Modular Refrigerated Merchandiser Control for Uniform Case Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated merchandisers with modular sections experience significant temperature fluctuations, which can damage food products by failing to maintain a consistent temperature range across different display case modules.
Innovation Solution
A control method that selectively starts and stops compressors in separate refrigeration circuits for each display case module based on temperature readings and heat load, ensuring uniform time-averaged temperatures across modules by adjusting compressor run times and limiting start/stop cycles to prevent wear and tear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If compressors in separate refrigeration circuits are operated independently to maintain temperature in each display case module, then temperature regulation in individual modules is improved, but temperature fluctuations increase and food product quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into separate refrigeration circuits for each display case module, with each circuit having its own compressor and evaporator. This segmentation allows independent temperature control in each module while the control method coordinates their operation to maintain overall temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method monitors temperatures in multiple display case modules and uses this feedback information to adjust compressor operation. By continuously monitoring and adjusting based on actual temperature conditions, the system maintains temperature stability across all modules despite independent operation of individual refrigeration circuits.
2Reliability
If compressor run time is increased to maintain lower temperatures and prevent food spoilage, then food product quality is improved, but compressor wear increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method dynamically adjusts compressor run times based on actual heat load conditions and temperature requirements. Rather than operating compressors at maximum capacity continuously, the system optimizes run times to match actual cooling needs, thereby maintaining food quality while reducing unnecessary compressor wear and extending component lifespan.
3Power
If multiple compressors are operated simultaneously to handle high heat load, then cooling capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method applies partial action by operating only the necessary number of compressors based on actual heat load conditions. Rather than running all compressors simultaneously regardless of need, the system activates the minimum required compressors to meet cooling demands, thereby maintaining adequate cooling capacity while minimizing energy consumption.
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 method effectively maintains consistent temperatures across multiple display case modules, reducing food spoilage and extending compressor lifespan by optimizing refrigeration cycles based on heat load and temperature uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator connected in series with each other
Implementation Method 2
a compressor and an evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a refrigerated merchandiser including a plurality of display case modules each having a separate refrigeration circuit with a compressor and an evaporator. The method includes selectively starting and stopping a first compressor of a first refrigeration circuit having a first evaporator associated with a first display case module to regulate a temperature in a product display area of the first display case module, and selectively starting and stopping a second compressor of a second refrigeration circuit having a second evaporator associated with a second display case module to regulate a temperature in a product display area of the second display case module. The method also includes controlling the first refrigeration module and the second refrigeration module based on a heat load of the merchandiser and a predetermined number of start/stop cycles of each of the first compressor and the second compressor within a given time period.