Sealed Freezer Airflow Layout for Uniform Frozen Product Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional freezers for frozen confectionery products suffer from large temperature gradients due to heat ingress through the upper surface, leading to inefficient refrigeration and increased energy consumption when attempting to maintain uniform temperatures through air circulation.
Innovation Solution
A freezer design with a sealed chamber and gentle air circulation means that directs air from the lower region to the upper region, reducing temperature gradients without disturbing the air near the surface, thereby reducing the refrigeration load and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air circulation means are installed to eliminate temperature gradients through bulk movement of air, then temperature uniformity is improved, but energy consumption increases due to fan operation and increased heat transport through the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different air flow conditions in different regions of the freezer. Gentle air circulation is applied in the lower region to reduce temperature gradients, while the upper region near the surface maintains relatively stagnant air to minimize heat transport. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying air circulation only partially - specifically in the lower region rather than throughout the entire chamber. The air circulation means are positioned to create gentle upward flow from the lower region, which is sufficient to reduce temperature gradients without causing excessive bulk movement that would increase heat transport through the surface.
2Temperature
If refrigeration temperature is set much lower than maximum product temperature to compensate for heat ingress, then product temperature control is improved, but refrigeration load and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature distribution parameters within the freezer chamber. By introducing gentle air circulation from the lower region, the temperature gradient parameter is changed - the base temperature can be raised while maintaining acceptable product temperatures at the upper level. This parameter modification reduces the refrigeration load while preserving product temperature control.
3Temperature
If turbulent air flow is created near the surface to circulate air, then temperature gradients are reduced, but heat flow into the chamber increases due to disturbed air at the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by limiting the air circulation to the lower region only, avoiding turbulent flow near the surface. The air circulation means are positioned to create gentle upward flow that reduces temperature gradients in the bulk air, while deliberately leaving the surface region undisturbed to minimize heat flow into the chamber.
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
The gentle air circulation reduces temperature gradients, allowing higher base temperatures and lower refrigeration loads, resulting in reduced energy consumption that exceeds the energy cost of operating the fans, even compared to stagnant air arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
air circulation means for directing air from the lower region to the upper region
Implementation Method 2
refrigeration means for chilling the chamber
Implementation Method 3
substantially sealed openable chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A freezer for storing frozen confectionery products, the freezer comprising a substantially sealed openable chamber for storing the frozen confectionery products and having a lower region and an upper region, the lower region comprising air circulation means for directing air from the lower region to the upper region and refrigeration means for chilling the chamber.