A multi-frequency ultrasonic wave assisted freezing and deicing ice rink system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ice rink refrigeration, and provides an ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic wave assisted freezing and deicing, which comprises an ultrasonic wave generator, an ultrasonic wave transducer array, an ice layer, an ultrasonic wave conduction layer, a sensor assembly, a concrete layer and a cooling pipe; the concrete layer, the ultrasonic wave conduction layer and the ice layer are sequentially arranged from bottom to top; the cooling pipe is embedded in the concrete layer; the upper end surface of the concrete layer is embedded with the ultrasonic wave transducer array; the upper end surface of the ultrasonic wave conduction layer is embedded with the sensor assembly; and the ultrasonic wave generator is connected with the ultrasonic wave transducer array. Through frequency-power dynamic regulation and control and transducer array optimization, the problems of low freezing efficiency and high deicing energy consumption of a traditional ice rink are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of ice rink refrigeration technology, specifically relating to an ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, multi-purpose stadiums have become the mainstream trend in the construction and renovation of sports venues. However, there are fewer than 10 multi-purpose stadiums in China that can be converted from ice rinks to basketball courts, and there are still many problems in converting multi-purpose stadiums into ice rinks. Multi-functional stadiums (such as those that can be converted from ice rinks to basketball courts) place higher demands on ice-making speed and energy consumption. Traditional ice-making methods mainly rely on compression refrigeration technology, which not only consumes a lot of electricity, but also requires a lot of time to convert between ice rinks and basketball courts, affecting the efficiency of venue use.

[0003] Traditional ice rinks rely on low-temperature compression refrigeration to maintain the ice surface, which has the following problems: 1. Low freezing efficiency: high supercooling requirements (usually below -10℃), slow ice crystal growth, and long time to form a uniform ice layer (3-4 hours / 3cm); 2. High de-icing energy consumption: mechanical scraping can easily damage the ice surface, chemical de-icing pollutes the environment, and hot air de-icing energy consumption reaches 200kW·h / time; 3. Difficult ice surface conversion: converting an ice rink to a sports field (such as a basketball court) requires melting ice and repaving, which takes more than 8 hours.

[0004] Due to its unique mechanical, cavitation, and thermal effects, ultrasonic technology can significantly improve ice-making and de-icing efficiency. Combining ultrasonic technology with ice rinks can effectively solve the problems of traditional ice rinks. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing. Through dynamic frequency-power regulation, transducer array optimization, and intelligent thermal management, it aims to solve the problems of low freezing efficiency and high de-icing energy consumption in traditional ice rinks.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing, comprising: an ultrasonic generator, an ultrasonic transducer array, an ice layer, an ultrasonic transmission layer, a sensor assembly, a concrete layer, and a cooling pipe; the concrete layer, the ultrasonic transmission layer, and the ice layer are arranged sequentially from bottom to top; the cooling pipe is embedded in the concrete layer; the ultrasonic transducer array is embedded in the upper surface of the concrete layer; the sensor assembly is embedded in the upper surface of the ultrasonic transmission layer; the ultrasonic generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer array.

[0007] Furthermore, the upper surface of the concrete layer is arrayed with multiple cavities; the ultrasonic transducer array includes multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array, with each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers embedded in one of the multiple cavities.

[0008] Furthermore, the sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor film; the pressure sensor film is laid on the upper surface of the ultrasonic wave conducting layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the sensor assembly includes a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is embedded in the upper surface of the ultrasonic wave conduction layer.

[0010] Furthermore, there are multiple temperature sensors, and multiple temperature sensor arrays are arranged.

[0011] Furthermore, the ice rink system also includes an ice thickness radar and an ice rink top support; the ice rink top support is disposed above the ice layer, and the ice thickness radar is disposed on the ice rink top support.

[0012] Furthermore, an infrared thermal imager is also installed on the support structure at the top of the ice rink.

[0013] Furthermore, the ice rink system also includes a refrigeration system, which is connected to the cooling pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, there are multiple ultrasonic generators, with one ultrasonic generator connected to each row or column of the ultrasonic transducer array.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper surface of the ultrasonic wave transmission layer is laser-etched with microgrooves.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The ultrasonic transducer adopts an array structure, ensuring uniform ultrasonic coverage of over 90% of the ice surface. The ultrasonic transducer array is modularly controlled, with each row of transducers connected to a single ultrasonic generator, avoiding complex wiring and high power consumption. The same transducer array supports switching between freezing and de-icing functions, with 100% hardware reuse. Low frequency (20-50kHz) is used to assist freezing and promote ice crystal nucleation; high frequency (50kHz-500kHz) is used to assist de-icing. The cavitation effect of the 20-50kHz low frequency reduces the bubble elimination rate in water to 95%, increases the number of ice crystal nucleation points by 5 times, thins the solid-liquid boundary layer, and shortens the formation time of a 3cm ice layer from the traditional 3-4 hours to less than 1.8 hours. High-frequency ultrasonic waves excite ice layer resonance, significantly reducing adhesion. After pre-cracking the ice layer, the energy consumption for mechanical de-icing is only 40% of that of traditional hot air de-icing. Multi-sensor fusion monitors ice layer stress changes in real time, and dynamic frequency adjustment avoids damage from ultrasonic thermal effects. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing ice rink system of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged structural diagram;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a partial three-dimensional exploded view of the ice rink system of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic-assisted freezing process of the ice rink system of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic-assisted de-icing process of the ice rink system of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1-Ultrasonic generator; 2-Ultrasonic transducer array; 3-Ice layer; 4-Ultrasonic transmission layer; 5-Temperature sensor; 6-Pressure sensor film; 7-Ultrasonic transducer; 8-Cavity; 9-Concrete layer; 10-Cooling pipe; 11-Ice layer thickness radar; 12-Infrared thermal imager. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] like Figures 1-3 The multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing ice rink system shown includes: an ultrasonic generator 1, a dual-frequency ultrasonic transducer array 2 (also called ultrasonic transducer array 2), an ice layer 3, an ultrasonic transmission layer 4, a temperature sensor 5, a pressure sensor membrane 6, an ultrasonic transducer 7, a cavity 8, a concrete layer 9, a cooling pipe 10, an ice layer thickness radar 11, and an infrared thermal imager 12.

