Ice production facility, vehicle for use with an ice production facility, and system comprising an ice production facility and at least one vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular ice production plant (1) designed for the production and storage of clear ice blocks, comprising: a first container module (2) in which at least one ice production unit (3) is arranged for the continuous production of the ice blocks; a second container module (4) in which at least one drying unit (5) is provided for drying and further cooling the ice blocks to a deep-freeze temperature of at least minus 18 °C; and a third container module (6) in which at least one storage unit (7) is provided for storing the dried and deep-frozen ice blocks.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular ice production plant designed for the production and storage of clear ice blocks. Furthermore, the present invention includes a vehicle for use with the modular ice production plant according to the invention, as well as a system comprising the modular ice production plant according to the invention and at least one vehicle according to the invention.

[0002] Ice production plants are generally known from the prior art. For example, EP 1 835 245 A2 describes a device for producing and storing ice cubes, comprising several ice cube generators. The ice cubes produced in such ice cube generators are then conveyed via inclined feeders into a central trough, where they are transported lengthwise to a head end with a dispensing point from which the ice cubes are dispensed. A device for further processing the ice cubes can be connected at the dispensing point. The capacity of the device can be increased by stacking additional ice cube generators on top of each other.

[0003] Ice production plants of the aforementioned type are, according to the state of the art, stationary installations. Smaller plants are set up in a room where the ice cubes are then consumed. Alternatively, larger industrial plants, also stationary, are used, in which the ice cubes produced and dispensed by the ice production plant are subsequently packaged and then transported, chilled, to a location where they are consumed.

[0004] If a consumer without their own ice production facility needs larger quantities of ice cubes or crushed ice, for example for a one-off event or an event with many participants, the ice currently has to be industrially produced, packaged in plastic bags, and transported to the event location. This generates a large amount of plastic waste, and the costs for producing and transporting ice cubes or crushed ice are quite high. Consequently, the carbon footprint is also significant.

[0005] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved ice production plant that enables the production of large quantities of ice bodies, in particular ice cubes or crushed ice, in a more efficient and extremely flexible production process and ensures sustainable transport of the produced ice.

[0006] The solution to the aforementioned problem is provided by a modular ice production plant, designed for the production and storage of clear ice bodies, comprising: at least one first container module in which at least one ice-making device for the continuous production of the ice blocks is arranged; at least one second container module in which at least one drying device for drying and further cooling the ice blocks to a deep-freeze temperature of at least minus 18 °C is provided, and at least one third container module in which at least one storage device for storing the dried and deep-frozen ice blocks is provided.

[0007] The solution according to the invention is based, firstly, on the idea of ​​separating the manufacturing process and carrying out the production and storage steps of the ice blocks in different and separately designed container modules. The individual container modules can be set up in varying numbers in close proximity to one another and functionally connected so that the equipment provided within them can interact. This results in a highly flexible ice production plant whose individual container modules can be transported, assembled in different configurations, and set up at a suitable logistical location, preferably permanently.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the ice production plant according to the invention can consist solely of, or comprise, the first, second, and third container modules. If a higher production volume of ice cubes is desired, the ice production plant can be expanded, possibly only temporarily, by adding another first container module. It is also possible to expand the ice production plant by adding another second container module and / or another third container module. Of course, multiple expansions of the respective container modules are also possible.

[0009] The solution according to the invention thus enables the effective and flexible production of large quantities of clear ice bodies, for example 1.5 tons per day or more, in a closed production chain while adhering to high hygiene and quality standards, similar to what has so far only been possible with stationary industrial plants, but has the considerable advantage compared to these that the ice production plant can be built more cost-effectively and expanded if necessary.

[0010] A further advantage of the modular ice production plant according to the invention is that the individual container modules require little space and can also be set up as floating / suspended buildings. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the individual container modules are equipped with support legs.

[0011] By constructing several such ice production plants in a specific area, a cost-effective infrastructure can be created that enables restaurants or large events to be supplied with the required quantities of clear ice via short transport routes. This makes production more sustainable and also reduces the quality degradation of the ice during transport. It is particularly advantageous in this context if the modular ice production plant is powered by green electricity or supplied with the necessary electricity by its own photovoltaic system.

