i.e., the first position, the second position, or the third position) of the valve 138 and send the position signal to the valve 138, thereby directing the valve 138 to move to or maintain the desired position. For example, the controller 146 may generate and send a position signal corresponding to the first position of the valve 138 based on an instruction to dispense a beverage that includes the beverage ingredient BI. Further, as described below, the controller 146 may generate the position signal based at least in part on the temperature signal received from the temperature sensor 136.

[0029] The controller 146 also may be in operable communication with the shut off valve 117 and operable to control a position of the valve 117. As described above, the shut off valve 1 17 may be a two-way valve configured to move between a closed position in which the valve 117 prevents the cooled beverage ingredient BI from flowing from the flow control module 1 16 to the dispensing nozzle 118, and an open position in which the valve 1 17 allows the cooled beverage ingredient BI to flow from the flow control module 116 to the dispensing nozzle 118. The controller 146 may be operable to generate a position signal corresponding to a desired position (i.e., the closed position or the open position) of the shut off valve 117 and send the position signal to the valve 117, thereby directing the valve 117 to move to or maintain the desired position. For example, the controller 146 may generate and send a position signal corresponding to the open position of the shut off valve 1 17 based on an instruction to dispense a beverage that includes the beverage ingredient BI.

[0030] As shown, the controller 146 also may be in operable communication with the beverage ingredient pump 114, the coolant pump 128, and the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 of each beverage ingredient circuit 144. In certain embodiments, the controller 146 may be operable to generate an operating state signal corresponding to a desired operating state (i.e., on or off) of the beverage ingredient pump 114 and send the operating state signal to the beverage ingredient pump 1 14. In certain embodiments, the controller 146 may be operable to generate a speed signal corresponding to a desired speed of the beverage ingredient pump 114 and send the speed signal to the beverage ingredient pump 114. In a similar manner, in certain embodiments, the controller 146 may be operable to generate an operating state signal corresponding to a desired operating state (i.e., on or off) of the coolant pump 128 and send the operating state signal to the coolant pump 128. In certain embodiments, the controller 146 may be operable to generate a speed signal corresponding to a desired speed of the coolant pump 128 and send the speed signal to the coolant pump 128. In certain embodiments, the controller 146 also may be operable to generate an operating state signal corresponding to a desired operating state (i.e., on or off) of the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 and send the operating state signal to the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142. In certain embodiments, the controller 146 may be operable to generate a speed signal corresponding to a desired speed of the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 and send the speed signal to the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142. In this manner, the controller 146 may selectively adjust the operating states and/or speeds of the respective pumps 114, 128, 142, thereby adjusting the flow rates of the beverage ingredient BI and the coolant C through the cooling system 100. Further, the controller 146 may control when the respective pumps 114, 128, 142 operate in a desired operating state and/or at a desired speed and a length of time over which the respective pumps 114, 128, 142 operate in the desired operating state and/or at the desired speed. As described below, the controller 146 may generate the respective operating state signals and/or respective speed signals based at least in part on the temperature signal received from the temperature sensor 136.

[0031] During use of the beverage dispenser 100, the cooling system 110 may operate to cool the one or more beverage ingredients BI from the ambient temperature to within a desired temperature range. In certain embodiments, the desired temperature range may be from about -10°C to about 10°C, from about 0°C to about 10°C, from about 0°C to about 5°C, or from about 2°C to about 5°C, although other desired temperature ranges may be used. As described above, for each beverage ingredient circuit 144, the respective beverage ingredient BI may be cooled by the heat exchanger 126, and the controller 146 may operate to provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredient BI by controlling the respective positions of the valves 117, 138 and the respective operating states of the pumps 114, 128, 142. The cooling system 110 may have a number of operational states, and the controller 146 may control the respective positions of the valves 117, 138 and the respective operating states of the pumps 114, 128, 142 based on the operational state of the cooling system 110. In particular, the cooling system 110 may have an "off state" (which also may be referred to as a "low power state"), a "cool down state" (which also may be referred to as an "initial pull down state"), a "maintenance idle state," a "maintenance cooling state," and a "dispensing state." When the cooling system 110 is in the different operational states, the controller 146 may control the respective positions of the valves 117, 138 and the respective operating states of the pumps 114, 128, 142 as indicated in Table 1 and further described below.

Table 1

[0032] The cooling system 110 may be in the off state when the beverage dispenser 100 is not in use for an extended period of time. For example, the cooling system 110 may be in the off state when the outlet at which the beverage dispenser 100 is located is closed to consumers, such as during nighttime hours for a non-24-hour outlet. When the cooling system 110 is in the off state, the controller 146 may control the respective components of the beverage dispenser 100 such that: (i) the shut off valve 117 is in the closed position; (ii) the valve 138 is in the second position; (iii) the beverage ingredient pump 114 is off; (iv) the coolant pump 128 is off; and (v) the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 is off. In this manner, when the cooling system 110 is in the off state, the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144 may rest (i.e., not flow) therein and warm up (i.e., increase in temperature), which may allow any crystals in the beverage ingredient BI to re-melt, and the coolant C in the coolant circuit 132 may rest therein and warm up.

