Chilling system that utilizes liquid nitrogen

Abstract

A system includes a heat exchanger chamber that has a headspace zone above an innage zone. The innage zone is for receiving liquid nitrogen and for producing a nitrogen vapor cloud in the headspace zone. There is a heat exchanger situated in the headspace zone that is enveloped by the nitrogen vapor cloud. A first cooling loop runs through a heater tank and a cooling passage of at least one component. The first cooling loop is configured to circulate a working fluid. A second cooling loop runs through at least the heater tank and the heat exchanger. The second cooling loop also circulates the working fluid. A nitrogen recycle loop runs through at least the heat exchanger chamber and a nitrogen condenser. The nitrogen recycle loop is configured to capture the nitrogen vapor cloud, convert the nitrogen vapor cloud into liquid, and return the liquid to the innage zone.

Description

CHILLING SYSTEM THAT UTILIZES LIQUID NITROGENBACKGROUND

[0001] Cannabis and other plant materials contain a variety of chemical compounds that are useful in pharmaceuticals, perfumes, recreational, and industrial solutions. In order to extract the compounds, the plant material is often subjected to an extraction agent, i.e., a solvent. The solvent infiltrates the plant material and dissolves the compounds. The compounds can then be isolated from the solvent using one or more separation processes. The extraction is often conducted at temperatures colder than -20°C at a variety of temperatures based on the specific characteristics of the cannabis being processed and the desired characteristics of the final product. Generally, the lower the temperature, the higher the purity of the final product, as more impurities are precipitated and removed. The extraction process and product requirement might necessitate different temperature settings, to retain certain chemical compounds and engage in winterization of others. At temperatures colder than 78.5°C, the sublimation point of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), utilizing liquid nitrogen, which reaches temperatures as low as -196°C, can ensure an even more thorough removal of fats, waxes, and lipids, faster precipitation of unwanted compounds, thereby speeding up the process and reducing or eliminating the need for post-initial extraction winterization. Hence, for a variety of reasons, precise temperature control with the ability to achieve and maintain ultra-cold temperatures significantly improves the efficiency and optimization of extraction processes.SUMMARY

[0002] A system comprising according to an example of the present disclosure includes a heat exchanger chamber having a headspace zone above an innage zone. The innage zone is for receiving liquid nitrogen and for producing a nitrogen vapor cloud in the headspace zone. There is a heat exchanger situated in the headspace zone that is enveloped by the nitrogen vapor cloud when produced. A first cooling loop runs through at least a heater tank and a cooling passage of at least one component. The first cooling loop is configured to circulate a working fluid. A second cooling loop runs through at least the heater tank and the heat exchanger. The second cooling loop also circulates the working fluid. A nitrogen recycle loop runs through at least the heat exchanger chamber and a nitrogen condenser. The nitrogen recycle loop is configured to capture the nitrogen vapor cloud, convert the nitrogen vapor cloud into liquid, and return the liquid to the innage zone.

[0003] The present disclosure may include any one or more of the individual features disclosed above and / or below alone or in any combination thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. In this disclosure, like reference numerals designate like elements where appropriate and reference numerals with the addition of one-hundred or multiples thereof designate modified elements that are understood to incorporate the same features and benefits of the corresponding elements. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a chiller system that is useful for extraction processes.

[0006] Figure 2 illustrates another example of a chiller system that has a nitrogen recycle loop.

[0007] Figure 3 illustrates another example of a chiller system that has a heater tank.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Although examples herein may be directed to botanical extraction, it is to be appreciated that this disclosure is broadly applicable across industries, including those that may require precise, low-temperature chilling environments to enhance process efficiency, maintain product integrity, and / or provide effective thermal management in systems where cooling is utilized. The disclosed system leverages liquid nitrogen as a highly effective chilling agent, to provide temperature control at sub-zero and / or cryogenic levels useful for a variety of applications. Industries that may benefit from the examples herein include, but are not limited to the following.

[0009] Botanical Extraction: Facilitating the isolation of desirable compounds from plant materials, such as cannabinoids in cannabis, by operating at ultra-low temperatures to minimize impurities, eliminate post-extraction winterization steps, and optimize yield.

[0010] Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing: Supporting processes that require precise temperature regulation for drug formulation, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis, and cryopreservation of biological materials.

