Device for the rapid freezing of products

Abstract

Device (10) for freezing products (20), comprising: a cold storage room (12) for receiving the products (20), which includes a freezing area (18) for freezing the products (20); several refrigeration units (14), each comprising a flammable refrigerant with a maximum charge of 150 grams per refrigerant circuit, connected in parallel; and an air guide (16) for guiding air over the products (20) and for creating a uniform temperature distribution in the cold storage room (12).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigeration technology, and in particular to a device for the rapid freezing of products, especially blood plasma or other liquid or semi-liquid products.

[0002] Rapid freezing of products plays a significant role in various industries. The term "rapid freezing" or "shock freezing" refers to a process in which products are rapidly cooled to very low temperatures to slow down or halt biological processes and preserve high product quality. This process is particularly useful for freezing blood plasma, foods such as fish, and other temperature-sensitive products. A cold storage room is an insulated space where products to be cooled or frozen can be stored. Refrigeration units are devices that use a refrigerant circuit to remove heat from the cold storage room, thus generating the desired low temperature.

[0003] Rapid cooling or freezing is achieved using various approaches. Cryogenic processes involving the evaporation of liquid nitrogen are widespread. A distinction is made between direct nitrogen cooling and indirect nitrogen cooling. In direct methods, the material is immersed in liquid nitrogen or vaporized with nitrogen via nozzles, enabling high cooling capacities and rates. In indirect methods, a secondary fluid is cooled with nitrogen and then used to bathe the parts to be cooled. Dry ice is another alternative to nitrogen. Alternatively or additionally, methods using refrigeration units are employed, which often utilize synthetic and generally environmentally harmful refrigerants.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2022 111 028 A1 discloses in this context a device for the rapid cooling of products, comprising a cooling chamber for receiving a product which is exposed in the cooling chamber to a main stream of cold air introduced via a main supply line and discharged via a main discharge. The device further comprises a cold air refrigeration unit for cooling a partial stream of cold air received via a partial supply line and discharged via a partial discharge, a mixing chamber connected to the cooling chamber via the main supply line and the main discharge, and to the cold air refrigeration unit via the partial supply line and the partial discharge, as well as a flow unit for generating the main stream of cold air. The device can be used for freezing blood plasma or fish.

[0005] The use of refrigerants in refrigeration systems is subject to strict regulations. Refrigerants can generally be divided into different categories: Fluorinated refrigerants (F-gases) such as R134a or R404A have good thermodynamic properties, but possess a high global warming potential (GWP) and are therefore subject to increasing restrictions through regulations such as the European F-Gas Regulation. Natural refrigerants such as ammonia (R717), carbon dioxide (R744), or hydrocarbons such as propane (R290) and propylene (R1270) represent more environmentally friendly alternatives. Hydrocarbons such as propane and propylene have a very low global warming potential, but are flammable and are therefore classified as flammable refrigerants.The use of flammable refrigerants is often limited in quantity for safety reasons or regulated insofar as the use of a larger quantity of refrigerant entails higher prescribed safety requirements.

[0006] Known systems for freezing and storing products include cold storage rooms with central refrigeration units or separate freezing and storage solutions. These have disadvantages regarding freezing time, energy efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. In particular, simultaneous freezing and storage processes with a homogeneous temperature distribution for different product geometries are only possible to a limited extent. Central refrigeration units also require large quantities of refrigerant, which, when using flammable refrigerants, raises safety concerns and makes compliance with regulatory quantity restrictions difficult. The existing approaches also have disadvantages in terms of energy consumption and cost.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a device for the rapid freezing of products that ensures high temperature homogeneity, is scalable, and can be implemented cost-effectively. In particular, it should enable efficient compliance with regulatory requirements regarding the refrigerant while simultaneously ensuring a high level of operational reliability.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for freezing products is provided to solve this problem, comprising: • a cold storage room for the products, which includes a freezing area for freezing the products; • Several refrigeration units, each containing a flammable refrigerant with a maximum charge of 150 grams per refrigerant circuit, connected in parallel; and • an air guide to direct air over the products and to create a uniform temperature distribution in the cold storage room.

[0009] The device according to the invention enables the rapid and efficient freezing of products, in particular blood plasma or other liquid or semi-liquid products. The cold storage unit forms an insulated space in which the products to be cooled or frozen can be placed. The freezing area refers to the section of the cold storage unit into which the products can be introduced from the outside and subjected to the freezing process.

[0010] The multiple refrigeration units are designed as decentralized units, each with its own refrigerant circuit or multiple refrigerant circuits. By limiting the charge of flammable refrigerant to a maximum of 150 grams per refrigerant circuit, regulatory requirements regarding the use of flammable refrigerants are met. The parallel connection of the refrigeration units corresponds to a so-called number-up principle. With this principle, the total cooling capacity is scaled by the number of refrigeration units operated in parallel. In some embodiments, the device comprises between 3 and 15 refrigeration units, for example, 7, 9, or 10 refrigeration units.