[0033] The cooling system 110 may be in the cool down state when the beverage dispenser 100 is first turned on or turned back on after being in the off state for a period of time. For example, the cooling system 110 may be in the cool down state when the outlet at which the beverage dispenser 100 is located is re-opened to consumers. When the cooling system 110 is in the cool down state, the controller 146 may control the respective components of the beverage dispenser 100 such that: (i) the shut off valve 117 is in the closed position; (ii) the valve 138 is in the second position; (iii) the beverage ingredient pump 114 is off; (iv) the coolant pump 128 is on; and (v) the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 is on. In this manner, when the cooling system 110 is in the cool down state, the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144 may flow (i.e., recirculate) therein and cool down (i.e., decrease in temperature), and the coolant C in the coolant circuit 132 may flow therein and cool down.

[0034] The controller 146 may operate to maintain the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144 within the desired temperature range when the cooling system 110 is in the maintenance idle state and the maintenance cooling state (which collectively may be referred to as a "maintenance state" of the cooling system 110). The cooling system 110 may be in the maintenance idle state when the beverage dispenser 100 is on and the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144 is within the desired temperature range. For example, the cooling system 110 may be in the maintenance idle state after being in the cool down state for a period of time during which the beverage ingredient BI was cooled down. When the cooling system 110 is in the maintenance idle state, the controller 146 may control the respective components of the beverage dispenser 100 such that: (i) the shut off valve 117 is in the closed position; (ii) the valve 138 is in the first position; (iii) the beverage ingredient pump 114 is off; (iv) the coolant pump 128 is off; and (v) the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 is off. In this manner, when the cooling system 110 is in the maintenance idle state, the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144 may rest (i.e., not flow) therein and gradually warm up (i.e., increase in temperature), and the coolant C in the coolant circuit 132 may rest therein and gradually warm up.

[0035] The cooling system 110 may be in the maintenance cooling state when the beverage dispenser 100 is on and the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144 is above the desired temperature range or near the upper limit of the desired temperature range. For example, the cooling system 110 may be in the maintenance cooling state after being in the maintenance idle state for a period of time during which the beverage ingredient BI was warmed up. When the cooling system 110 is in the maintenance cooling state, the controller 146 may control the respective components of the beverage dispenser 100 such that: (i) the shut off valve 117 is in the closed position; (ii) the valve 138 is in the second position; (iii) the beverage ingredient pump 114 is off;

(iv) the coolant pump 128 is on; and (v) the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 is on. In this manner, when the cooling system 110 is in the maintenance cooling state, the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144 may flow (i.e., recirculate) therein and cool down (i.e., decrease in temperature), and the coolant C in the coolant circuit 132 may flow therein and cool down.

[0036] The cooling system 110 may be in the dispensing state when the beverage dispenser 100 is on and has received an instruction to dispense a beverage that includes the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144. For example, the cooling system 110 may be in the dispensing state after a consumer interacts with the beverage dispenser 100, thereby generating an instruction to dispense a beverage that includes the beverage ingredient BI. When the cooling system 110 is in the dispensing state, the controller 146 may control the respective components of the beverage dispenser 100 such that: (i) the shut off valve 117 is in the open position; (ii) the valve 138 is in the first position; (iii) the beverage ingredient pump 114 is on; (iv) the coolant pump 128 is on; and

