Variable-Speed Condenser Fan for Food Processing Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for thermally processing liquid or semi-liquid food products are inefficient and noisy due to constant high rotation speeds of the condenser fan, leading to high energy consumption and reduced cooling capacity, especially under varying ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a control unit that adjusts the rotation speed of the condenser fan based on the condensation temperature, allowing the fan to operate at optimal speeds for specific ambient conditions, thereby reducing noise and energy consumption while maintaining efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fan rotates at constant high speed to ensure cooling at maximum ambient temperature, then the cooling capacity is maintained, but noise and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant-speed fan to a dynamic variable-speed fan controlled by a microprocessor. The fan speed is continuously adjusted based on real-time condensation temperature measurements, allowing the system to optimize cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption under varying ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the fan's rotation speed parameter based on condensation temperature. The microprocessor monitors condensation temperature and adjusts the fan speed accordingly, changing the operational parameter to match actual cooling requirements rather than maintaining a fixed high speed.
2Temperature
If the fan rotates at constant high speed to ensure cooling at maximum ambient temperature, then the cooling capacity is maintained, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed based on actual cooling needs, reducing fan rotation when high cooling capacity is not required. This dynamic control eliminates the constant high-speed operation that generates excessive noise, while maintaining adequate cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the fan speed parameter according to condensation temperature readings, the system operates the fan at lower speeds during mild ambient conditions, thereby reducing noise generation while still achieving the necessary cooling effect when required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fan speed is reduced to lower noise and energy consumption, then efficiency improves, but cooling capacity may be insufficient under high ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a temperature sensor to continuously monitor condensation temperature and feeding this information back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then adjusts fan speed in response to these measurements, ensuring cooling performance is maintained when needed while reducing energy consumption during milder conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own thermal state through the temperature sensor and autonomously adjusting fan speed without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism ensures cooling reliability is maintained while optimizing energy consumption based on actual operating conditions.
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 solution enables the machine to operate efficiently under varying ambient conditions, reducing noise and energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling performance, without the need for structural changes that could lead to refrigerant fluid pressure losses.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigeration system comprises a circuit in which a refrigerant fluid is made to circulate and to flow through a compressor which increases the pressure of the refrigerant fluid, a condenser which extracts heat therefrom by exchanging it with the ambient surroundings
Implementation Method 2
the evaporator which extracts heat from the product to be dispensed and transfers the heat to the refrigerant fluid
Implementation Method 3
a compressor which increases the pressure of the refrigerant fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for processing liquid or semi-liquid food products comprises: a containing element for containing the product to be dispensed; a stirrer for stirring the product to be dispensed; a heat exchanger fluid flowing in a circuit in a direction of circulation through an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a pressure reducing element; a fan rotating about an axis of rotation to force an air flow towards the condenser; a control unit connected to the fan to control the fan through a speed signal; a temperature sensor, located downstream of the condenser in the circulation direction to detect a condensation temperature and configured to send to the control unit a temperature signal as a function of which the control unit generates the speed signal.