[0011] The airflow system directs air over the products, ensuring a homogeneous temperature distribution within the cold storage room. This targeted airflow improves heat transfer and reduces local temperature variations. As a result, the products can be frozen quickly and evenly.

[0012] In contrast to known systems comprising cold storage rooms with central refrigeration units or separate freezing and storage solutions, the device according to the invention enables the simultaneous execution of freezing and storage processes with a homogeneous temperature distribution. Central refrigeration units require large quantities of refrigerant. This leads to safety concerns when using flammable refrigerants and makes it difficult to comply with regulatory quantity restrictions. The modular structure according to the invention, with several decentralized refrigeration units, on the other hand, enables high operational reliability with small quantities of refrigerant per circuit, as well as flexible scalability. If a single refrigeration unit fails, the remaining refrigeration units can maintain operation, thus ensuring high redundancy and reliability.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flammable refrigerant is propane or propylene. This embodiment specifies the flammable refrigerant used. Propane (R290) and propylene (R1270) are natural refrigerants with very low global warming potential (GWP). These hydrocarbons represent environmentally friendly alternatives to fluorinated refrigerants. Fluorinated refrigerants are subject to increasing restrictions through regulations such as the European F-Gas Regulation.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cold storage unit includes a storage area for the products, wherein the freezing area and the storage area form a common air and temperature zone. This embodiment allows for the simultaneous freezing and storage of products within the same cold storage unit. The common air and temperature zone is a contiguous area in which air can circulate freely and a uniform temperature prevails. This arrangement allows frozen products to remain in the storage area immediately after the freezing process. Transport to a separate storage unit is not required.

[0015] In one embodiment, the multiple refrigeration units are identical in construction. Alternatively or additionally, each refrigeration unit comprises exactly one refrigerant circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the refrigeration units are arranged on a common wall of the cold storage room. This embodiment relates to the structural design of the refrigeration units. Identical refrigeration units simplify maintenance and allow for easy scaling of cooling capacity. Arranging them on a common wall of the cold storage room enables a compact design and efficient airflow.

[0016] In one embodiment, the multiple refrigeration units each include at least one evaporator fan, and the air distribution system includes at least one auxiliary fan operating independently of the evaporator fans. This embodiment specifies the fan arrangement of the device. The evaporator fans are part of the refrigeration units and serve to circulate air over the evaporator. The auxiliary fans operate independently of the evaporator fans and support targeted air distribution over the products. A auxiliary fan can, in particular, be a support ventilator. This combination achieves improved temperature homogeneity.

[0017] In one embodiment, the airflow is designed to ensure uniform freezing of both flexible containers, particularly bags, and rigid containers, particularly bottles, within the freezing zone. This embodiment allows for the processing of different product geometries. Flexible containers such as bags are used, for example, for blood plasma. Rigid containers such as bottles can be used for other liquid products. The airflow is designed to achieve uniform heat dissipation and thus uniform freezing, regardless of the container shape.

[0018] In one embodiment, the air circulation system comprises a directed circuit with extraction in the product area, supply to the refrigeration units, and return to the products. This embodiment describes the air circulation system of the device. The air is captured in the product area, supplied to the refrigeration units for cooling, and then returned to the products. This directed circuit ensures efficient heat transfer and a uniform temperature distribution.

[0019] In one embodiment, the airflow is designed to ensure uniform cooling of products introduced into the cold storage room at different times. This embodiment allows for flexible operation, enabling products to be introduced in staggered batches. The airflow is designed to guarantee uniform cooling of all products, even with different introduction times.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cold storage unit comprises several freezing levels that can be operated simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the cold storage unit is designed to hold blood plasma in flexible containers, particularly bags, and / or rigid containers, particularly bottles. This embodiment relates to the spatial arrangement within the freezing area. Several stacked freezing levels enable high capacity with a compact design. The simultaneous operation of the freezing levels increases the throughput of the device. The design for holding blood plasma in various container shapes allows for flexible application in medical practice.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cold storage room has polyurethane foam insulation. This embodiment specifies the insulating material of the cold storage room. Polyurethane foam has good thermal insulation properties. It enables energy-efficient cooling by minimizing heat loss to the environment.