(v) the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142 is off. In this manner, when the cooling system 110 is in the dispensing state, the beverage ingredient BI may flow from the beverage ingredient source 104a, through the heat exchanger 126, to the dispensing nozzle 118 (without being recirculated by the beverage ingredient recirculation pump 142) and cool down (i.e., decrease in temperature), and the coolant C in the coolant circuit 132 may flow (i.e., recirculate) therein and cool down.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from one operational state to another operational state based on: (i) commands received by the controller 146, which may be generated by a consumer or other user interacting with the beverage dispenser 100; (ii) temperature signals received by the controller 146 and corresponding to the detected temperature of the beverage ingredient BI downstream of the heat exchanger 126; and/or (iii) pre-programmed operational cycles carried out by the controller 146. Still other bases for transitioning the cooling system 110 from one operational state to another operational state may be used.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the off state to the cool down state when the controller 146 receives an "on command." The on command may be generated, for example, by a user turning on the beverage dispenser 100 or awakening the dispenser 100 from a sleep mode. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the off state to the cool down state based on a preprogrammed operational cycle. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 110 to transition from the off state to the cool down state at a predetermined time of day or after the cooling system 110 has been in the off state for a predetermined amount of time, according to the pre-programmed operational cycle.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the cool down state to the maintenance idle state based on the temperature of the beverage ingredient BI flowing from the heat exchanger 126. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 110 to transition from the cool down state to the maintenance idle state when the controller 146 receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 136 indicating that the temperature of the beverage ingredient BI flowing from the heat exchanger 126 is within the desired temperature range, at a predetermined temperature (within or outside of the desired temperature range), or above a predetermined temperature (within or outside of the desired temperature range). In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the cool down state to the maintenance idle state based on a pre-programmed operational cycle. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 110 to transition from the cool down state to the maintenance idle state after the cooling system 110 has been in the cool down state for a predetermined amount of time, according to the pre-programmed operational cycle.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the maintenance idle state to the maintenance cooling state based on the temperature of the beverage ingredient BI downstream of the heat exchanger 126. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 110 to transition from the maintenance idle state to the maintenance cooling state when the controller 146 receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 136 indicating that the temperature of the beverage ingredient BI downstream of the heat exchanger 126 is below the desired temperature range, at a predetermined temperature (within or outside of the desired temperature range), or below a predetermined temperature (within or outside of the desired temperature range). In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the maintenance idle state to the maintenance cooling state based on a pre-programmed operational cycle. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 110 to transition from the maintenance idle state to the maintenance cooling state after the cooling system 1 10 has been in the maintenance idle state for a predetermined amount of time, according to the pre-programmed operational cycle.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the maintenance cooling state to the maintenance idle state based on the temperature of the beverage ingredient BI flowing from the heat exchanger 126. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 1 10 to transition from the maintenance cooling state to the maintenance idle state when the controller 146 receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 136 indicating that the temperature of the beverage ingredient BI downstream of the heat exchanger 126 is above the desired temperature range, at a predetermined temperature (within or outside of the desired temperature range), or above a predetermined temperature (within or outside of the desired temperature range). In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the maintenance cooling state to the maintenance idle state based on a pre-programmed operational cycle. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 1 10 to transition from the maintenance cooling state to the maintenance idle state after the cooling system 1 10 has been in the maintenance cooling state for a predetermined amount of time, according to the preprogrammed operational cycle.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the maintenance idle state or the maintenance cooling state to the dispensing state when the controller 146 receives a "dispense command." The dispense command may be generated, for example, by a consumer or other user interacting with the beverage dispenser 100 in a manner requesting a beverage that includes the beverage ingredient BI in the beverage ingredient circuit 144. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 1 10 may transition from the dispensing state back to the maintenance idle state or the maintenance cooling state when the controller 146 receives a "stop dispense command." The stop dispense command may be generated, for example, when the consumer or other user discontinues interaction with the beverage dispenser 100. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 110 may transition from the dispensing state back to the maintenance idle state or the maintenance cooling state based on a pre-programmed operational cycle. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 1 10 to transition from the dispensing state back to the maintenance idle state or the maintenance cooling state after the cooling system 110 has been in the dispensing state for a predetermined amount of time, according to the pre-programmed operational cycle. In certain embodiments, the predetermined amount of time may correspond to a predetermined volume of the beverage being dispensed by the beverage dispenser 100.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the cooling system 1 10 may transition from any one of the cool down state, the maintenance idle state, the maintenance cooling state, or the dispensing state to the off state when the controller 146 receives an "off command." The off command may be generated, for example, by a user turning off the beverage dispenser 100 or causing the dispenser 100 to enter a sleep mode. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 1 10 may transition from the maintenance idle state or the maintenance cooling state to the off state based on a pre-programmed operational cycle. For example, the controller 146 may direct the cooling system 1 10 to transition from the maintenance idle state or the maintenance cooling state to the off state at a predetermined time of day, according to the pre-programmed operational cycle.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a beverage dispenser 200 as may be described herein, which may use any number of different beverage ingredients to create and dispense one or more beverages for a consumer. It will be appreciated that the beverage dispenser 200 may include certain components similar to those of the beverage dispenser 100 described above, which components are identified by similar reference numbers. Certain differences between the beverage dispenser 200 and the beverage dispenser 100, including certain components and functionality of the dispenser 200, are described below. In a manner generally similar to the beverage dispenser 100, the beverage dispenser 200 may provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients within the dispenser 200, thereby inhibiting under-cooling and over-cooling of the ingredients.

