Hybrid Beverage Cooling Buffer for Fast Response and Lower Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage cooling systems face challenges in efficiently cooling large volumes of beverages with varying temperatures and compositions while maintaining consistency and energy efficiency, as dry block coolers are energy-intensive for large volumes and ice bath coolers react slowly to temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A beverage cooling system integrating a dry block cooling unit with one or more cooling buffer units, combining rapid initial cooling with consistent temperature maintenance, using a control system to regulate operation and flow based on temperature and flow data, and incorporating a recirculation conduit for efficient heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a dry block cooling unit is used, then rapid initial cooling is achieved, but energy consumption increases for large volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two distinct units: a dry block cooling unit for rapid initial cooling and a cooling buffer unit for sustained cooling. This segmentation allows each unit to operate optimally - the dry block provides fast cooling when needed while the buffer maintains temperature with minimal energy input, resolving the contradiction between cooling speed and energy consumption.
2Quantity of substance
If a cooling buffer unit is used, then large volumes of beverages can be cooled, but response to temperature changes is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling buffer unit is pre-cooled before beverage dispensing begins. This preliminary cooling action ensures that when large volumes of beverage are dispensed, the pre-cooled buffer immediately provides the necessary cooling capacity without delay, resolving the contradiction between handling large volumes and maintaining fast temperature response.
3Ease of repair
If a dry block cooling unit is used, then easy maintenance is achieved, but cooling capacity is insufficient for large volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges a dry block cooling unit (which is easy to maintain) with a cooling buffer unit (which provides large volume cooling capacity). The dry block handles the cooling function with minimal maintenance requirements while the buffer provides the necessary capacity for large volumes, allowing both maintenance ease and high cooling capacity to coexist.
4Device complexity
If conventional cooling systems are used, then simple structure is maintained, but temperature consistency varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the beverage temperature and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust cooling operations to maintain consistent temperature, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and temperature consistency through intelligent 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
The system achieves exceptional cooling efficiency, maintaining consistent beverage temperatures and reducing energy consumption by minimizing cooling time and material usage, suitable for high-volume and varied beverage demands.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change cooling unit and a heat exchange block in fluid connection with the beverage supply conduit
Implementation Method 2
a phase change cooling unit and a heat exchange block in fluid connection with the beverage supply conduit
Implementation Method 3
a chilled metal block enveloping the beverage piping and acting as a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a water reservoir and cooling circuits suspended in reservoir. Ice bank coolers operate by forming ice around the cooling circuits within the reservoir to provide cooling for beverages
Implementation Method 5
Ice bath coolers generally have a high cooling capacity due to enhanced thermal energy transfer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage cooling system comprising: a beverage inlet 10; a beverage conduit system comprising at least one beverage supply conduit 2, 7, 44, 64; a primary cooling buffer unit positioned in fluid connection with the beverage supply conduit, the primary cooling buffer unit comprising optionally a thermally insulated compartment comprising a fluid/solid reservoir in thermal contact with the beverage supply conduit; a dry block cooling unit 1, 3 positioned downstream of the primary cooling buffer unit, the dry block cooling unit including a phase change cooling unit and a heat exchange block in fluid connection with the beverage supply conduit, a chilled beverage outlet 11, and a control system comprising at least one temperature sensor 5, 6 and at least one flow controller 8, wherein the control system is configured to regulate the operation of the phase change cooling unit and beverage flow based on temperature data from the temperature sensors and flow data