Merchandiser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated merchandisers face inefficiencies in air distribution and cooling, leading to uneven temperature maintenance and increased energy consumption across different sections, particularly in self-service and serviced areas.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a stepped plenum profile within air passageways to efficiently direct airflow across evaporators, with a bypass channel and angled discharge segments to optimize airflow distribution and reduce energy usage, ensuring even cooling across product display areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional air distribution systems are used in refrigerated merchandisers, then the system is simpler in design, but cooling efficiency is reduced and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple independent air passageways, each serving specific evaporators. The plenum is divided into multiple sections with stepped profiles, creating distinct airflow channels that can be optimized independently. This segmentation allows for improved cooling efficiency in each zone while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum incorporates a stepped profile with vertical and horizontal sections, transforming the airflow path from a simple linear channel to a multi-dimensional structure. This dimensional change enables better air distribution patterns and enhances cooling efficiency without requiring a complete system redesign.
2Temperature
If air is cooled through the evaporator, then refrigeration is provided, but energy consumption increases and some air bypasses the evaporator reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system provides different airflow paths with different cooling characteristics to different sections. The stepped plenum creates zones where air is cooled by evaporators in some areas while bypassing in others, allowing local optimization of temperature control and energy usage based on specific display section requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows partial airflow through the evaporator and partial bypass, rather than forcing all air through the cooling path. This partial action approach maintains adequate refrigeration temperatures while reducing unnecessary energy consumption from over-cooling air that doesn't require full cooling.
3Area of stationary object
If the merchandiser footprint is reduced, then space efficiency improves, but air distribution and cooling coverage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped plenum profile utilizes vertical space and creates multi-level airflow paths, effectively increasing the cooling coverage volume without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach allows compact merchandiser design while maintaining adequate temperature distribution across display areas.
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 configuration enhances cooling efficiency, reduces energy consumption by 40-45% compared to existing systems, and allows for a more compact merchandiser footprint, maintaining consistent refrigeration across sections while minimizing heat loss and condensation.
Implementation Method 1
The air passageway is at least partially defined by a refrigeration system including an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
The air passageway supports a fan and is in fluid communication with an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated merchandiser including a case having a first case section. The first and second case sections define first and second product display areas. The first case section further defines an air passageway and the second case section includes a glass panel. The air passageway supports a fan and is in fluid communication with a first airflow inlet and a second airflow outlet. An airflow flows through the first airflow outlet toward the evaporator and a second airflow outlet in communication with the first airflow inlet via an evaporator bypass channel. A first airflow portion flows through the first airflow outlet and is cooled by the evaporator, and a second airflow portion flows through the second airflow outlet to bypass the evaporator and is uncooled by the evaporator. The second airflow outlet directs the second airflow portion over an exterior of the glass panel of the second case section.