[0045] As shown, the beverage dispenser 200 may be in fluid communication with one or more beverage ingredient sources 104 each providing a respective beverage ingredient BI to the dispenser 200 for creating one or more beverages therewith. The beverage dispenser 200 and the beverage ingredient sources 104 may collectively form a beverage dispensing system for creating and dispensing one or more beverages for a consumer. [0046] The beverage dispenser 200 may include a cooling system 210 configured for controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients BI within the dispenser 200 prior to creating and dispensing a desired beverage. As shown, the beverage ingredients BI may be delivered from the respective beverage ingredient sources 104 to the cooling system 210 via the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the beverage ingredient sources 104 and the cooling system 210. The cooling system 210 may cool the beverage ingredients BI therein to within the desired temperature range, as described below. As shown, the cooling system 210 may direct one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more flow control modules 116 which, in turn, may direct each of the one or more cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118 via one or more lines or tubes extending between the flow control modules 116 and the dispensing nozzles 118. For example, the cooling system 210 may direct the cooled beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a to the one or more flow control modules 116, as shown. The one or more flow control modules 116 may be configured to regulate the flow rates of the respective cooled beverage ingredients BI. The one or more dispensing nozzles 118 may be configured for mixing respective beverage ingredients BI therein and dispensing a desired beverage for a consumer. The cooling system 210 also may direct one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118, without passing the one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more flow control modules 116. For example, the cooling system 210 may direct the cooled beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118 without passing through the one or more flow control modules 116.

[0047] As shown, the cooling system 210 may include a cooling unit 220, a heat exchanger 224 (which also may be referred to as a "first heat exchanger"), and the heat exchanger 126 (which also may be referred to as a "second heat exchanger"). The cooling unit 220 may be configured to cool one or more cooling fluids CF flowing therethrough and to direct the cooled cooling fluid CF to the heat exchanger 224. In certain embodiments, the cooling unit 220 may be positioned at a location remote from the heat exchanger 224, such as a back room or storage closet. In this manner, cooling unit 220 may be spaced apart from the heat exchanger 224 but in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 224 via one or more lines or tubes extending therebetween. In certain embodiments, the cooling unit 220 may include a refrigeration system for cooling the cooling fluid CF, although other means for cooling the cooling fluid CF may be used. In certain embodiments, the cooling fluid CF may be a beverage ingredient, such as carbonated water. In such embodiments, a portion of the cooling fluid CF may be selectively directed to the dispensing nozzles 118 for creating a beverage, as described below. In other embodiments, the cooling fluid CF may be a coolant, such as a glycerol solution, which is used for cooling other fluids via the heat exchanger 224 and not for creating a beverage.

[0048] The heat exchanger 224 may be configured to allow the one or more cooling fluids CF, one or more of the beverage ingredients BI, and the one or more coolants C to flow therethrough. For example, the cooling fluid CF, the beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b and the one or more coolants C may flow through the heat exchanger 224, as shown. The cooling fluid CF may be delivered to the heat exchanger 224 via one or more cooling fluid pumps 221 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the one or more cooling fluid pumps 221 and the heat exchanger 224. The one or more beverage ingredients BI may be delivered to the heat exchanger 224 via the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 114 and the heat exchanger 224. The one or more coolants C may be delivered to the heat exchanger 224 via the one or more coolant pumps 128 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the one or more coolant pumps 128 and the heat exchanger 224. The heat exchanger 224 may include a number of tubes extending through a body of the heat exchanger 224 or a number of passages defined in the body of the heat exchanger 224. In particular, the heat exchanger 224 may include one or more cooling fluid tubes or passages configured to allow the cooling fluid CF to flow therethrough, one or more beverage ingredient tubes or passages configured to allow the one or more beverage ingredients BI to flow therethrough, and one or more coolant tubes or passages configured to allow the one or more coolants C to flow therethrough. Various configurations of the heat exchanger 224 and the respective tubes or passages thereof may be used.

[0049] As the cooling fluid CF flows through the cooling fluid tubes or passages of the heat exchanger 224, the one or more beverage ingredients BI flow through the beverage ingredient tubes or passages of the heat exchanger 224, and the one or more coolants C flow through the coolant tubes or passages of the heat exchanger 224, heat may be exchanged between the cooling fluid CF, the beverage ingredients BI, and the coolants C. In this manner, the beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b may be cooled within the heat exchanger 224, and the cooled beverage ingredient BI may be directed to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118. Further, the coolant C may be cooled within the heat exchanger 224, and the cooled coolant C may be directed to the heat exchanger 126 for cooling the beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a, as described above.

