Liquid quality managing device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beer dispensers experience a time lag in temperature reduction of dispensed beer due to heat transfer characteristics, leading to temperatures higher than the target range, especially in high ambient temperatures and busy periods, affecting beer quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid quality management device with a dispensing sensor and control device that controls the refrigeration machine and stirring device from the start of dispensing, optimizing cooling performance and ice storage to maintain beer within a predetermined temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigeration machine is operated based on conventional conductivity sensor detection, then the frozen state is monitored, but there is a time lag in temperature reduction of dispensed beer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by operating the refrigeration machine before the conductivity sensor detects frozen state changes. The control unit starts cooling in advance based on predicted cooling requirements, ensuring the beer reaches target temperature without delay while avoiding over-cooling through monitored adjustment.
2Temperature
If the refrigeration machine is operated continuously to maintain beer temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration machine operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates cooling only when predicted cooling requirements indicate need, based on factors like ambient temperature and dispensing patterns. This periodic operation maintains beer temperature stability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Power
If the stirring device operates at high speed to improve heat exchange efficiency, then cooling performance is enhanced, but ice melts faster
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring device operates dynamically with variable speed control. The control unit adjusts stirring speed based on real-time conditions: higher speeds during periods requiring rapid cooling enhancement, and lower speeds when cooling demand is reduced. This dynamic adjustment optimizes heat exchange efficiency while minimizing unnecessary ice melting and associated energy loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures a more stable beer quality by maintaining a higher percentage of dispensed beer within the target temperature range, improving temperature control and reducing temperature lag issues.
Implementation Method 1
The beer dispenser freezes a part of a cooling water within the cooling tank by using the refrigeration machine
Implementation Method 2
the beer is dispensed while being cooled with heat exchange between the beer passing through the inside of the beer cooling pipe immersed in the partially frozen cooling water and the cooling water
Implementation Method 3
the beer dispenser further includes a stirring device for stirring the cooling water in the cooling tank
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid quality management device (101) capable of being added to a liquid supply system (70) supplying a liquid in a storage container (10) to a dispensing device (50) in order to cool the liquid and dispensing the liquid into a drinking container (40) includes: a dispensing sensor; and a control device (130) electrically connected to the dispensing sensor and configured to perform control operation of at least one of a refrigeration machine and a stirring device provided in the dispensing device at the same time when dispensing of the liquid is started.