[0011] Food and Beverage Industry: Enabling cryogenic freezing for extended shelf life, enhanced preservation of perishable goods, and improved product quality during storage and transportation.

[0012] Chemical Processing: Providing controlled chilling for reactions, separations, and crystallization processes where ultra-low temperatures are critical for efficiency and safety.

[0013] Data Centers and High-Performance Computing: Delivering effective thermal management solutions to mitigate heat generation, enhance energy efficiency, and prevent overheating in IT infrastructure.

[0014] Industrial and Manufacturing Processes: Supporting advanced cooling needs in areas such as metalworking, additive manufacturing, and cryogenic machining, where thermal precision is advantageous.

[0015] Additionally, the system may be provided as a modular design that allows for seamless integration into various operational workflows, as well as scalability to relatively larger or smaller volumes. The advanced nitrogen recycling capability of the system ensures low environmental impact, making it an eco-friendly solution across industries. Furthermore, the system’s precise temperature control, automated functionality, and energy-efficient operation position the system as a transformative solution with broad commercial appeal.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a chiller system 20 that is useful for extraction processes of plant matter. It is to be understood, however, that the examples herein are not limited to extraction processes and may be implemented in other systems that would benefit from liquid nitrogen heat exchange. As will be discussed, the system 20 utilizes liquid nitrogen (LN2) for providing a controlled low temperature environment in which extraction, or related processes, can be conducted. The system 20 thus eliminates the need for hydrofluorocarbon or other refrigerants that require containment measures in order to avoid release into the environment.

[0017] The “system 20” refers to all of the substituent components described herein, all combinations of those components, and any additional components that may not be discussed but that may be present to facilitate construction and / or operation of the system 20. In other words, the system 20 can include additional features without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Additionally, each example herein represents at least two embodiments. One of these embodiments includes the system 20 in its non-functional state, i.e., while not in operation. The other of the embodiments includes the system in its functional state, i.e., while in operation.

[0018] The system 20 includes a heat exchanger chamber 22. For example, the chamber 22 is a hollow cylindrical column that can be hermetically sealed to isolate the interior from the temperature and pressure of the ambient surroundings. The chamber 22 may be formed from a high grade alloy that is resistant to sub-zero temperatures, such as but not limited to, pharmaceutical grade stainless steel. The chamber 22 houses a heat exchanger plate 24 that is located in in a headspace zone 22a in an upper half of the chamber 22. The headspace zone 22a and the heat exchanger plate 24 are vertically above an innage zone 22b located in the lower half of the chamber 22. A working-fluid loop 26 for flow of a working-fluid, such as but not limited to butane or other hydrocarbon, oil, or glycol, runs through the heat exchanger plate 24. A “loop” as used herein refers to an endless closed passage through which a fluid circulates, without transfer of fluid into or out of the loop. The loop 26 is operable with a vriety of different working fluids, such as hydrocarbons for botanical extraction, synthetic oils for data center cooling, or glycols for pharmaceutical applications, enabling the system 20 to be adapted for use across diverse implementations and wide range of requirements.

[0019] As will be appreciated, a heat exchanger coil or other type of heat exchanger could be used in place of the heat exchanger plate 24. The line 26 runs through the plate 24 and then from the heat exchanger chamber 22 into to a component, which in this example is a process chamber 28. There is a pump 30 disposed in the working-fluid loop 26 that is operable to move the working-fluid through the system 20. Depending on the implementation, the line 26 may instead run through or to other equipment that is to be chilled, such as but not limited to, heat exchange plates or coils in a data center environment in order to maintain optimal thermal conditions for IT hardware.

[0020] The process chamber 28 includes a heat exchanger jacket (cooling passage) 32 that surrounds an interior region 34 in which a plant material, a pharmaceutical material, industrial chemical, or other material of interest may be placed for chilling. The working-fluid loop 26 runs through the jacket 32 but is fluidly isolated from the interior region 34. For example, the working-fluid loop 26 spirals around the interior region 34 before exiting the process chamber 28 and running to a second process chamber 36.