[0012] Preferably, the individual container modules are equipped with fold-out support legs. This allows them to be driven under and transported on standard trucks. Advantageously, the dimensions of the container modules correspond to those of standard ISO containers with a length of, for example, 20 feet or 40 feet, thus enabling the transport of such container modules via all modes of transport, such as the road network, waterways, or even by transport aircraft.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined in a technologically meaningful way and can define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0014] According to the invention, the manufacturing process is divided such that the actual ice production takes place in a first container module, and a second container module is used to dry the ice blocks previously produced in the first container module in order to produce clear ice blocks. Preferably, the at least one ice production unit in the first container module is connected to the at least one drying unit in the second container module via a first transport unit designed to transport the produced ice blocks. By means of this transport unit, the ice blocks produced in the first container module are transferred to the second container module for drying, so that the production of further ice blocks in the first container module can continue continuously.By relocating the drying process to the second container module, the space requirement in both the first and second container modules is reduced.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned model, the first transport device for the ice cubes comprises, for example, a section connected to or arranged below the ice-making device, which is configured such that the ice cubes ejected from the ice-making device, preferably at approximately -0.5 °C, can drip off. Drying the freshly produced ice cubes is important to prevent them from clumping together into a block, which would hinder subsequent transport and reduce the usability of the ice cubes. In the solution according to the invention, the use of agitators or similar devices, which would subsequently impair the quality of the product after the ice cubes have been produced, can generally be dispensed with.

[0016] The third container module contains at least one storage unit for the dried and deep-frozen ice blocks. The storage process is thus carried out in a separate container module, distinct from the first and second. This frees up space in the second container module, allowing the production of the ice blocks in the first and the drying of the ice blocks in the second container module to occur continuously. The solution according to the invention therefore enables largely fully automated storage of the ice blocks, minimizing human intervention in the process. This ensures high hygiene and quality standards, as well as increased cost-efficiency for the entire ice block production and storage process.

[0017] Preferably, in the previously described variant of the modular ice production plant, the at least one drying unit in the second container module is connected to the at least one storage unit in the third container module via a second transport unit, which is designed to transport the dried and deep-frozen ice blocks.

[0018] Preferably, the second container module includes at least one cooling unit to further cool the ice blocks contained within it for drying, preferably to a lower temperature below the production temperature. Optionally, the third container module also includes at least one cooling unit, so that the third container module and the ice blocks stored within it can continue to be cooled independently of the cooling of the second container module. This has the advantage that, in the event of a defect, cooling can be maintained throughout the entire ice production plant until the defective cooling unit is repaired or, if necessary, the corresponding container module is completely replaced.

[0019] In principle, the cooling unit can also be dimensioned so that it is located in only one of the three container modules, cooling all container modules, or individual modules, or a selection of them, depending on the configuration of the ice production plant, to the deep-freeze temperature. In an advantageous embodiment, the cooling unit can be located in a single segment of the second container module, so that both this module and one of the adjacent container modules can be cooled directly to the deep-freeze temperature.

[0020] Preferably, the cooling unit of the second container module and / or the cooling unit of the third container module each includes a coolable floor, allowing the ice blocks to be cooled from below. Furthermore, a large cooling surface can be provided via a coolable floor in the respective container module. A coolable floor can, for example, include cooling pipes through which a refrigerant flows.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drying device in the second container module comprises a freezing tunnel. By means of such a freezing tunnel, the ice bodies previously produced in the first container module, which initially have a temperature, for example, in the low single-digit sub-zero range, can be deep-frozen in the second container module and thus brought to a temperature of at least approximately minus 18 °C.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the storage device housed in the third container module comprises at least two storage containers equipped with a moving floor. Moving floors are also very well suited for discharging bulk materials from a container. They include, for example, hydraulically driven sliding segments, the number of which can vary, and enable almost 100% discharge of the stored bulk material, even at greater filling heights. The sliding segments of the moving floor can be made of corrosion-resistant materials, which may optionally be provided with wear-resistant coatings. Moving floors also have the advantage that the container does not need to be tilted to discharge the bulk material.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that, in the embodiment described above, a conveying device, preferably a screw conveyor, is arranged between each pair of storage containers, via which the stored ice blocks can be conveyed from the third container module to a recipient. This recipient can, for example, be a suitable vehicle by means of which the ice blocks dispensed from the third container module can be transported to a location where the ice blocks are intended to be used. This vehicle can be structurally adapted to the design of this container module. In particular, such a vehicle is designed so that it can dock as seamlessly as possible with the container module in which the storage device for the ice blocks is located.Using the aforementioned conveyor system, the ice blocks stored in the third container module can then be safely and gently loaded into the vehicle for transport. This results in optimized transport logistics, enabling the sustainable transport of relatively large quantities of ice blocks to their destination.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the storage device includes a feeding device, preferably comprising a movable scraper. The feeding device can preferably be designed in the form of a reversible feeding belt or conveyor belt. Such a movable scraper can then be used, for example, to evenly feed the individual storage containers of the storage device with the ice blocks or crushed ice.