[0050] In certain embodiments in which the cooling fluid CF is a beverage ingredient, a first portion of the warmed cooling fluid CF flowing from the heat exchanger 224 may be directed to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118 for creating a beverage, and a second portion of the warmed cooling fluid CF flowing from the heat exchanger 224 may be recirculated for further use. In particular, the first portion of the warmed cooling fluid CF may be directed to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118 via one or more lines or tubes extending between the heat exchanger 224 and the dispensing nozzles 118, and the second portion of the warmed cooling fluid CF may be directed to the cooling unit 220 via one or more lines or tubes extending between the heat exchanger 224 and the cooling unit 220. As shown, a shut off valve 225 may be positioned between the heat exchanger 224 and the dispensing nozzles 118 to control the flow of the first portion of the warmed cooling fluid CF therebetween. In other embodiments in which the cooling fluid CF is not a beverage ingredient, the entirety of the warmed cooling fluid CF flowing from the heat exchanger 224 may be recirculated for further use, and the lines or tubes extending between the heat exchanger 224 and the dispensing nozzles 118 may be omitted. The warmed cooling fluid CF may be cooled again, as described above, as the cooling fluid CF flows through the cooling unit 220. As shown, the cooling system 210 may include a cooling fluid circuit 227 which includes the respective portions of the cooling unit 220, the cooling fluid pump 221, the heat exchanger 224, and the lines or tubes through which the cooling fluid CF flows. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 210 may include only a single cooling fluid circuit 227, for example, when only a single cooling fluid CF is used in the cooling system 210. In other embodiments, the cooling system 210 may include a number of separate cooling fluid circuits 227, for example, when a number of different cooling fluids CF are used in the cooling system 210.

[0051] As shown, the heat exchanger 126 may be spaced apart from (i.e., not in direct physical contact with) the heat exchanger 224, such that the temperature of the heat exchanger 224 does not directly affect the temperature of the heat exchanger 126. The heat exchanger 126 may be configured in the manner described above with respect to the beverage dispenser 100. As one or more beverage ingredients BI, such as the beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a, and the one or more coolants C flow through the heat exchanger 126, heat may be exchanged between the beverage ingredients BI and the coolants C. In this manner, the one or more beverage ingredients BI may be cooled from the ambient temperature to within the desired temperature range within the heat exchanger 126, and the warmed coolant C flowing from the heat exchanger 126 may be recirculated for further use. In particular, the warmed coolant C may be directed back to the heat exchanger 224 via the one or more coolant pumps 128 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the heat exchanger 126 and the heat exchanger 224. The warmed coolant C may be cooled again, as described above, as the coolant C flows through the heat exchanger 224.

[0052] As shown, the cooling system 210 may include a coolant circuit 232 which includes the respective portions of the heat exchanger 224, the heat exchanger 126, the coolant pump 128, and the lines or tubes through which the coolant C flows. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 210 may include only a single coolant circuit 232, for example, when only a single coolant C is used in the cooling system 210. In other embodiments, the cooling system 210 may include a number of separate coolant circuits 232, for example, when a number of different coolants C are used in the cooling system 210.

[0053] The cooling system 210 also may include the controller 146 in operable communication with the temperature sensor 136, the valves 117, 138, and the pumps 114, 128, 142 (as indicated by dash-dot lines in FIG. 2) of each beverage ingredient circuit 144. The controller 146 may be operable to receive electronic signals from and to generate and send electronic signals to components of the cooling system 210 to provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients BI therein, in the manner described above with respect to the beverage dispenser 100.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a beverage dispenser 300 as may be described herein, which may use any number of different beverage ingredients to create and dispense one or more beverages for a consumer. It will be appreciated that the beverage dispenser 300 may include certain components similar to those of the beverage dispenser 100 described above, which components are identified by similar reference numbers. Certain differences between the beverage dispenser 300 and the beverage dispenser 100, including certain components and functionality of the dispenser 300, are described below. In a manner generally similar to the beverage dispenser 100, the beverage dispenser 300 may provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients within the dispenser 300, thereby inhibiting under-cooling and over-cooling of the ingredients.

[0055] As shown, the beverage dispenser 300 may be in fluid communication with one or more beverage ingredient sources 104 each providing a respective beverage ingredient BI to the dispenser 300 for creating one or more beverages therewith. The beverage dispenser 300 and the beverage ingredient sources 104 may collectively form a beverage dispensing system for creating and dispensing one or more beverages for a consumer.

[0056] The beverage dispenser 300 may include a cooling system 310 configured for controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients BI within the dispenser 300 prior to creating and dispensing a desired beverage. As shown, the beverage ingredients BI may be delivered from the respective beverage ingredient sources 104 to the cooling system 310 via the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 1 14 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the beverage ingredient sources 104 and the cooling system 310. The cooling system 310 may cool the beverage ingredients BI therein to within the desired temperature range, as described below. As shown, the cooling system 310 may direct one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more flow control modules 116 which, in turn, may direct each of the one or more cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more dispensing nozzles 1 18 via one or more lines or tubes extending between the flow control modules 116 and the dispensing nozzles 1 18. For example, the cooling system 310 may direct the cooled beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a to the one or more flow control modules 116, as shown. The one or more flow control modules 1 16 may be configured to regulate the flow rates of the respective cooled beverage ingredients BI. The one or more dispensing nozzles 118 may be configured for mixing respective beverage ingredients BI therein and dispensing a desired beverage for a consumer. The cooling system 310 also may direct one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more dispensing nozzles 1 18, without passing the one or more of the cooled beverage ingredients BI to the one or more flow control modules 116. For example, the cooling system 310 may direct the cooled beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b to the one or more dispensing nozzles 1 18 without passing through the one or more flow control modules 1 16.

