Machine for processing liquid or semi-liquid food products and method for food processing a base food mixture in said machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems for food processing machines, such as batch freezers and pasteurizers, face inefficiencies and noise issues due to high ambient temperatures, as air condensers must operate at higher speeds and reduce performance.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a closed circuit that includes a primary heat exchanger fluid circulating through an evaporator, compressor, first air condenser, and throttle element, along with a secondary condenser using a secondary heat exchanger fluid, and a control unit to regulate the flow of the primary heat exchanger fluid between the condensers based on operating parameters, optimizing heat exchange and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air condensers are used in high ambient temperature conditions, then heat exchange between heat exchanger fluid and air can be maintained, but the fans must operate at higher speeds causing excessive noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary condenser using water as an intermediary heat exchange medium. The water-absorbing material in the secondary condenser absorbs excess heat from the primary heat exchanger fluid, acting as a mediator that reduces the thermal load on the air condenser fans, thereby reducing noise while maintaining heat exchange capability.
2Reliability
If air condensers are used in high ambient temperature conditions, then cooling function is maintained, but performance of the refrigeration unit is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat exchange function into two independent condensers: a primary air condenser and a secondary water-based condenser. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the heat rejection load across two pathways, preventing the single air condenser from becoming overwhelmed in high ambient temperatures, thus maintaining refrigeration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heat exchange parameter by introducing a water-based heat exchange system alongside the air-based system. Water has superior heat capacity and thermal conductivity compared to air, so the secondary condenser provides an efficient heat rejection pathway that maintains system performance when air cooling becomes less effective due to high ambient temperatures.
3Temperature
If air condensers are used in high ambient temperature conditions, then cooling is provided, but heat is released into the room causing thermal accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary condenser using water as an intermediary medium absorbs heat from the refrigeration cycle and dissipates it through water evaporation or water circulation, rather than directly releasing it into the room air. This intermediary water-based heat transfer pathway reduces the thermal load released into the surrounding environment.
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 maintains efficient operation across varying ambient conditions, reduces noise, and enhances thermodynamic efficiency by utilizing a secondary heat exchanger fluid in the second condenser, improving heat exchange and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator which draws heat from the product to be dispensed to transfer it to the heat exchanger fluid
Implementation Method 2
a compressor, which increases the pressure of the heat exchanger fluid
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger, which draws heat from the heat exchanger fluid, exchanging it with the outside environment
Implementation Method 4
an element for reducing the pressure (for example, a throttle valve) which reduces the pressure of the heat exchanger fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for processing liquid or semi-liquid food products, including: a container holding the product and a dispenser. A stirrer, located inside the container, rotates about an axis to mix the product. An actuator is connected to the stirrer to rotate the stirrer. A refrigeration system, includes a closed circuit to circulate a primary heat exchanger fluid, an evaporator associated with the container, a compressor, a first air condenser and a throttle element; a control unit; a second condenser regulator for regulating the flow of the fluid and operating on the first and/or second condenser. The control unit drives the regulator to regulate the flow of fluid in the first and second condensers as a function of an operating parameter of the machine.