[0025] Preferably, the ice-making unit in the first container module of the ice production plant according to the invention is fluidically connected to a water softening unit. Water hardness is a measure of the concentration of alkaline earth ions, such as calcium and magnesium, dissolved in the water in the form of salts. Since these alkaline earth ions form sparingly soluble compounds, there is a risk of precipitation if the water hardness is too high. Softened water is therefore advantageous for the production of clear, high-quality ice blocks. Alternatively, water that has already been treated, in particular softened, can also be used for the production of ice blocks. However, if a mobile ice production plant according to the invention is operated with tap water, it is advantageous, for the reasons mentioned above, to integrate a water softening unit into the ice production plant.

[0026] The present invention further relates to a vehicle for use with an ice production plant of the type described above, wherein the vehicle has a refrigerated container with at least one transport container for receiving the ice blocks. By means of such a vehicle, the ice blocks produced in the ice production plant according to the invention can be picked up and transported to a desired location where the ice blocks are consumed. Preferably, the vehicle is specifically designed for transporting the ice blocks. At least one, and optionally several, transport containers of the vehicle serve to receive the ice blocks. The use of a refrigerated container in the vehicle ensures that the ice blocks can continue to be cooled continuously during transport.Preferably, the vehicle used to transport the ice blocks is smaller and lighter than one of the container modules. Particularly preferably, the vehicle is electrically powered.

[0027] The vehicles mentioned for transporting the produced ice blocks are preferably smaller than the container modules, so that the vehicles are more maneuverable, can be provided more cost-effectively, and have lower operating costs than a large truck. Advantageously, vans with a permissible total weight of preferably 2 to 7.5 tons are used for this purpose, for example, vehicles in the size range of small vans with approximately 2 to 4 tons, which can be converted for the intended use according to the invention with reasonable effort and which make it possible to transport comparatively large quantities of ice blocks.

[0028] After the vehicle docks to the storage unit of the third container module, the ice blocks are first conveyed into the vehicle's transport container via a conveyor system. Preferably, in the aforementioned transport vehicle for the ice blocks, at least one transport container comprises a conveyor system, preferably a screw conveyor, arranged at an angle relative to the vehicle floor and conveying against gravity. This conveyor system allows the ice blocks to be conveyed, preferably into a drawer-like ice block compartment within the container. At the destination, the ice blocks can then be conveniently removed from this drawer-like ice block compartment in smaller quantities, according to their respective use. For such transport, suitable containers for refrigerated goods, such as those described, for example, in utility model application DE 20 2024 101 296.8, can preferably be used.Therefore, the entire content of this revelation is incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two opposing side walls of the transport container are arranged to taper towards the conveying device, so that the ice blocks reach the conveying device by gravity and continuously slide downwards, where they are then conveyed by the conveying device, in particular a screw conveyor, into the drawer-like ice block compartment. This ensures that ice blocks are constantly being supplied from the transport container to the drawer-like ice block compartment and that the transport container is emptied as completely as possible each time.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a system comprising an ice production plant of the type described above and at least one vehicle with the aforementioned features. Preferably, the system also includes a container for refrigerated goods, as disclosed in utility model application DE 20 2024 101 296.8.

