Cold Plate Beverage Dispenser With Pressure-Based Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing systems face significant foaming issues when the temperature of beer rises above 30° F, leading to waste and decreased profits due to excessive foam generation, especially when dispensed at ambient room temperature.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-controlled beverage dispensing system incorporating a refrigerant chilled cold plate with an accumulator, compressor, refrigerant condenser, thermal expansion valve, and solenoid-controlled valves, along with electronic sensors and a microprocessor to regulate refrigerant flow and maintain optimal temperature ranges, preventing excessive foaming by controlling the compressor and valve operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the beverage temperature is maintained at or below 30° F to prevent foaming, then foaming is reduced, but energy consumption increases and the beverage may become too cold for optimal serving
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the refrigerant flow rate and compressor operation parameters based on real-time temperature sensor feedback, allowing the cold plate temperature to be optimized for each dispensing event rather than maintaining a constantly low temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption while preventing foaming
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the beverage line temperature and provide feedback to the microprocessor, which adjusts the thermal expansion valve and compressor operation accordingly, enabling precise temperature control that prevents excessive foaming only when necessary
2Use of energy by moving object
If the beverage temperature rises above 30° F to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but excessive foaming occurs during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the beverage lines and dispenser components before dispensing by activating the compressor and controlling refrigerant flow in advance, so that when dispensing occurs, the components are already at the optimal temperature to prevent foaming without requiring continuous cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor and refrigeration system operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with the microprocessor controlling on/off timing based on temperature sensor feedback, allowing the system to maintain temperature control while reducing overall energy consumption
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a refrigeration system is added to prevent foaming, then foaming is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, thermal expansion valve) are integrated into a compact assembly that fits within the dispenser housing, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity despite adding refrigeration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple components (compressor, thermal expansion valve, solenoid valves, fans) based on simple temperature sensor inputs, managing system complexity through centralized intelligent control rather than complex mechanical linkages
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 system effectively maintains the cold plate temperature within desired ranges, reducing foaming and waste, ensuring stable beverage dispensing even at higher temperatures by optimizing refrigerant flow and compressor operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cold plate in fluid communication with said refrigerant reservoir, wherein the refrigerant lines extend through said cold plate, wherein beverage lines also extend through said cold plate adjacent to said refrigerant lines
Implementation Method 2
a thermal expansion valve positioned between said refrigerant reservoir and said cold plate to adjust the flow of refrigerant depending upon the temperature of the cold plate
Implementation Method 3
a compressor
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerant condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger, which is configured to remove heat from the cold plate. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and a pressure sensor in the refrigerant line are connected to a microprocessor. At regular intervals, the microprocessor closes the valves, waits a short time, and then takes a pressure reading, which corresponds to a temperature. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.