Refrigerated cabinet with a reservoir, cooling system and method for controlling a refrigerated cabinet with a reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated cabinets face challenges in operating independently without external ice storage, managing varying load requirements, and minimizing energy consumption, especially in scenarios where space is limited and natural insulation is lacking.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated cabinet with a built-in memory system, comprising a storage container with a heat exchanger and a coolant line arrangement, where the coolant control device regulates coolant supply from a network, allowing autonomous operation and reduced energy consumption by leveraging phase change materials for consistent cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a central ice store is provided for cooling the coolant in a refrigeration system, then the coolant can be cooled and stored for later use, but the ice store requires significant space and incurs additional insulation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into autonomous modular units, each with its own small integrated ice store and cooling system. This segmentation eliminates the need for one large central ice store while providing distributed cooling capacity, resolving the contradiction between cooling duration and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized horizontal ice store layout to vertical integration within cabinet structures. By utilizing vertical space and integrating the ice store within the cabinet volume rather than requiring separate ground-level storage, the system achieves extended cooling duration without proportionally increasing overall space occupation.
2Volume of stationary object
If an above-ground ice store is provided, then space in the ground is saved, but the ice store lacks natural insulation and requires additional space and costs for insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ice store, insulation layer, and cooling system into a single integrated modular unit. The insulation is directly integrated with the ice store structure, eliminating the need for separate insulation installations and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular ice store unit serves multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation, houses the phase change material, and integrates with the cooling system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall system design.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a large ice bank is designed to operate the entire refrigeration system for a certain period, then the system can run without the cold generator, but the ice bank takes up a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple small distributed ice stores in each cabinet module rather than one large centralized ice bank. Each module can operate independently for a defined period, providing operational autonomy without requiring the massive space of a single large ice storage facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material in each modular ice store is pre-cooled and stored in readiness, allowing each cabinet to operate independently for a specific duration without the cold generator. This preliminary preparation enables short-term autonomous operation while keeping each module compact.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a refrigerated cabinet is designed to operate autonomously with a built-in ice store, then it can function independently without external coolant supply, but the cabinet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The modular cabinet design integrates multiple functions into single components: the insulated housing serves as both structural enclosure and thermal barrier, the phase change material provides both cooling storage and temperature regulation, and the heat exchanger integrates with the cabinet walls for direct cooling. This multi-functionality enables autonomous operation without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the phase change material is contained within the insulated housing, which in turn contains the cooling system components. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and integrates multiple subsystems compactly, enabling autonomous functionality while maintaining a compact cabinet structure.
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
Enables independent operation, efficient cooling with reduced energy consumption, and prevents icing of the heat exchanger, ensuring safe storage of refrigerated goods over extended periods without relying on central coolant supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigerated cabinet with memory can be operated for a defined period of time independently of the cooling system by using the cold stored in the memory
Implementation Method 2
leveraging phase change materials for consistent cooling
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the storage medium
Implementation Method 4
a coolant line arrangement, which has connections to a coolant supply network, wherein the coolant line arrangement is routed through the storage container, and a coolant control device is arranged in the flow of the coolant line arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration unit having an accumulator, a refrigeration system and a method for controlling a refrigeration unit having an accumulator, wherein the refrigeration unit (10) has a refrigeration chamber (14) for receiving an storing goods to be refrigerated, an accumulator (15) having an accumulator holder in which a storage medium is accommodated, a heat exchanger (24), a controller (20) and a coolant line arrangement which can be connected to a coolant supply network via connections. The coolant line arrangement is guided through the accumulator holder, and the heat exchanger (24) is thermally coupled to the storage medium (44; 45) accommodated in the accumulator holder. A coolant control device is arranged in the flow pipe (28) of the coolant arrangement, wherein the storage medium accommodated in the accumulator holder is cooled via a coolant in the coolant line arrangement, and the heat exchanger (24) is cooled via the storage medium (44; 45).