[0031] The vehicle is preferably specifically designed for use with an ice production plant of the type described above and comprises a refrigerated container with at least one transport container for receiving the ice blocks produced by the ice production plant. Preferably, the ice production plant is located outdoors, so that the vehicle can drive directly next to the ice production plant, in particular dock with it, and the ice blocks can be conveyed directly from the storage unit of the third container module into a transport container of the vehicle via a conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt.

[0032] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract aspects of the concepts illustrated in the figures and combine them with other elements and findings from the present description and / or figures. It should be emphasized that the figures, and especially the depicted dimensions, are only schematic.

[0033] The same reference symbols denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary. They show: Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an ice production plant according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through an ice production plant along line II-II of Figure 1 Figure 3: A perspective view of the ice production plant of Figure 1 Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective partial view looking into the interior of one of the vehicles; Figure 5 is a schematic top view of an ice production plant powered by a photovoltaic system; and Figure 6 is a functional principle of the system according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] In the schematic top view of Figure 1An exemplary ice production plant 1 according to the invention is shown, which is designed for the production and storage of clear ice blocks. This ice production plant 1 comprises a first container module 2 in which at least one ice-making unit 3 is arranged for the continuous production of the ice blocks. The ice production plant 1 according to the invention further comprises a second container module 4 in which at least one drying unit 5 is provided for drying and further cooling the ice blocks to a deep-freeze temperature of, for example, at least minus 18 °C. The ice production plant 1 according to the invention further comprises a third container module 6 in which at least one storage unit 7 is provided for storing the dried and deep-frozen ice blocks and / or crushed ice. The individual container modules 2, 4, 6 are modular in design and can be erected in a floating or suspended manner at a desired location.

[0035] During the Figure 1 , 3 and 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the individual container modules 2, 4, and 6 of the ice production plant 1 are positioned side by side so that their long sides are closely adjacent. This allows the ice blocks produced in the first container module 2 to be conveyed to the second container module 4, where they are dried and deep-frozen. The ice blocks are then transferred from the second container module 4 to the third container module 6, where they can be stored under refrigeration. The ice blocks can then be removed from the free long side of the third container module 6, for example, at two separate stations, using specific vehicles 15.

[0036] Based on the Figures 2 and 3It can be seen that the container modules 2, 4, 6 are equipped with fold-out support legs 22, so that they can be driven under by a truck and thus loaded and transported.

[0037] In the first container module 2 of the ice production plant 1 there is at least one ice production unit 3, which is connected to the at least one drying unit 5 in the second container module 4 via a first transport unit 8, which can be seen in the top view according to Figure 1 This transport device 8 is, for example, a conveyor belt which comprises a first subsection 81 that extends longitudinally from the ice production device 3 in the first container module 2 and is designed to transport the produced ice blocks. As can be seen in the sectional view according to Figure 2As can be seen, this first section 81 of the transport device 8, which begins below the ice-making device 3, has an upward incline extending from there in the conveying direction. This first section 81 of the transport device 8 can also be connected to the ice-making device 3. This first section 81 is preferably designed such that the ice particles ejected from the ice-making device 3, preferably at approximately -0.5 °C, can drip off over it.

[0038] The ice-making device 3 in the first container module 2 is preferably fluidically connected to a water softening device to ensure that no precipitates of calcium or magnesium salts form, so that clear ice bodies are produced from pure water.

[0039] The second container module 4 contains one or more cooling units 10, which serve to cool this second container module 4. As can be seen in Figure 1 As can be seen, these cooling units 10 can, for example, be arranged in an end-face region of the second container module 4. The ice blocks produced in the ice-making unit 3 pass from the first section 81, via a second section 82 of the transport unit 8, which extends transversely to the container modules 2 and 4, from the first to the second container module 4, where they are dried and cooled to a lower temperature of, for example, -18 °C. The drying unit 5 used for this purpose can, for example, include a freezing tunnel 51. Drying the ice blocks, during which condensate droplets are removed, is important for producing clear ice blocks, especially clear ice cubes. In addition to the cooling units 10 arranged at the end face of the other longitudinal end of the container module 4, the second container module 4 has a coolable floor 101, which can be cooled in Figure 1which can be recognized and which, for example, can extend over the entire length of the second container module 4. The coolable floor 101 can, for example, include cooling pipes through which a refrigerant flows. The ice bodies pass through in the drawing according to Figure 1 the freezing tunnel 51 from right to left and thus reach a second transport facility 9, which extends from the second container module 4 in a transverse direction into the third container module 6.

