Glycol Pan Chiller Layout for Multi-Compartment Indirect Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems, such as those by KAIRAK, are inefficient and economically unfeasible due to reliance on outdated technology, direct air cooling which can dry out food, and the need for separate refrigeration units for each compartment, leading to condensation issues and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A glycol pan chiller system utilizing a single compressor and pump to cool multiple compartments through indirect cooling with Freon lines wrapped around a glycol-filled inner liner, where glycol is cooled by Freon and transferred to a secondary compartment using a Turbo Coil system, eliminating direct air cooling and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct air cooling is used to cool food compartments, then cooling effect is achieved, but food dries out and condensation problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces glycol as an intermediary cooling medium between the Freon cooling system and the food compartments. The glycol circulates through channels in the pan walls, providing indirect cooling that eliminates direct air contact with food, thereby preventing both drying and condensation issues while maintaining effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces air-based cooling with a liquid-based glycol circulation system. The glycol is pumped through hydraulic channels embedded in the pan structure, enabling controlled heat transfer without the harmful effects of direct air cooling on food quality
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate refrigeration units are used for each compartment, then each compartment can be cooled independently, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cooling functions into a single integrated system. One Freon compressor and condenser unit cools glycol that then circulates to multiple food compartments through a network of channels, allowing independent temperature control in each compartment while sharing the primary refrigeration components to reduce energy consumption and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The glycol circulation system serves multiple compartments simultaneously with a single cooling source. The Freon-glycol heat exchange system is designed to distribute cooled glycol to various pans and compartments, enabling one refrigeration unit to perform the work of multiple separate units
3Reliability
If non removable foam material is used to encase Freon lines, then insulation is provided, but repairability decreases when Freon lines leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into modular components with removable pans and accessible Freon lines. The Freon circulation system is designed with accessible connection points and removable components that allow technicians to reach and repair leaking lines without destroying the entire unit, while maintaining effective insulation through properly designed thermal barriers
4Device complexity
If outdated cooling technology is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cooling efficiency decreases and economic feasibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces outdated direct air cooling mechanics with a modern liquid-based glycol circulation system. This substitution introduces pumps and fluid dynamics but eliminates the need for large air moving components and direct expansion systems in each compartment, achieving better cooling efficiency with a streamlined architecture that is more economically feasible
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 achieves efficient and even temperature distribution in food preparation areas, conserves energy, and allows for quick and economic repair of broken units, while preventing food drying and condensation issues, by leveraging glycol's passive cooling properties.
Implementation Method 1
Freon lines wrapping a chiller and cool glycol drawn to a second compartment
Implementation Method 2
glycol in a static state or moving state, with Freon lines chilling glycol within a main cooling compartment
Implementation Method 3
cool glycol drawn to a second compartment to cool the second compartment by use of a Turbo coil system or other evaporation coil system
Data Source
AI summary
A glycol pan chiller is combined with a gas range system to allow for convenient cooking and chilled food storage. A disclosed glycol pan chiller system comprises a first food cooling area 110 cooled by glycol contained within a glycol void area 130, the void area defined within an inner liner 160. Under normal conditions, the glycol will remain stationary within the inner liner and will be chilled by a Freon line 140 contained within the glycol void area. A second food cooling area is cooled by use of glycol or other fluid contained within the glycol void area. The second food cooling area does not require the use of a separate Freon cooling system.