A control method for multiple water replenishment
By combining water temperature and water replenishment time in the ice maker and optimizing the control of the water inlet valve, the problem of high energy consumption of the ice maker under high and low temperature conditions is solved, and stable ice making and low energy consumption ice making effect are achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI CHUANGLI REFRIGERATION EQUIP
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Improper water replenishment in existing ice makers under high and low temperature conditions leads to increased energy consumption, longer ice-making cycle time, and melting of ice blocks when the inlet water temperature is high in summer, affecting ice-making capacity.
By using both water temperature and water replenishment time to determine the timing and amount of water intake during the ice-making process, the opening and closing of the water inlet valve is controlled to ensure the rationality of water intake timing and amount. A liquid level sensor with temperature detection is connected to the ice maker control unit to achieve effective water storage and replenishment control.
It stabilizes ice-making performance, reduces equipment energy consumption, keeps the refrigeration system operating at its best, and minimizes the impact of changes in ambient temperature.
Smart Images
Figure CN116839271B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method for controlling multiple water replenishments, belonging to the field of ice-making technology. Background Technology
[0002] Ice making refers to the process of converting water into ice through a series of processes and technologies, typically used to create products for cooling and preservation purposes. The ice-making industry encompasses many aspects, ranging from household use to commercial and industrial applications. Commercial ice makers are high-volume ice-making equipment specifically designed and manufactured for commercial venues, producing large quantities of ice to meet the needs of restaurants, bars, hotels, coffee shops, and other commercial establishments. These machines are generally larger, more durable, and offer higher production efficiency and cooling performance than household ice makers.
[0003] Due to size limitations, the water storage device of an ice maker needs to meet the requirements of a single ice-making cycle, thus requiring multiple water replenishments during the cycle. Currently, two common water replenishment methods exist: 1. Replenishing water at fixed intervals using an electromagnetic water valve; 2. Continuous water replenishment using a mechanical float. Both methods require the refrigeration system to additionally cool the excess water in the storage device, consuming extra energy. Furthermore, they cannot guarantee optimal system operation under high / low temperature conditions, thus reducing the ice maker's ice-making capacity. Additionally, summer is the peak season for ice demand. Because the inlet water temperature is high, the water added during replenishment rapidly raises the water temperature in the storage device. Excessively high water temperatures can even melt ice already frozen on the evaporator. Therefore, improper timing and amount of water replenishment can lengthen the ice-making cycle, reduce the equipment's ice-making capacity, and increase energy consumption. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control method for multiple water replenishment, which determines whether water needs to be replenished by water temperature and water inlet valve replenishment time, ensuring that the timing and amount of water inlet are appropriate, and effectively reducing the energy consumption of the equipment.
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is achieved by the following technical solution: A method for controlling multiple water replenishments includes: During the ice-making process, determine whether the water temperature in the ice maker's water storage device is greater than t0; If the water temperature is less than or equal to t0, the inlet valve will open and water will be added to the water storage device. If the water temperature is greater than t0, the water temperature in the water storage device is continuously monitored until the water temperature meets the condition of being less than or equal to t0. If the water temperature is greater than t1, check if the water replenishment timer value is greater than T1. If the water replenishment timer value is less than or equal to T1, the water inlet valve will continue to be open, and water will continue to be replenished into the water storage device. If the water replenishment timer value is greater than T1, the water inlet valve will be closed and water replenishment will stop. If the water temperature is less than or equal to t1 and greater than t0, determine whether the value of the water replenishment timer is greater than T2; If the water replenishment timer value is less than or equal to T2, continue to check if the water temperature is less than or equal to t1 and greater than t0; If the water replenishment timer value is greater than T2, the water inlet valve will be closed, water replenishment will stop, and the water replenishment count will be incremented by 1. If the current cumulative number of water replenishments is less than or equal to the preset number N, continue to determine whether the water temperature of the water storage device is greater than t0; If the current cumulative number of water replenishments exceeds the preset number N, the water replenishment process judgment logic ends; Where t1 is greater than t0, T2 is greater than T1, t0 and t1 represent the water temperature in the water storage device, and T1 and T2 represent the time during the water replenishment process; When the preset number of water replenishments is reached, the logic exits the water replenishment process. Finally, the liquid level is determined by a temperature sensor with liquid level detection. When the liquid level reaches the low level of the water storage device, the product's ice-making cycle ends.