[0040] In this way, the clear ice bodies, dried in the second container module 4 via the drying unit 5 and deep-frozen by means of the freezing tunnel 51, are transported via the second transport unit 9 to the third container module 6 with the storage unit 7 or storage units. The second container module 4 is thus connected to the third container module 6 via the second transport unit 9 with regard to material flow. This second transport unit 9 can, for example, be a conveyor belt. As in Figure 1The third container module 6 can also include one or more cooling units 11, which are arranged, for example, near one longitudinal end of the container module 6 in the end face, similar to the arrangement described previously for the second container module 4. The clear ice bodies stored in the third container module 6 can thus be cooled by the cooling units 11 throughout the entire storage period. To support cooling in the third container module 6, the third container module 6, like the second container module 4, preferably has a coolable floor 111.

[0041] In the embodiment according to Figure 1The third container module 6, serving as storage facility 7 for the ice blocks, comprises, for example, a total of four storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74, arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the third container module 6. These storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74 can each have a moving floor 711, 721, 731, 741, so that the ice blocks, which enter the third container module 6 via the conveyor belt 9, can be conveyed within each of the storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74 by means of a moving floor 711, 721, 731, 741 in the longitudinal direction, relative to the longitudinal extent of the third container module 6.To ensure that the ice blocks each reach a selected storage container 71, 72, 73, 74, so that the four storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74 can be successively filled with ice blocks, a feeding device 14 is provided with a conveyor belt, preferably movable in both directions, which includes a scraper 141 movable in the longitudinal direction of the third container module 6. This scraper 141 can be moved back and forth longitudinally along the storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74 to ensure that, depending on the position of the scraper 141, the ice blocks always reach a selected storage container 71, 72, 73, 74.As a rule, the four storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74 are filled one after the other with the ice bodies, for example ice cubes and / or other types of ice, such as crushed ice; that is, after the first storage container 71 is filled, the scraper 141 moves to a position in which it can fill the second storage container 72, then the scraper 141 moves to a position in which it can fill the third storage container 73, etc.

[0042] For the removal of the ice blocks from the storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74, the following are required in the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1Two conveying devices 12, 13, in particular screw conveyors, are provided. These are spaced apart from each other and arranged transversely to the third container module 6, projecting outwards from the third container module 6. This allows the ice blocks stored in the third container module 6 to be conveyed, for example, to a vehicle 15 as a recipient, with which the ice blocks are then transported to a destination.

[0043] In Figure 1It can be seen that for the removal of the ice bodies from the total of four storage containers 71, 72, 73, 74, only two conveying devices 12, 13 are sufficient if these are positioned as in the embodiment shown in the longitudinal direction of the third container module 6 so that they begin at the level of the boundary between two adjacent storage containers 71, 72 or 73, 74. The ice blocks in the respective storage containers 71, 72, 73, 741 described above can be conveyed by means of the push floors 711, 72, 73, 74 towards one end of each storage container, so that the ice blocks of each pair of adjacent storage containers 71, 72 or 73, 74 are conveyed towards each other, so that in the area of ​​two adjacent storage containers the ice blocks from both storage containers can be conveyed into the respective screw conveyor 12, 13, from where they are then conveyed laterally out of the third container module 6 to the vehicle 15.

[0044] In the Figure 1 and 3 It can also be seen that, for example, two smaller transport vehicles 15 can dock simultaneously at the modular ice production plant 1 to each pick up ice blocks, if the container modules 2, 4, 6, as in the exemplary embodiment, have a greater length than the vehicles 15. In this way, it is possible, for example, to fill two vehicles 15 with the ice blocks at the same time.

[0045] Each vehicle 15 has a refrigerated container 16 with at least one transport container 161 for receiving the ice blocks. The transport containers 161 of one vehicle 15 can then be filled with ice blocks via the conveyor 12, while simultaneously the transport containers of a second vehicle 15 positioned next to it are filled via the conveyor 13. The vehicles 15 can be positioned, for example, so that their rear ends are abutting each other, as shown in the Figure 1and 3 is shown.

