Exhaust air treatment system for a commercial dishwasher and commercial dishwasher with such an exhaust air treatment system

Abstract

An exhaust air treatment system for a commercial warewasher includes a first condenser device, configured so as to lower, at least as needed and with the aid of a fluid medium, in particular air, a dew point temperature of an exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher. Optionally, the exhaust air treatment system further includes a second condenser device, configured so as to transfer, at least as needed, at least a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher to a liquid medium, in particular water and preferably fresh water.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial washing, in particular. Specifically, the present invention relates to a warewasher, in particular commercial warewasher, which is configured in particular as a box-type warewasher.BACKGROUND

[0002] Box-type warewashers are manually loadable and unloadable warewashers. The box-type warewashers (also referred to as “batch warewashers”) can be tableware rack sliding warewashers (“hood-type warewashers”) or front loaders (“front loader warewashers”). Front loaders can be under-counter machines, top-counter machines, or free-standing front loaders.

[0003] A warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher typically comprises a treatment chamber for the cleaning of washware. Typically, a washing tank is arranged below the treatment chamber, in which liquid can flow back from the treatment chamber due to gravity. In the washing tank, there is washing liquid, which is typically water, to which a cleaning agent can be added.

[0004] A warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher typically further comprises a washing system having a washing pump, a conduit system connected to the washing pump, and a nozzle system having at least one washing nozzle. The washing liquid located in the washing tank can be conveyed from the washing pump via the conduit system to the washing nozzles and, through the washing nozzles, sprayed onto the washware to be cleaned in the treatment chamber. The sprayed washing liquid subsequently flows back into the washing tank.

[0005] Such a warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher is known, for example, from the publication DE 10 2005 023 429 A1.

[0006] In particular, the term “washware” as used herein should be understood to refer to crockery, glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils, oven utensils, and serving trays.

[0007] A commercial warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher differs from a domestic warewasher in particular in that a commercial warewasher must be designed in such a way that, depending on the cleaning program selected, cycle times of between one and five minutes can be realized, while domestic warewashers typically have run times of up to 2.5 hours or more. Due to the short program duration required for commercial warewashers, household warewasher techniques are not readily transferable to commercial warewashers.

[0008] Commercial warewashers configured as box-type warewashers typically operate in two main process steps: a first step involving washing with a washing liquid and a second step involving rinsing with heated fresh water and dosed rinsing aid.

[0009] In order to perform these process steps, a commercial warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher is typically equipped with two independent liquid systems that are completely separated from one another. The one liquid system is a washing water circuit which is responsible for washing the washware, wherein the washing is carried out with circulated water from the washing tank of the warewasher. The other liquid system is a fresh water system, which is responsible for rinsing. The rinsing is carried out with fresh water, preferably fresh water from a boiler. After spraying, the fresh water is likewise taken into the washing tank of the warewasher.

[0010] The primary task of rinsing is to remove any remaining lye on the washware. The rinsing water flowing in the washing tank during the rinsing step is additionally used in order to regenerate the washing water in the washing tank.

[0011] Before fresh water is sprayed as a rinsing liquid during the rinsing and thereby fed into the washing tank of the warewasher, a quantity of washing liquid equal to the quantity of fresh water is pumped out of the washing tank.

[0012] Typically, commercial warewashers configured as box-type warewashers are equipped with a plurality of programs. These programs are distinguished primarily by different lengths of program run times of the washing process. The operator has the option of selecting a short washing program for lightly soiled washware or a correspondingly longer washing program for heavily soiled washware.

[0013] Commercial warewashers configured as box-type warewashers for batch-wise loading and unloading of the treatment chamber with washware are, in particular, front loaders or rack sliding machines. For front loaders, the washware is placed in a rack, and the rack loaded with washware is placed in the treatment chamber of the warewasher through a front door and removed again through the front door after cleaning. In rack sliding machines, the tableware racks loaded with washware are manually pushed from an input side into the treatment chamber and, after completion of a washing program, manually removed from an output side of the treatment chamber. Front loaders and rack sliding machines contain only a single treatment chamber for treating the washware. The front loaders can be under-counter machines or table-top machines.

[0014] In the field of commercial dishwashing, there are different standards and guidelines that define the hygiene performance requirements of cleaning processes and their procedural inspections. All standards and guidelines have in common that, during the cleaning process, minimum temperatures are required for the washing and rinsing processes of the commercial warewasher. In this way, at least a partial thermal disinfection is to take place, among other things.

[0015] The requirements with respect to the specified minimum temperatures during the treatment process steps of the warewasher result in the use of a relatively large amount of energy in the operation of the commercial warewasher in order to heat the washing or rinsing liquids to the required minimum temperatures. On the other hand, a large proportion of the energy supplied during operation of the warewasher is discharged as waste heat in the form of wastewater and exhaust air in currently known commercial warewashers.

[0016] The problem discussed above with reference to a commercial warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher, namely that, during the operation of the warewasher, a majority of the energy introduced during operation of the machine is released as waste heat in the form of wastewater and exhaust air, also exists in the case of conveyor warewashers.

[0017] A further problem, which is directly linked to this problem, in commercial warewashers, which are particularly designed as box-type warewashers, can be seen in the exhaust air of the warewasher that is created during operation of the warewasher in the form of steam or vapor.

[0018] Typically, the moisture-laden exhaust air of a warewasher is discharged directly into the set-up room where the warewasher is located.

[0019] In particular in kitchens where a plurality of warewashers configured as a box-type warewasher are operated at the same time in some cases, blowing the moisture-laden air into the set-up room leads to a negative impact on the room climate, because, due to the blowing of moisture-laden exhaust air, which is warm in comparison to the air in the room, the moisture content of the air in the room (ambient air) is necessarily increased. In particular, there is a risk that the moisture content of the air in the set-up room is increased to the extent that undesirable condensation of water vapor occurs, in particular on cool interfaces in the set-up room.

