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Method and system for controlling the initiation of a freeze cycle pre-set time in an ice maker

a technology of pre-set time and freeze cycle, which is applied in the direction of ice production, refrigeration machines, lighting and heating apparatus, etc., can solve the problems of significant longer periods of time of the refrigeration system, and achieve the effect of saving energy and producing ice much more efficiently

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-09-18
MANITOWOC FOODSERVICE CO LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure is monitoring the water temperature in a sump and the temperature of refrigerant exiting a condenser. This helps to delay the start time of a freeze cycle until a predetermined water temperature is reached and a freeze cycle time period is reached based on the refrigerant temperature. This results in more efficient ice production and energy savings.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, refrigerant migrates to the colder sections of the refrigeration system during off times. This results in significantly longer periods of time for the refrigeration system to chill the water volume and evaporator to the freezing point during the first freeze cycle following an off cycle when compared to repetitive freeze and harvest cycles.

Method used

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  • Method and system for controlling the initiation of a freeze cycle pre-set time in an ice maker
  • Method and system for controlling the initiation of a freeze cycle pre-set time in an ice maker
  • Method and system for controlling the initiation of a freeze cycle pre-set time in an ice maker

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Embodiment Construction

[0035]The impact of the warm internal components and refrigerant migration following an off cycle is eliminated by starting the freeze cycle period at a 32° F. water condition, which makes the first freeze cycle and all subsequent freeze cycles have essentially the same temperature conditions at the start of the timed freeze period.

[0036]The use of the refrigerant temperature leaving the condenser at the point in time that the water has reached 32° F. means that the effect of the evaporator load has been standardized, and so the condenser leaving temperature is almost entirely due to the ambient temperature for the condenser cooling medium (air or water) and the relative efficiency of the condenser. The evaporator heat removal capacity is strongly correlated to the liquid temperature, since it represents the enthalpy of the refrigerant entering the evaporator, and the time required to freeze a full cube in the evaporator once the water has reached 32° F. is directly related to the e...

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Abstract

A novel control logic for an individual cube spray type ice machine. The duration of the freeze cycle is able to adapt to changes in inlet water temperature, changes in ambient air temperature, and the impact of warm temperatures of internal ice making parts within the ice machine due to off cycle periods. This is accomplished through a combination of starting a freeze time period only after the water temperature for the volume of water circulating over the evaporator has reached approximately 32° F., and a freeze time period value that is a function of the refrigerant temperature leaving the condenser at the time where the water reaches approximately 32° F.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 793,912, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The present disclosure relates to a method and system for controlling a freeze cycle in an ice making machine.[0004]2. Discussion of the Background Art[0005]Inlet water temperature has a significant impact on the time required to freeze a full cube in a spray machine evaporator due to the sensible heat removal required for the entire volume of water and the relatively large volume of water relative to ice produced in each batch for a spray machine.[0006]During extended off cycles, the evaporator, pump, and various components that make up the water circulation system warm up to a much higher temperature than the average during repetitive freeze and harvest cycles. In addition, refrigerant migrates to the colder sections of the refrigeration system during ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F25C1/12
CPCF25C1/12F25C1/045F25B2700/21163F25C2600/02F25C2700/14
Inventor ERBS, DARYLLEI, ZHANG
Owner MANITOWOC FOODSERVICE CO LLC