Helical Beverage Conduit Cooling for Uniform Tank Temperature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems lack efficient heat transfer mechanisms to maintain fluid at a consistent temperature, leading to temperature variations in dispensed beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing apparatus featuring a tank with evaporator coils around its exterior, a helical dispensing fluid conduit, and a fluid circulation system that creates a tangential fluid flow, combined with a fin insert for enhanced heat transfer, ensures uniform cooling and temperature distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used, then the fluid can be cooled, but the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform leading to temperature variations greater than 2°F
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple evaporator coils positioned at different locations (top, bottom, and sides of the tank) to distribute cooling uniformly across the entire fluid volume, preventing hot spots and ensuring consistent temperature throughout the tank
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tank receive targeted cooling through strategically positioned evaporator coils, with each coil addressing specific thermal zones to achieve overall uniform temperature distribution across the entire fluid body
2Loss of energy
If a simple cooling system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the heat transfer efficiency is insufficient to maintain consistent temperature
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple evaporator coils are merged into a single integrated cooling system that works synergistically, with coils positioned at the top, bottom, and sides of the tank to create a comprehensive heat transfer network that maximizes cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from a single-point or single-plane cooling approach to a multi-dimensional cooling architecture with evaporator coils distributed throughout the three-dimensional tank volume, enabling efficient heat transfer from all directions
3Ease of operation
If the dispensing conduit is positioned at the top, then dispensing is simple, but the fluid at the bottom remains warmer causing temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The helical conduit configuration creates different flow characteristics at different locations, with the spiral path ensuring that fluid from the cooler bottom regions is drawn into the dispensing stream, balancing the temperature of the dispensed beverage
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 chills and maintains the temperature of the fluid within a 2°F tolerance, providing a consistent temperature for dispensed beverages and improving heat transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Evaporator coils extend around at least a portion of a perimeter of the tank's exterior sidewall surface and are in thermal communication with the tank and are configured to chill the fluid within the tank
Implementation Method 2
The at least one outlet is configured to produce a fluid flow tangential to the orientation of the dispensing fluid conduit configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispensing apparatus which includes a tank, a liquid inlet and a fluid dispensing system which includes a dispensing fluid conduit having a helical portion at least substantially vertically oriented within the interior volume of the tank. The beverage dispensing apparatus also includes a fluid circulating system that includes at least one fluid circulation conduit having an inlet portion positioned proximate the bottom portion of the tank and at least one outlet. A fluid cycling device is also included in the beverage dispensing apparatus and is configured to move fluid from the bottom portion of the tank to the fluid circulation conduit. The at least one outlet is configured to produce a fluid flow tangential to the orientation of the dispensing fluid conduit configuration. Evaporator coils extend around a perimeter of the tank's exterior sidewall surface and are configured to chill the fluid within the tank.