[0020] In order to conserve resources, in particular energy, in the operation of a warewasher, whether it is a machine designed as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher, it is already known from the prior art to use wastewater and exhaust air heat recovery systems with which at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the wastewater and / or the exhaust air of the machine can be recovered as utility heat.

[0021] In this regard, for example, reference is made to the publication DE 10 2014 208 813A1, which relates to a conveyor warewasher with a heat recovery apparatus.

[0022] In the conveyor warewasher known from this prior art, a heating pumping device is used as the exhaust air heat recovery system. With the aid of this heating pumping device, a portion of the kinetic energy of the exhaust air of the conveyor warewasher is transferred to a refrigerant circulating in the heating pumping device. In so doing, the kinetic energy to be recovered is take up by vaporizing the refrigerant at low pressure in a vaporizer device. The gaseous refrigerant is subsequently condensed by a condenser unit to a higher pressure level and then liquefied in a liquefying unit at a high temperature. The refrigerant is then relaxed back to the vaporization pressure again with the aid of an expansion valve device. The liquefaction temperature of the refrigerant in the liquefying unit is used in order to heat the rinsing liquid or washing liquid of the conveyor warewasher. For this purpose, a corresponding heat exchanger is provided in the rinsing liquid tank or washing liquid tank.

[0023] Thus, the heat pumping technology represents an effective method for recovering the energy stored in the moist exhaust air of a warewasher. The moist airflow of the exhaust air of the warewasher can be guided via a vaporizer device of a cooling system, as a result of which the machine exhaust air is cooled to the ambient level. Through the energy transfer, the refrigerant of the heating pump evaporates and, after complete evaporation and overheating in the gaseous state by the heating pump compressor, is condensed and brought to a higher pressure and temperature level. On the high-pressure side, the energy is output as heat to the washing, rinsing, and / or drying zone of the conveyor warewasher, and in doing so condenses, liquefies, and subcools the refrigerant before it is released via an expansion valve, and thereby a lower pressure level is reached.

[0024] The heat pumping technology makes it possible to fully recover the energy contained in the exhaust air and thereby supply the exhaust air to the set-up room (scullery) in an energetically neutral manner. Thus, an on-site exhaust system is not required, because the exhaust air of the machine can be supplied directly to the room.

[0025] Even though heat pumping devices for conveyor warewashers are already well-established, the heat pumping technology is not, or at least not readily, applicable to warewashers designed as box-type warewashers. In particular, a heat pumping device is relatively complex and requires fairly significant additional design space, which is often not feasible for warewashers designed as box-type warewashers, since such warewashers are designed for relatively small sculleries. Care must be taken to ensure that the design space of the warewasher is kept as small as possible. On the other hand, the heat pumping technology is relatively complex, which results in the heat pumping technology not being economical for the end user / customer simply for cost reasons.

[0026] That is why heat pumping technology has not yet been successful in the corresponding market for commercial warewashers designed as box-type warewashers.

[0027] In order to nevertheless “reclaim” at least a part of the thermal energy produced by operating a warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher, and in particular to heat the fresh water used in operating the warewasher, heat recovery systems are more often used in warewashers known from the state of the art and configured as a box-type warewashers, by means of which at least a part of the thermal energy of the wastewater produced during operation of the warewasher or the exhaust air produced during operation of the warewasher is directly transferred to the fresh water to be heated via a classic heat exchanger system.

[0028] However, a disadvantageous aspect of this commonly used approach is that the functionality of the heat recovery is highly dependent on the temperature of the fresh water to be heated. For example, if the warewasher is operated in areas with a relatively hot climate, the “cold water”, i.e. water drawn from the fresh water mains, will typically have a different temperature than in areas with a medium or even cool climate.

[0029] There may also be no cold water connection in the kitchen in some cases. In such a case, it is common for the fresh water connection of the warewasher to be connected to a structural hot water connection.

[0030] It can thus be noted that the functionality of the heat recovery can fluctuate greatly, and that, in particular, targeted dehumidification of the exhaust air of the warewasher often cannot be ensured.SUMMARY

[0031] Accordingly, the object of the invention is to specify a system for a commercial warewasher, which is particularly designed as a box-type warewasher and preferably as a hood-type warewasher, in which a targeted dehumidification of the exhaust air of the warewasher can be achieved in an efficient and reliable manner, even under varying operating conditions, while also simultaneously enabling efficient recirculation of heat.

[0032] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to an exhaust air treatment system for a commercial warewasher, which is in particular designed as a single-tank warewasher and preferably as a hood-type warewasher, wherein the exhaust air treatment system comprises a first condenser device and optionally a further, second condenser device.

[0033] The first condenser device is configured so as to lower, at least as needed and with the aid of a fluid medium, in particular air, and preferably fresh air, a dew point temperature of an exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher. The optionally provided second condenser device, in contrast, is configured so as to transfer, at least as needed, at least a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher to a liquid medium, in particular water, and preferably fresh water.

[0034] With the first condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, an effective dehumidification of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher can be effected in an easily realized, yet effective manner. With the first condenser device alone, it is thus possible to introduce the exhaust air of the warewasher directly into the set-up room after it has passed the first condenser device, without an undesirable increase in the moisture content of the air in the set-up room, so that condensation of water vapor is prevented, in particular on cool interfaces in the set-up room. The efficiency of the first condenser device is in particular independent of whether the warewasher is connected to a cold water connection or a hot water connection.

[0035] Not only effective dehumidification of the exhaust air to be discharged from the warewasher is achieved with the first condenser device. Rather, the first condenser device is also suitable for recovering at least a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust air to be discharged from the warewasher and using it, for example to heat process water of the warewasher.

[0036] The efficient dehumidification of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher with the first condenser device is optionally combined with a more efficient heat recovery of the second condenser device compared to the heat recovery achievable with the first condenser device.

[0037] In this respect, the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention can effectively combine the advantages achievable with the first condenser device with the advantages achievable with the second condenser device.

[0038] The second condenser device is configured so as to transfer, at least as needed, at least a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher to a liquid medium, in particular water, and preferably fresh water. Classic heat exchanger technology is preferably used for this purpose.