[0021] The second process chamber 36 is of similar construction as the process chamber 28, with a heat exchanger jacket 32 that surrounds an interior region 34 and the working-fluid loop 26 spiraling around the interior region 34. It is to be appreciated that one or more additional process chambers can be used, or that only a single process chamber could be used. For example, for smaller-scale operations, a single process chamber with a reduced cooling jacket size may be used, while for industrial-scale applications, multiple processchambers and / or larger volume process chambers can be used and connected in series. Additionally, each chamber 22 / 28 / 36 may include a respective pressure relief valve 39, for venting the interiors of the chambers 22 / 28 / 36 when or if the pressure in the chambers exceeds a pressure rating of the valve 39. For example, a valve 39 that has a rating of 250 psi will open when the interior pressure exceeds 250 psi, to prevent over-pressurization. From the final process chamber in the series, the working-fluid loop 26 runs to a condenser 38. The condenser 38 is configured to reduce the temperature of the working-fluid received from the second (or final) process chamber 36. The working-fluid loop 26 then returns to the heat exchanger plate 24 in the heat exchanger chamber 22.

[0022] The system 20 further includes an LN2 source 40, such as a cyrogenic tank or canister that is capable of holding LN2. The LN2 source 40 is connected or connectable with the innage zone 22a of the chamber 22. During operation of the system 20, LN2 is provided from the LN2 source 40 into the innage zone 22a. The innage zone 22a is below the heat exchanger plate 24 such that the plate 24 is not submersed in the LN2. Rather, the LN2 vaporizes and forms a nitrogen cloud 44 in the headspace zone 22a that envelops the plate 24. The heat exchanger chamber 22 may include a vent valve 41 for venting the cloud 44 after use, or the relief valve 39 may serve as the vent. Relative to the temperature of the LN2, the cloud 44 is warmer, but is still cool enough to reduce the temperature of the working-fluid running through the working-fluid loop 26 in the plate 24. For example, the cloud 44 can maintain temperatures between about -20°C and -196°C. The chilled working-fluid then flows through the jacket 32 in the process chamber 28 to reduce the temperature in the interior region 34. The working-fluid then flows through the jacket 32 in the second process chamber 36, also reducing the temperature in the interior region 34. As an example, the system 20 is configured to maintain one or both of the interior regions 34 at a target temperature of -80°C to facilitate efficient extraction of cannabinoids while minimizing the extraction of undesired impurities such as waxes and chlorophyll. In another example, where the system 20 is configured in a data center environment, the system 20 may be configured to maintain IT hardware at temperatures of 30°C or lower to prevent hardware overheating. In another example, where the system 20 is configured in a pharmaceutical or chemical process, the system 20 may be configured to maintain a process chamber at a desired reaction temperature or to maintain a storage compartment at temperatures of - 150°C or lower to reduce degradation of sensitive compounds.

[0023] The working-fluid absorbs heat as it flows through the jackets 32 of the process chambers 28 / 36. Thus, when the working-fluid exits the second process chamber 36 it may be gaseous. The condenser 38 reduces the temperature of the working-fluid to condensethe vapor to a liquid. The liquid working-fluid is then recirculated back to the heat exchanger plate 24 in the chamber 22 for another cooling cycle.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates another example chiller system 120 that is the same as the system 20 except that it additionally includes a nitrogen recycle loop 146. In this example, rather than venting the nitrogen cloud 44 to the atmosphere, the nitrogen cloud 44 is circulated though valve 41 to a secondary condenser 148. The secondary condenser 148 reduces the temperature of the gaseous nitrogen, returning the nitrogen to a liquid state (liquid LN2). The liquid nitrogen then flows to a container 150, where it can be held until additional liquid nitrogen is required in the innage zone 22b to maintain the nitrogen cloud 44. Thus, the nitrogen can be continuously recycled through the loop 146 in order to continuously maintain the nitrogen cloud 44. Recycle of the nitrogen also facilitates increased overall system efficiency by requiring less nitrogen for operation. Insofar as additional nitrogen is needed to make-up for any nitrogen lost (e.g., through the valve 39), nitrogen from the LN2 source 40 can be provided as needed in order to maintain a constant level of nitrogen pressure in the chamber 22.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the system 120 may further include sensors 156 (temperature and / or pressure), control valves 154, and a controller 152 (e.g., including one or more electronic processors, a memory, user interface, etc.) for receiving temperature and pressure feedback and controlling operation of the system 20 in an automated or semiautomated fashion. Alternatively, the system 20 is manually operable. Whether automated or manual, an example method of use of the system includes providing LN2 into the innage zone 22b in the chamber 22 and activating the pump 30 to cause the working-fluid to flow through the working-fluid loop 26 and thus reduce the temperature in the interiors 34 of the process chambers 28 / 36. The amount of LN2 provided into the chamber 22 can be controlled in order to control the temperature and pressure of the nitrogen vapor cloud 44, thereby enabling control over the cooling of the working-fluid in the plate 24. Control of the temperature of the workingfluid, in turn, enables control of the temperature at which the interiors 34 are maintained by the circulation of the working-fluid though the jackets 32. In conjunction with operation of the system 20, plant material can be provided into the interiors 34 for controlled chilling to a desired processing temperature.

