Refrigerated display case systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated display case systems face challenges in being moved through restricted openings due to the height and clearance limitations, requiring disassembly or disconnecting of refrigeration components, which complicates installation and increases time and risk of refrigerant leaks.
Innovation Solution
A closed-circuit refrigeration system with a moveable condensing unit that can be shifted from the top surface to a lower location without disconnecting the suction and liquid lines, utilizing a rigid suction line with bends and a critical charge of R290 refrigerant, allowing the system to pass through restricted openings while maintaining connectivity and refrigeration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the condensing unit is positioned on top of the display case for operational efficiency, then refrigeration performance is improved, but the system cannot pass through restricted openings due to height limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The suction line is designed as a flexible component that can dynamically change its configuration. During installation, the flexible suction line allows the condensing unit to be moved from a top-positioned configuration (for optimal refrigeration performance) to a lowered configuration (for passing through restricted openings), and then back to the top position for operation. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between operational performance and installation constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the suction line. By transitioning the suction line from a rigid to a flexible state, and by changing its spatial configuration (position and orientation), the system enables the condensing unit to adapt between two distinct operational states: one optimized for refrigeration performance and another optimized for passage through restricted openings.
2Reliability
If the suction line is made rigid for structural stability, then connection reliability is improved, but the system cannot be reconfigured to pass through restricted openings
Solution Approach 1:
The suction line is designed as a flexible component that can bend and change configuration while maintaining its structural integrity and sealing. This flexible suction line allows the system to be reconfigured during installation to pass through restricted openings, while still maintaining reliable connections between the evaporator and condensing unit. The flexibility enables adaptation to different spatial constraints without compromising connection reliability.
3Loss of time
If the system is pre-charged with refrigerant for ease of installation, then installation time is reduced, but the risk of refrigerant leaks increases during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible suction line is specifically designed to maintain its sealing integrity during movement and reconfiguration. This flexible connection allows the system to be pre-charged with refrigerant before installation, reducing installation time, while the flexible line's design ensures that refrigerant leaks are prevented during the movement and positioning of the condensing unit. The flexibility accommodates movement without compromising the sealed system.
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 the movement of refrigerated display case systems through openings as small as 80 inches without disassembly, simplifies installation, and reduces the risk of refrigerant leaks by keeping the system connected and pre-charged, thus decreasing installation time and ensuring efficient temperature maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
cool the airflow with a liquid phase of a refrigerant supplied from the condensing unit
Implementation Method 2
condensing unit configured to sit on a top surface of the display case and including at least one compressor and at least one condenser assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated display case system includes a display case that defines an inner volume and a closed-circuit refrigeration system. The closed-circuit refrigeration system includes a condensing unit configured to sit on a top surface of the display case and including a compressor and a condenser assembly; a cooling coil and a fan configured to circulate an airflow from the inner volume through the cooling coil to cool the airflow; a liquid line coupled to an inlet of the cooling coil and to the condensing unit; and a rigid suction line coupled to an outlet of the cooling coil and to the condensing unit. The rigid suction line includes at least two bends between the outlet and the condensing unit and is configured to circulate a vapor phase of the refrigerant from the cooling coil to the condensing unit.