[0039] Even if cold water is not available as fresh water for the operation of the warewasher in some applications, but rather only hot water, effective dehumidification of the exhaust air to be discharged from the warewasher can be achieved with the aid of the first condenser system using the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention.

[0040] According to embodiments of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, the second condenser device can in particular only be switched on as needed, i.e. optionally if effective heat recovery can be achieved using the “classic” heat exchanger principle.

[0041] According to implementations of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is provided that the first condenser device is configured so as to draw in, at least as needed, air as fresh air from a set-up area, in particular a set-up room, of the warewasher and to use the drawn air / fresh air for reducing the dew point temperature of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher.

[0042] In this context in particular, according to a first design variant of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is provided that the first condenser device comprises an air-cooled condenser. In such an air-cooled condenser, the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher is directed through the interior of at least one heat exchanger.

[0043] This heat exchanger can be, for example, a finned pipe or a finned pipe system arranged in particular in a meandering manner.

[0044] A finned pipe within the meaning of the present application is a tubular component that possesses fins made of heat-conductive material to improve the transferrable heating or cooling performance. The fins serve to increase the pipe surface and can be produced on the outside, e.g. by rolling, by soldering or welding, by pressing or grooved into the pipe wall. Fins can also be rolled, drawn or introduced as press or sheet profiles on the inside of the pipe.

[0045] Of course, however, the invention is not limited to embodiments in which the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device is embodied as a finned pipe or finned pipe system.

[0046] In the first aspect of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is preferably further provided that air, in particular fresh air from the set-up area, in particular the set-up room of the warewasher flows around the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device.

[0047] The at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device cools the exhaust air of the warewasher with the fresh air from the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, so that the dew point temperature of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher is reduced. Here, preferably, the heat exchanger of the first condenser device is configured to reduce the temperature and in particular the dew point temperature of the exhaust air of the warewasher to the extent that even then no desired condensation of the exhaust air in the set-up area / room of the warewasher occurs when the exhaust air cooled in this manner is introduced directly into the set-up area / room of the warewasher.

[0048] In this context, it is preferably possible to also select the amount of air used per unit of time to flow around the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device accordingly in order to achieve a sufficient reduction in dew point temperature.

[0049] According to implementations of the first aspect of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is provided that the first condenser device comprises an air duct system via which at least a portion of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied to the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device at least as required via an inlet of the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device. For this purpose, the air duct system is preferably associated with a suction fan, in particular, which can be controlled as needed.

[0050] In design variants of the aforementioned design variant, it is provided that the air duct system is configured so as to supply at least a portion of the water condensed in the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device to a treatment chamber of the warewasher, or to a liquid tank of the warewasher, in particular to a washing liquid tank or rinsing liquid tank of the warewasher. The condensed water (condensate) is heated accordingly, since at least a portion of the condensation temperature is contained as thermal energy in the recirculated condensed water. This increases the heat recovery efficiency of the exhaust air treatment system.

[0051] Preferably, the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device comprises an outlet via which the at least one portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied in particular directly to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher, namely after the at least one portion of the exhaust air has previously been directed through the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device.

[0052] Alternatively, however, it is also contemplated that the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device comprises an outlet via which the at least one portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied to the second condenser device, namely after the at least one portion of the exhaust air has been directed through the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device.

[0053] According to implementations of the above-mentioned design variants of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is provided that the first condenser device comprises a housing surrounding at least partially or in some regions the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device.

[0054] Preferably, the housing of the first condenser device comprises an inlet via which, at least as needed, in particular fresh air is introduced or can be introduced into the interior of the housing of the first condenser device, preferably with the aid of a suction fan, from a set-up area, in particular a set-up room, of the warewasher.

[0055] The housing further comprises an outlet via which the air / fresh air previously directed into the interior of the housing of the first condenser device is supplied or can be supplied back to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room of the warewasher. Alternatively, however, it is also contemplated that the fresh air previously directed into the interior of the housing of the first condenser device is supplied or can be supplied to a drying zone or a drying area of the warewasher via the outlet of the housing of the first condenser device.

[0056] The fresh air is supplied either directly to the set-up room of the warewasher or to the drying zone or to the drying area of the warewasher after it has at least partially or in some regions flowed around the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, which may also be combined with the previously described first aspect of the exhaust air treatment system, it is provided that the first condenser device comprises a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber comprises a first inlet, via which at least a portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied, at least as needed and in particular with the aid of a first suction fan, to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber of the first condenser device furthermore comprises a second inlet, via which air, in particular fresh air, from a set-up area, in particular a set-up room of the warewasher, is supplied or can be supplied, at least as needed and in particular with the aid of a second suction fan.

[0058] Furthermore, the mixing chamber of the first condenser device comprises an outlet via which a fresh air / exhaust air mixture formed by the mixing of the supplied fresh air, and the supplied exhaust air in the mixing chamber, having a dew point temperature that is reduced in comparison to the dew point temperature of the exhaust air, is supplied or can be supplied preferably selectively either directly to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher, or first just to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher, after at least a portion of the fresh air / exhaust air mixture has previously passed through the second condenser device.

[0059] According to implementations of this design variant of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is provided that an amount of fresh air supplied per unit of time to the mixing chamber and / or an amount of exhaust air supplied per unit of time is selected such that at least a portion of the moisture contained in the exhaust air condenses in the mixing chamber by mixing the supplied air and the supplied exhaust air in the mixing chamber.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the mixing chamber of the first condenser device is designed such that at least a portion of the moisture contained in the exhaust air condenses in the mixing chamber by mixing the supplied fresh air and the supplied exhaust air.

[0061] The condensation of the moisture contained in the exhaust air occurs in the mixing chamber due to the reduction in dew point temperature achieved by the supplied fresh air.

[0062] In this context, in particular, it is also advantageous that the mixing chamber of the first condenser device comprises a condensate return system, wherein the condensate return system is configured to supply at least a portion of the water condensed in the mixing chamber to a treatment chamber of the warewasher or a liquid tank, in particular a washing liquid tank or rinsing liquid tank, of the warewasher.