[0022] The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to some selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 Schematic views of a device for freezing products according to one aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a device for freezing products according to one aspect of the present invention; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a device for freezing products according to one aspect of the present invention; and Fig. 4 schematic side views of two embodiments of a device for freezing products according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0023] Common reference symbols are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows schematic views of a device 10 for freezing products 20 according to one embodiment. The device 10 comprises a cold storage cell 12 for holding the products 20. The cold storage cell 12 includes a freezing compartment 18 for freezing the products 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the freezing compartment 18 has two freezing levels 22 in which the products 20 are placed. View (a) shows a schematic side view of the device 10, in which the cold storage cell 12 is shown with the refrigeration units 14 on the sides, the freezing compartment 18 with the freezing level 22, the air duct 16, and the support fans 26. The refrigeration units 14 each include an evaporator fan 28. View (b) shows a view of the rear wall of the device 10, in which the cold storage cell 12 with the refrigeration units 14 and the freezing level 22 is visible.View (c) shows a top view of the device 10, showing the arrangement of the cold cell 12, the refrigeration units 14, the freezing area 18, the freezing level 22, the air duct 16 and the support fan 26.

[0025] The device 10 further comprises several refrigeration units 14. Each refrigeration unit 14 contains a flammable refrigerant with a maximum charge of 150 grams per refrigerant circuit. The flammable refrigerant is propane (R290) or propylene (R1270). The refrigeration units 14 are connected in parallel. The parallel connection of the refrigeration units 14 corresponds to a so-called number-up principle. With this principle, the total cooling capacity is scaled by the number of refrigeration units 14 operated in parallel. In some embodiments, the refrigeration units 14 are identical in construction and each comprises exactly one refrigerant circuit.

[0026] The refrigeration units 14 each include at least one evaporator fan 28. The evaporator fans 28 serve to circulate air over the evaporator of the respective refrigeration units 14.

[0027] The device 10 further comprises an air duct 16 for directing air over the products 20 and for generating a uniform temperature distribution in the cooling cell 12. The air duct 16 includes at least one support fan 26, which operates independently of the evaporator fans 28. The support fans 26 are arranged at different positions within the cooling cell 12 and support the targeted airflow over the products 20.

[0028] The air duct 16 comprises a directed circuit with extraction in the area of ​​the products 20, supply to the refrigeration units 14, and return to the products 20. The air is captured in the area of ​​the products 20, supplied to the refrigeration units 14 for cooling, and then returned to the products 20. This targeted air ducting achieves improved heat transfer.

[0029] The air duct 16 is designed to freeze both flexible containers, especially bags, and rigid containers, especially bottles, evenly in the freezing area 18. The air duct 16 is further designed to cool products 20 introduced into the cold storage cell 12 at staggered times evenly. This enables flexible operation in which products 20 are introduced in batches at different times.

[0030] The cold storage cell 12 has polyurethane foam insulation. In some embodiments, the insulation is 160 mm thick. An intermediate floor has 120 mm thick polyurethane foam insulation.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of the device 10 for freezing products according to one aspect of the present invention. In contrast to the one shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cold storage cell 12 additionally comprises a storage area 24 for storing the products. The freezing area 18 and the storage area 24 form a common air and temperature chamber. The common air and temperature chamber is a contiguous area in which air can circulate freely and a uniform temperature prevails. This arrangement allows frozen products to remain in the storage area 24 immediately after the freezing process or to be transferred there for storage.

[0032] The device 10 comprises several refrigeration units 14 arranged on the cold storage room 12. The refrigeration units 14 are connected in parallel. Each refrigeration unit 14 includes at least one evaporator fan 28. The evaporator fans 28 serve to circulate air over the evaporator of the respective refrigeration unit 14.

[0033] The air duct 16 includes at least one support fan 26, which operates independently of the evaporator fans 28. The support fans 26 are arranged at various positions within the cold storage cell 12 and assist in directing the airflow over the products. The combination of the evaporator fans 28 and the support fans 26 achieves improved temperature homogeneity within the cold storage cell 12.

[0034] The air duct 16 is designed to freeze both flexible containers, especially bags, and rigid containers, especially bottles, evenly in the freezing area 18. The air duct 16 is further designed to cool products introduced into the cold storage cell 12 evenly. This enables flexible operation in which products are introduced in batches at different times.

[0035] The cold storage unit 12 comprises several freezing levels 22 in the freezing area 18, which can be operated simultaneously. The cold storage unit 12 is designed to hold blood plasma in flexible containers, in particular bags, and / or rigid containers, in particular bottles.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of the device 10 for freezing products. In contrast to the ones described in Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figure 2, the cooling cell 12 comprises several freezing levels 22 arranged one above the other in the freezing area 18. The multiple freezing levels 22 can be operated simultaneously. This arrangement enables high capacity with a compact design and increases the throughput of the device 10.

[0037] The freezing area 18 is located in the center of the cold storage room 12. The storage area 24 extends along the long sides of the cold storage room 12 and, together with the freezing area 18, forms a common air and temperature space.