[0025] Concrete layer 9: A cooling pipe 10 is embedded in the concrete layer 9, and a 40% mass concentration ethylene glycol aqueous solution flows through the cooling pipe 10 as a coolant. A dual-frequency ultrasonic transducer array 2 is embedded on the upper surface of the concrete layer 9. Multiple ultrasonic transducers 7 in the ultrasonic transducer array 2 are distributed in a grid pattern (spaced 25cm×25cm apart). The resonant frequency of a single ultrasonic transducer 7 is 20kHz-500kHz, and the power is adjustable.

[0026] Ultrasonic wave conduction layer 4: Covering the surface of concrete layer 9, it is made of high thermal conductivity and high acoustic conductivity materials (such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, or carbon fiber composite material), with a thickness of 5-10 mm. The upper surface has laser-etched microgrooves to improve the uniformity of sound waves and enhance the adhesion of the ice layer. Temperature sensor 5 is embedded in the upper surface of ultrasonic wave conduction layer 4 (1m×1m grid spacing) to monitor the temperature of the bottom surface of the ice layer in real time (accuracy ±0.1℃); pressure sensor film 6 is laid on the upper surface of ultrasonic wave conduction layer 4 to sense the adhesion force between ice layer 3 and ultrasonic wave conduction layer 4 (range 0-5MPa).

[0027] Ice layer 3: 3-5cm thick, in direct contact with ultrasonic wave transmission layer 4.

[0028] The ice thickness radar 11 is installed on the support at the top of the ice rink and emits 77 GHz millimeter waves to measure the thickness of the ice layer 3 non-contactly (resolution 0.1 mm).

[0029] Ultrasound is a sound wave with a frequency ranging from 20 kHz to 10¹⁴ Hz. It can propagate in various media, including gases, liquids, and solids. Ultrasound exhibits mechanical, cavitation, and thermal effects, and can play an auxiliary role in freezing and de-icing processes. The cavitation effect occurs when ultrasound is in a negative pressure phase, creating cavities or voids in the liquid. Dissolved air bubbles in the original liquid enter these cavities and enlarge. When the ultrasound changes to a positive pressure phase, the cavities rupture, releasing energy.

[0030] The mechanism of ultrasonic-enhanced water freezing: (1) Ultrasonic vibration thins the solid-liquid boundary layer and increases the mass transfer coefficient; (2) Cavitation effect generates local high pressure, which causes violent disturbance in the liquid micro-region and reduces the interface energy; (3) The rupture of cavitation bubbles will break the initial ice crystal nuclei, among which the larger broken ice crystal nuclei will become new nucleation points, thus increasing the number of nucleation points.

[0031] Ultrasonic de-icing principle: (1) The Lamb wave and SH wave excited by ultrasound in the solid medium will generate tangential and normal stress at the ice-substrate interface, destroy the adhesion of the ice layer and produce a peeling effect; (2) The mechanical vibration of ultrasound can cause the vibration of particles, and by adjusting the frequency, the ice layer will resonate and amplify the mechanical stress; (3) The thermal effect of ultrasound can cause the stress and strain stored in the ice crystal to be released instantaneously, triggering the propagation of microcracks.

[0032] The ice rink system in this embodiment has the following effects:

[0033] 1. The ultrasonic transducer 7 is embedded in the design and is waterproof and low temperature resistant. It is cast into a single piece with the concrete layer 9 through epoxy resin, which can avoid mechanical vibration loss.

[0034] 2. The ultrasonic transducers 7 are arranged in a grid pattern, which can ensure that the ultrasonic waves uniformly cover more than 90% of the ice surface;

[0035] 3. The ultrasonic transducer array 2 is modularly controlled, with each row of ultrasonic transducers 7 forming a group connected to an ultrasonic generator 1, avoiding complex wiring and high power consumption.

[0036] 4. Dual-frequency collaborative control mode: The same ultrasonic transducer array 2 supports switching between freezing and de-icing functions with 100% hardware reuse rate. Low frequency (20-50kHz) is used to assist freezing and promote ice crystal nucleation; high frequency (50kHz-500kHz) is used to assist de-icing.