[0063] Apart from how the first condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system is designed, i.e. apart from whether the first condenser device comprises a corresponding mixing chamber or whether the first condenser device comprises an air-cooled condenser, it has proven particularly advantageous that the first condenser device is associated with an exhaust air suction fan, or that the first condenser device comprises an exhaust air suction fan. This exhaust air suction fan is configured to, in particular, directly supply at least a portion of the exhaust air which is to be discharged from the warewasher to the first condenser device.

[0064] Of course, however, it is also generally contemplated that with the aid of the exhaust air suction fan, the exhaust air to be discharged from the warewasher is initially supplied to the second condenser system and subsequently, i.e. after the exhaust air has passed through the second condenser system, it is supplied to the first condenser system.

[0065] In this context, it is generally advantageous if a control device is associated with the exhaust air suction fan or if the exhaust air suction fan comprises a control device.

[0066] The control device serves to control the exhaust air suction fan accordingly. In particular, the control device is configured to control the exhaust air suction fan such that only a particularly pre-determined or pre-determinable portion of the exhaust air present at the end of a cleaning cycle of the warewasher in the treatment chamber of the warewasher is extracted and in particular supplied directly or indirectly to the first condenser device.

[0067] The preferably only partial extraction of the exhaust air present in the treatment chamber of the warewasher at the end of a cleaning cycle of the warewasher is preferably carried out before the treatment chamber of the warewasher is opened and at least fully opened.

[0068] As indicated above, the first condenser device and the optionally provided second condenser device are operably connected in series in such a way that either the exhaust air to be discharged passes the first condenser device first and then the second condenser device or that the exhaust air to be discharge passes the second condenser device first and then the first condenser device.

[0069] The order in which the exhaust air passes through the first and second condenser devices depends in particular on the application conditions. For example, if only hot water is available as the fresh water, and if the focus is on dehumidifying the exhaust air as efficiently as possible, the exhaust air to be discharged should pass the first condenser device first, and then the second condenser device.

[0070] On the other hand, if the focus is on achieving as high a energy recovery as possible, and if the fresh water supplied on site to the warewasher is additionally sufficiently cool fresh water, the exhaust air to be discharged can pass the second condenser device first and then the first condenser device.

[0071] The solution according to the invention is in particular characterized by the extremely small required installation space for the exhaust air treatment system. In particular, the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention is also suitable for retrofitting pre-existing warewashers. It is preferably provided in this context that the first condenser device and / or the second condenser device are embodied as a replaceable or exchangeable module.

[0072] The optionally provided a second condenser device is configured so as to transfer, at least as needed, at least a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher to a liquid medium, in particular water and preferably fresh water.

[0073] According to implementations of the second condenser device, it is provided that it comprises a water-cooled condenser in which water, in particular fresh water, is directed through the interior of at least one heat exchanger. The at least one heat exchanger is in particular a pipe, and preferably a meandering pipe system. The pipe or pipe system can be embodied as a finned pipe or finned pipe system.

[0074] In this design variant of the second condenser device comprising a water-cooled condenser, at least a portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher flows around the outside of the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device.

[0075] According to contemplated implementations of the above-mentioned design variant of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is provided that the second condenser device comprises a housing surrounding at least partially or in some regions the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device. The housing comprises an inlet, via which at least a portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is introduced or can be introduced into the interior of the housing, preferably by means of a suction fan, at least as needed.

[0076] Further, the housing comprises an outlet via which the exhaust air of the warewasher previously directed into the interior of the housing is supplied or can be supplied to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room of the warewasher, after the exhaust air has flowed around the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device inside the housing at least partially or in some areas.

[0077] Alternatively, however, it is also contemplated that the housing of the second condenser device comprises an outlet via which the exhaust air previously directed into the interior of the housing is supplied or can be supplied to the first condenser device by the warewasher, namely after the exhaust air has flowed around the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device at least partially or in some areas.

[0078] In the design variant of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, in which the second condenser device comprises a water-cooled condenser, it is in particular provided that the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device comprises an inlet via which the water, in particular fresh water, is supplied or can be supplied to the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device at least as needed.

[0079] Further, the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device comprises an outlet, via the water previously supplied to the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device via the inlet—after this has passed the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device—is supplied or can be supplied to a water heater / boiler of the warewasher, a water tank, in particular fresh water tank, of the warewasher, a nozzle system, in particular, the rinse nozzle system, of the warewasher and / or another heat exchanger of the warewasher.

[0080] Finally, according to preferred embodiments of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention, it is provided that at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device is designed as a plastic part, in particular an injection molded plastic part.

[0081] The invention furthermore relates to a commercial warewasher, which is configured in particular as a single-tank warewasher and preferably as a hood-type warewasher, wherein the commercial warewasher comprises an exhaust air treatment system of the aforementioned inventive type.

[0082] According to preferred implementations, it is provided that the commercial warewasher comprises a treatment chamber in which the items stored in the washing baskets can be handled according to a pre-determined or pre-determinable treatment program.

[0083] Preferably, the treatment chamber can be closed with a hood, which can be moved in a particularly vertical direction relative to a machine frame of the warewasher.

[0084] In particular, in this warewasher, which is designed as a hood-type warewasher, it is provided that an exhaust air suction opening is formed in the hood of the warewasher, which is fluidly connected or connectable to a suction side of an exhaust air suction fan of the exhaust air treatment system, such that, as needed, at least a portion of the exhaust air which is present in the treatment chamber sealed by a hood at the end of a cleaning cycle can be extracted with the aid of the exhaust air suction fan and can in particular be directly supplied to the first condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system.

[0085] According to further embodiments of the above-mentioned design variant, it is provided that the exhaust air suction opening is formed in an upper region of the hood and is formed there preferably in a side wall region or rear wall region of the hood.

[0086] By placing the exhaust air suction opening in an upper region of the hood, the removal of at least a portion of the exhaust air from the volume enclosed by the hood as needed is simplified because the heat of the exhaust air causes it to rise thermally upwards.