[0026] The controller 152 is electrically connected with control valves 154, valve 41, pump 30, and sensors 156 and is operable to control open / close valve and turn the pump 30 ON / OFF. The controller 152 is configured to regulate the temperature of the working-fluid by controlling the density of the nitrogen cloud 44 via chamber pressure. For instance,manipulation of the pressure in the chamber 22 changes the vaporization of the liquid nitrogen to thereby enable control over the amount of nitrogen in the nitrogen cloud 44. In turn, the nitrogen cloud 44 controls the degree of cooling of the working-fluid. Accordingly, the controller 152 is configured to adjust the temperature of the working-fluid by adjusting pressure in the chamber 22. As an example, the chamber 22 includes pressure sensors 156 in the headspace zone 22a and in the innage zone 22b. The controller 152 determines a pressure differential between the zones 22a / 22b and based on the pressure differential and refers to a lookup table that correlates the differential to working-fluid temperature. If a temperature adjustment is required from an instant working-fluid temperature to achieve a set point temperature, the controller 152 causes an adjustment of the pressure, such as by activating a vacuum pump 158 to evacuate nitrogen from the chamber 22 and reduce pressure or by opening valves 154 to provide additional liquid nitrogen from the container 150 or LN2 source 40. In this manner, the controller 152 is operable to control temperature of the working-fluid, such as to maintain a desired set point temperature of the working-fluid or adjust between numerous desired temperatures.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates another example chiller system 220 that has at least three different heat exchanging loops. The system 220 includes a first working-fluid loop 226 for flow of a working-fluid, such as butane, oil, or other heat transfer coolant. In this example, the loop 226 includes a heater tank 229, which is insulated with insulation jacket 231, such as a vacuum, foam, cryogel, and / or fibrous material. An interior chamber 229a of the tank 229 includes an immersion heater 233. The tank 229 is filled with the working fluid. The heater 233 serves to selectively heat the working fluid to achieve a desired, temperature-controlled working fluid. For example, the heater 233 is in communication with the controller 152 to control operation thereof. A temperature sensor in the tank 229 and / or elsewhere in the loop 226 may provide temperature feedback to the controller 152 and the controller 152 switches the heater 233 OFF or ON to adjust the temperature of the working fluid based on the temperature feedback.

[0028] The next portion of the loop 226 is a tank outlet line 226a, which leads from the chamber 229a of the tank 229 to a circulation pump 235. The pump 235 is also in communication with the controller 152, which is configured to switch the pump 235 ON and OFF in order to circulate the working fluid through the loop 226.

[0029] Next, the loop 226 includes a pump outlet line 226b, which leads from the pump 235 to the heat exchanger plate 24 in the chamber 22. As discussed earlier, the cloud 44 serves to reduce the temperature of the working-fluid running through the working-fluid loop26 in the plate 24. The working fluid then exits the plate to a plate outlet line 226c, which leads back into the chamber 229a and thus completes the loop 226. Accordingly, the first working fluid loop 226 includes, in flow order, the chamber 229a, the line 226a, the pump 235, the line 226b, the plate 24, and the line 226c.