[0038] The multiple refrigeration units 14 are arranged symmetrically on both longitudinal sides of the cold storage room 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigeration units 14 are identical in construction and each comprises exactly one refrigerant circuit. The refrigeration units 14 are connected in parallel in a modular fashion and each is equipped with evaporator fans 28. The evaporator fans 28 serve to circulate air within the cold storage room 12.

[0039] In addition to the evaporator fans 28, several support fans 26 are provided, which operate independently of the evaporator fans 28. The support fans 26 are arranged in both the upper and lower sections of the cold storage room 12 and support the targeted airflow over the products in the freezing area 18. The symmetrical arrangement of the refrigeration units 14 and the support fans 26 on both sides of the cold storage room 12 contributes to the homogeneous cooling of the products.

[0040] The cooling cell 12 is designed to hold blood plasma in flexible containers, especially bags, and / or rigid containers, especially bottles. The air duct 16 is designed to ensure uniform heat dissipation and thus uniform freezing, regardless of the container shape.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows schematic side views of two embodiments of the device 10 for freezing products according to one aspect of the present invention. Figures (a) and (b) show two variants of the arrangement of several refrigeration units 14 on a common wall of the cold storage room 12. In both figures, the refrigeration units 14 are arranged on a rear or side wall of the cold storage room 12, respectively.

[0042] In illustration (a), seven refrigeration units 14 are arranged in a single horizontal row along an upper wall of the cold storage room 12. The refrigeration units 14 are positioned at equal intervals from each other.

[0043] In illustration (b), nine refrigeration units 14 are arranged in two staggered rows. Five refrigeration units 14 are positioned in an upper row, and four refrigeration units 14 are positioned in a lower row. The refrigeration units 14 in the lower row are horizontally offset from the refrigeration units 14 in the upper row.

[0044] In both illustrations, the multiple refrigeration units 14 are identical in construction. Each refrigeration unit 14 comprises exactly one refrigerant circuit. The arrangement of the refrigeration units 14 on a common wall of the cold storage room 12 enables a compact design and efficient airflow. In both illustrations, the cold storage room 12 forms an enclosed space that surrounds the refrigeration units 14.

[0045] The single-row arrangement shown in (a) allows for easy installation and maintenance of the refrigeration units 14. The double-row staggered arrangement shown in (b) allows for a higher number of refrigeration units 14 with limited wall space and contributes to a more even distribution of cooling capacity.

[0046] Features of each of the examples or embodiments described above can be combined to create additional examples or embodiments without losing the intended effect. It is understood that the description of an embodiment or example provided above is merely illustrative and that various modifications could be made by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that numerous other modifications and combinations of different aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to encompass all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0047] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as examples and not as limiting. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to a person skilled in the art when using the present invention and upon a detailed analysis of the drawings, the disclosure, and the subsequent claims.

[0048] In the claims, the words "comprise" and "with" do not preclude the presence of further elements or steps. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not preclude the presence of multiple elements. A single element or unit can perform the function of several of the units mentioned in the claims. The mere mention of some measures in several different dependent claims is not to be understood as precluding the advantageous use of a combination of these measures. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be interpreted restrictively. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 111 028 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for freezing products (20), comprising: a cold storage room (12) for receiving the products (20), which includes a freezing area (18) for freezing the products (20); several refrigeration units (14), each comprising a flammable refrigerant with a maximum charge of 150 grams per refrigerant circuit, connected in parallel; and an air guide (16) for guiding air over the products (20) and for creating a uniform temperature distribution in the cold storage room (12). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the flammable refrigerant is propane or propylene. [3] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cold storage room (12) includes a storage area (24) for storing the products (20); and The freezing area (18) and the storage area (24) form a common air and temperature space. [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple refrigeration units (14) are identical in construction; each comprise exactly one refrigerant circuit; and / or are arranged on a common wall of the cold storage room (12). [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple refrigeration units (14) each include at least one evaporator fan (28); and The air supply (16) includes at least one support fan (26) that operates independently of the evaporator fans (28). [6] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air guide (16) is designed to freeze both flexible containers, in particular bags, and rigid containers, in particular bottles, uniformly in the freezing area (18). [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air guide (16) comprises a directed circuit which has an extraction in the area of ​​the products (20), a supply to the refrigeration units (14) and a return to the products (20). [8] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air guide (16) is designed to cool products (20) introduced into the cooling cell (12) at different times uniformly. [9] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling cell (12) in the freezing area (18) comprises several freezing levels (22) that can be operated simultaneously; and / or designed for receiving blood plasma in flexible containers, especially bags, and / or rigid containers, especially bottles. [10] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling cell (12) has insulation made of polyurethane foam.

Images