[0087] In particular, in order to avoid vapor / exhaust air being allowed to enter the set-up room of the warewasher untreated upon opening the hood, it is provided according to embodiments of the warewasher according to the invention that the exhaust air suction opening is associated with the closure element, which is configured to, if necessary, close the exhaust air suction opening in the hood.

[0088] In this context, in particular, it is provided that the closure element is configured to automatically close the exhaust air suction opening when the hood is transferred to an open hood position, starting from a closed hood position.

[0089] For this purpose, for example, it is contemplated that the closure element comprises a shut-off valve, which is mounted so as to be slidable in a vertical direction relative to the hood and is operatively connected in particular to the machine frame of the warewasher in such a way that, when the hood is transferred from its closed position into its open position, the exhaust air suction opening of the hood is closed by means of the shut-off valve.

[0090] According in particular to a further aspect of the invention, it is provided that the exhaust air suction fan of the exhaust air treatment system is associated with a control device, which may be part of, for example, the control device of the commercial warewasher.

[0091] In particular, the control device is configured to control the exhaust air suction fan such that at the end of a cleaning cycle of the warewasher only a particularly pre-determined or pre-determinable portion of the exhaust air present in the treatment chamber of the warewasher at the end of the cleaning cycle is extracted and in particular supplied directly to the first condenser device.

[0092] In other words, in this aspect of the invention it is contemplated that not all of the exhaust air or vapor will be completely drawn out of the volume enclosed by the hood when the hood is transitioned from its closed position to its open position. Thus, a portion of the exhaust air intentionally remains in the upper region of the hood. Nevertheless, this exhaust air cannot enter the set-up room of the warewasher, since it is warmer than the ambient air in the set-up room and thus has a lower specific weight.

[0093] By retaining at least a portion of the exhaust in the area of the hood, the thermal energy contained in that portion of the exhaust can be “reused” for the subsequent treatment cycle of the warewasher.

[0094] The proportion of exhaust air remaining in the upper region of the hood during opening of the hood, which is particularly pre-determined or pre-determinable, can correspond to up to 50%, preferably up to 35%, and in particular at least 20% of the volume enclosed by the hood in its closed position.

[0095] According to preferred implementations of the inventive warewasher, it is provided that the first condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system is arranged on the hood and in particular on a or on an upper horizontal wall area (roof area) of the hood.

[0096] With regard to the second condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system, it is suggested that it be arranged on a rear machine wall region of the warewasher. In particular, the second condenser device is designed as a module and can be plugged or connected in some other manner to a corresponding connection area at the rear machine wall region of the warewasher.

[0097] Here, it is suggested that the second condenser device is integrated in a corresponding connection / outlet valves module.

[0098] This connection / outlet valves module preferably combines all the inlet fittings and outlet fittings necessary for the operation of the warewasher into one module.

[0099] Exemplary embodiments of the solution according to the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] The following are shown:

[0101] FIG. 1A shows a front schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the commercial warewasher according to the invention when opened;

[0102] FIG. 1B shows a side schematic view of the commercial warewasher according to FIG. 1A;

[0103] FIG. 2 shows a hydraulic schematic of a first exemplary embodiment of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention;

[0104] FIG. 3 shows a hydraulic schematic of a second exemplary embodiment of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention;

[0105] FIG. 4 shows a hydraulic schematic of a third exemplary embodiment of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention;

[0106] FIG. 5 shows a hydraulic schematic of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention;

[0107] FIG. 6 shows schematically and in an isometric view, an exemplary embodiment of a first condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention;

[0108] FIG. 7 shows schematically and in a partial sectioned view, an exemplary embodiment of a second condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system according to the invention; and

[0109] FIG. 8 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the exemplary embodiment of the second condenser device according to FIG. 7 in the closed and connected state, and FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of an exhaust air suction opening region of the hood.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0110] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B of the warewasher 1 according to the invention is embodied as a hood-type warewasher, however, the invention is not limited to hood-type warewashers.

[0111] The hood-type warewasher illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B comprises a treatment chamber 2, in which the washware, and in particular, the washware accommodated in washing baskets according to a pre-determined or pre-determinable treatment program, can be treated. The treatment chamber 2 can be closed with a hood 4 that can be moved vertically relative to a machine frame 3 of the warewasher 1. In FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the warewasher 1 is shown in each case in a state in which the cover 4 is in its open position.

[0112] Specifically, the hood 4 is movable and in particular slidable via a handle 5 in a vertical direction relative to the machine frame 3 of the warewasher 1.

[0113] The warewasher 1 schematically illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is equipped with an exhaust air treatment system 10, which will be described in more detail below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 8 using exemplary embodiments.

[0114] It can be seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in that a first condenser device 11 is disposed on the hood 4 of the warewasher 1. From the side view according to FIG. 1B, it can be seen that a second condenser device 30 of the exhaust air treatment system 10 is disposed on a rear wall region of the machine frame 3 of the warewasher 1.

[0115] Although the warewasher 1 in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is shown with an exhaust air treatment system 10 comprising both a first condenser device 11 and a second condenser device 30, this is not to be considered limiting. It is also generally contemplated that the exhaust air treatment system 10 with which the warewasher 1 is equipped only comprises a first condenser device 11.

[0116] Exemplary embodiments for respective first condenser devices 11 are shown in the illustrations in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

[0117] Specifically, the first condenser device 11 is configured so as to lower, with the aid of a fluid medium (here: fresh air A, which is extracted from a set-up room of the warewasher 1), a dew point temperature of an exhaust air B discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher 1, at least as needed. There are various possible approaches to doing so, which are described below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

[0118] Specifically, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 schematically show the construction of various design variants of the first condenser device 11. Both embodiments have in common that air, in particular fresh air A, is suctioned from a set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher 1 and the suctioned air is used for lowering the dew point temperature of the exhaust air B discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher 1.