[0037] 5. Ultrasonic wave conduction layer 4: The acoustic impedance of the material is matched with that of ice and concrete to reduce ultrasonic wave reflection loss;

[0038] 6. Temperature sensor 5, in conjunction with ice layer thickness radar 11, monitors ice layer temperature, thickness, and stress data in real time to construct an ice layer growth model. Based on the predicted ice crystal growth rate, the ultrasonic frequency (40kHz-200kHz) and power (0.5-1.5W / cm²) are dynamically adjusted. 2 ).

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic-assisted freezing process of the ice rink system is as follows:

[0040] 1. The system performs a self-test, calibrates all sensors, starts the cooling system, and cools the concrete layer 9;

[0041] 2. Spray deionized water (total thickness 30mm) onto the surface of the ultrasonic wave conduction layer 4 three times, with a 2-minute interval between each spray, to ensure that the water layer covers the surface of the ultrasonic wave conduction layer 4.

[0042] 3. Start the ultrasonic generator 1 to convert the 50Hz residential electricity into a high-frequency AC signal that matches the frequency of the transducer, thereby driving the ultrasonic transducer 7 to work.

[0043] 4. Activate ultrasonic transducer array 2 and adjust the resonant frequency to 40kHz to remove air bubbles in the water layer using the cavitation effect and reduce the subcooling.

[0044] 5. Monitor the ice layer temperature and phase change progress in real time. When the ice thickness radar 11 detects that 50% of the water has completed the phase change, immediately shut down the ultrasonic transducer array 2 to prevent the ultrasonic thermal effect from causing the formed ice crystals to melt.

[0045] 6. Activate the secondary spray to add a 5-10mm thin water layer, which will then freeze naturally through the refrigeration system;

[0046] 7. Once freezing is complete, a transparent ice layer with a total thickness of 35-40mm will be formed.

[0047] like Figure 5As shown, the ultrasonic-assisted de-icing process of the ice rink system is as follows:

[0048] 1. Turn off the cooling system;

[0049] 2. Activate the ultrasonic transducer array 2 and adjust the resonant frequency to 110kHz, so that the ultrasonic waves generate tensile and shear stress inside the ice layer, causing micron-level cracks to form at the ice-conducting layer interface.

[0050] 3. When the temperature sensor 5 detects a significant increase in the ice layer temperature, and the pressure sensor membrane 6 detects a substantial decrease in the adhesion force between the ice layer 3 and the ultrasonic transmission layer 4, it indicates that the bottom of the ice layer is beginning to loosen.

[0051] 4. Readjust the resonant frequency to enhance the mechanical vibration of the ultrasonic transducer array 2, ideally to resonate with the ice layer and disrupt the internal mechanical structure of the ice layer;

[0052] 5. The ice layer is monitored in real time by infrared thermal imager 12. When the crack is large, the ultrasonic transducer array 2 can be turned off.

[0053] 6. Staff and ice-breaking machines entered the venue to break the pre-cracked ice layer into ice blocks and remove them from the venue;

[0054] 7. Spray with warm water at 30-40℃ to rinse away any remaining ice residue;

[0055] 8. Activate ultrasonic transducer array 2, adjust the resonant frequency to 28kHz, and use ultrasonic cavitation for further cleaning. Drain the warm water after cleaning.

[0056] 9. Lay wooden flooring to complete the conversion from ice rink to basketball court.

[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are within its protection scope. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within its protection scope.

Claims

1. An ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing, characterized in that, include: The system comprises an ultrasonic generator, an ultrasonic transducer array, an ice layer, an ultrasonic conductive layer, a sensor assembly, a concrete layer, and a cooling pipe; the concrete layer, the ultrasonic conductive layer, and the ice layer are arranged sequentially from bottom to top; the cooling pipe is embedded in the concrete layer; the ultrasonic transducer array is embedded in the upper surface of the concrete layer; the sensor assembly is embedded in the upper surface of the ultrasonic conductive layer; and the ultrasonic generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer array.

2. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the concrete layer is provided with multiple cavities; the ultrasonic transducer array includes multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array, and the multiple ultrasonic transducers are embedded in the multiple cavities one by one.

3. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor film; the pressure sensor film is laid on the upper surface of the ultrasonic wave transmission layer.

4. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly includes a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is embedded in the upper surface of the ultrasonic wave conduction layer.

5. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are multiple temperature sensors, and multiple temperature sensor arrays are arranged.

6. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ice rink system also includes an ice thickness radar and an ice rink top support; the ice rink top support is located above the ice layer, and the ice thickness radar is located on the ice rink top support.

7. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 6, characterized in that, An infrared thermal imager is also installed on the support structure at the top of the ice rink.

8. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice rink system also includes a refrigeration system, which is connected to the cooling pipe.

9. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple ultrasonic generators, and one ultrasonic generator is connected to each row or column of the ultrasonic transducer array.

10. The ice rink system for multi-frequency ultrasonic-assisted freezing and de-icing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the ultrasonic wave transmission layer is laser-etched with microgrooves.

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