Defrost refrigeration system

Abstract

A defrost refrigeration system of the type having a main refrigeration circuit comprising a first line extending from the compression stage to the evaporator stage and adapted to receive a portion of refrigerant in a high-pressure gas state. A valve system stops a flow of the refrigerant in a low-pressure liquid state to an evaporator of the evaporator stage and for conveying a flow of the refrigerant in the high-pressure gas state from the first line to release heat to defrost the at least one evaporator. A second line conveys the refrigerant having released heat directly to the condensing stage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention generally relates to refrigeration systems and, more particularly, to a refrigeration system having a defrost cycle in parallel to the refrigeration cycle, with refrigerant of the refrigeration system being circulated in the evaporators to perform the defrost cycle. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Energy costs are an increasing concern for industries operating refrigeration systems, such as the food retailing industry. Due to the increasing costs of energy, refrigeration systems are evolving to provide refrigeration system solutions that optimize the use of energy. [0003] Defrost cycles are common place in refrigeration systems, and are used to remove frost build-ups on evaporators. Frost build-ups typically result from the relatively high humidity content of the air to which the evaporators are exposed. [0004] One type of defrost cycle consists in circulating hot refrigerant in the evaporators, such that the hot refrigerant releases heat to the fr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is a further feature of the present invention t

Problems solved by technology

Energy costs are an increasing concern for industries operating refrigeration systems, such as the food retailing industry.

Frost build-ups typically result from the relatively high humidity content of the air to which the evaporators are exposed.

The overall installation costs of the defrost loops (e.g., piping, valves, controls) are being compared to the energy consumption of operating such defrost loops.

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