[0057] As shown, the cooling system 310 may include a refrigeration system 320, a heat exchanger 324 (which also may be referred to as a "first heat exchanger"), and the heat exchanger 126 (which also may be referred to as a "second heat exchanger"). The refrigeration system 320 may be configured to cool one or more refrigerants R flowing therethrough and to direct the refrigerant R to the heat exchanger 324. In certain embodiments, the refrigeration system 320 may be positioned within a housing of the beverage dispenser 300 or adjacent thereto. As shown, the refrigeration system 320 may include a compressor 321 , a condenser 323, an expansion valve 325, and a cooling coil 327 connected in series via lines or tubes extending therebetween. The refrigeration system 320 may operate in a conventional manner to cool the cooling coil 327 thereof. As shown, the refrigeration system 320 may be in communication with the heat exchanger 324. In particular, the cooling coil 327 may be in thermal communication with the heat exchanger 324. In certain embodiments, as shown, the cooling coil 327 may be at least partially positioned within the heat exchanger 324. Various types of refrigerants R may be used in the refrigeration system 320.

[0058] The heat exchanger 324 may include a body and a number of tubes or sleeves positioned within the body. In certain embodiments, the body of the heat exchanger 324 may be formed as a tank configured to contain a volume of water W therein. As shown, the cooling coil 327 of the refrigeration system 320 may be positioned within the tank such that the cooling coil 327 is surrounded by the water W. During operation of the refrigeration system 320, an ice bank IB may be formed on the exterior of the cooling coil 327, and the ice bank IB and the cooling coil 327 may cool the water W in the tank. The heat exchanger 324 may be configured to allow the refrigerant R, one or more of the beverage ingredients BI, and the one or more coolants C to flow therethrough. For example, the refrigerant R, the beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b, and the one or more coolants C may flow through the heat exchanger 324, as shown. The one or more beverage ingredients BI may be delivered to the heat exchanger 324 via the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 1 14 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the one or more beverage ingredient pumps 1 14 and the heat exchanger 324. The one or more coolants C may be delivered to the heat exchanger 324 via the one or more coolant pumps 128 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the one or more coolant pumps 128 and the heat exchanger 324. The heat exchanger 324 may include a number of tubes or passages extending through the body of the heat exchanger 324. In particular, the heat exchanger 324 may include one or more beverage ingredient tubes or passages configured to allow the one or more beverage ingredients BI to flow therethrough, and one or more coolant tubes or passages configured to allow the one or more coolants C to flow therethrough. Various configurations of the heat exchanger 324 and the body and respective tubes or passages thereof may be used.

[0059] As the refrigerant R flows through the cooling coil 327 within the heat exchanger 324, the one or more beverage ingredients BI flow through the beverage ingredient tubes or passages of the heat exchanger 324, and the one or more coolants C flow through the coolant tubes or passages of the heat exchanger 324, heat may be exchanged between the refrigerant R, the cooling coil 327, the ice bank IB, the water W, the beverage ingredients BI, and the coolant C. In this manner, the beverage ingredient BI provided by the second beverage ingredient source 104b may be cooled within the heat exchanger 324, and the cooled beverage ingredient BI may be directed to the one or more dispensing nozzles 118. Further, the coolant C may be cooled within the heat exchanger 324, and the cooled coolant C may be directed to the heat exchanger 126 for cooling the beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a, as described above. The warmed refrigerant R flowing from the cooling coil 327 may be recirculated for further use within the refrigeration system 320.

[0060] As shown, the heat exchanger 126 may be spaced apart from (i.e., not in direct physical contact with) the heat exchanger 324, such that the temperature of the heat exchanger 324 does not directly affect the temperature of the heat exchanger 126. The heat exchanger 126 may be configured in the manner described above with respect to the beverage dispenser 100. As one or more beverage ingredients BI, such as the beverage ingredient BI provided by the first beverage ingredient source 104a, and the one or more coolants C flow through the heat exchanger 126, heat may be exchanged between the beverage ingredients BI and the coolant C. In this manner, the one or more beverage ingredients BI may be cooled from the ambient temperature to within the desired temperature range within the heat exchanger 126, and the warmed coolant C flowing from the heat exchanger 126 may be recirculated for further use. In particular, the warmed coolant C may be directed back to the heat exchanger 324 via the one or more coolant pumps 128 and one or more lines or tubes extending between the heat exchanger 126 and the heat exchanger 324. The warmed coolant C may be cooled again, as described above, as the coolant C flows through the heat exchanger 324.

