Dispense Tower Cooling Module With Variable Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispense systems are inefficient in energy usage, leading to high operating costs and environmental impact, as they are designed to meet peak cooling demands that occur only briefly, resulting in wasteful operation during periods of low demand.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates a cooling module within the dispense unit, with pump speed control based on coolant temperature, and re-circulation lines for both diluent and coolant, allowing for optimized heat exchange and energy usage, along with a design that moves the concentrate cooling within the dispense tower and uses temperature sensors to adjust pump speeds, reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the system is designed to meet peak cooling demands, then beverage temperature requirements are satisfied during high demand periods, but energy is wasted during low demand periods when full cooling capacity is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed pumps that dynamically adjust their operation based on real-time cooling demand. The system transitions from static, fixed-capacity cooling to dynamic, demand-responsive cooling, allowing the pump speed to vary between minimum and maximum levels according to actual beverage cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor beverage temperature and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of pump speed to maintain optimal beverage temperature while minimizing energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between temperature control and energy waste.
2Productivity
If pump speed is increased to meet high cooling demand, then beverage temperature requirements are met, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable speed drives on circulation pumps that allow the system to operate at different capacity levels. During high cooling demand, pumps operate at higher speeds to maintain beverage temperature, while during low demand periods, pump speed is reduced to minimize energy consumption, achieving dynamic optimization of the productivity-energy trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump (speed, flow rate) based on cooling demand conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than operating at fixed settings, the system optimizes the relationship between cooling capacity and energy consumption across varying operational conditions.
3Temperature
If the cooler is positioned away from the serving area, then it can be located in a suitable environment, but the diluent lines require insulated sheaths to prevent warming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the dispense unit itself, integrating the cooler directly at the serving location. This eliminates the need for separate insulated sheaths and remote cooling equipment, as the cooling is performed locally where the beverage is dispensed, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the cooling function from the remote cooler and relocates it to the dispense unit. By taking out the cooling capability and placing it at the point of use, the system eliminates the need for complex insulated line systems while maintaining temperature control.
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 reduces energy consumption by optimizing cooling based on demand, minimizing syrup waste, simplifying installation, and enhancing sanitization, while allowing for more efficient operation during both high and low demand periods.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling module integrated within the dispense unit and adapted to cool the concentrate by circulating a coolant through the concentrate line
Implementation Method 2
with pump speed control based on coolant temperature, and re-circulation lines for both diluent and coolant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A beverage dispense system for a post-mix beverage dispenser in which the concentrate lines 5 are passed through a cooling module 33 within the dispenser. The cooling module 33 has a chamber 33a that is flooded with coolant for heat exchange with the concentrate. The coolant is circulated in a line 21 between a remote cooler 15 and the cooling module 33 within a python 19. Diluent is circulated in a line 9 between the cooler 15 and the beverage dispenser for mixing with the concentrate. In a modification, the coolant may comprise diluent for mixing with the concentrate. The concentrate lines 5 do not pass through the python 19.