Common Air Plenum Design for Modular Refrigeration Cooling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature-controlled display devices often require multiple cooling elements due to regulatory restrictions on refrigerant types, necessitating a system with multiple modular heat exchange systems and a common air supply plenum to efficiently cool a temperature-controlled space.
Innovation Solution
An air cooling system with at least two modular cooling elements, one or more fans, and a common air plenum that directs airflow through the modular cooling elements and into the product area, utilizing a condensing unit to route coolant and circulate chilled air effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modular cooling elements are used to comply with refrigerant regulations, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple modular cooling elements, each capable of operating with different refrigerant types. This segmentation allows the system to comply with diverse refrigerant regulations while maintaining a manageable structure through standardized modules that can be independently configured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The common air plenum serves multiple functions by distributing chilled air to all modular cooling elements simultaneously. This universal air distribution mechanism reduces overall system complexity by providing a centralized air supply infrastructure that supports various refrigerant configurations without requiring separate air handling systems for each module.
2Temperature
If multiple modular heat exchange systems are implemented, then cooling coverage is improved, but air supply distribution becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air supply pathways from different modular cooling elements are merged into a single common air plenum. This consolidation simplifies air distribution by creating one centralized distribution point rather than requiring multiple separate air supply systems, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage.
3Device complexity
If a common air plenum is used to supply air to multiple cooling elements, then system simplicity is improved, but airflow distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The common air plenum incorporates localized air distribution outlets positioned near each modular cooling element. This local quality approach allows airflow to be distributed effectively to each specific cooling zone while maintaining the simplicity of a centralized plenum structure, balancing system simplicity with operational effectiveness.
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 configuration ensures efficient cooling of the product area by utilizing a common air supply to multiple modular cooling elements, adhering to regulatory requirements and optimizing cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant at the cooling element may absorb heat from the air surrounding the cooling element, chilling the surrounding air
Implementation Method 2
one or more fans may be used to direct the chilled air into the temperature-controlled space
Implementation Method 3
the air plenum being configured to direct the air flow from the one or more fans through the at least two modular cooling elements and into a product area
Data Source
AI summary
An air cooling system for a temperature-controlled display case includes at least two modular cooling elements, one or more fans configured to provide an air flow to the at least two modular cooling elements, and an air plenum common to each of the one or more fans and the at least two modular cooling elements, the air plenum being configured to direct the air flow from the one or more fans through the at least two modular cooling elements and into a product area of the temperature-controlled display case.