[0006] This method employs a dual judgment approach, considering both water temperature and water replenishment time, to achieve effective water storage and replenishment control, thereby achieving a stable ice-making effect. It ensures that the timing and amount of water intake do not lengthen the ice-making cycle, effectively reducing the energy consumption of the equipment.
[0007] Preferably, the water storage device is equipped with a liquid level sensor with temperature detection, which is electrically connected to the control unit of the ice maker to detect the water temperature in the water storage device.
[0008] This water storage device uses a liquid level sensor with temperature detection to collect the water temperature in the storage device and send the water temperature information to the control unit of the ice maker to achieve the purpose of water temperature detection.
[0009] Preferably, the ice maker includes a refrigeration circuit, a water supply pipeline, and an ice-making circulating water pipeline; The refrigeration circuit includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a throttling device connected in sequence by pipes, forming a loop; The water supply pipeline includes an inlet valve, a water storage device connected to the inlet valve pipeline, a water pump installed in the water storage device, and the water pump connected to the evaporator. The ice-making circulating water pipeline is the pipeline connecting the evaporator and the water pump.
[0010] The refrigeration circuit absorbs heat to achieve the effect of cooling water and ultimately making ice. The water supply pipeline provides water for the entire ice-making process. The main purpose of connecting the evaporator and the water pump in the ice-making circulating water pipeline is to achieve heat exchange and energy transfer during the refrigeration cycle.
[0011] Preferably, t0 is 0 to 2°C, t1 = t0 + k, k is the coefficient of performance (COP), T1 is less than or equal to 5s, and T2 is greater than 5s and less than or equal to 30s.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) By using the present invention, water temperature and water inlet valve replenishment time are used to determine whether water needs to be replenished, ensuring that the timing and amount of water inlet are appropriate, and effectively reducing the energy consumption of the equipment.
[0013] (2) Through this invention, the water replenishment process of ice making and the temperature of ice making water during other time periods can be controlled within the range of 1°C, so that the refrigeration system can always operate in the best condition.
[0014] (3) Through this invention, the impact of changes in working conditions can be minimized, and the environment is no longer affected by changes in ambient temperature in summer and winter.
[0015] (4) Through this invention, the water inlet pressure can be determined, and the operating status of the product can be predicted and adjusted to a certain extent. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is the water replenishment control logic diagram of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connections of the ice maker of the present invention.
[0018] In the diagram: WV is the inlet valve. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To facilitate a clear understanding of the technical means, creative features, objectives, and effects of this invention, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.
[0020] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0022] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning. Example
[0023] In existing technologies, due to product size limitations, the water storage device of ice makers needs to meet the requirements of a single ice-making cycle, thus requiring multiple water replenishments during the ice-making cycle. Currently, two common water replenishment methods on the market are: 1. Replenishing water at fixed time intervals using an electromagnetic water valve; 2. Continuous water replenishment using a mechanical float. Both methods require the refrigeration system to additionally cool the excess water in the storage device, consuming extra energy. Furthermore, they cannot guarantee optimal system operation under high / low temperature conditions, thus reducing the ice-making capacity of the ice maker. In addition, summer is the peak season for ice demand. Because the inlet water temperature is high, the water added during replenishment rapidly raises the water temperature in the storage device. Excessively high water temperatures can even melt ice already frozen on the evaporator. Therefore, improper water replenishment timing and volume can lengthen the ice-making cycle, reduce the equipment's ice-making capacity, and increase energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the water replenishment method to address the technical problem of improper water replenishment timing and volume leading to longer ice-making cycles, reduced ice-making capacity, and increased energy consumption. Therefore, the following design scheme is proposed: like Figure 1As shown, the multiple water replenishment control logic of the ice maker is as follows: During the ice-making process, i.e., within the ice-making cycle, the water temperature in the water storage device (in this embodiment, the water storage device is a water tank) of the ice maker is first detected using a liquid level sensor with temperature detection to see if it is greater than t0, where t0 is 0-2℃. As the optimal solution, t0 can be 1.5℃ in this embodiment. If the water temperature is less than or equal to t0, the water inlet valve WV is opened, and water is replenished into the water storage device. If the water temperature is greater than t1, it is determined whether the value of the water replenishment timer is greater than T1 (where t1 = t0 + k, k is the refrigeration coefficient, T1 is less than or equal to 5s, T2 is greater than 5s and less than or equal to 5s). (Equal to 30s): If the water replenishment timer value is less than or equal to T1, the inlet valve remains open, and water continues to be replenished into the storage device; if the water replenishment timer value is greater than T1, the inlet valve closes, and water replenishment stops; if the water temperature is less than or equal to t1 and greater than t0, it is determined whether the water replenishment timer value is greater than T2; if the water replenishment timer value is less than or equal to T2, it is further determined whether the water temperature is less than or equal to t1 and greater than t0; if the water replenishment timer value is greater than T2, the inlet valve closes, and water replenishment stops; where t1 is greater than t0, T2 is greater than T1, t0 and t1 represent water temperature, and T1 and T2 represent time. Figure 1 The shortest water replenishment timer and the longest water replenishment timer mentioned in this invention both refer to the water replenishment timer in this invention.
