Method and device for homogeneous freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current freezing technologies result in uneven temperature distribution, leading to cell explosion and increased energy consumption, as well as prolonged freezing times and higher costs due to inefficient cooling medium regulation in plate freezers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that individually control the temperature and flow of cooling medium through each plate in a freezer, using sensors and a control computer to regulate the ΔT between the food items and cooling medium, ensuring homogeneous freezing and reduced energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a huge temperature difference is applied at the beginning of freezing to speed up the process, then freezing time is reduced, but cell explosion and food damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of cooling medium flow rate and temperature throughout the freezing process. The system transitions from a static, constant-temperature approach to a dynamic one where parameters are continuously adjusted based on the freezing stage, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality by adapting conditions in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The freezing process is divided into distinct periodic stages: an initial phase with higher temperature difference to rapidly form ice crystals, followed by a second phase with reduced temperature difference to complete freezing gently. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both fast freezing and minimal damage by alternating between aggressive and gentle cooling phases
2Use of energy by moving object
If cooling medium flow is increased to improve freezing efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but uneven temperature distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into multiple independent zones with separate flow control. Each zone can be optimized individually to achieve uniform temperature distribution across the entire freezing surface, while the total energy consumption is managed through coordinated control of all zones
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor temperature distribution and adjust cooling medium flow rates in real-time. This feedback loop ensures energy is distributed efficiently to areas needing cooling while preventing over-cooling in other areas, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and temperature uniformity
3Productivity
If plate freezers are made larger to increase capacity, then productivity is improved, but cooling medium distribution becomes harder to regulate
Solution Approach 1:
Large plate freezers are divided into multiple smaller, independently controlled zones or modules. Each zone has its own cooling medium flow control, allowing the large system to maintain the regulation simplicity of smaller units while achieving high productivity through aggregate capacity of multiple zones
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic, automated control of cooling medium distribution across large surfaces using sensors and adjustable flow regulators. This allows the complex large-scale system to be managed efficiently through real-time adaptation rather than static, difficult-to-regulate designs
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 food damage, shortens freezing time, and optimizes energy consumption by ensuring even temperature distribution and homogeneous freezing, maintaining food quality and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
the food items are subjected to a huge temperature difference (ΔT) at the beginning of the freezing process... the remaining freezing process is focused on transferring the warmer temperature out of the food items, through the shell and bringing colder temperature inside the food items
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the cooling medium in each plate is regulated and kept below a predefined and set temperature through the freezing process... the temperature limit of the cooling medium is set near the phase transition of liquid to gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for freezing food items in a controlled and homogeneous manner. The method and device use plate freezers to bring the food items in a regulated manner through the whole freezing process.