[0030] The next loop in the system 220 is a second working-fluid loop 237, which begins with the chamber 229a and circulates the temperature-controlled working fluid from the tank 229 through a chamber outlet line 237a to a discharge pump 243. The pump 243 is also in communication with the controller 152, which is configured to switch the pump 243 ON and OFF in order to circulate the working fluid through the loop 237. Next, the loop 237 includes a pump outlet line 237b, which leads from the pump 243 to the cooling passage 32 of at least one component 28. For example, the component 28 is a botanical or chemical process chamber, a refrigeration or freezer compartment, IT hardware, or industrial / manufacturing equipment. An outlet line 237c leads from the cooling passage 32 of the first process chamber 28 into the cooling passage 32 of the next process chamber 28. Insofar as there may be one or more additional components 28, the working fluid would circulate from one cooling passage 32 to the next, until the final component 28 in the series. A return line 237d leads from the last cooling passage 32 back into the chamber 229a of tank 229. Accordingly, the loop 237 includes, in flow order, the chamber 229a, the line 237a, the pump 243, the line 237b, the cooling passage 32, and the return line 237d. The temperature-controlled working fluid from the tank 229 is circulated through loop 237 to control the temperature of the component 28 or a portion thereof.

[0031] The third loop in the system 220 is a nitrogen recycle loop 245. The LN2 source 40 provides liquid nitrogen into the chamber 22, which as discussed above forms the cloud 44. The cloud is vented off through a vapor collection line 245a, which leads to a condenser 138 located outside of the chamber 22. The condenser 138 is configured to convert the nitrogen vapor back to liquid. As an example, the condenser 138 may include one or more of a heat exchanger, a compressor, a cryogenerator, a cryocooler, and a nitrogen liquefier. The liquid nitrogen is then provided through return line 245b, which leads to the innage zone 22b in the chamber 22. The loop 245 serves to recover and re-use the nitrogen by collecting the vapor and returning the vapor to liquid, rather than venting to atmosphere. The loop 245 is fluidly isolated form the loops 226 and 237. As will be appreciated, each or all of the loops 226 / 237 / 245 will include valves and / or other hardware for controlling flow.

[0032] Like the tank 229, the chamber 22 in this example is insulated with insulation jacket 231, such as a vacuum and / or cryogel, though the type of insulation for the chamber 22 and the tank 229 do not need to be the same. All of the above-described lines thathandle working fluid flow or nitrogen flow are also insulated, such as with foam, cryogel, and / or fibrous material.

[0033] During operation of the system 220, the working fluid circulates through the heat exchanger jackets 32 in the loop 237 to cool the interior regions 34 of the process chambers 28 where material is processed or to maintain a target temperature in the regions 34. The temperature of the working fluid is precisely controlled via flow through the heater tank 229 and heat exchanger 24. For instance, to increase the temperature of the working fluid, the immersion heater 233 is switched ON to heat the working fluid in the chamber 229a, or to decrease the temperature the working fluid is circulated through the loop 226 to be chilled in the heat exchanger 24. Thus, through coordinated operation of the immersion heater 233 and selective circulation through the loops 226 / 237, the temperature of the working fluid is precisely controlled, which facilitates precise temperature control of the regions 34 in the process chamber 28. Moreover, the system 220 provides enhanced efficiency by recapturing nitrogen vapor from the heat exchanger chamber 22 and returning the vapor to liquid for reuse in the chamber 22. This avoids a need to constantly replenish the chamber 22 with new liquid nitrogen from the source 40.

[0034] Although a combination of features is shown in the illustrated examples, not all of them need to be combined to realize the benefits of various embodiments of this disclosure. In other words, a system designed according to an embodiment of this disclosure will not necessarily include all of the features shown in any one of the Figures or all of the portions schematically shown in the Figures. Moreover, selected features of one example embodiment may be combined with selected features of other example embodiments.

[0035] The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from this disclosure. The scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system comprising: a heat exchanger chamber having a headspace zone above an innage zone, the innage zone for receiving liquid nitrogen and for producing a nitrogen vapor cloud in the headspace zone; a heat exchanger situated in the headspace zone and that is enveloped by the nitrogen vapor cloud when produced; at least one process chamber including an interior process region and a cooling jacket surrounding the interior process region; and at least one cooling loop that runs through the heat exchanger and the cooling jacket, the cooling loop containing a working-fluid and a pump that is operable to circulate the working-fluid through the heat exchanger to be cooled by the nitrogen cloud and circulate the cooled working-fluid through the cooling jacket to chill the interior process region.

2. The system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a liquid nitrogen source connected with the innage zone of the heat exchanger chamber for providing the liquid nitrogen.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger plate located in the headspace zone in an upper half of the heat exchanger chamber, and the cooling loop runs through the heat exchanger plate.