[0119] In the design variant of the first condenser device 11 shown schematically in FIG. 2, it comprises an air-cooled condenser 12. The exhaust air B discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher 1 is directed through the interior of a heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser system 11, which is designed in particular as a finned pipe. Air, in particular fresh air A, from the set-up area / room of the warewasher 1 flows around the heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11.

[0120] For this purpose, the first condenser device 11 comprises an air duct system 14, via which at least a portion of the exhaust air B discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher 1 is supplied to the heat exchanger 13 at least as needed via an inlet 16 of the heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11. For this purpose, the air duct system 14 is associated with a suction fan 23, in particular, which can be controlled as needed.

[0121] Although this is not shown in FIG. 2, it is generally contemplated that the air duct system 14 is configured so as to supply at least a portion of the water condensed in the exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11 to a treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1, or to a liquid tank of the warewasher 1, in particular to a washing liquid tank or rinsing liquid tank of the warewasher 1.

[0122] The heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11 comprises an outlet 15 via which the at least one portion of the exhaust air B of the warewasher 1 can be supplied (directly) to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher 1, namely after the at least one portion of the exhaust air B has been directed through the at least one heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11.

[0123] Alternatively, however, it is also contemplated that—as shown schematically in FIG. 3—at least a portion of the exhaust air B of the warewasher 1 is supplied to a second condenser device 30 via the outlet 15 of the heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11, namely after the at least one portion of the exhaust air B has been previously directed through the heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11.

[0124] As shown schematically in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first condenser device 11 comprises a housing 17 surrounding the heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11, at least partially or in regions.

[0125] The housing 17 of the first condenser device 11 comprises an inlet 18 via which, at least as needed, air, in particular fresh air A, is introduced from the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher 1 into the interior of the housing 17 of the first condenser device 11 with the help of a suction fan 25.

[0126] Furthermore, the housing 17 of the first condenser device 11 comprises an outlet 19, via which the air / fresh air A previously directed into the interior of the housing 17 of the first condenser device 11 is supplied back to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher 1.

[0127] Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that air previously directed into the interior of the housing 17 of the first condenser device 11, in particular fresh air A, is supplied to a drying zone (not shown in the drawings) or a drying area of the warewasher 1 via the outlet 19 of the housing 17 of the first condenser device 11. This is generally carried out after the air in the interior of the housing 17 has at least partially or in regions flowed around the heat exchanger 13 of the first condenser device 11.

[0128] An alternative embodiment of the first condenser device 11 is shown schematically in FIG. 4.

[0129] This alternative embodiment of the first condenser device 11 is characterized by having a mixing chamber 21. The mixing chamber 21 comprises a first inlet 22 via which at least a portion of the exhaust air B of the warewasher 1 is supplied, at least as needed and in particular with the aid of a first suction fan 23, to the mixing chamber 21.

[0130] The mixing chamber 21 furthermore comprises area second inlet 24 via which air A, in particular fresh air, from the set-up a, in particular the set-up room of the warewasher 1, is supplied to the mixing chamber 21, at least as needed with the aid of a second suction fan 25.

[0131] Finally, the mixing chamber 21 comprises an outlet 26 via which a fresh air / exhaust air mixture D formed by the mixing of the fresh air A and the exhaust air B previously supplied to the mixing chamber 21, having a dew point temperature that is reduced in comparison to the dew point temperature of the exhaust air B, is supplied, preferably selectively either directly to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher 1, or first just to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher 1, after at least a portion of the fresh air / exhaust air mixture D has previously passed through the second condenser device 30 (cf. FIG. 5)

[0132] The mixing chamber 21 of the first condenser device 11 is designed such that by mixing the supplied fresh air A and the supplied exhaust air B, at least a portion of the moisture contained in the exhaust air B condenses in the mixing chamber 21. For this purpose, it is contemplated in particular that an amount of fresh air A supplied per unit of time to the mixing chamber 21 and / or an amount of exhaust air B supplied per unit of time to the mixing chamber 21 will be selected accordingly.

[0133] It is indicated in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 5 that the mixing chamber 21 of the first condenser device 11 comprises a condensate return system 20, which is configured to supply at least a portion of the water condensed in the mixing chamber 21 to the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1, or to a liquid tank, in particular a washing liquid tank or a rinsing liquid tank, of the warewasher 1.

[0134] The two design variants of the first condenser device 11, each of which are shown schematically in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, likewise have in common that the first condenser device 11 is associated with an exhaust air suction fan 23, wherein the exhaust air suction fan 23 is configured so as to supply, in particular as needed, at least a portion of the exhaust air B to be discharged from the warewasher 1 to the first condenser device 11, in particularly directly.

[0135] In this context, it is in particular contemplated that the exhaust air suction fan 23 is associated with a control device (not shown in the drawings) which is configured to supply only a portion of the exhaust air B which is in particular pre-determined or predeterminable in advance that is present in the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1 at the end of a cleaning cycle of the warewasher 1, in particular directly to the first condenser device 11, namely preferably before the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1 is opened,

[0136] As can be seen from the schematic illustrations in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in these exemplary embodiments of the exhaust air treatment system 10 according to the invention, the first condenser device 11 and the second condenser device 30 are operably connected in series such that the exhaust air B to be discharged first passes through the first condenser device 11 and then the second condenser device 30.

[0137] However, the present invention is not limited to these design variants. Rather, it is also contemplated that the first condenser device 11 and the second condenser device 30 are operably connected in series in such a way that the exhaust air B to be discharged passes the second condenser device 30 first and then the first condenser device 11.

[0138] As can likewise be seen in the illustrations in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the second condenser device 30 comprises a water-cooled condenser 31 in which water, in particular fresh water C, is conducted through the interior by a heat exchanger 32. The heat exchanger 32 of the second condenser device 30 is preferably designed in the form of a meandering pipe system, as can in particular be seen in the illustration in FIG. 7.

[0139] In particular, it is provided that a portion of the exhaust air B of the warewasher 1 flows around the outside of the heat exchanger 32 of the second condenser device 30.