[0046] Preferably, the refrigerated container 16 of each vehicle 15 comprises several transport containers 161, for example, in the exemplary embodiment, three such transport containers 161, which can be arranged one behind the other, for example, in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle 15. If the vehicle 15, as in Figure 1As shown, when the vehicle 15 docks laterally to the third container module 6, the transport containers 161 lie side by side and can be moved into a position by simply moving the vehicle 15 forward or backward. In this position, the conveying devices 12, 13 are each positioned so that one of the transport containers 161 of the vehicle 15 can be filled with the ice blocks. Each transport container 161 of each vehicle 15 can, for example, have a filling opening 163 on its upper side in the area of ​​the vehicle roof, so that the ice blocks can be conveyed directly into the interior of the transport container 161 of the vehicle 15 via these filling openings 163 using the conveying devices 12, 13.

[0047] Further details regarding the construction of vehicle 15 can be found in the Figure 4, to which reference will be made below. Here, one can see into the interior of the rear section of a vehicle 15. It can be seen that the vehicle 15, which is designed, for example, as a small truck, has a box-shaped refrigerated container 16 in outline, inside which several transport containers 161 for receiving the ice blocks are arranged longitudinally one behind the other. These transport containers 161 can be funnel-shaped and open at the top. In the area of ​​the upper opening 1613, through which the transport container 161 is filled, the transport container has its largest cross-section, while the cross-section of the transport container 161 tapers continuously towards the bottom.The transport container 161, for example, has a rectangular or square outline with a total of four side walls. Two opposing side walls 1611, 1612 of the transport container 161 slope downwards, forming a hollow, approximately pyramidal structure with the apex of the pyramid at the bottom. The filling opening 163 in the roof of the vehicle 15 is located above the funnel-shaped transport container 161, so that the ice spheres fall into it and, due to the funnel shape, continuously slide down as the transport container 161 is successively emptied.

[0048] In the lower end region of each transport container 161, a conveying device 17, for example a screw conveyor, is arranged, the axis of which is inclined to the horizontal, with an upward slope in the conveying direction of the conveying device 17. The pyramidal shape of the transport container 161 is not symmetrical in the lower region; rather, two of the side walls 1611, 1612, which are opposite each other and run in the transverse direction of the vehicle 15 and in the conveying direction of the conveying device 17 respectively, taper in accordance with the inclined upward shape of the conveying device 17. The ice blocks reach the conveying device 17 in the lower region of the transport container 161 and, due to its inclination, are conveyed upwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle 15 against gravity. As can be seen in Figure 4As can be seen, below the upper end of the conveying device 17 there is a drawer-like ice block compartment 162, open at the top, which is filled with the ice blocks during operation of the conveying device 17.

[0049] Once a drawer-shaped ice cube compartment 162 is filled with ice cubes, it can be removed from vehicle 15 and, as described in Figure 3 The ice bodies can be recognizably placed by the user, for example, in a possibly cooled trolley 18, which can be adapted in terms of its dimensions to the size of the drawer-like ice body compartment 162, so that the ice bodies can be conveniently transported to a destination using such a trolley 18.

[0050] Figure 5Figure 1 further shows a schematic top view of an ice production plant 1, which is supplied with electricity via a photovoltaic system 18. In the present embodiment, the photovoltaic system 18 comprises a frame 182 on which a plurality of photovoltaic modules 181 are arranged above the ice production plant 1 in such a way that the photovoltaic modules 181 form a shading effect. This is particularly advantageous in the summer months, as individual container modules 2, 4, 6 are not exposed to direct sunlight.

[0051] Figure 6Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the system 19 according to the invention, comprising a plurality of the ice production plants 1 according to the invention, which are placed at several logistics locations in an area, for example a country, and each cover an area 191 to be supplied. This creates an infrastructure that enables a customer to have short logistics routes in order to supply, for example, their events or consumers 192 with large quantities of ice blocks / ice cubes.

[0052] In the embodiment shown here, system 19 further includes a number of vehicles 15 with which the ice blocks can be delivered from the ice production plant 1 to the planned event 192 or a catering establishment. The removal and transport of the ice blocks at the event location 192 is in turn made possible by specific, mobile containers 193, as disclosed in utility model application DE 20 2024 101 296.8.