4. The system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a nitrogen recycle loop that runs through the heat exchanger chamber and includes a nitrogen condenser, the nitrogen recycle loop including at least one valve for controlling nitrogen flow through the nitrogen recycle loop.

5. The system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a nitrogen container fluidly connected with the nitrogen condenser, and the nitrogen container is downstream of the nitrogen condenser.

6. The system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a controller, the controller configured to receive sensor signals indicative of a condition in the heat exchanger chamber, estimate an instant temperature of the working-fluid from the sensor signals, and in response to the instant temperature, cause an adjustment of the condition in order to change the instant temperature toward a target temperature.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein, in response to the instant temperature, the controller is configured to open and close the plurality of valves in order to cause the adjustment of the condition.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, further comprising a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the heat exchanger chamber, and the controller is configured to turn the vacuum pump ON or OFF in order to cause the adjustment of the condition.

9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the condition is pressure in the heat exchanger chamber.

10. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a heater tank in the at least one cooling loop, the heater tank including an immersion heater.—[intentional page break]—11. A system comprising: a container including liquid nitrogen; a heat exchanger chamber having a headspace zone above an innage zone, the innage zone in fluid communication with the container, the innage zone receiving liquid nitrogen and producing a nitrogen vapor cloud in the headspace zone; a heat exchanger situated in the headspace zone and that is enveloped by the nitrogen vapor cloud; at least one process chamber including an interior process region and a cooling jacket surrounding the interior process region; a cooling loop that runs through the heat exchanger and the cooling jacket, the cooling loop containing a working-fluid and a pump circulating the working-fluid through the heat exchanger and the cooling jacket, the working-fluid being cooled by the nitrogen cloud and chilling the interior process region; a nitrogen recycle loop that runs through the heat exchanger chamber, the nitrogen recycle loop including a nitrogen condenser fluidly connected with the heat exchanger chamber, and at least one valve controlling nitrogen flow through the nitrogen recycle loop; and a controller, the controller configured to receive sensor signals indicative of a condition in the heat exchanger chamber, estimate an instant temperature of the working-fluid in the heat exchanger from the sensor signals, and in response to the instant temperature, instigate an adjustment of the condition, the adjustment changing the instant temperature toward a target temperature.

12. The system as recited in claim 11, further comprising first and second sensors in, respectively, the headspace zone and the innage zone, the first and second sensors detecting the condition and generating the sensor signals.

13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the first and second sensors are pressure sensors, and the estimate is based on a pressure differential between the first and second sensors.

14. The system as recited in claim 13, further comprising a vacuum pump fluidly connected with the heat exchanger chamber, the controller connected with the vacuum pump and configured to control operation thereof.

15. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to operate the valves and the vacuum pump to instigate the adjustment.

16. The system as recited in claim 11 , further comprising a liquid nitrogen source connected with the innage zone of the heat exchanger chamber.-[intentional page break]-17. A system comprising: a heat exchanger chamber having a headspace zone above an innage zone, the innage zone for receiving liquid nitrogen and for producing a nitrogen vapor cloud in the headspace zone; a heat exchanger situated in the headspace zone and that is enveloped by the nitrogen vapor cloud when produced; at least one component including a cooling passage; a heater tank; a nitrogen condenser; a first cooling loop that runs through at least the heater tank and the cooling passage of the at least one component, the first cooling loop configured to circulate a working fluid; a second cooling loop that runs through at least the heater tank and the heat exchanger, the second cooling loop also to circulate the working fluid; and a nitrogen recycle loop that runs through at least the heat exchanger chamber and the nitrogen condenser, the nitrogen recycle loop configured to capture the nitrogen vapor cloud, convert the nitrogen vapor cloud into liquid, and return the liquid to the innage zone.

18. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein the at least one component is selected from the group consisting of a botanical or chemical process chamber, a refrigeration or freezer compartment, IT hardware, industrial / manufacturing equipment, and combinations thereof.

19. The system as recited in claim 17, further comprising a controller, the controller configured to receive sensor signals indicative of a condition in the heat exchanger chamber, estimate an instant temperature of the working-fluid in the heat exchanger from the sensor signals, and in response to the instant temperature, instigate an adjustment of the condition, the adjustment changing the instant temperature toward a target temperature.

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