[0024] Specifically, when the water temperature is less than t0, water replenishment to the water circuit begins; otherwise, it is necessary to wait for the water temperature to drop to t0 before replenishing the water circuit. After the inlet valve WV is opened, the water temperature in the water storage device will rise to a certain extent. When the water temperature reaches the threshold t1, it is compared with the water replenishment timer during the water replenishment process. After ruling out system malfunctions, WV executes the OFF action. When the water temperature does not reach the threshold t1, the logic will instruct to continue water replenishment. At the same time, it will be compared with the water replenishment timer for the longest time during the water replenishment process. At this time, the worst situation will be encountered, where the water temperature rise in the water storage device is limited and cannot reach the threshold t1. The water replenishment timer logic is executed, forcing WV to execute OFF and jumping to the next water replenishment cycle.
[0025] When the preset number of water replenishments is reached, the logic exits the water replenishment process. Finally, the liquid level is determined by a temperature sensor with liquid level detection. When the liquid level reaches the low level of the water storage device, the product's ice-making cycle ends.
[0026] In this embodiment, the coefficient of performance (COP) k can vary depending on the type of equipment and the application. For commercial refrigeration equipment, the COP can reach 3 to 6 or higher; these devices typically have higher efficiency and cooling capacity.
[0027] Among them, reference Figure 2The water storage device is equipped with a liquid level sensor with temperature detection, which is electrically connected to the control unit of the ice maker to detect the water temperature inside the storage device. This water storage device uses a liquid level sensor with temperature detection to collect the water temperature data and sends the information to the control unit of the ice maker, thus achieving the purpose of water temperature detection.
[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the ice maker includes a refrigeration circuit, a water supply pipeline, and an ice-making circulating water pipeline. The refrigeration circuit includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a throttling device connected in sequence by pipelines, forming a loop. The water supply pipeline includes an inlet valve and a water storage device connected to the inlet valve pipeline. A water pump is installed in the water storage device, and the water pump is connected to the evaporator. The ice-making circulating water pipeline is a pipeline connecting the evaporator and the water pump.
[0029] The refrigeration circuit absorbs heat to cool the water, ultimately achieving ice making. The water supply line provides the water source for the entire ice-making process. The main purpose of connecting the evaporator and water pump in the ice-making circulating water line is to facilitate heat exchange and energy transfer during the refrigeration cycle. Specifically, the evaporator in the ice-making cycle is one of the key components in ice production. Inside the evaporator, the refrigerant (such as ammonia, Freon, carbon dioxide, etc.) changes from a liquid to a gaseous state, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment to complete this phase change process. This is why it feels cold around the evaporator. The line connecting the evaporator and water pump allows the refrigerant to pass through the evaporator, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and lowering the internal temperature of the evaporator, thereby cooling the air or liquid inside the refrigerator or ice-making equipment. The water pump in the ice-making circulating water line is responsible for drawing the refrigerant from the evaporator and compressing it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous state. This high-pressure gas can release more heat. At this point, the refrigerant needs to pass through the condenser to cool down, transferring the released heat to the external environment. By connecting the evaporator and the water pump through piping, the refrigerant can circulate from the evaporator to the water pump and then to the condenser, thereby achieving energy transfer and heat exchange. Thus, the piping connecting the evaporator and the water pump plays a crucial role in the ice-making cycle, absorbing heat from the refrigeration area into the refrigerant and then releasing it to the external environment through circulation, thereby achieving the refrigeration process. This process lowers the temperature within the refrigeration area, ultimately achieving the goal of ice making or refrigeration.
