Cold Beverage Machine Airflow for Compressor Heat Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for making and dispensing cold food products, such as slushes and soft ice cream, are not energy efficient, particularly in terms of heat exchange with refrigeration components like compressors and condensers.
Innovation Solution
A machine design that includes a refrigerating plant with a selective connecting unit to alternate between cooling and heating configurations, utilizing a 'hot gas' technique for efficient heat transfer and defrosting, along with a unique airflow system to optimize heat removal from the compressor and second heat exchanger, enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional refrigerating plant is used in the machine, then the machine can cool and dispense cold food products, but the energy efficiency is poor due to ineffective heat disposal from components like the compressor and condenser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat dissipation function with the cooling function by directing the cooling airflow generated by the evaporator to simultaneously cool the compressor and condenser. This merges multiple heat management functions into a unified airflow system, eliminating wasted energy and improving overall thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the compressor and condenser into a beneficial resource by using the cooling airflow to absorb and remove this waste heat. The heat that would otherwise be wasted is now actively managed through the optimized airflow path, transforming an energy loss into a controlled thermal management process.
2Productivity
If the machine uses a standard cooling system without selective connecting unit, then the structure is simpler, but the defrosting time is longer and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selective connecting unit that dynamically switches the refrigerating plant between cooling configuration and heating configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for different operational needs (cooling vs. defrosting), significantly improving productivity while managing complexity through controlled versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerating plant is designed to perform multiple functions: cooling the food product, defrosting the evaporator, and dissipating heat from the compressor and condenser. The selective connecting unit enables a single system to serve multiple purposes, enhancing operational efficiency without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
3Loss of energy
If the airflow intake and release cavities are positioned at the same level, then the structure is simpler, but the heat exchange efficiency with the compressor and condenser is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the airflow intake cavity at the bottom and the release cavity at the top of the containment compartment. This asymmetric arrangement creates a natural convection current that enhances heat exchange efficiency with the compressor and condenser, as hot air rises and cool air sinks, continuously refreshing the thermal environment around these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal airflow arrangement (intake and release at the same level) to a vertical airflow arrangement (intake at bottom, release at top). This dimensional change exploits gravitational convection and creates a more effective thermal gradient, significantly improving heat exchange efficiency while adding minimal structural complexity.
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
The machine achieves significant energy efficiency by optimizing heat disposal and reducing defrosting time, allowing for rapid product changes while maintaining food safety and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (6) located inside said thermal treatment cylinder (8)
Implementation Method 2
a compressor (11)
Implementation Method 3
a second heat exchanger (7)... adapted to release heat (compressor, condenser, etc.)
Implementation Method 4
a pressure reducing unit (16)
Implementation Method 5
at least one first airflow intake cavity (14A) in fluid communication with said containment compartment (13) and with the outside environment and at least one second airflow release cavity (14B) in fluid communication with said containment compartment (13) and with the outside environment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A machine (1) for making and dispensing cold or ice beverages, such as cool drinks, slushes, sorbets and the like, comprising at least: - a containment and processing tank (2) for the product to be dispensed which has a front wall (3), which is equipped at the bottom of it with a dispensing mouth (5) for dispensing the beverage, - a dispenser (4), located at the beverage dispensing mouth (5) and able to be turned on or off to allow the beverage to be dispensed; - a thermal treatment cylinder (8) located inside the containment tank (2); - a stirrer (12) located outside an outer surface of said thermal treatment cylinder (8) and adapted to rotate about a respective axis of rotation (X1); - a refrigerating plant (10) comprising a first exchanger (6), a second heat exchanger (7), a pressure reducing unit (16) and a compressor (11), the first heat exchanger (6) being located inside said thermal treatment cylinder (8), - a containment compartment (13) for the second heat exchanger (7), a pressure reducing unit and a compressor (11).