[0061] As shown, the cooling system 310 may include a coolant circuit 332 which includes the respective portions of the heat exchanger 324, the heat exchanger 126, the coolant pump 128, and the lines or tubes through which the coolant C flows. In certain embodiments, the cooling system 310 may include only a single coolant circuit 332, for example, when only a single coolant C is used in the cooling system 310. In other embodiments, the cooling system 310 may include a number of separate coolant circuits 332, for example, when a number of different coolants C are used in the cooling system 310.

[0062] The cooling system 310 also may include the controller 146 in operable communication with the temperature sensor 136, the valves 117, 138, and the pumps 114, 128, 142 (as indicated by dash-dot lines in FIG. 3) of each beverage ingredient circuit 144. The controller 146 may be operable to receive electronic signals from and to generate and send electronic signals to components of the cooling system 310 to provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredients BI therein, in the manner described above with respect to the beverage dispenser 100.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of cooling a beverage ingredient within a cooling system of a beverage dispenser as may be described herein. It will be appreciated that the method 400 may be carried out using any of the beverage dispensers 100, 200, 300 described above. The method 400 may include, at block 402, passing a coolant through a first heat exchanger of the cooling system to cool the coolant. In certain embodiments, the first heat exchanger may be in thermal communication with an ice bin of the cooling system, such that the coolant exchanges heat with ice contained within the ice bin as the coolant flows through the first heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the first heat exchanger may be in thermal communication with a cooling unit of the cooling system, such that the coolant exchanges heat with a cooling fluid circulating through the cooling system as the coolant flows through the first heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the first heat exchanger may be in thermal communication with a refrigeration system of the cooling system, such that the coolant exchanges heat with a refrigerant circulating through the cooling system, via water and an ice bank within the first heat exchanger, as the coolant flows through the first heat exchanger. [0064] At block 404, the method 400 may include passing the cooled coolant through a second heat exchanger of the cooling system. In certain embodiments, the second heat exchanger may be spaced apart from the first heat exchanger, such that the temperature of the first heat exchanger does not directly affect the temperature of the second heat exchanger. The method 400 also may include, at block 406, passing a beverage ingredient through the second heat exchanger to cool the beverage ingredient. At block 408, the method 400 may include selectively operating a coolant pump of the cooling system to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the cooling system may include an electronic controller in operable communication with the coolant pump and operable to control an operating state of the coolant pump. In certain embodiments, the electronic controller may control the operating state of the coolant pump based at least in part on a detected temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger. The temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger may be detected by a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the electronic controller may control the operating state of the coolant pump based on one or more pre-programmed operational cycles carried out by the electronic controller.

[0065] The method 400 also may include, at block 410, selectively directing the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward a dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser or back toward the second heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the cooling system may include a valve positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger and in operable communication with the electronic controller, and the electronic controller may be operable to control a position of the valve to selectively direct the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward the dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser or back toward the second heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the electronic controller may control the position of the valve based at least in part on a detected temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger. The temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger may be detected by a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the electronic controller may control the position of the valve based on one or more pre-programmed operational cycles carried out by the electronic controller. [0066] Further aspects and steps of the method 400 will be appreciated from the description of the beverage dispensers 100, 200, 300 provided above. Moreover, based on the above description, it will be appreciated that certain steps of the method 400 may be performed simultaneously and that certain steps of the method 400 may be performed, initiated, or completed in an order different than that shown in FIG. 4.

[0067] The embodiments described herein thus provide an improved cooling system for a beverage dispenser and an improved method of cooling a beverage ingredient within a cooling system of a beverage dispenser. As described above, the cooling system may include a first heat exchanger configured for cooling a coolant flowing therethrough, a second heat exchanger configured to receive the cooled coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger and to cool the beverage ingredient flowing therethrough, and a coolant pump configured to selectively operate to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The cooling system also may include a valve configured for directing the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the heat exchanger, and a temperature sensor configured for detecting a temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the heat exchanger. The cooling system further may include an electronic controller in communication with the coolant pump, the valve, the temperature sensor, and other components of the cooling system and operable to direct such components to stabilize the temperature of the beverage ingredient. In this manner, the cooling system may provide controlled cooling of the beverage ingredient within the beverage dispenser, thereby inhibiting under-cooling and over-cooling of the beverage ingredient. As a result, the cooling system advantageously may minimize crystallization of crystallizing-prone beverage ingredients within the beverage dispenser, which otherwise may occur in existing cooling systems. Moreover, the cooling system may enable increased ingredient flexibility, allowing the beverage dispenser to use certain beverage ingredients that otherwise may cause crystallization or other problems when the temperature of the ingredient is not adequately controlled.

