Beverage Cooling Capacity Distribution for Cold Plate Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage cooling systems require separate refrigeration systems to cool both the beverage supply container and the cold plate, leading to inefficiencies, as no technology has effectively utilized a single compressor and condenser to chill both simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that utilizes a single refrigeration system with a compressor and condenser to simultaneously cool both the supply container and the cold plate, incorporating a receiver tank, evaporator, compressor, condenser, expansion valves, and solenoid valves to manage refrigerant flow and temperature control, allowing for multiple operational modes including cold plate cooling, box cooling, and defrost modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate refrigeration systems are used to cool the supply container and cold plate, then each component can be cooled independently and reliably, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate refrigeration systems into a single integrated system where one compressor and condenser serve both the supply container cooling circuit and the cold plate cooling circuit. This merging reduces device complexity and energy consumption while maintaining the ability to independently control cooling for each component through separate evaporators and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single refrigeration system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both supply container cooling and cold plate cooling operations. The system uses a common compressor and condenser that can serve dual purposes, with refrigerant flow being directed to different evaporators based on operational requirements, thereby achieving universal cooling capability.
2Loss of energy
If a single refrigeration system is used to cool both the supply container and cold plate, then energy efficiency improves and system complexity reduces, but controlling temperature distribution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single refrigeration system is segmented into multiple independent cooling circuits, each with its own evaporator dedicated to a specific component (supply container or cold plate). This segmentation allows independent temperature control for each circuit while sharing the common compressor and condenser, thus maintaining ease of operation despite energy efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as separate evaporators, expansion devices, and control valves for each cooling circuit. These intermediaries act as mediators that allow the single refrigeration system to independently regulate refrigerant flow and temperature for both the supply container and cold plate, simplifying temperature control while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If preferential cooling capacity distribution is implemented, then the system can adapt to varying cooling demands dynamically, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow preferential distribution of cooling capacity based on real-time demands. The system can dynamically adjust refrigerant flow distribution to prioritize cooling for the cold plate during dispensing operations or for the supply container during storage phases, achieving high adaptability through dynamic response to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that monitor temperature conditions in both the supply container and cold plate, and automatically adjust refrigerant flow distribution accordingly. This feedback system enables the control system to dynamically allocate cooling capacity to the component with the highest cooling demand, achieving adaptability while managing control complexity through automated temperature-based regulation.
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 enables efficient and simultaneous cooling of both the supply container and the cold plate, optimizing energy use and reducing the need for redundant refrigeration systems, while maintaining precise temperature control through advanced valve and sensor management.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (160) that compresses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (155) that condenses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator (105) that evaporates the refrigerant and cools the enclosure cavity (101)
Implementation Method 4
a cold plate (170) through which the refrigerant flows and that is in thermal communication with a beverage
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a beverage comprises an enclosure for housing a beverage container, a cold plate through which the beverage flows, and a refrigeration system that controllably cools the enclosure and the cold plate in a differential manner. In preferred embodiments, preference is given during normal operation to cooling the cold plate, and only cooling the enclosure when the cold plate is determined to be at or below a desired temperature. In some embodiments a special defrost cycle warms the cold plate while continuing to cool the enclosure. Controls can be mechanical, electronic or any combination of the two, and preferably utilizes information from both pressure and temperature sensors.