Refrigerated display cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerated display cabinets, including contact, static, and forced air types, face inefficiencies in temperature distribution, leading to significant temperature gradients and reduced food product preservation, especially during defrost periods, resulting in economic losses due to suboptimal cooling and heating issues.
Innovation Solution
A forced air refrigerated display cabinet with reversible air flow and dual independent cooling elements, where air flow direction is adjusted based on temperature detection and scheduling, and two evaporators operate independently to maintain consistent temperatures and extend defrost cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If forced air refrigeration display cabinets use a single evaporator with fixed air flow direction, then the cooling system is simple, but temperature gradients of 5-8°C remain between front and rear display areas
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent evaporators (first and second evaporators) positioned at different locations. Each evaporator serves a specific zone, allowing independent temperature control and eliminating the temperature gradients that plagued single-evaporator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow direction is made dynamic through reversible fans that can switch between first and second rotation directions. This allows the system to adaptively reverse air flow patterns, ensuring cold air reaches all display areas uniformly and preventing stagnant warm zones.
2Reliability
If evaporators undergo scheduled defrost periods, then ice buildup is removed, but product temperature rises and quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The defrost operation is implemented periodically through timed control, switching between cooling and defrost modes. The reversible fans alternate rotation directions during defrost cycles, directing warm air to specific evaporators while maintaining cooling in other zones, thus balancing defrost effectiveness with product temperature stability.
3Temperature
If air flow circulates in a fixed pattern, then the system operates simply, but cold air heats up during flow and fails to maintain desired product temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow system uses reversible fans that dynamically switch between first and second rotation directions. This creates alternating circulation patterns where cold air is continuously refreshed from the evaporators to all display areas, preventing the air from heating up during circulation and maintaining optimal product temperatures.
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 solution ensures homogeneous temperature distribution, enhances food preservation, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes temperature fluctuations during defrost periods, thereby improving efficiency and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
cooling means associated with means for generating a circulating air flow through said cooling means
Implementation Method 2
means for generating a circulating air flow through said cooling means and the display area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Refrigerated display cabinet (1), of the type comprising a display area (2) for the food products (3), comprising supports (4) and/or shelves (5) and which may comprise a full or partial cover (6), cleaning liquid sprayers (7), liquid collection means and cooling means associated with means for generating a circulating air flow (11) through said cooling means and the display area (2), where the circulating flow-generating means comprise reversible means.