[0030] When the ice-making cycle begins, the water pump starts, and the liquid level in the storage device drops to a certain position. At this time, the liquid level sensor with temperature detection begins to detect the temperature of the ice-making water. When the water temperature in the storage device drops to t0, the inlet valve opens to start replenishing the storage device. The action time of the inlet valve is determined by the preset time T1, T2 and water temperature t1. Similarly, in the subsequent water replenishment process, it is determined by the opening time of the inlet valve T2 and the water temperature t2. The number of water replenishments is set according to the specific water volume required by the product. Figure 1 This is a typical system schematic diagram of an ice maker. Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit and the water in the water circuit at the evaporator, ultimately forming the desired ice. The key to this invention lies in controlling the water replenishment process in the water circuit, optimizing its match with the refrigeration system. This allows for effective operation under both high and low inlet water pressures and high and low ambient temperatures. Typical low inlet water pressure ranges from 0.5 to 0.7 bar (7.25 to 10.15 psi); typical high inlet water pressure ranges from 3.5 to 7.0 bar (50.76 to 101.53 psi). Typical high ambient temperatures range from 32 to 43 degrees Celsius (89.6 to 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and above, depending on the ice maker's design and the performance of the cooling system; typical low ambient temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) and below, also depending on the ice maker's design and the cooling system's capacity.
[0031] In this embodiment, the range of water replenishment times is set to 0 to 5 times, and the actual number of water replenishment times is determined based on the product's capabilities and the actual application scenario.
[0032] This method employs a triple judgment approach, considering water temperature, water replenishment time, and the number of water replenishments, to achieve effective water storage and replenishment control, thereby achieving a stable ice-making effect. It ensures that the timing and amount of water intake do not lengthen the ice-making cycle, effectively reducing the energy consumption of the equipment.
[0033] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A method for controlling multiple water replenishments, characterized in that, include: S1: Determine whether the water temperature in the ice maker's water storage device is greater than t0 during the ice-making process; If the water temperature is less than or equal to t0, the inlet valve opens and water is added to the storage device, and S2 is executed; if the water temperature is greater than t0, the water temperature in the storage device is continuously monitored and the device waits for the water temperature to meet the condition of being less than or equal to t0. S2: If the water temperature is greater than t1, then execute S3; if the water temperature is less than or equal to t1 and greater than t0, then execute S4. S3: Determine if the water replenishment timer value is greater than T1; if the water replenishment timer value is less than or equal to T1, the inlet valve continues to open, and water continues to be replenished into the water storage device, and S2 is executed; if the water replenishment timer value is greater than T1, the inlet valve closes, water replenishment stops, and S5 is executed. S4: Determine if the water replenishment timer value is greater than T2; if the water replenishment timer value is less than or equal to T2, then execute S2; if the water replenishment timer value is greater than T2, close the water inlet valve, stop water replenishment, increment the water replenishment count by 1, and execute S5. S5: If the current cumulative number of water replenishments is less than or equal to the preset number N, execute S1; if the current cumulative number of water replenishments is greater than the preset number N, the water replenishment process judgment logic ends. Where t1 is greater than t0, T2 is greater than T1, t0 and t1 represent the water temperature in the water storage device, and T1 and T2 represent the time during the water replenishment process; After the water replenishment process is completed, the temperature sensor with liquid level detection determines the liquid level. When the liquid level reaches the low level of the water storage device, the product's ice-making cycle ends.
2. The method for controlling multiple water replenishments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage device is equipped with a liquid level sensor with temperature detection, which is electrically connected to the control unit of the ice maker to detect the water temperature in the water storage device.
3. The method for controlling multiple water replenishments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a refrigeration circuit, a water supply pipeline, and an ice-making circulating water pipeline; The refrigeration circuit includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a throttling device connected in sequence by pipes, forming a loop; The water supply pipeline includes an inlet valve, a water storage device connected to the inlet valve pipeline, a water pump installed in the water storage device, and the water pump connected to the evaporator. The ice-making circulating water pipeline is the pipeline connecting the evaporator and the water pump.
4. The method for controlling multiple water replenishments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The t0 is 0 to 2℃, the t1 is t0 + k, the k is the coefficient of performance (COP), the T1 is less than or equal to 5s, and the T2 is greater than 5s and less than or equal to 30s.