[0140] For this purpose, the second condenser device 30 comprises a housing 33 surrounding the heat exchanger 32 of the second condenser device 30, at least partially or in regions. The housing 33 comprises an inlet 34, via which at least a portion of the exhaust air B of the warewasher 1 is introduced or can be introduced into the interior of the housing 33, preferably by means of a suction fan 23, at least as needed.

[0141] The housing 33 further comprises an outlet 35, via which the exhaust air B of the warewasher 1 previously directed into the interior of the housing 33 is supplied to the set-up area, in particular the set-up room, of the warewasher 1, namely after the exhaust air B has at least partially or in some regions flowed around the heat exchanger 32 of the second condenser device 30 inside the housing 33 of the second condenser device 30.

[0142] Further, it can be seen in the illustrations in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 that the heat exchanger 32 of the second condenser device 30 comprises an inlet 34 via which water, in particular fresh water C, is supplied to the heat exchanger 13 of the second condenser device 30 at least as needed.

[0143] The heat exchanger 32 of the second condenser device 30 further comprises an outlet 35, via which the water previously supplied to the heat exchanger 13 of the second condenser 30 via the inlet 34, after passing the heat exchanger 32 of the second condenser device 30, is supplied to a water heater / boiler of the warewasher 1, a water tank, in particular a fresh water tank, of the warewasher 1, a nozzle system, in particular, rinse nozzle system, of the warewasher 1 and / or a further heat exchanger of the warewasher 1.

[0144] As can in particular be seen in the illustration in FIG. 6, according to embodiments of the first condenser device 11, it is provided that this is designed as an exchangeable or replaceable module.

[0145] The same applies accordingly to the second condenser device 30. In this regard, please refer to the illustrations in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

[0146] In particular, the embodiment of the second condenser device 30 shown schematically in FIG. 7 is designed as a plastic part, in particular an injection molded plastic part.

[0147] As can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 9, the hood 4 of the warewasher 1 comprises an exhaust air suction opening 40, which is fluidly connected or connectable to a suction side of an exhaust air suction fan 23 of the exhaust air treatment system 10, such that, as needed, at least a portion of the exhaust air B which is present in the treatment chamber 2 closed by the hood 4 at the end of a cleaning cycle can be extracted with the aid of the exhaust air suction fan 23 and can in particular be supplied directly to the first condenser device 11 of the exhaust air treatment system 10.

[0148] Preferably, the exhaust air suction opening 40 is formed in an upper area of the hood 4, preferably in a side wall region or rear wall region of the hood 4.

[0149] It can further be seen in the illustration in FIG. 9 that the exhaust air suction opening 40 is associated with a closure element 41, which is configured to close the exhaust air suction opening 40 in the hood 4 of the warewasher 1 as needed.

[0150] In particular, the closure element 41 is configured to automatically close the exhaust air suction opening 40 in the hood 4 of the warewasher 1 when the hood 4—starting from a closing position of the hood 4—is converted into an open position of the hood 4 as shown for example in FIGS. 1A and 1n FIG. 1B.

[0151] For this purpose, the closure element 41 comprises a shut-off valve, which is mounted so as to be slidable in a vertical direction relative to the hood 4 and is operatively connected in particular to the machine frame 3 of the warewasher 1 in such a way that, when the hood 4 is transferred from its closed position into its open position, the exhaust air suction opening 40 formed in the hood 4 is closed by means of the shut-off valve.

[0152] The isometric view in FIG. 8 shows that the second condenser device 30 may be integrated into a connection / outlet fitting module 50.

[0153] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results when all of the features disclosed herein are considered together.List of reference numerals1Dishwasher2Treatment chamber3Machine frame4Hood5Handle10Exhaust air treatment system11First condenser device12Air-cooled condenser13Heat exchanger14Air duct system15Outlet16Inlet17Housing18Inlet of the housing19Outlet of the housing20Condensate return21Mixing chamber22First inlet of the mixing chamber23Suction fan / exhaust air suction fan24Second inlet of the mixing chamber25Suction fan for air26Outlet of the mixing chamber30Second condenser device31Water-cooled condenser32Heat exchanger33Housing34Inlet of the housing35Outlet of the housing36Inlet for water37Outlet40Exhaust air suction opening41Closure element50Connection / outlet fitting moduleAAir / fresh airBExhaust airCWater / fresh waterDFresh air / exhaust air mixture

Claims

1. An exhaust air treatment system for a commercial warewasher, wherein the exhaust air treatment system comprises the following:a first condenser device configured so as to lower, at least as needed and with the aid of a fluid medium, a dew point temperature of an exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher; andoptionally, a second condenser device configured so as to transfer, at least as needed, at least a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher to a liquid medium.

2. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the first condenser device is configured so as to draw in, at least as needed, air from a set-up region of the warewasher and to use the drawn air for dew point temperature reduction of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher.

3. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1,wherein the first condenser device comprises a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber of the first condenser device comprises the following:a first inlet via which at least a portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied, at least as needed, to the mixing chamber;a second inlet via which air, in particular fresh air, from a set-up region of the warewasher, is supplied or can be supplied, at least as needed; andan outlet via which a fresh air / exhaust air mixture formed by the mixing of the supplied air, and the supplied exhaust air in the mixing chamber, having a dew point temperature that is reduced in comparison to the dew point temperature of the exhaust air, is supplied or can be supplied selectively either directly to the set-up region of the warewasher, or first just to the set-up region of the warewasher, after at least a portion of the fresh air / exhaust air mixture has previously passed through the second condenser device.

4. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 3, wherein an amount of air supplied to the mixing chamber per unit of time and / or an amount of exhaust air supplied to the mixing chamber per unit of time is selected in such a way, and / or wherein the mixing chamber of the first condenser device is configured in such a way that, by mixing the supplied air and exhaust air in the mixing chamber, at least a portion of the moisture contained in the exhaust air condenses in the mixing chamber.

5. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 3,wherein the mixing chamber of the first condenser device is associated with a condensate return system, or wherein the mixing chamber of the first condenser device comprises a condensate return system, wherein the condensate return system is configured so as to supply at least a portion of the water condensed in the mixing chamber to a treatment chamber of the warewasher, or to a liquid tank of the warewasher.

6. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1,wherein the first condenser device comprises an air-cooled condenser, in which the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher is conducted through the interior of at least one heat exchanger, wherein the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device is externally surrounded by flowing air from a set-up region of the warewasher.

7. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 6, wherein the first condenser device comprises an air duct system through which at least a portion of the exhaust air discharged or to be discharged from the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied as needed via an inlet [(16)] of the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device, wherein, for this purpose, the air duct system is associated with a suction fan, which can be actuated as needed.

8. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 7, wherein the air duct system is configured so as to supply at least a portion of the water condensed in the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device to a treatment chamber of the warewasher, or to a liquid tank of the warewasher.

9. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 6,wherein the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device comprises an outlet via which the at least one portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied to the set-up region of the warewasher, namely after the at least one portion of the exhaust air has been passed through the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device; orwherein the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device comprises an outlet via which the at least one portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is supplied or can be supplied to the second condenser device, namely after the at least one portion of the exhaust air has been passed through the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device.

10. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 6,wherein the first condenser device comprises a housing at least partially or regionally surrounding the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device, wherein the housing comprises an inlet via which air from a set-up region of the warewasher, is introduced or can be introduced, at least as needed with the aid of a suction fan, into the interior of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises an outlet via which the air that has previously been conducted into the interior of the housing, is supplied or can be supplied to the set-up region of the warewasher or to a drying zone or a drying region of the warewasher, namely after the air inside the housing of the first condenser device has at least partially or regionally flown around the at least one heat exchanger of the first condenser device.

11. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1,wherein the first condenser device is associated with an exhaust air suction fan, or wherein the first condenser device comprises an exhaust air suction fan, wherein the exhaust air suction fan is configured so as to supply at least a portion of the exhaust air to be discharged from the warewasher to the first condenser device.

12. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 11,wherein the exhaust air suction fan is associated with a control device, or wherein the exhaust air suction fan comprises a control device, wherein the control device is configured so as to supply only a portion of the exhaust air that is present in a treatment chamber of the warewasher at the end of a cleaning cycle of the warewasher to the first condenser device, before the treatment chamber of the warewasher is opened.

13. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1,wherein the first condenser device and the second condenser device are operatively connected in series such that:(i) the exhaust air to be discharged passes first through the first condenser device and then through the second condenser device; or(ii) the exhaust air to be discharged passes first through the second condenser device and then through the first condenser device.

14. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1,wherein the first condenser device is configured as an exchangeable or replaceable module; and / orwherein the second condenser device is configured as an exchangeable or replaceable module.

15. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1,wherein the second condenser device comprises a water-cooled condenser, in which water is conducted through the interior of at least one heat exchanger, wherein the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device is externally surrounded by at least a portion of the flowing exhaust air of the warewasher.

16. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 15,wherein the second condenser device comprises a housing at least partially or regionally surrounding the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device, wherein the housing comprises an inlet via which at least a portion of the exhaust air of the warewasher is introduced or can be introduced, at least as needed and with the aid of a suction fan, into the interior of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises an outlet via which the exhaust air of the warewasher that has previously been conducted into the interior of the housing of the second condenser device is supplied or can be supplied to a set-up region of the warewasher or to the first condenser device, namely after the exhaust air inside the housing of the second condenser device has at least partially or regionally flowed around the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device.

17. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 15,wherein the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device comprises an inlet via which the water is supplied or can be supplied, at least as needed, to the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device, and wherein the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device comprises an outlet via the water previously supplied to the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device via the inlet, having passed through the at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device, is supplied or can be supplied to a water heater or boiler of the warewasher, to a water tank of the warewasher, to a nozzle system of the warewasher, and / or to a further heat exchanger of the warewasher.

18. The exhaust air treatment system according to claim 15,wherein at least one heat exchanger of the second condenser device is configured as a plastic part.

19. A commercial warewasher, wherein the commercial warewasher comprises an exhaust air treatment system according to claim 1.

20. The commercial warewasher according to claim 19, wherein the commercial warewasher comprises a treatment chamber, in which washware can be handled according to a predetermined or determinable treatment program, wherein the treatment chamber can be closed with a hood that is movable in a vertical direction relative to a machine frame of the warewasher, wherein an exhaust suction opening is formed in the hood and is or can be fluidly connected to a suction side of an exhaust air suction fan of the exhaust air treatment system in such a way that, as needed, with the aid of the exhaust air suction fan, at least a portion of the exhaust air present in the treatment chamber that is closed by the hood at the end of a cleaning cycle of the warewasher can be sucked out and supplied directly to the first condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system.

21. The commercial warewasher according to claim 20, wherein the exhaust air suction opening of the hood is formed in an upper region of the hood and is formed there in a side wall region or rear wall region of the hood.

22. The commercial warewasher according to claim 20,wherein the exhaust air suction opening of the hood is associated with a closure element, which is configured as to close the exhaust air suction opening of the hood automatically when the hood, starting from a closed position of the hood, is transferred into an open position of the hood.

23. The commercial warewasher according to claim 22, wherein the closure element comprises a shut-off valve, which is mounted so as to be slidable in a vertical direction relative to the hood in such a way that, when the hood is transferred from its closed position into its open position, the exhaust air suction opening of the hood is closed by means of the shut-off valve.

24. The commercial warewasher according to claim 20,wherein the exhaust air suction fan is associated with a control device, or wherein the exhaust air suction fan comprises a control device, wherein the control device is configured so as to supply only a portion of the exhaust air that is present in the treatment chamber of the warewasher at the end of a cleaning cycle of the warewasher.

25. The commercial warewasher according to claim 19,wherein the first condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system is arranged on the hood; and / orwherein the second condenser device of the exhaust air treatment system is arranged on a wall region of the warewasher positioned at the rear side of the machine.

26. The commercial warewasher according to claim 25, wherein the second condenser device is integrated in a port / drain valve module.

Images