Method of cooling a container comprising a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for beverage dispensing assemblies are inefficient in maintaining beverage temperature within acceptable boundaries, especially at higher ambient temperatures, due to simplistic temperature threshold-based cooling algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for contact cooling of a beverage container that dynamically adjusts the cut-on temperature based on ambient temperature and beverage volume, ensuring efficient cooling by continuously monitoring and responding to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional temperature threshold-based cooling algorithms are used, then the cooling system is simple to control, but the beverage temperature cannot be maintained within acceptable boundaries at higher ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling control algorithm dynamically adjusts the cut-on temperature threshold based on ambient temperature conditions. Instead of using a fixed threshold, the system modifies the activation temperature according to environmental conditions, allowing adaptive response to varying thermal loads while maintaining reliable beverage temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cooling control by adjusting the cut-on temperature threshold as a function of ambient temperature. This parameter modification enables the cooling system to maintain effectiveness across different environmental conditions without requiring complete redesign of the control logic.
2Reliability
If the cooling element operates continuously at high ambient temperature, then the beverage temperature is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element operation is dynamically controlled based on real-time ambient temperature measurements. The system activates cooling only when the beverage temperature exceeds the dynamically determined cut-on threshold, optimizing energy usage by avoiding unnecessary continuous operation while ensuring temperature control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling control system incorporates feedback from temperature sensors that continuously monitor both ambient and beverage temperatures. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about cooling element activation, balancing temperature maintenance requirements with energy consumption optimization.
3Productivity
If a fixed cut-on temperature is used regardless of ambient temperature, then the control logic is simple, but cooling efficiency decreases at higher ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-on temperature is transformed from a static fixed value to a dynamic parameter that varies with ambient temperature. This dynamic adjustment optimizes cooling efficiency across different environmental conditions by setting appropriate activation thresholds based on the thermal challenge the system faces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic modifies the cut-on temperature parameter based on ambient temperature measurements. This parameter change approach maintains relatively simple control structure while significantly improving cooling efficiency by adapting the activation threshold to match environmental conditions.
4Reliability
If the cooling system does not account for beverage volume, then the control algorithm is simpler, but thermal energy transfer effects are not properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm incorporates beverage volume as an additional parameter that influences the cut-on temperature determination. By adjusting the temperature threshold based on volume, the system accounts for thermal mass effects and surface area-to-volume ratios, improving temperature control accuracy without requiring complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling control is tailored to the specific beverage volume present in the container. Different volume levels receive customized temperature thresholds that reflect their specific thermal characteristics, ensuring accurate temperature control for each local condition rather than applying a universal fixed threshold.
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 approach provides more efficient and controlled cooling of beverages, maintaining optimal temperature even at higher ambient temperatures, while also considering the effects of beverage volume on thermal energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a container (3) comprising a beverage, the container (3) being provided in contact with a cooling contact body (11) thermally conductively coupled to a cooling element (26)
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for cooling a beverage in a container, the container being provided in contact with a cooling contact body thermally conductively coupled to a cooling element. The method comprises operating the cooling element and obtaining an ambient temperature of the environment outside the container and the cooling contact body. Based on the ambient temperature, a cut on temperature is defined and a temperature value indicative of a temperature of the beverage is obtained. The cooling element is operated if the temperature is larger than the cut on temperature until an end criterion is met. A higher ambient temperature may require more cooling of the beverage to ensure the temperature of the beverage is maintained between acceptable boundaries. A higher environmental temperature, requiring more cooling, means faster switching on or off. By using a switch on temperature based on the ambient temperature, more efficient cooling may be established.