[0053] In the right half of Figure 6A festival site is shown as an example of a venue 192. It is typically very large and includes several bars 194 where visitors can be served ice-cold drinks. The ice, in the form of ice cubes or crushed ice, is delivered by vehicles 15 from the ice production plant 1 directly to the bars 194 of the festival site 192 and can serve as mobile ice tankers until the ice cubes or crushed ice are used up. The bars 194 are equipped with mobile containers 193 and can take the ice cubes or crushed ice from vehicle 15 as needed. Reference symbol list

[0054] 1 Ice production plant 2 First container module 22 Support legs 3 Ice production unit 4 Second container module 5 Drying unit 51 Freezing tunnel 6 Third container module 7 Storage unit 71 Storage container 711 Moving floor 72 Storage container 721 Moving floor 73 Storage container 731 Moving floor 74 Storage container 741 Moving floor 8 Conveyor unit 81 Section located below 9 Conveyor unit 10 Cooling unit 101 Cooling floor 11 Cooling unit 111 Cooling floor 12 Conveyor unit, screw conveyor 13 Conveyor unit, screw conveyor 14 Feeding unit 141 Scraper 15 Vehicle 16 Cooling container 161 Transport container 1611 Side wall 1612 Side wall 1613 Top opening of the transport container 162 drawer-like ice compartment 163 filling opening 17 conveying device 18 photovoltaic system 181 photovoltaic modules 182 scaffolding 19 system 191 area to be supplied 192 event or consumer 193 container 194 bar / dispensing point

Claims

1. Modular ice production plant (1) designed for the production and storage of clear ice blocks, comprising: a first container module (2) in which at least one ice production unit (3) is arranged for the continuous production of the ice blocks; a second container module (4) in which at least one drying unit (5) is provided for drying and further cooling the ice blocks to a deep-freeze temperature of at least minus 18 °C; and a third container module (6) in which at least one storage unit (7) is provided for storing the dried and deep-frozen ice blocks.

2. Modular ice production plant (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one ice production unit (3) in the first container module (2) is connected to the at least one drying unit (5) in the second container module (4) via a first transport unit (8) which is equipped to transport the produced ice blocks.

3. Modular ice production plant (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first transport device (8) comprises a section (81) connected to or arranged below the ice production device (3), which is arranged such that the ice bodies ejected from the ice production device (3), preferably at about minus 0.5 °C, can drip off over it.

4. Modular ice production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one drying device (5) in the second container module (4) is connected to the at least one storage device (7) in the third container module (6) via a second transport device (9) which is equipped to transport the dried and deep-frozen ice blocks.

5. Modular ice production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and optionally the third container module (4, 6) comprises a cooling unit (10, 11) for cooling the container module (4), optionally the container modules (4, 6).

6. Modular ice production plant (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cooling unit (10, 11) comprises a coolable base (101, 111).

7. Modular ice production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drying device (3) comprises a freezing tunnel (51).

8. Modular ice production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage device (7) has at least two storage containers (71, 72, 73, 74) designed with a moving floor (711, 721, 731, 741).

9. Modular ice production plant (1) according to claim 8, wherein a conveying device (12, 13), preferably a screw conveyor, is arranged between each of two storage containers (71, 72), via which the stored ice bodies can be conveyed from the third container module (6) to a customer.

10. Modular ice production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage device (7) comprises a feeding device (14) which preferably has a movable scraper (141).

11. Modular ice production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ice production device (3) is fluidically connected to a water softening device.

12. Vehicle (15) for use with a modular ice production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (15) has a refrigerated container (16) with at least one transport container (161) for receiving the ice blocks.

13. Vehicle (15) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one transport container (161) comprises, in relation to the vehicle floor, an inclined conveying device (17) conveying against gravity, preferably a screw conveyor, via which the ice blocks can be conveyed, preferably into a drawer-like ice block compartment (162) of the cooled container (16).

14. Vehicle (15) according to claim 13, wherein at least two opposing side walls (1611, 1612) of the transport container (161) are arranged tapering towards the conveying device (17).

15. System (19) comprising an ice production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 and at least one vehicle (15) according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 14.

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