[0068] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to the preferred embodiments of the present application and the resultant patent. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A cooling system for cooling a beverage ingredient within a beverage dispenser, the cooling system comprising:

a first heat exchanger configured to cool a coolant flowing therethrough;

a second heat exchanger configured to receive the cooled coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger and to cool the beverage ingredient flowing therethrough; and

a coolant pump configured to selectively operate to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

2. The cooling system of claim 1 , wherein the first heat exchanger comprises a body and one or more coolant tubes positioned within the body and configured to allow the coolant to flow therethrough.

3. The cooling system of claim 2, wherein the first heat exchanger is further configured to cool a second beverage ingredient flowing therethrough, and wherein the first heat exchanger further comprises one or more beverage ingredient tubes configured to allow the second beverage ingredient to flow therethrough.

4. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the second heat exchanger comprises one or more coolant tubes configured to allow the cooled coolant to flow therethrough and one or more beverage ingredient tubes configured to allow the beverage ingredient to flow therethrough.

5. The cooling system of claim 1 , further comprising a valve positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger, wherein the valve is configured to selectively direct the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward a dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser or back toward the second heat exchanger.

6. The cooling system of claim 5, wherein the valve is movable between a first position in which the valve directs the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the heat exchanger toward the dispensing nozzle, and a second position in which the valve directs the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the heat exchanger back toward to the second heat exchanger.

7. The cooling system of claim 5, further comprising an electronic controller in operable communication with the valve, wherein the electronic controller is operable to control a position of the valve to selectively direct the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward the dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser or back toward the second heat exchanger.

8. The cooling system of claim 7, further comprising a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger and in operable communication with the electronic controller, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger, and wherein the electronic controller is operable to control the position of the valve based at least in part on the detected temperature.

9. The cooling system of claim 7, wherein the electronic controller is operable to control the position of the valve based on one or more pre-programmed operational cycles.

10. The cooling system of claim 7, wherein the electronic controller is in operable communication with the coolant pump, and wherein the electronic controller is operable to control an operating state of the coolant pump.

11. The cooling system of claim 7, further comprising a beverage ingredient recirculation pump positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger and configured to selectively operate to recirculate the cooled beverage ingredient back to the second heat exchanger, wherein the electronic controller is in operable communication with the beverage ingredient recirculation pump, and wherein the electronic controller is operable to control an operating state of the beverage ingredient recirculation pump.

12. A method of cooling a beverage ingredient within a cooling system of a beverage dispenser, the method comprising:

passing a coolant through a first heat exchanger of the cooling system to cool the coolant;

passing the cooled coolant through a second heat exchanger of the cooling system; passing a beverage ingredient through the second heat exchanger to cool the beverage ingredient;

selectively operating a coolant pump of the cooling system to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising selectively directing, via a valve of the cooling system, the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward a dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser or back toward the second heat exchanger.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

controlling, via an electronic controller, a position of the valve to selectively direct the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward the dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser or back toward the second heat exchanger; and

controlling, via the electronic controller, an operating state of the coolant pump.

15. A beverage dispensing system, comprising:

a beverage ingredient source containing a beverage ingredient therein;

a cooling system comprising:

a first heat exchanger configured to cool a coolant flowing therethrough; a second heat exchanger configured to receive the cooled coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger and to cool the beverage ingredient flowing therethrough; and

a coolant pump configured to selectively operate to circulate the coolant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and

a dispensing nozzle configured to receive the cooled beverage ingredient and to dispense a beverage.

16. The beverage dispensing system of claim 15, wherein the first heat exchanger comprises one or more first coolant tubes configured to allow the coolant to flow therethrough, and wherein the second heat exchanger comprises one or more second coolant tubes configured to allow the cooled coolant to flow therethrough and one or more beverage ingredient tubes configured to allow the beverage ingredient to flow therethrough.

17. The beverage dispensing system of claim 15, wherein the cooling system further comprises a valve positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger, wherein the valve is configured to selectively direct the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward the dispensing nozzle or back toward the second heat exchanger.

18. The beverage dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the cooling system further comprises an electronic controller in operable communication with the valve and the coolant pump, wherein the electronic controller is operable to control a position of the valve to selectively direct the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger toward the dispensing nozzle or back toward the second heat exchanger, and wherein the electronic controller is operable to control an operating state of the coolant pump.

19. The beverage dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the cooling system further comprises a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger and in operable communication with the electronic controller, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the cooled beverage ingredient flowing from the second heat exchanger, and wherein the electronic controller is operable to control the position of the valve based at least in part on the detected temperature.

20. The beverage dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the cooling system further comprises a beverage ingredient recirculation pump positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger and configured to selectively operate to recirculate the cooled beverage ingredient back to the second heat exchanger, wherein the electronic controller is in operable communication with the beverage ingredient recirculation pump, and wherein the electronic controller is operable to control an operating state of the beverage ingredient recirculation pump.