Co2 refrigeration system for ice-playing surfaces

Abstract

A CO2 refrigeration system comprises a condensation reservoir. CO2 refrigerant is accumulated in the reservoir. The CO2 refrigerant circulates between supracompression and evaporation loops. The supracompression loop comprises a compression stage for compression CO2 refrigerant to a supracompression state, a cooling stage in which CO2 refrigerant releases heat, and a pressure-regulating unit in a line extending from the cooling stage to the condensation reservoir. The pressure-regulating unit maintains a pressure differential between the cooling stage and the condensation reservoir. The evaporation loop comprises an evaporation stage in which CO2 refrigerant from the condensation reservoir absorbs heat in a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected to an ice-playing surface refrigeration circuit. A second refrigerant cycles in the ice-playing surface refrigeration circuit. The CO2 refrigerant absorbs heat from the second refrigerant in the heat exchanger. A CO2 condensation exchanger is also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No. 61 / 387,087, filed on Sep. 28, 2010, and No. 61 / 415,982, filed on Nov. 22, 2010. The present application claims priority on Canadian Patent Application No. 2,724,255, filed on Dec. 17, 2010, now Canadian Patent No. 2,724,255, issued on Sep. 13, 2011, all of the above incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE APPLICATION[0002]The present application relates to refrigeration systems used in industrial refrigeration applications, such as rinks, curling centers and arenas, to refrigerate an ice-skating or ice-playing surface, and more particularly to such refrigeration systems using CO2 refrigerant.BACKGROUND OF THE ART[0003]With the growing concern for global warming, the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as refrigerant has been identified as having a negative impact on the environment. These chemicals have non-neg...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present patent is about a CO2 refrigeration system for ice surfaces. The system includes a CO2 condensation reservoir, a supracompression loop, an evaporation loop, and a pressure-regulating unit. The system also includes a geothermal well loop for heat exchange between the CO2 refrigerant and another refrigerant. The technical effects of the system include improved efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and reduced environmental impact. The system can be used for ice-playing surfaces and other applications where refrigeration is needed."

Problems solved by technology

Although ammonia and hydrocarbons have negligible ozone-depletion potential and global-warming potential as does CO2, these refrigerants are highly flammable and therefore represent a risk to local safety.

However, these refrigeration circuits often use refrigerants that are harmful to the environment.

Images